Texas Equine Photographer | Stanley the Oldenburg Gelding
Stanley, Fürstenstolz, is an Oldenburg gelding. His sire is Furstenball. He was bred by Anita Nardine of Hidden Springs Ranch.
Stanley is owned by Julia and lives at Driftwood Farm in Buda, TX where she trains with Alannah MacGregor of AM Dressage. He is a four year old Oldenburg who’s sire is Furstenball. Stanley is a bit of a gentle giant. Many think, because of his size, he is older, but as soon as you hear him whinny his high pitch proves his youthfulness.
He is all black without any distinctive markings except how his ears curl in slightly at the ends. Currently, Alannah rides him and is starting the basics of Dressage. He is very willing for only having 30 days or so under the saddle. His gaits feel amazing, but every once in a while you are reminded that he is still a baby.
Julia bought Stanley in the Winter of 2014. They had gone out to Hidden Springs Ranch in California, one of the top sport horse breeders in the nation, and saw him with a Sir Donnerhall baby and fell in love. She said it was very hard not to take them both home! Julia described Stanley as a kind horse who loves soft peppermint treats. She also told us in 2014 Stanley won his Sport Horse Colt in Hand class with a 70.6% and since he is growing so fast she has just finally gotten him an oversized noseband that fits- for now.
Julia shares, “We bought Stanley as Alannah’s next FEI horse. We have high hopes for him. 2016 had a rough start, Stanley had colic surgery and it was a 6+ week set backup. A 3yr old in stall rest is never fun! Hoping in 2017 to dip our toes in the show scene and maybe compete in the 4yr old Materiele classes as well as intro/training!”
She also shared, “His second ride he had decided that he was FREAKED out by mounting block and the two step. Had to find out the hard way… [we] have a lovely video to prove and a great picture of me on him full of dirt. Happy to say that he has no problem with any of that anymore! Babies can be a lot of work but they are so rewarding! The littlest accomplishments are so exciting.”