122 SIDELINES APRIL 2013
FOR HORSE PEOPLE • ABOUT HORSE PEOPLE
Don Principe
Photo by
Sharon Packer
Maryanna Haymon
and MF David Bowie
(a Don Principe son),
winner of the USDF
“Traveling Trot”
perpetual trophy in
2012. David Bowie
is growing up at
Marydell Farm near
Tryon, North Carolina.
Photo by
Jan Westmark-Allan
Gathering for a reunion,
from left to right, Hans-
Heinrich, Adleheid
Bruning (Don Principe’s
breeder), Don Principe
with Jennifer Baumert
and Klaus Balkenhol.
This meeting marked the
frst time the Brunings
had seen Don Principe
since he left Germany as
a fve year old.
Photo by Maryanna Haymon
so that they stay sound and are less likely to break down in the
course of their lifetime,” she said. “What makes Don Principe so
interesting as a sire is that the Thoroughbred blood up close in
his pedigree gives him vigor, stamina and general athleticism that
most Warmbloods don’t have. Jumper blood a few generations
back, especially on the mare’s side, give his get a great engine.
If a Don Principe offspring isn’t meant for dressage, they make
outstanding event prospects and four-foot hunter derby horses.”
Don Principe’s offspring, in addition to having big dressage
gaits, are also eminently trainable and, as Maryanna pointed out,
winning in-hand, too. “For the last two years Don Principe is the
only stallion standing domestically whose offspring have won the
USDF “Traveling Trot” perpetual trophy, which is awarded to the
highest scoring champion of all champions in the country for in-
hand performance – MF Duett in 2011 and MF David Bowie in
2012,” she said. “The only other stallion to do this is Sandro Hit,
who is based in Germany.”
Don Principe has always had a dual career as a stud and
as a performance horse. His breeder in Germany, Adelheid
Bruening, stockpiled semen for their best mares. The Prince’s
training program has been thoughtful and thorough. Trainer and
professional handler Michael Bragdell (Sweden), who has been
part of the Hilltop team since 1995, has taken over the reins on
Prince since his move to Hilltop. Michael, with the support of
Chris Hickey, Hilltop’s head trainer, has been building a solid
performance partnership with the stallion.
“Competition-wise, the only thing Prince hasn’t done is
represent this country on a team,” said Maryanna. “At one of
his frst competitive outings with Michael in October 2012, they
scored 77.8 in Intermediaire II. Michael and Prince are getting it
together, but it takes two years for a rider to get accustomed to the
idiosyncrasies of a grand prix horse. Even without hitting the CDI
circuit this year, I think that Don Principe is the best horse on four
hooves. I think American breeders are missing out on a jewel. My
goal is for him is to be recognized as a grand prix horse and as a
breeding stallion during his lifetime.”
For more information on Marydell Farms, visit
www.marydellfarm.com.
For more information on Hilltop Farms, visit www.hilltop.com.