Black on Grey on White

Florestan I 1986 - 2012 A sad goodbye to one of the most amazing (cheecky but still amazing) sires ever was said a few days after New-Year a few weeks shy of his 26th birthday I first met Florestan I through working with and owning his offspring, this was back in the day when riding ruled my world. I met him "for real" when we had our own private photo shoot in April 2010 . He was a star and knew it! Oozing quality, even at the grand old age of 24, he charmed "the pants off of me" by posing, looking and showing off for the full photo shoot. Meeting him this way allowed me to create a classic head portrait with a twist . He was not like any other horse and felt that neither should his portrait be. The fact is he lives on in thousands of his offspring. This is how I first met him and how I will last see him. Rest in Peace you big brown star.

Last Friday, I was invited to Florestan I 's 25th birthday. It was a really nice afternoon and the occasion celebrated in style. Apples and carrots for the birthday boy (and bubbly for the two legged guests.) Being a part of this was humbling, memorable and quite simply very special. I took my Eos and let it do the talking. Here is what it had to say. Susanne Schmidt-Rimkus, Andrea Stricker, Herr&Frau Schulte-Boeker Florestan was on fine form and looking amazing for his years. Florestan I (v.Fidelio-Rheingold-Garamond) Rheinlaender, born 1986, Bay, 170 cm Press lens and pens captured the moment in pictures and words. The first two Limited Edition Prints of my drawing "Holding On" were presented as gifts to his breeder Herr E. Schulte-Boecker and rider/groom Andrea Stricker (pictured here) Sun + smiles + special equines= Perfect moment.

Mention Florestan and you automatically mention: success, beauty, quality and ... history. Florestan I is a German Warmblood (Rheinland) breading stallion with amazing statistics. Since 1989, this Fidelio -Rheingold son has sired over 5000 mares (yep three 0's after the 5) which has resulted in the following historical statistics. (Actually, I have it from good authority that he is so successful that it is near impossible to count all of his offspring...) 55 registered sons in the Stallion registry 200 State premium mares in Germany alone. Approximately 2000 show horses registered at the German National Equestrian Federation. 1.2 Million Euros life time earnings. A bronze statue of Florestan I can also be found in Wickrath Germany http://www.pferdezucht-rheinland.de/index2.htm Knowing all this, you can now all fully understand the honour and the excitement I experienced last spring when I was given, not only a private photo-shoot with the star but also the request to draw a portra...