THE DR. HARTWIG MEMORIAL TROPHY

Started in 2001, the Dr. Hartwig Memorial Trophy recognizes the North American-bred 3 or 4-year-old mare that has the best combined scores from her studbook inspection and her Mare Performance Test.

Freska GVF (Fuersten-Look x Shantilly Lace/Sandro Hit) is the result of careful planning of genetics and previous breedings.

Rebecca Lewison and Doug Palmer, owners of Grand View Farm, Barneveld, Wisconsin, bred Freska’s dam, Shantilly Lace, several times prior and knew what she produced. “She improved almost all the stallions we bred her to,” said Rebecca. “It helps to have mares that have been bred numerous times to see what traits demonstrate themselves.”

FRESKA GVF

15.510

Fuersten-Look x Shantilly Lace/Sandro Hit

Owner: Rebecca Lewison

Breeder: Rebecca Lewison

Rebecca’s husband, Doug, likes to study the genetic lines and make decisions about what could result in a good genetic cross. “Of course, nature has its own way, no matter what we think,” said Rebecca.

Freska has a consistent and reliable personality. “She hasn’t varied in temperament even through her cycles,” said Rebecca. “I never have to ponder, ‘What is she going to be like today?’ She also watches everything going on at the farm. She will talk from afar, with her head up, looking at you – and she expects an answer.”

When training started, she continued to prove how steady and even-keeled she is. “With ground work, she was very obedient,” explained Rebecca. “She was always ready for cavaletti work and just loves to jump.”

Freska is due to have a foal by So Perfect (Sezuan x Shakira/Sir Donnerhall) in late March and will probably be bred back to him.

“We started breeding seriously less than 10 years ago,” said Rebecca. “We only wish we had started earlier!”

8.00

Dubarry x Donatella/Don Primero

Owner:

Dr. Susan E. Heiken

Breeder: Meg Williams