Eurodressage F.O.C.U.S.

A Horse with a History, Via Mala

Often forgotten are the history and past achievements of a certain horse. You see old schoolmasters with young riders doing there best, trying to hide the mistakes the apprenticed rider is making in a test. The schoolmaster carries an aura of wisdom and knowledge and while being led around he reflects on the days when he was a star. Riders often forget the past of a horse and the pride it felt when they were a true winner. Via Mala, a 17 year old Oldenburg mare, is one of those prima donna's with a history forgotten.

"Role model of the Esta family was the top mare of the Vechta 1986 auction, Via Mala who was decorated Grand Champion at the National Horse Show in Devon, USA in 1988. Her full brother was sold under the name of Vox Populi at the 1994 Vechta Spring Auction to the Müller stables in Munich," the 2000 Vechta spring auction catalogue mentioned. It were Elizabeth Felgendreher and her husband who imported Via Mala to the United States in 1986. "We purchased her as a three year old in the 1986 Vechta fall auction.  We trained and showed her through Third Level, took her to Devon where she won the Grand Championship of the breed show over all horses, including the stallions.  I believe, at the time, she was the first mare to  ever win the Grand Championship," Elizabeth reminisced.  As a six year old Via Mala was sold to Linda Jaskiel Brown of Sarasota, Florida. The dark bay mare was then already learning most of the Grand Prix movements.  "She was an incredibly talented horse at the time. It killed us to have to sell her," Elizabeth told Junior Riders.

As the present continues, the Via Mala winning bloodline is still making headlines each day. Rose la France, one of the price highlights of the 52nd Elite Spring Auction in Vechta, has Via Mala's full sisters as granddam. Valdivia's (by Volturno xx x Peri) daughter Illa (by Inschallah) sired Rose la France who was sold to Ann Kathrin Ehlen. Via Mala is currently offered for sale through Horsesdaily.

Related Links
Results of the 52nd Elite Spring Auction in Vechta
For Sale, Via Mala

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