Hilltop Farm’s Royal Prince Dies 1999-2015
10 years ago StraightArrow Comments Off on Hilltop Farm’s Royal Prince Dies 1999-2015
COLORA, Maryland, Feb. 1, 2015–Royal Prince, a two-time German Bundeschampionat finalist that became one of the premier breeding stallions for Hilltop Farm, has died after complications during surgery for acute colic.
The Hanoverian stallion was admitted to the University of Pennsylvania’s New Bolton Center but “due to complications discovered during surgery the only humane choice was to euthanize him,” accordsing to a statement by Hilltop Farm.
Bred by Fredi Schaefer, Royal Prince (Rohdiamant x Prince Thatch) was approved by the Hanoverian Verband in 2001 and was a finalist in the 2002 Bundeschampionat. As a four-year old, he was reserve champion at his 30-day and 70-day Performance Tests, earning 10s for rideability and walk, and 9s for trot, canter, and willingness to work. He was again a finalist at the Bundeschampionat the same year.
Hilltop Farm bought Royal Prince in 2003 and the farm said he has had a significant impact.
In 2004 with Susanne Hassler, he placed fourth at the World Championships for Young Horses in Verden, Germany the highest American finish at the championships to this day. Royal Prince later was competed successfully by Michael Bragdell in U.S. regional championships. Chris Hickey competed Royal Prince at Prix St. Georges.
Royal Prince was the U.S. Equestrian Federation Dressage Breeding Sire of the Year for five consecutive years. His offspring have been consistent winners at breed shows and inspections. To date he has eight Elite Mare/Elite Mare Candidate daughters with the American Hanoverian Society and seven Premium Mares with ISR/Oldenburg. His offspring have earned U.S. Dressage Federation Horse of the Year titles, Regional Championships and All-Breeds Awards.
