Woermann

The first public appearance of the two and a half year old Woremann at the licensing in 1973 at Verden signalled a total turnaround in Warmblood breeding. Woermann was the new measuring-stick for type, riding oriented outline and construction, but particularly in movement- his elastic, rhythmic and elevated trot was unseen before.

These impressions were confirmed in the 1973 stallion performance test. As expected, Woermann passed with flying colours, and the final report certifies: `energetic temperament, sufficient durability, very good rideability, jumping ability of good average, very good walk, outstanding trot, good canter - a very talented riding horse, most suitable for dressage.`

Woermann was the last and best son of the well-liked Wöhler {1950-1971}. His dam stems from the solid and high-quality broodmare base of the northern Hanoverian breeding area, on the shores of the North Sea, positively influenced by her sire, the Thoroughbred stallion, Marabou xx. Wöhler himself was already very much influenced by his maternal sire, the Thoroughbred, Ecco xx.

According to Claus Schridde in the 2000 edition of Berndt Eylers` Selected Sires of Germany, Wöhler was `for many years the quintessence of dressage horses in the breeding region of Hanover. The liver chestnut covered for a long time in Burlage and thereafter in Alterbruch from 1967 to 1971. He presented the three approved sons, Wohlklang as well as Wunsch I and Wunsch II in his first years. Whilst Wunsch I and Wunsch II were at best aeverage sires (the second nevertheless sired the Olympics horse Woyceck / Harry Boldt} it would have been desirable for the noble and well-bred Wohlklang to carry on the lineage. The staions were he covered (Wittingen and Luhmühlen} however had never really been known as strong producers of stallions, so that Wohlklang was restricted to furnishing high-class dressage horses and showjumpers, quality brood mares and highly remunerated auction horses... The upholder of the Wöhler blood therefore came from another quarter. This was Woermann who resulted from the Altenbruch covering period. The liver chestnut Woerman derives from a high class damline. His dam Mandate is one of the few daughters of the Schelderhan Thoroughbred, Marabou xx who made prominent appearances. The damline furthermore brought forth such well-known sires as Ambassadeur (private stallion Oldenburg}, Ariston (private stallion Hanover}, Boredo (private stallion Westphalia}, Dior (Warendorf state stallion}, Döbeln (Celle state stallion}, Dornheld, Firn, Jupiter, Seemann and Sempach (all Neustadt / Dosse state stallion}, Gambler`s Star (private stallion Hanover}, Mylord (Marbach state stallion} as well as Partisan and the top sire of showjumpers Sender (both Celle state stallions}.

Woermann`s most important sons are the State Stud stallions, World Cup 1 and Wenzel 1. World Cup 1, a liver chestnut, born in 1977 was performance test winner 1980, Hanoverian stallion of the year 1996; sire of such important stallions as Warkant and the living legend, Weltmeyer as well as international dressage stars like Isabell Werth`s Welcome. World Cup 1, and his four licensed brothers came from a mare by Sender. Sender was a Hanoverian grandson of the Trakehner, Semper Idem.

Wenzel, the other chocolate-coloured son of Woermann, out of a mare by Matador, a very good Hanoverian grandson of the superb Marcio xx, born 1976, is best represented by his sire son, Western Star (sire of international dressage competitor and stallion, Weyden} and super performer, Walk on Top, ridden for Sweden by Louise Natthorst.

According to Claus Schridde: "From a competition sport perspective Woermann was not able to fulfil the high expectations placed in him. In spite of numerous opportunities and matings with particularly good mares, his progeny were often hefty and not suited for everyone. The jump onto the international dressage stage was only managed by a small number of his progeny."

Woermann`s main claim to fame would seem to be through his son World Cup and in turn his son, Weltmeyer.