Valhalla Farm

Selective Breeding is Imperative

Along the way, Jean was also drawn to the Swedish horses and has added their bloodlines to her breeding herd as well, selecting for the same traits inherent in her Trakehner lines. This has helped ensure that good temperament and a high level of trainability are present in all of Valhalla’s babies. They are all handled and imprinted on people when born and live happy, carefree lives out in huge fields until they are three years old, at which time they are started in the round pen and then move on to the covered arena. They quickly graduate to hacking in the fields with older horses as teachers and guides. “It is our philosophy to make their beginning work as pleasant and pain free as possible so great attention is paid to teeth, saddle fitting and farrier work. Proper development of muscles necessary to carry the rider is also addressed as early as possible. Naturally, all this comes after a superb nutritional diet to build a strong, durable horse.”

Jean is aware that most buyers are amateurs, looking for a companion as well as a show horse, so good-moving steady horses with an attractive appearance and friendly nature are always in demand. Her personal goal has always been that their stallions would all be proven at FEI dressage, attained by both her foundation sires, Martini and Hailo who competed at Grand Prix dressage, along with Donaufurst, owned by daughter, Erin. The mares are tested either in competition or under saddle for trainable natures and excellent gaits. They believe that foals are strongly influenced by the mare in general attitude, with additional strength of character coming from the sires. “Your ultimate horse should have the trainability to attract the amateur and the gaits to bring a rider to FEI levels.”