2004, 16.3-hand Hanoverian Stallion
“The intelligence he passes on to his offspring is phenomenal. They connect to training very quickly and easily, and I find that First Dance’ s babies are very willing to work and really impressive in the ring.”
— Mike Suchanek
First Dance was enthusiastically acclaimed at his 2006 Hanoverian Licensing in Verden, Germany, because of his perfectly cadenced rhythm and powerful movement. He placed in the 2009 Bundeschampionat for young dressage horses and won many young horse dressage classes, moving on to success in M**-classes and competed successfully at Prix St. Georges Level. First Dance earned Elite Stallion status based on his German 30-Day Test scores (walk 9, rideability 8.75, character 8.5, constitution 8.5, trot 8.5, canter 8.5) combined with his high placing at the Bundeschampionat.
His sire, Florestan I, produced more than 70 licensed sons, over 180 States Premium mares and countless sport horses including Floriano ridden to a U.S. bronze medal by Stefan Peters. First Dance’s dam SPS Dorina, won the 1A prize each year from 2003-06 at the Aurich-Tannenhausen mare show. She also produced a second licensed stallion, full brother to First Dance. Damsire Donnerhall is a legend of breeding and sport. A double World Champion in dressage, he produced over 100 licensed sons and many extraordinarily successful offspring. First Dance’s damline is known for producing advanced dressage horses and States Premium mares.
First Dance has a dressage score of 140 points in the estimated breeding evaluation by the FN. He passes on his beautiful movement and exceptional quality to his offspring. He has produced several Verden auction foals and riding horses, States Premium mares and three licensed sons, First Flush, First Duke and First Diamond. His offspring are known for their willing personalities, correctness and extravagant gaits. Foxey Lady L with rider Mike Suchakek are up-and-coming with many wins in 2019. In 2019, Fleur de Lis L with young rider Vanessa Creech-Terauds continued their winning ways with high placements at the Global Dressage Festival, AHS JR/YR 4th place at PSG, and Reserve Champion at the 2019 Adequan/FEI North America Youth Championships for individual and team. Other dressage competitors include First Song KF, and Fighting Chance L.
Approved: AHS, HV, ARS, GOV.
CEM (Contagious Equine Metritis): Negative
EVA (Equine Viral Arteritis): Negative, Vaccinated Annually
WFFS (Warmblood Fragile Foal Syndrome): Carrier WFFS/N
First Dance is owned by Leatherdale Farms and stands at Bridlewood Farm. Owner Louise Leatherdale has been honored twice as USDF Dressage Breeder of the Year. Visit First Dance’s page on the Leatherdale Farms website here.
Pedigree
Offspring
Photo Credit: Kiki Beelitz
View more about First Dance on the Leatherdale Farms website here, including an extensive Offspring Gallery and more testimonials.
HPMC Felicitas – Check out her page under our broodmare section!