Fred Astair and Tom Noone were preparing to compete in the 2013 Dressage in Florida season. Photo: Susan J Stickle
On Nov. 26, 2012, the wonderful Dressage Stallion Fred Astair (by Fabriano out of Goldpuppe by Godewind), owned and ridden by Tom Noone, passed away. Fred had many career highlights, the most recent of which include being long-listed for the 2011 Pan-Am Games, as well as being part of the Bronze Medal Winning US Team at the 2012 Nations Cup. Fred was preparing for the 2013 Florida show season at Grand Prix level. Fred was imported by Sharon Garner of Garner Creek Farms in 2001, after completing his 100 day Stallion Performance Testing at Adelheidsdorf. Prior to his testing, which earned him Elite Hannoverian Status, he had a successful show season as a 3 yr old. Fred was also the reserve horse to go to the 2001 Bundeschampionat. He was also an approved Oldenburg Stallion.Although Fred's breeding contracts were kept to a minimum due to his competition schedule, he sired many remarkable get. In his first season of breeding he produced, out of just four foals, the 16.2 H Mahogany Bay stallion Fielding, owned by Autumn Hill Farm. Fielding was the top-placed North American-bred Stallion at the 2007 100 Day Performance Test.
"Riding his powerful, elastic gaits, coupled with his strong spirit, was a truly exhilarating experience. I will be forever grateful to have had him as a partner, and for the magnificent offspring he has left behind." Tom Noone
Fred's engaging personality and enthusiasm for life have made him unforgettable. He will be greatly missed by all who knew him.
