"When it comes to versatility there are no hard set of rules for the Warlander. "Throw anything at them - dressage, western driving, haute ecole, jousting, trail riding, commercial work or pleasure pursuits and the Warlander will try their hearts for you.
"We have seen so many beautiful relationships develop over the years between owners and their Warlander horses - showing foremost they are a cherished family horse," says Lisa.
These Warlander 'love affairs' are not limited to the ladies either. A long time supporter of the breed Chuck Davenport from Immortal Farms in Marysville, Washington says," Warlander horses do indeed make terrific mounts for any aspiring knight." Chuck would certainly know as he cuts a dashing figure aboard his charger I.F Aragorn (aka Strider) at a local Renaissance Fairs.
Cheryl Painter is incredibly proud of her Warlander gelding Abacus Xanthus and rightfully so. Xanny, as he is known, successfully competes in Combined Driving Events, Dressage and Carriage Shows and has a national title in driving, won at the Andalusian Show at Lexington, Virginia. "He is happy doing whatever is asked as long as he is with his 'people," says Cheryl.
Award-winning classical trainer Marnie Hoffman says, "The Warlander has a natural charm and their mind is priceless."
Marnie is the trainer behind the beautiful Warlander stallion - Hummer who was bred Ramiro Mejia of Vaquero Ranch in California.
"There is a bright future for the Warlander. They embody what Friesian and Andalusian lovers want in a horse, and more and more people are learning about the Warlander, and seeking them out.”
Kathi Stewart of Redwood Valley, California and her Warlander gelding 'Spyder' known formally as 'The Spanish Knight HTR (aka Spyder) speak so loudly of the special relationships that can be built between owners and their Warlander horses. Their love rivals that of husband Randy, who thankfully cherishes Spyder as much as Kathi does.
As well as being a bit of a natural for advanced classical dressage, Spyder is a 'model' for the Warlander horse in national, international books and publications and Wikipedia.
Bred by Norma Harris of Harris Trust Ranch, Kathi
purchased Spyder from Norma when he was still a baby, at only a year and half of age.
"I had the choice of two of Norma's colts at the time - Spyder or a purebred Andalusian. For me, it was an easy choice. I chose the one with the prettier movement, confirmation and mischievous personality which was Spyder. He won my heart immediately," says Kathi.
"At that time, I did not know about the Warlander breed, but as a blend of my two favorite breeds - what was there not to love? Spyder is my dream horse," Kathi tells us.
Now nine years old, Spyder, has been classically trained by Dianne Olds Rossi of Magical World of Dancing Horses and Kathi and has been in several exhibition shows, including performing at the California State Fair.
"Gosh, what do I love about him... everything," says Kathi.
"He is beautiful, balanced, athletic, sweet, highly intelligent, smooth gaited and still mischievous. Everyone who rides him falls in love with him. I highly recommend the Warlander horse to anyone looking for a nice combination of beauty and athleticism. When bred well, you truly get the perfect blend of both breeds - agility, nice bone structure, strong neck, shorter back, beautiful gaits, lots of hair and if you are really lucky, feathers," finishes Kathi.
For more information visit www.warlanderstudbooksociety.com.au or contact Lisa Oberman from Warlander USA at [email protected]
WARLANDER
Cheryl Painter and her Warlander gelding Abacus Xanthus aka "Xanny"