Coatesville, PA— For 28 years, Consul has been a flagship stallion at Iron Spring Farm (ISF). Earlier this month, the handsome dark brown stallion with the distinctive white face reached the end of his exceptionally long life. Consul was a beloved member of the ISF family, charming anyone who came to the barn with his sweet personality and love of attention. He would beg for treats until he received carrots or peppermints. His kind heart and easy going attitude made him a favorite. “Consul was a wonderful, special horse,” recalls owner and rider Mary Alice Malone. “It has been amazing to experience 28 years of partnership in various forms. We’ve been through a lot together.” His presence is truly missed. Consul leaves behind great joy in the hearts of all who have known him, along with extraordinary sons and daughters who have ascended to the highest level of sport in a range of FEI disciplines. Consul was born in an era in which horses were expected to do everything. They needed to have the movement for dressage, the athletic ability for jumping and the temperament to enjoy the training. Consul’s correct conformation and natural athleticism embodied a true sport horse. He was recognized for his exceptional, powerful canter that allowed him to excel in jumping and dressage, traits he passed on to his sons and daughters. His most famous offspring is showjumping legend Judgement ISF, Crown, the first American born and bred Approved KWPN stallion.

Judgement represented the USA on 10 Nation’s Cup teams, including the World Equestrian Games, won the $1 million CN International at Spruce Meadows, and retired sound at age 18 with more than $1 million in lifetime earnings. Consul also sired the top international eventer Critical Decision. Ridden by Missy Ransehousen, Critical Decision finished third in the Rolex Kentucky Four-Star Three-Day-Event in 2008. Critical Decision also was a talented dressage horse, earning High Score awards at 3rd Level at prestigious shows like the Palm Beach Dressage Derby. Zanzibar, by Consul, won six Developing Horse Grand Prix classes with rider Katie Riley in 2014. The pair finished third in the USEF Developing Horse Grand Prix Championship in 2013. Top show hunters like Eleventh Hour and Astoria demonstrated the versatility of Consul offspring. Consul’s daughter Hivona received her Keur, Preferent and Prestatie predicates for her offspring born in North America, a unique distinction. Among her progeny is Andorra ISF, Keur/Sport, a winning FEI dressage horse.  In 2006, Hivona won the prestigious Produce of Dam class at Dressage at Devon, and now at age 27, she exemplifies the long, healthy lifespan of the Consul/Nimmerdor line. A son of the legendary Nimmerdor, Preferent, out of the Purioso daughter Waloniki, Star/Preferent/Prestatie, Consul was bred by Mr. J. Kaas. In 1987, Consul completed his 100-day testing in Ermelo where he was one of the few stallions to receive 9's for both character and stall manners.  

He was a winning show jumper in Holland and bred for one season, which produced 98 registered offspring. Consul was imported to the USA in 1988. He began a successful dressage career, which included a CBLM 1st Level Championship with Mrs. Malone, and continued up the national levels with more than 22 victories at 4th Level dressage.  He had a dual career as a prolific breeding stallion, siring over 508 horses registered with the KWPN-NA, currently the highest of any stallion. More than 370 of those offspring are also recorded as show horses with the USEF. Many of his sons and daughters inherit his beautiful white markings, including his pink nose, which required daily sunscreen. We hope breeders will continue his legacy by using the high quality frozen semen banked at ISF.  We are also excited to see his 2017 foals. The knowledge that Consul continues to be a positive influence in North America sporthorse breeding makes his passing a little easier. Visit IronSpringFarm.com and the ISF Facebook page for photos and videos of this once in a lifetime horse.

About Iron Spring Farm

A range of top Friesian and KWPN stallions are available to North American breeders as part of Iron Spring Farm’s 40-year commitment to the ISF American Advantage. By providing proven bloodlines, along with exceptional service, transparency and impeccable veterinary care, the ISF team helps breeders achieve their sport horse goals. Ongoing expert advice and tools are also available so breeders can develop and market their offspring to the highest level. Iron Spring also offers a select number of talented Friesian and Dutch Warmblood prospects and broodmares for sale. Visit www.ironspringfarm.com for more information.