The ‘Holsteiner Heroines’ series continues with Sara IV. This series showcases mares who have proven themselves to be true breeding gems, primarily through the achievements of their offspring. We now present Sara IV by Quebec–Ahorn Z from line 7728, who has earned 21 stars in the Holsteiner broodmare ranking.
Lutz Dechau describes his outstanding broodmare Sara as typical of her breed, exceptionally friendly in handling and fertile. “She’s a loyal soul. Out in the pasture, I only need to call her once and she comes to the fence. I can talk to her,” he says of her.
Carique with Marina Röhrig
Sara IV was born in 2002 at Hans-Werner Hinzmann’s stud. The bay mare spent her entire life with her breeder and his nephew, Lutz Dechau, in Nuttuln. She had her first foal at the age of four. Uncle and nephew opted for the then six-year-old Carinjo HDC, who had been crowned Holsteiner Champion Stallion three years earlier. This pairing produced Carique, who went on to become Marina Röhrig’s successful mount during her time as a junior and young rider – right through to Young Riders’ Championships, the ‘Preis der Besten’, the U25 Show Jumping Cup and competitions at 1.50-metre level.
Calle represents Japan
Sara’s second foal was born in 2007 and can certainly be described as the flagship of her breeding programme: the Cristo son Calle. Peter Thomsen introduced him to the sport and Louise Romeike (SWE) rode him to the title of Bundeschampion, before the Holsteiner competed in the world’s biggest eventing tournaments under Yoshiaki Oiwa (cover photo). The pair represented Japan at the World Championships in Tryon (USA) and Pratoni del Vivaro (ITA), as well as at the Olympic Games in Tokyo (JPN).
Sara has also produced a daughter, Ida by Crumble, who is likewise successful in international eventing. Ridden by the Irish rider Ava Dowley, the ten-year-old mare has achieved success at three-star level.
Bailey, a son of Barcley, is just one year younger than Ida. “It was clear from an early age that Bailey was a truly exceptional horse,” recalls Lutz Dechau. “Jörg and Volkert Naeve bought him back then, and Mascha Krause enjoyed remarkable success with this son of Sara in young horse classes as well as in the State and National Championships,” the breeder continues. Mylen Kruse later took over his further training.
Bailey and Mylen Kruse
The next generation
As with the mating to Carinjo, Lutz Dechau once again opted for a Holsteiner Sieger stallion for his Sara a few years ago. The pairing with Charleston by Cascadello I also produced the full siblings Chember (video) and Chalistro. Whilst Chember was discovered by David Will and is now winning at 1.55 metres under Richard Vogel, his younger brother is at home with the Meves family. “Jan Meves regularly helps me with the training of our young horses and has now become something of an advisor to me,” reveals Lutz Dechau.
With the two-year-old Cascadello I daughter Sarica, the breeder aims to carry Sara’s valuable and successful genes into the next generation. “Sara has, in essence, passed on her traits in very different ways. She herself isn’t the tallest. But in one respect, her genetic influence is absolutely consistent: all her offspring are characterised by excellent rideability.”
Photos: Stefan Lafrentz
