In Memoriam ARKANSAS

We deeply regret that the Hanoverian stallion Arkansas passed away October 23, 2002, at age 24. It is difficult to assess the full impact of his life but it is impossible to deny him an honoured place among breeding stallions of this country.

He was chosen and trained by the Hanoverian State Stud for their prestigious black and white Quadrille. Snow white by the age of 11 when he was imported into Canada, he exuded an unmatched nobility and presence which was enhanced the moment he displayed his floating passage. Along with his exceptional rideability and talent for collected work in dressage, his value as a sire extended to both jumping and dressage.

His success as a sire was enormous. During his years at stud in Germany, before coming to Canada, he sired offspring which initially placed highly in conformation evaluations and ultimately went on to earn close to 200,000 Dm, largely in jumping competitions. His grandsons, champion stallions Escudo I and Escudo II, looking very much like black versions of Arkansas, are amongst the most popular sires of jumping horses in Germany today.

Arkansas will always be inextricably linked to the genesis of the Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association. He was the first stallion entered in the newly formed stud book in 1993 carrying approval number 01. He has remained Number One with over 200 registered offspring. His multiple foal futurity winners, champion mares, basic level dressage champions and riding horse test winners are numerous. His offspring have excelled in all disciplines:

• Alibi, international Grand Prix jumper, ridden by Eyrrn Ballard
• Picaso (All Star), advanced level dressage horse ridden by Nancy McLachlan
• Little John (Airborne) Champion Hunter in California
• Baily II multiple Three Day Event winner on the U. S. east coast
• Bill Mowatt's four-in-hand team of greys

Just as in Germany, the second generation of Arkansas' offspring are already making an impact. South Wind, a five year old grandson by Bajazzo, won the Jumper Development Championship class at the 2002 Royal Winter Fair Horse Show and Boogieman was a high selling horse at the 2001 warmblood auction. It is easy to believe that Arkansas will be found in the pedigrees of many future champions.

The greatest legacy which a stallion can leave is the pleasure and pride which his offspring engender for those people lucky enough to own and enjoy them. Whether a top competitor, a young rider, or a recreational enthusiast, Arkansas has left a mark in many peoples' lives.

To Manfred Lopp who recommended him and to those far sighted people in the Arkansas Partnership who made his presence in Canada possible - THANKS!

Arkansas' Legacy