120 SIDELINES APRIL 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Don Principe shows off his half-pass.
Photo by Maryanna Haymon
Don Principe at play.
Photo by Sharon Packer
By Lauren R. Giannini
T
h o s e who follow dressage have heard of Donnerhall,
considered by many to be one of the most infuential
dressage sires of all time as well as a proven winner
competitively. At the 1988 World Championships in Rome,
Donnerhall, 17, and his dancing partner Karin Rehbein scored
a fourth place individual fnish and contributed to the German
team’s gold medal. Donnerhall stamps his get with trainability and
the strength to handle the demands of collected work.
If Donnerhall has a “secret” son, it is Don Principe, owned
by Marydell Farm. Maryanna Haymon, whose Marydell Farm is
nestled near the rolling hills of Tryon, North Carolina, has so much
faith in her 14-year-old stallion that she arranged for him to stand
at Hilltop Farms, the premiere breeding and training establishment
in Colora, Maryland. The decision wasn’t easy for the USEF 2007
and 2011 Breeder and Owner of the Year and USDF Reserve
Breeder of the Year 2009, 2010, 2011, but Maryanna loves this
e
Special Section - North Carolina
horse and believes in him.
“I would do anything for that stallion,” said Maryanna, who
has had Don Principe since he was four. “I traveled around the
world with that horse. I spent two months in Germany when he
was in training with Klaus Balkenhol. Prince came to the United
States when he was six, but he hasn’t been getting the mares
here that he needs to make his reputation. Team riders have been
contacting me, asking for Don Principe offspring, but the breeders
– not so much. That’s why I placed him at Hilltop, with the hope
that performance horse breeders would consider him for their
mares. I feel I’ve done the best thing for all concerned.”
Don Principe went to Hilltop last year, albeit late in the season.
“You can’t ask for better customer service, and I have great hopes
that Prince will have more mares through Hilltop,” said Maryanna.
“Some international grand prix riders who breed for themselves are
breeding to my stallion this year. Don Principe has improved every
mare he has been put to. He is just like Donnerhall – he makes
horses better than himself, but it’s a long way from insemination
to starting under saddle to reaching Grand Prix and FEI levels.”
Maryanna admitted it doesn’t really matter what the offspring of
Don Principe end up doing as a job. “I want them to be safe, have
three good gaits and temperament, and correct conformation
Editor’s Note: Marydell Farm is located in the foothills of the
Blue Ridge Mountains near Tryon, North Carolina. Sidelines
Editor Jan Westmark-Allan had the chance to visit the farm and
spend time with owner Maryanna Haymon, as well as many
of Don Principe’s foals. While Don Principe is standing at
Hilltop Farms in Maryland, Maryanna’s North Carolina farm is a
testament to the beautiful offspring the stallion produces. If you
are in the Tryon area, it is worth a visit!