2002 chestnut Oldenburg stallion, 17hh

Landtinus x Contenance D (Donnerhall)

Competing in Grand Prix Dressage

Genetics: ee/AA

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Elizabeth purchased Rush from Tessa at Southern Crest Stud as a gift for her husband. He had talked about how he wanted another Donnerhall in the string but he didn't really want another young horse to bring along. Elizabeth was a little unsure that she'd be able to find a horse that fit what she wanted until she saw Tessa's sales ad and, more specifically, Rush. He was exactly what James was looking for, though older than expected. Elizabeth didn't have much to go on when she purchased him, just his record and some photos and videos. When Rush arrived Elizabeth wasn't sure what to expect but when he stepped off the trailer with the level of dignity befitting a king surveying his kingdom. Rush is absolutely dignified in everything he does but the quickest way to break down that dignified exterior is by bringing out the licorice. This dignified and kingly stallion absolutely loves licorice and he will do anything for it. He also absolutely loves attention and grooming. If you watch closely you can even see what looks like Rush preening under all the attention, especially during show prep. Rush is an absolute gentleman on the ground, he walks calmly and quietly with not a single whinny or reaction to anything including mares. He's even fantastic in the pasture with his two pasturemates, that we lovingly call his squires because he is the king of that pasture and they both happily follow him around and playfight or lounge together. When hearing about or meeting Rush people are curious about where such a calm and dignified stallion got the barn name of Rush. His name actually came from the first time James hopped on his back to try him out and by the end he had a giant smile on his face and was gushing about how much of a "rush" he was to ride and how much fun and from that day on we all just started calling him Rush and it stuck. James says he's an incredibly easy ride and he's super sensitive to cues but he's not so hyper sensitive that he becomes stressful to ride. He doesn't need any prep other than normal warm ups before really riding and training, he just slips right into the perfect Dressage frame and mindset you would expect from an experienced Grand Prix horse. Rush absolutely loves his job and he really enjoys training and competing but to make sure he keeps enjoying it James asked Elizabeth to work him over poles and some low jumps and he seems to love that too. She even took him out on the cross country course for some fun new scenery and he did absolutely amazing and cleared everything she pointed him at. He's so talented over fences that Elizabeth has even semi joked with James that she wanted to cross him with some over her Eventers when he retired. While Rush's amazing personality is the icing on the cake for James it's the stallion's build, gaits, and pedigree are what really make him the perfect addition to the small Warmblood and Arabian Warmblood program. When you first look at Rush it's hard to believe he's as old as he is. He's in great shape due to his career in the ring and that just highlights the fact that he's a naturally gorgeous stallion with great bone, a powerful hip and shoulder, and an overall athletic build. Just watching him stand around the pasture you know he's something special but when you watch him move you know he's even more. His gaits are big and bold but they are also easy to rein in and control or extend when needed. His talent and build aren't surprising when you look at his pedigree. He's sired by the Landadel son Landtinus and out of the stunning Donnerhall daughter, Contenance D. Rush may have been a bit older when he came to RTS but he has quickly made himself a fantastic addition and we can't wait to see how he crosses with the variety of mares we have here,