Branscomb's young stallions perform at North American Sporthorse Stallion Test for coveted lifetime approval status

Branscomb Farm sent our two youngsters 4 yr Emerelo BF  (Emerald - Tangelo - Carolus) and 5 yr Valentino BF (Vagabond - Calido I - Diarado ) to the 2025 North American Sporthorse Stallion Test West- the latter going for his second and final year hoping to repeat a win in 2024 and claim permanent stallion breeding approvals across several major warmblood registries. 

Each year, the breeding directors and breed inspection judges from most of the major warmblood registries around the world, challenge USA breeders to bring their best 4, 5, and 6 year old stallion prospects that have achieved licensing in at least one major WBF registry to one of two locations in the USA to demonstrate their talent and rideability for a panel of judges and test riders and be considered for permanent breeding approvals.  The stallions perform and compete with a declared focus on either dressage or jumping (ponies have their own section) over a 3-4 day "test" which, if successful, each will be asked to return for a second year (eg. four year olds must return at either five or six).  This year, Branscomb Farm sent our two youngsters Emerelo BF (4yr Emerald - Tangelo - Carolus) and Valentino BF (5yr Vagabond - Calido I - Diarado ) the latter going for his second and final year.  Both youngsters had been previously licensed by both the German Oldenburg Verband (OS) and the Holsteiner Verband and were underconsideration by several other registries (Hannoverian, KWPN, Westfalen, etc.) pending their performances there.  The results were positive.  Emerelo BF under Branscomb Farm's assistant trainer Sophia Kregowski showed both his rideability and scope and left the guest Test Rider from Calgary, CA enthusiastic about his future in the big sport for jumpers.  Valentino BF, who is primarily shown in the Hunters by Branscomb Farm principal rider and Farm Co-Manager Ivy Creahan, demonstrated his flexibility to adjust his frame and demonstrate both scope and handiness rarely asked of hunter breeding stallions.  His performance was strong enough to claim the title of NASST Champion Jumper for 2025, adding to his prior #1 placement in 2024.  

The final day of the test was on Halloween.  Since both our youngsters are bright orange (chestnut) in color, KC had to be retrained from decorating them as pumpkins but some costumes were seen nonetheless. Please enjoy these pictures from the test:

Valentino BF with his permanent breeding approvals, the judges, Ivy Creahan (his rider), and Pepe Rodriguez his lifetime groom and BFF.  Below: Emerelo BF with rider Sophia Kregowski and Valentino BF under the test rider on the final day (right). 

 Emerelo BF with Sophia

Ivy with Valentino BF

Sophia with Emerelo BF (Below):