Contender ♂ †

About Contender

Contender is a (died 2014) bay Holsteiner showjumping stallion foaled in 1984, by Calypso II out of a Ramiro Z dam.

Holsteiner Contender was a breeding stallion born on 17 February 1984 in Germany and bred by Niko Detlef in Westfehmarn. He was part of the Holsteiner studbook, descended from Calypso II and Gofine, with a pedigree featuring Cor de la Bryère and Ladykiller xx. While not a major competitor himself, he excelled in the 1987 Stallion Performance Test at Adelheidsdorf, achieving a jumping index of 146.6 and an overall score of 133.41. Although licensed by the Holsteiner society in 1986, Contender later gained approval from multiple studbooks, reflecting his far-reaching influence in the breeding world. Based at esteemed locations such as Haselau Station and Hans-Jürgen Köhncke’s stud at Badenhof, Contender produced 80 licensed sons and 59 state premium mares, cementing his status as a leading Holsteiner stallion. His descendants earned over €9.3 million in Germany, showcasing his enduring impact. Contender died on 13 January 2014 at 30, leaving a lasting impression through his successful offspring.

Contender's legacy is most prominently reflected in his remarkable progeny, who have excelled at the highest levels of showjumping. Notable among them is Checkmate, who amassed over €2 million in prize money, helped secure a team gold at the 2005 European Championships, and clinched the Grand Prix of Wiesbaden. Montender, another distinguished descendant, claimed a bronze medal at the 2004 Athens Olympic Games and achieved double gold at the 2005 European Championships, competing under Henrik von Eckermann following initial rides by Marco Kutscher. Chiara, a mare ridden by Ludger Beerbaum, notched up significant earnings over €1.4 million, highlighted by victory at the Longines Global Champions Tour in Doha. This impressive lineage underscores Contender's enduring influence in producing outstanding competitors in the showjumping circuit.

Contender died in 2014 at Haselau, Germany (Old age). Breeding may continue via frozen semen — confirm availability with the stud.

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