Contempo (Contender x Polydor) is a 2000 imported German Oldenburg stallion. He is 16h and an uphill stallion with 3 balanced, lovely gaits and a scopey jump. He is the perfect modern sporthorse type. This modern style has enough bone to hold up to the rigors of sport, while being a lighter, more elegant type that is a pleasure to watch and to ride.  He is a sensible yet sensitive horse and has a sweet, gentle disposition. He is impeccably bred, being a direct son of Contender out of a Polydor mare. Both Contender and Polydor are on the FEI and WBFSH lists for top jumper producing sires, with Contender also having produced many nice dressage horses. Contempo's bloodlines are hard to find in North America, and his balanced athletic build make him a suitable cross for most types of mares. He is a cat-like athlete with excellent conformation and great feet.

Contempo has had a late start in his training as a result of becoming blind in his left eye and having fallen through the cracks at a former home. In spite of these setbacks he has made incredible progress settling in and progressing with his training. After a year of reiterating the basics and trust-building, "Tempo" moved to Lexington, KY where he is ridden and trained by Daniel Damen. In just his third show ever Contempo moved right up to 1.15m (3'9") and jumped around clean without a hitch. He had never before jumped a triple bar, triple combination, or liverpool, but he jumped them all as if he'd been doing it forever. A video link below shows his round.

Contempo traveled to Ocala, FL for the HITS circuit over the winter and finished up with top placings in his last two classes showing Level 5 (1.20m) in good company. He then showed once at 1.30, jumping clear and placing in a $5000 class, before heading home to Halcyon Hill to breed several mares and take a short break from the show ring. The top photo shows him clearing his 1.30m class by over a foot, and there is plenty more scope and athleticism to continue up the levels. He will be back in the ring in time for the summer shows at the KY Horse Park. Halcyon Hill would like to thank Daniel Damen for having the patience and skill to help bring out the best in Contempo, and also Contempo's groom Willie, whose dedication is evident as Tempo happily continues to thrive and progress. New video from HITS Ocala coming soon.