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.