Hannoverian Elite Auction, Verden, Germany, April 10, 2010

After being disappointed at the Winter Hannoverian auction, Donna was finally successful in purchasing a new young prospect for herself. She travelled with Carrie O'Neal-- first class, thanks to Carrie's United upgrades -- to Verden where she and Carrie spent five days studying the dressage horses. While Carrie tried nearly 10 horses, Donna was set on only one: the five year old plain bay son of Hochadel, named Herzsprung. "He was the right size, had three very good gaits, a beautiful, kind eye, and in all the time I watched him he never did anything even vaguely naughty. He gave me a lovely uphill feeling when I rode him. I determined it was Herzsprung for me or nothing." Carrie found several that suited her but on auction night, the prices of her first several picks went out of sight. (Carrie has very good taste!) After some competitive bidding, Donna was able to secure Herzsprung and several horses later, Carrie was the successful bidder on the four year old gelding Saverio (now renamed Spartacus). Both horses were temporarily stranded in Germany due to the Icelandic volcano eruption, but both have now made it to the US and are adjusting well to their new homes. As you can see from the picture, Herzsprung -- barn name Harry -- is quite happy to become an American citizen!