Jack Sparrow, the much-promoted stallion ridden by Edward Gal since September 2011, did not participate in the German 30-day stallion performance test, which started on 20 November.
The Johnson/Wolkentanz II son was required to participate to cement his licensed breeding status but he has a cracked hoof and was not fit to start in the testing.
All foals by him born in 2013 — conceived under a steep €2,000 stud fee — will therefore not be eligible for full breeding papers with either the Oldenburgs or the KWPN (Dutch warmobloods).
As a goodwill gesture to disgruntled breeders, the stallion’s owner, Carolyn de Roo, has offered to buy any unborn foal by the black stallion for €7,000 if breeders contact her before mid December.
She has also organised a foal show specifically for Jack Sparrow foals in spring 2013. The Oldenburg Verband will inspect the foals — owners of whom will all be paid €100 for entering — and a prize-pot of €4,500 will be awarded to the top three.
De Roo told dressage website Eurodressage: “Of course I find this very annoying but it is not wise to have Jack Sparrow do some jumping in freedom, which is part of the 30-day testing. The stallion’s health is priority.
“So far we have had many positive reactions to our letter and two breeders have acknowledged that they want to use this buy-back service we are offering.”
