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