Bannockburn Farm LLC

08/26/2026

💫Breeders 👉Semen available for both flushing and ICSI for fall Embryo freezing! We found mares to be more repro productive in the fall to implant n the spring. *NO Restrictions or handling fees.

Baloubet du Rouet*
Bamako de Muze*
Couleur Rubin*
El Torreo de Muze*
Elvis ter Putte*
Heartbreaker*
Halifax vh Kluizebos*
Nabab de Reve*
Omano BC
Vigo d’Arsouilles*

08/17/2026

✨Breeders! We have 2 rare high grade Embryos direct out of the dam of Gucci Musterd (1.60m) Codette M (Cardento/Voltaire/Ramiro) by #1 Sire Cornet Obolensky. Congrats on Gucci Musterd’s 3rd place this weekend with Bruno Diniz Das Neves 💫

08/11/2026

Congratulations to Bannockburn bred 8yo Solomon B (Cumano x Thunder) & Lisa Goldman-Smolen on the Win n the $35k John Deere GP HITS Chicago for owner Barbara Disko 💫🙌🏼
📸Andrew Ryback Photography

08/08/2026

💫Breeders we have Heartbreaker embryos out of proven dam/damlines available along with Heartbreaker semen! We saw the reemergence of this great Sire and now offer u an opportunity to add him into ur breeding programs here in the U.S. & Canada! Bannockburn Farm LLC Chris Larmee Sallee

🐴 Heartbreaker: From Grand Prix Star to Global Breeding Icon 🌍🏆

Some horses are remembered for the rounds they jumped. Others are remembered for the champions they produced. Heartbreaker managed to do both. ❤️

Born in 1989, this remarkable bay stallion developed from an exciting young showjumper into one of the most influential names in modern sport-horse breeding. Decades after his arrival, the Heartbreaker name remains deeply embedded in international jumping pedigrees.

His story is one of athletic talent, exceptional genetics and a legacy that continues through generations. 🧬✨

🌟 Born for the Big Stage

Heartbreaker was bred in the Netherlands by P.S. Koopmans. He was a son of the legendary Nimmerdor, with Silvano appearing as his damsire. According to the KWPN database, Heartbreaker stood approximately 1.67 metres and ultimately competed at international Grand Prix level.

Even as a young horse, there were signs that he was something special.

Heartbreaker was known for the qualities that would later become hallmarks of his offspring: sharp reflexes, carefulness, willingness and tremendous jumping ability. He was initially approved by the Belgian BWP studbook as a three-year-old and, as a six-year-old, finished fifth at the World Championships for Young Jumping Horses. He was subsequently approved by KWPN.

The foundations of a breeding legend were already being laid. 🌱

🏇 From Young Talent to Grand Prix Performer

Heartbreaker wasn't simply a stallion with an impressive pedigree—he proved his ability in competition.

Under Dutch rider Peter Geerink, he progressed to the highest levels of showjumping. His combination of explosive power, lightning-fast reactions and competitive attitude made him an impressive performer. KWPN records his sporting achievement at international Grand Prix level and 1.50m nationally.

Yet his greatest contribution to showjumping would eventually happen beyond his own competitive career.

Heartbreaker was about to become a dynasty. 👑

🧬 The Making of a Super Sire

Great breeding stallions don't simply produce attractive young horses. They transmit qualities capable of surviving the enormous demands of international sport.

Heartbreaker did exactly that.

His offspring became renowned for many of the characteristics he demonstrated himself: jumping instinct, reflexes, carefulness and determination. KWPN recognised his contribution with the Keur predicate in 2005 and elevated him to the prestigious Preferent status four years later.

The statistics demonstrate just how extraordinary his influence became.

A 2019 KWPN analysis found that, from 989 KWPN-registered offspring, 48 had reached Grand Prix level—around 4.85%. That placed Heartbreaker fifth for the number of Grand Prix offspring in the study and sixth when measured by percentage.

For any breeder dreaming of producing an international jumper, those numbers command attention. 📈🏆

🌍 A Bloodline That Went Global

Heartbreaker's influence quickly moved beyond the Netherlands.

His blood became highly desirable throughout European breeding and increasingly visible in pedigrees across the international showjumping world.

His direct offspring included elite performers and important breeding stallions. Halifax van het Kluizebos, for example, competed at the highest level with Lorenzo de Luca, winning the five-star Grand Prix of Rome and reaching the top of the WBFSH jumping ranking in 2017.

Another son, Hardrock Z, represented Venezuela with Emanuel Andrade at major championships, including the World Championships in Caen and the Rio Olympic Games.

Then there was Action Breaker, another five-star son whose career included Nations Cups, World Cup competitions, Global Champions Tour appearances and World Equestrian Games representation. His own descendants continue competing at elite level, extending Heartbreaker's influence another generation.

That is the hallmark of a genuine breeding icon: the ability to influence not merely one generation, but generations to come. 🌳🐎

🏅 Recognition of a Legend

By the latter part of his life, Heartbreaker's importance was impossible to overlook.

KWPN reported that his legacy included 12 approved sons and 27 approved grandsons, alongside numerous highly decorated daughters. In recognition of his extraordinary contribution, Heartbreaker was named KWPN Horse of the Year in 2016.

His influence was recognised beyond KWPN as well. The Belgian Warmblood studbook counted Heartbreaker among the stallions to receive its prestigious Ambassador distinction.

These honours reflected something breeders already understood: Heartbreaker wasn't merely producing horses.

He was shaping the modern showjumper. 🏆

❤️ Farewell to Heartbreaker

Heartbreaker died on 10 April 2021 at the age of 32, following age-related decline. Team Nijhof, with whom he had been closely associated for decades, described him as one of the most important pillars of its breeding operation.

But death did little to diminish his presence.

Every time a Heartbreaker descendant enters an international arena, every time a breeder studies a pedigree carrying his name, and every time another generation inherits those famous reflexes and jumping instincts, his story continues.

👑 The Stallion Who Became a Dynasty

Heartbreaker's journey illustrates what makes a truly exceptional breeding stallion.

He possessed the pedigree. 🧬
He proved himself in sport. 🏇
He produced Grand Prix horses. 🏆
And his descendants carried his influence around the world. 🌍

Few stallions achieve success at the highest level. Fewer still reshape breeding long after their own sporting careers have ended.

Heartbreaker did both.

From Grand Prix star to global breeding icon, his name became more than the name of one extraordinary horse.

Heartbreaker became a bloodline—and a legacy that still jumps on. ❤️🐴

08/03/2026

Winner Winner Heartbreaker son 🥇 Romeo B (Heartbreaker x Branco) & Lisa Goldman-Smolen take the win n the $35k Finish Line GO HITS Chicago We have Heartbreaker semen and embryos available. Congratulations! Bannockburn Farm LLC Chris Larmee Sallee
📸 Andrew Ryback Photography

07/30/2026

💫We have 1.1 straws of Baloubet du Rouet available for breeders💫 pm for more info

# Remembering a Chestnut Titan: The Legacy of Baloubet du Rouet 🏇👑

There are horses, and then there are **legends**. In the world of show jumping, few names evoke as much awe and respect as Baloubet du Rouet. This wasn’t just a horse; he was a fiery, chestnut force of nature, a stallion with the "agility of a cat and the strength of a lion" who, alongside his partner Rodrigo Pessoa, dominated the sport at the turn of the millennium . Though he passed away in 2017 at the grand age of 28, his legacy remains untarnished .

Let's take a trip down memory lane and celebrate the life and career of one of the greatest show jumping horses in history. 🥂

# # A French Star Born Under a Brazilian Flag 🇫🇷➡️🇧🇷

Born on May 8, 1989, in Saint-Aubin-de-Terregatte, France, this magnificent Selle Français stallion was bred by Louis Fardin from the finest bloodlines . His sire was the legendary Galoubet A, and his dam was Mesange du Rouet, making him a true descendant of jumping royalty .

While he was French by birth, he became a symbol of Brazilian equestrianism. Owned by Diogo Pereira Coutinho, Baloubet was initially trained and ridden by the great Nelson Pessoa, who recognized the young stallion's immense potential—even if he was "a bit difficult" and "had no discipline from the start" .

> *"At first he was a bit difficult, as many horses which have no discipline from the start... But at 7 he was French champion with me."* - Nelson Pessoa, on Baloubet's early years .

Nelson laid the groundwork, but it was his son, Rodrigo, who would take the reins and forge the partnership that would become the stuff of legend. The transition happened in 1997, and the rest, as they say, is history.

# # The Unstoppable Trio of World Cups 🏆🏆🏆

Baloubet and Rodrigo Pessoa didn't just win; they dominated. Their crowning achievement came in the FEI Jumping World Cup™ Finals. In 1998 (Helsinki), 1999 (Gothenburg), and again in 2000 (Las Vegas), the pair achieved the unprecedented feat of winning **three consecutive World Cup titles** . This was a first in the competition's history, a record that spoke volumes about their consistency, talent, and unbreakable bond .

They weren't just winning; they were rewriting the record books. A fourth title narrowly eluded them in 2001, where they finished as runners-up, but their trio of wins cemented their place as one of the greatest partnerships the sport has ever seen .

# # From Sydney's Heartbreak to Athens' Glory 🥉➡️🥇

The Olympic Games provided both Baloubet's greatest disappointment and his most spectacular vindication.

**The Low Point (Sydney 2000):** The duo entered the individual final as favorites. A single fault at the first fence rattled the sensitive stallion's confidence. On the final day, facing a triple combination, Baloubet refused and was eliminated . The dream of gold was shattered. In Brazil, he was unfairly branded a 'villain' for the nation's lackluster medal tally . It was a harsh label for a horse that had just helped Brazil win a **Team Bronze medal** .

**The Redemption (Athens 2004):** Four years later, fate offered a chance for redemption. At the Athens Olympics, Baloubet and Rodrigo put in a brilliant performance, finishing second. However, the original winner, Cian O’Connor, was later disqualified due to a positive drug test, elevating Pessoa and Baloubet to the position of **Individual Olympic Gold Medalists** .

> *"From villain to hero,"* as Brazilian media aptly put it. The chestnut stallion who had been the symbol of frustration in Sydney was now a national hero and an Olympic Champion, completing one of the greatest comebacks in sporting history .

# # The Stallion's Character and Charm 🔥

Baloubet du Rouet was famous for his personality as much as his jumping ability. He was not a cuddly, docile horse; he was a stallion of immense character and charisma. To quote one tribute, he was "a horse with a very strong personality and character. One of those horses you approach with awe, who you have to address formally" .

Rodrigo Pessoa himself described him with a fascinating paradox: he was incredibly intelligent and brave, yet also a "coward" in his own way. He explained, "The more quality you have in a horse, the closer you get to the limit of them being scared and to become a coward" . This sensitivity and high intelligence were what made him so brilliant, and what occasionally made him so difficult.

# # His Lasting Legacy: A Sire of Champions 🧬

After retiring from competition in 2008, Baloubet enjoyed a successful second career as a breeding stallion in Portugal . He became one of the world's leading sires, with his offspring dominating the sport. He was named the **leading sire of international winners** by the WBFSH in 2012 and 2013 .

His progeny includes a who's who of modern show jumping, such as:

- **Sydney Une Prince** - Olympic Team Gold Medalist in Rio 2016 .
- **Chaman** - the top horse ridden by the legendary Ludger Beerbaum .
- **VDL Bubalu** - ridden by Jurg Vrieling to great success .
- **Balou du Rouet** - who has become a top sire in his own right .

# # A Final Farewell 🕊️

Baloubet du Rouet passed away on August 7, 2017, at the age of 28 . His passing was met with an outpouring of grief from the global equestrian community.

Rodrigo Pessoa’s tribute perfectly captured the essence of the horse and the depth of their bond:

> *"You arrived as a wild 5 year old kid but you showed a lot of potential on the very first jump... You grew up to become one of the greatest horses in history. Talent, beauty, energy, power, skill and elegance made you the best."*

He was a champion, a character, and a gentleman who lived by his own rules. The legend of Baloubet du Rouet will gallop on in the hearts of fans and the descendants who carry on his remarkable legacy. Rest in peace, legend. 🌹🐴

07/23/2026

The Great Heartbreaker 💕 We have several Heartbreaker high grade embryos and semen here in the U.S. available 💫

🐎 Heartbreaker: The Legendary Nimmerdor Stallion Who Became a Show Jumping Dynasty

Few stallions have influenced modern show jumping breeding as profoundly as Heartbreaker. ❤️ Renowned for his explosive power, careful technique, and exceptional athleticism, this remarkable KWPN stallion not only enjoyed a successful international competition career but also became one of the most influential sires in sport horse history.

Today, Heartbreaker's bloodline runs through countless Olympic, World Championship, and FEI World Cup horses, making him a cornerstone of modern jumping pedigrees. Whether you're a breeder searching for proven genetics or a show jumping enthusiast, Heartbreaker's story is one of talent, determination, and lasting legacy.

🌟 Heartbreaker's Pedigree: A Blueprint for Excellence

Foaled in 1989, Heartbreaker was a striking bay KWPN stallion bred by Meinte Jensma in the Netherlands. He combined two exceptional bloodlines that would help define modern show jumping breeding.

🧬 Pedigree
Sire: Nimmerdor
Grandsire: Farn
Dam: Bacarole
Dam's Sire: Silvano
Studbook: KWPN

Heartbreaker's sire, Nimmerdor, is regarded as one of the greatest foundation sires in Dutch breeding history. Nimmerdor consistently produced horses with exceptional scope, courage, and rideability, qualities that Heartbreaker inherited in abundance.

His dam, Bacarole, added refinement and athleticism through Silvano, creating a balanced pedigree that blended raw power with careful jumping technique. This combination produced a stallion with natural ability, quick reflexes, and an outstanding competitive mindset.

🏆 A Successful International Competition Career

Although Heartbreaker is best remembered as a breeding stallion, he was also an accomplished international competitor.

Partnered by Dutch rider Peter Geerink, Heartbreaker competed at the highest level throughout the 1990s. His incredible speed, carefulness, and explosive jump made him one of the most exciting horses to watch on the international circuit.

Unlike many large stallions known for raw power, Heartbreaker combined tremendous scope with exceptional agility. His lightning-fast reflexes allowed him to negotiate technical courses while maintaining remarkable consistency.

Among his most notable achievements were victories and placings in several prestigious Grand Prix competitions, including:

🏅 Winner of the Grand Prix of Berlin

🏅 Winner of the Grand Prix of Bordeaux

🏅 Successful performances at CSI Aachen

🏅 Numerous Nations Cup appearances representing the Netherlands

🏅 Consistent results in international five-star competitions throughout Europe

His performances demonstrated that he possessed not only world-class ability but also the courage and rideability needed to compete against the very best horses of his generation.

💙 A Stallion That Changed Modern Breeding

Heartbreaker's greatest contribution to the sport came after his retirement from international competition.

Standing at Stal Nijhof, he quickly earned a reputation as one of Europe's most reliable producers of elite jumping horses. Breeders recognised that he consistently passed on the qualities that had made him such an exceptional athlete.

His offspring became known for:

⚡ Incredible reflexes

💪 Explosive power

🎯 Careful jumping technique

🏇 Outstanding canter

❤️ Competitive attitude

🌟 Natural athleticism

These traits made Heartbreaker one of the most sought-after stallions in Europe. His influence spread rapidly through the KWPN, BWP, Zangersheide, Holsteiner, Hanoverian, and Selle Français studbooks, and his genetics continue to shape modern sport horse breeding.

👑 Famous Progeny

Heartbreaker produced an extraordinary number of international show jumpers, many of whom became successful breeding stallions themselves.

🥇 Toulon

Perhaps his most famous son, Toulon, competed successfully at the highest level before becoming one of Europe's leading jumping sires.

Toulon's offspring regularly compete in:

🏆 Olympic Games

🌍 World Championships

🥇 FEI Nations Cups

🏅 CSI5* Grand Prix competitions

His descendants continue Heartbreaker's reputation for athleticism and careful jumping.

🥇 Harley VDL

Another influential son is Harley VDL, an international Grand Prix horse who has also become a highly respected breeding stallion.

Harley VDL consistently passes on:

✔️ Excellent technique

✔️ Scope

✔️ Rideability

✔️ Modern sport horse type

🥇 Romanov

Heartbreaker's son Romanov represented the Netherlands at international level before becoming an important sire, particularly in Scandinavian breeding programmes.

Romanov offspring are admired for their temperament, elasticity, and jumping ability.

🥇 Action-Breaker

One of Heartbreaker's most successful sons in sport, Action-Breaker competed internationally under Sergio Álvarez Moya.

Together they achieved:

🏅 Numerous CSI5* placings

🏆 FEI Nations Cup appearances

🌍 International Grand Prix success

Action-Breaker has since become an influential breeding stallion, producing horses capable of competing at the highest level.

🌍 Countless Elite Descendants

Heartbreaker's influence extends well beyond his direct offspring.

His blood appears in the pedigrees of numerous modern stars through sons and grandsons such as:

✨ Halifax van het Kluizebos

✨ Heartbeat

✨ Quasimodo van de Molendreef

✨ Toulon descendants

✨ Harley VDL descendants

Today, it is difficult to study international show jumping pedigrees without finding Heartbreaker somewhere in the lineage.

🧬 Why Breeders Love Heartbreaker Blood

Heartbreaker offspring possess a distinctive combination of qualities that make them highly desirable.

Breeders value them because they often inherit:

🔥 Quick reflexes

💪 Powerful hindquarters

🎯 Excellent front-leg technique

🏇 Balance and elasticity

❤️ Courage under pressure

🧠 Intelligence and willingness to work

His blood also crosses exceptionally well with numerous European jumping lines, making him a favourite choice for breeders looking to improve scope, carefulness, and athleticism.

Many of today's most successful breeding stallions carry Heartbreaker blood, further cementing his influence on modern sport horse breeding.

🌍 A Legacy That Lives On

Heartbreaker passed away in 2021 at the age of 32, leaving behind one of the most influential legacies in modern equestrian sport. Tributes poured in from riders, breeders, and stud farms around the world, recognising him as one of the greatest jumping sires of his generation.

His descendants continue to win Grand Prix classes, Nations Cups, World Championships, and Olympic medals, proving that his genetics remain among the most valuable in international show jumping.

🏅 Final Thoughts

Few stallions have achieved success both in the competition arena and in the breeding shed quite like Heartbreaker.

His own international career showcased his exceptional athletic ability, but it is through his offspring that his true greatness has been realised. Generation after generation, Heartbreaker descendants continue to demonstrate the speed, power, carefulness, and determination that made him such an outstanding horse.

For breeders seeking proven jumping genetics or riders researching elite bloodlines, Heartbreaker remains one of the defining stallions of modern show jumping. More than three decades after his birth, his name still commands enormous respect, and his influence continues to shape the future of the sport. 🐴❤️

07/20/2026

Is your mare or recip still empty we have a top embryo #1 sire n the World Cornet Obolensky x Cardento out of 1.60m producing dam at EMS 💫

07/20/2026

Breeders! If your recip or mare is still empty and u need a top embryo #1 Sire n the World Cornet Obolensky x Cardento out of 1.60m producing dam available at EMS 💫