O.H. Stors just showed up at Meadowlark Bluff Farms quite unexpectedly. He had been a young breeding stallion (MVF Erlend X Braggen) in Ramona, CA area, was gelded, and sold to a nice family in Rancho Santa Fe. While in Rancho Santa Fe he went from barely being under saddle to training Second Level Dressage in eight months.
In September of 2005 Vestlandshest USA sponsored a NFHR evaluation at Fallbrook Riders Field. O.H. Stors had been with MBF less that half a year. He took an 83 (blue) in Conformation and Movement. The next day he took a 74 (red) in his Introductory Riding Test - English. Stors was ridden by my 18 year old daughter Tauryn Herber. At the 2009 Vestlandshest USA NFHR evaluation in Fallbrook Stors took an 82 (blue) in his Introductory Riding Test - Western. When he came to our barn he had to be restarted in training. Stors is a very sensitive fjord, and is definitely an Intermediate plus horse. He requires a strong, well trained rider. Stors does have beautiful ground manners, and that makes up for his "energetic disposition" in the ring. He is very forward, and his great action makes him unbelievable at dressage, and pleasure.
O.H. Stors was signed up for the Register of Excellence Program in 2005. This award is given to Fjord horses who have accumulated 100 points in halter, and performance classes. A year after we signed him into the program he had 70 points. Due to the lack of fjord shows in So. California we started O.H. Stors in Open Shows. Our trainers would show him like an Arab horse in halter classes. This allows the judges to see his beautiful movement. He also places well in Pleasure Classes, and would win many English Country Pleasure Classes. Some of my proudest show moments with Stors was in Winona, MN at the Silver Anniversary in 2006. Tauryn showed him under saddle against other fjords from all over the North American Continent. Stors took a first in his Training Level Dressage Test, and took Reserve Champion over all scores ridden in Dressage. He also took a second place in Halter in the 4year and up Geldings. There were 19 entries in this class. In 2009 O.H. Stors received his Register of Excellence Award. This award will be indicated by means of an "E" after the horse's name on his registration papers. Winners of the award receive a certificate and a trophy, and are permanently listed by the NFHR.
The NFHR has more information on the Register of Excellence Award on it's web site:
