KWPN Approved FEI Stallion "Jersey" Imported to USA by Sonnenberg Farm

Sonnenberg Farm, LLC, owned by Dan & Gina Ruediger have acquired and imported the approved KWPN stallion, Jersey (Vivaldi x Ferro x Exkurs xx). The well-established American Breeders, who have been a highlighted for many years at the Markel/USEF National Young Horse and Developing Horse Program, have made some exciting decisions for the next step in this incredible stallion’s future.

Photo: Kimberly Pap riding Jersey KWPN Approved Stallion by Vivaldi out of Kebalia (by Ferro x Exkurs xx). ©focussed.nl

After several meetings and a visit to Sonnenberg Farm in Oregon, the Ruediger’s and Olympic Dressage Team Silver Medalist Sabine Schut-Kery will be partnering with Sonnenberg Farm in the next phase in the already remarkable life of this KPWN stallion. 

Sabine Schut-Kery is no stranger to Sonnenberg Farm and the Ruediger's, having travelled to Sherwood, Oregon several times to give clinics. " I am impressed with their breeding program and have followed their foals and development, each time I visit."   

Love at First Sight

In 2017, this very special stallion was presented at the KWPN Stallion Show, accepted for KWPN licensing, and offered at the KWPN Select Sale. Jersey has the highly desirable bloodlines by Vivaldi out of Kebalia (by Ferro x Exkurs xx). “Vivaldi blood can be very special as it can deliver very good movement, suppleness with top character.” according to Gina Ruediger, “and when we saw this super stallion, we were blown away by his power and strength behind.” Gina and Dan had their eye on the prize, knowing this was the stallion that would be highly desirable for American breeders.  With his top character he could ultimately be a riding horse for Gina who actively competes in dressage competitions. This dream horse was custom made for Sonnenberg Farm.  

But as the bidding began to grow and grow, and Jersey became the highlight of the KWPN select sale at 160,000 euros, sadly Dan & Gina they had to concede as the other bidder wasn’t showing signs that they would have stopped bidding. The new owners were the stable of Turfhorst and they asked Kimberly Pap to develop him as a riding horse. Stoeterij Turfhorst kept their focus on developing Jersey as a future FEI and Grand Prix Prospect.  

Keeping Tabs

Dan and Gina kept their eye on him though and followed his career. This stallion wasn’t seen too much as he developed from a young horse to an FEI horse – but as a 7-year-old, Jersey showed his potential for a promising FEI horse and he and his rider/trainer, Kimberly Pap were selected for the Dutch Team for the 2021 World Young Horse Championships in the 7-year-old class. After Jersey competed in a tense first round in his first international show, Jersey won the small final round with a 76.577% and finished 14th in the finals with an impressive 75.950%.  

In 2022, When Dan & Gina saw him again at the 2023 KWPN Stallion Show, performing an Intermediare 1 freestyle at the VHO Competition, they took their chances to inquire again if the Turfhorst stable would consider selling him. Dan Ruediger stated, “We were so impressed with how well Kimberly Pap had trained him. In that huge indoor arena with 10,000 spectators, Jersey was so focused and performed beautifully. He maintained his self-carriage and suppleness – it was incredible.” After many friendly and professional discussions and collaboration with their partners in Holland: Janko Van de Lageweg of VDL Stud and Sjak Laarakker/Vai Bruintink of Stal Laarakker, Turfhorst Stable did agree to sell him.

Dan & Gina made the easy decision of vetting and purchasing Jersey, and he was headed to the USA.

Sabine Schut-Kery, The Easy Choice

Although Jersey will ultimately be a riding horse for Gina, they wanted his training to continue to develop. They called Sabine, from Holland to see if she’d be interested in working with him and Gina. Having known and worked with Sabine for years, they were delighted when she agreed to come to Sonnenberg Farm after he arrived, to meet him.

“When I flew up to try Jersey under saddle he had just been released out of his 5 week quarantine." (required for stallions being imported from Europe) "He gave me a great feeling and seems to be a well mannered stallion."

"I am honored and appreciate the opportunity to work with Gina and Dan, and this special stallion."

About Sonnenberg Farm

Dan and Gina Ruediger of Sonnenberg Farm have been quietly and carefully focussed on their goal to “breed, train, and develop Dressage horses to the top level of the sport.” 

Located in Sherwood, Oregon, they have done just that since 2003, creating a facility “built for the health, happiness, and safety of our foals and training horses.” Nestled in the shadow of Mt Hood, the Reudiger's knew their mission would need a Euro base as well, and they found the perfect fit with Vai Bruntinkand her partner Sjak Laarakkers, whose focus on the development of the Young Horse has had much success.