05/09/2026
Today marked another important step in my journey as a breeder. 🤍
A lot has been said over the past few years about promoting the Lipizzaner. For me, promotion has never meant simply talking about the breed. It means taking Lipizzaners into new and less explored areas, allowing people to see what these horses are truly capable of.
Twenty to forty years ago, Lipizzaner breeding faced a relatively small and closely related genetic pool. Many mares therefore entered breeding programs, although fortunately there was already strong selection against hereditary defects.
Over the last two decades, however, our breeding goals have continued to evolve. Today, working ability, rideability, character, temperament and athletic potential are becoming increasingly important parts of selection.
And this is exactly where 194 Maestoso Capriola ###VIII, aka Titan, enters the story.
Titan was born in our herd at JJ-Lipizzans. As a foal, he was sold to Sweden, where he grew up in the herd of Therése Bjerketorp
Then life made an unexpected circle.
At four and a half years old, I was given the opportunity to buy Titan back, still as a stallion. My original plan was clear: keep him entire, prepare him carefully and eventually present him for breeding evaluation.
But sometimes the best breeding decisions are also about recognizing when a horse has a different purpose.
Lejla had fallen in love with Lipizzaners years earlier, when she rode Favory Munja for us. Ever since then, she had dreamed of having a Lipizzaner of her own.
And so I made a decision.
Because I had retained Titan's half-brother entire and as a future sire, Titan didn't need to prove his value through breeding.
He could prove it somewhere else.
Titan was gelded and found what I believe is the perfect home in Lejla's hands. Together, they began a new journey, with the goal of preparing him for dressage competition and, through sport, showing and promoting the versatility, rideability and potential of the Lipizzaner.
And today, that vision took its first real step into the arena. 🏇🤍
Today, Lejla and Titan competed in their very first dressage competition.
As his breeder, I am incredibly proud to be part of their journey.
Of course, this is only the beginning. With every competition they will gain experience, confidence and understanding. Results will come with time. What matters to me today is that a horse born from our breeding program stepped into a dressage arena with a purpose that reaches beyond one competition.
Breeding is not only about producing the next generation. It is about discovering what each horse can become.
And promoting the Lipizzaner means showing that our breed belongs not only to history and tradition, but also in the sport arenas of today and tomorrow.
I am so looking forward to seeing where Lejla and Titan's journey takes them next.
Proud breeder. Proud of the horse. Proud of the journey. 🤍