"I am confident that the rideability of Toschufro TT will be very high after demonstrating effective performance at the GOV inspection and calm behavior throughout the weaning process," states Elizabeth. "I spent many a sleepless night leading up to the weaning, but he was hardly phased by the separation. He was so happy, trusting and willing to work with humans and new horses." Now Toschufo and his half brother Don Rubinstein are spending time romping with each other, enjoying the company of their new herd, and growing like weeds. The colts stand almost 14 hands already, with the younger of the two, Don Rubinstein, almost 2 inches higher at the wither (at the top of the should where the neck joins the body) than Toschufro TT.

 

During the weaning process, the colts were given a lot of time on their own to adjust and assimilate with their new herd mates, with limited handling so as to ease them into herd changes. Now that Toschufro and Don Rubinstein are weaned and happy in their new herd, the daily routine has resumed with both being haltered and led to the barn for twice daily inspection and grooming. In a few weeks, they will be re-introduced to the ring, to start practicing breed show presentation requirements. As weanlings, they will have to really trust their handler, because they will not have a seasoned mare by their side. A day by day approach will be taken and the colts will be given time to practice with their handler, so that they are well prepared for Dressage At Devon 2015. After Devon, the cycle begins again.

 

"Many people have asked what our plans are for Toschufro next year", says Elizabeth Tarbell. "My breeder friend, Sherry Smith (Dogwood Sporthorses) recommended Annetta Coleman (High Valley Hanoverians) because Annetta has created a training methodology that teaches and nurtures young warmbloods, along the same lines as what we do already at our own farm, except her training is conducted in a much warmer climate!" Toschufro TT and Don Rubinstein TT will enter the program at High Valley Hanoverians in the north Georgia mountains this fall, after Dressage At Devon 2015. As for breeding again to Totilas? "Given the joy and success we have already experienced with Toschufro, we would do it again in a heartbeat." states Elizabeth " In fact, we believe in this stallion so much we will be encouraging breeders to breed to him and other Schockemöhle stallions in the next breeding season."

 

We look forward to seeing Toschufro and hundreds of other foals at Dressage at Devon. Look for additional updates on the Dressage at Devon website (www.dressageatdevon.org) as the show draws near. Dressage at Devon 2015 will take place September 29 through October 4, 2015. Reserved seating is available online for Dressage at Devon 2015 at www.dressageatdevon.org. Box seats are in demand so, for information as to availability or for group sales, please contact Robbie Kankus at boxseats@dressageatdevon.org, tickets@dressageatdevon.org or 610-358-1919.