Paul Egan had a vision for the future. His vision was to produce BIG coloured Paints and Quarter Horses that would be suitable for the showring.
Many hours went into the study and the selection of the right mare for his breeding venture, and after months of searching, the beautiful 17hh mare‘ DON’ T RULEROUT’ was purchased.
She was everything he had searched and wished for. She had size, colour- being Sabino, and the softest, most beautiful temperament anyone would want.
Years before, Paul had found the imported sire TRIBULATION( IMP)( dec) owned by Jackie Lawson that met all is criteria as a sire. With his plans laid the decision was made to breed the paid. Twelve months later with the cross of Tribulation and his mare, Don’ t Rulerout, Hustler entered the world.
Next chapter enter Tor Van Den Berge.
Team Van Den Berge( VDB) is situated in the beautiful Scenic Rim region just outside Beaudesert in South East QLD. It is approximately just over an hour from either Brisbane or Gold Coast airports and it is headed by Tor and Melissa Van Den Berge, who together have grown the equestrian training facility into one of Australia’ s most prominent dressage establishments.
Tor’ s background is varied, having dabbled with eventing, showing Arabians and starting Thoroughbreds before making dressage his passion. He has had much success in the dressage arena, with horses such as Fishermans Friend, Jaybee Alabaster, Florett, Remi Frangelica, Karingal Anastasia and his current GP stallion, Lauries As. All of these horses have won National Championships.
He has also successfully represented Australia at the World Young Horse Championships, with Jaybee Alabaster. Before having children, Melissa was a nationally competitive event rider, winning numerous eventing Championships to three star level. She has since converted to straight dressage with much success and riding horses like Dornkaart, Leonardo Da Vinci, Jaybee Luewin, Remi Lady Lockley, Bertone and Danciero to many Championship wins. Tor and Mel are supported by a great team that help to keep the 50 plus horse property running successfully.
Team VDB is a one stop shop, having the unique ability to cater for a through the levels approach, with inhouse breaking in, sales preparation, training and competing to FEI, coaching and the recent addition of the training of carriage driving horses. Sales are an area where Team VDB excel, as they have a strict sales policy in place. Only select horses with super temperaments are taken to be sold at the Beaudesert property, which means that buyers can be assured that only quality, sound, genuine horses will be offered for sale.
With the lifetime experience that Paul has you can be assured of purchasing the right horse for your needs.
Hustler SP is one of those horses. He was started under saddle at Team VDB as a two year old, and has proven to be a really lovely horse, with an outstanding temperament. He currently stands just over 16.2hh. Tor says of the colt,“ Hustler is proving to be super trainable and is going to make someone a very nice horse. He has three good paces and is a beautiful type of horse. He’ s easy to have in the stables and a quality colt”. Hustler has been successfully x-rayed and these will be made available for viewing to serious buyers for their consideration.
Stepping out of the box Paul has purpose bred this colt specifically for non traditional events, such as FEI Dressage, and Hacking.
With him being by Tribulation he has size and colour. Add to this his dam’ s size and presence you have an exciting young sire. His dam is a 17hh sabino studbook registered Thoroughbred mare. With the solid foundation laid with Tor, Hustler is now ready to hit the show ring.
Hustler is now back at Team Van Den Berge after a spell after being started under saddle. He is training the prelim / novice work easily and would make a great prospect for dressage, showing or the hunter ring and ready for the show arena. He would also make a fabulous stallion prospect for the discerning breeder. Hustler has lots of bling and is a real eye catcher!
He is available to be viewed by appointment at Team Van Den Berge. Please call Tor on 0417 000 568 to make a time to view Hustler SP.
September • October • 2017 • The Australian Quarter Horse Magazine • Page 23