Empire
1977 - 2002
17 hands.
Empire, Elite Hanoverian Stallion, was licensed by Germany's Verband hannoverscher Warmblut-
zuchter, the Oldenburg Verband, the International Sporthorse Registry, and the Canadian Sporthorse Association. Empire successfully completed his 100-day stallion testing in 1980 and stood in Germany until 1984, when he was imported to Canada. He stood on the East Coast for several years before coming to Heritage Farms. Empire became well known by breeders for producing outstanding offspring that excelled as hunters, jumpers, and dressage horses.
Empire proved himself to be an excellent campaigner, winning numerous high awards in dressage during his competition years:
- Grand Champion—Canadian Hunter National Exhibition, 1981
- Grand Champion—Dressagefest in Michigan, 1986
- Champion Stallion—Canadian Sporthorse Association Breeder's Classic, 1987
- Horse of the Year—USDF and AHSA, 1988
- Winner—Canadian National Dressage Championship, with the highest score in the Western Division, 1989
Regretfully, Empire was retired to stud after sustaining a serious injury, but he continues to shine in the show arena through his exceptional offspring.
Empire's Heritage
Empire was the only living licensed son by Einblick, who was the top of his class at the stallion test in Westercelle in 1972. In 1974 he was the winner of the DLG (German Agricultural Show). Later he became a Grand Prix dressage horse under OSM Manfred Lopp. Einblick has been featured for many years at the annual State Stud Parade, held each fall in Celle, Germany.
Empire's dam, Mon Cherie, has earned her place
as a top broodmare by producing three licensed sons, Empire, Wenzel I and Wenzel II. In 1996/1997, Wenzel I earned first place in the top 10 stallions by the International Dressage Breeding Federation, while his son, Western Star, placed second. Wenzel I is the sire of L.R.F. Walk on Top, winner of the 1998 Volvo World Cup, and ridden by Louise Nathhorst.