Markham, Ontario – The Canadian-bred Abdullah, one of the most successful horses in show jumping history, was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame on April 4, 2009. During his incredible career partnered with Conrad Homfeld of the United States, Abdullah was an Olympic Gold and Silver Medalist, World Cup Final winner, and World Championship Gold and Silver Medalist.
Abdullah was bred in 1970 by the Schickedanz family at its Galten Farms in Markham, Ontario, Canada. The grey Trakehner stallion was sired by Donauwind while his dam was Abiza, who proved to be an influential broodmare in Trakehner breeding.
Abdullah was a product of a successful Canadian breeding program at Galten Farms, owned by Gerhard Schickedanz. The Schickedanz family had been breeding horses for more than 200 years in East Prussia (Germany) before Gerhard Schickedanz immigrated to Canada. He bought Galten Farms and began his Canadian-based breeding program in 1960.
A decade later, in 1970, Gerhard Schickedanz purchased Abiza from the Trakehner Verband in Germany, and she was imported with Abdullah in utero.
“The bloodlines and the Trakehner breed were very, very good,” said Charlotte Schickedanz, Gerhard’s daughter who is actively involved in Galten Farms’ breeding program. “Did anyone know what was to come? No.”
As a three-year-old, Abdullah was broken under saddle by Gerhard Schickedanz, and was then purchased by Terry and Sue Williams of Williamsburg Farm as a three-day eventing and breeding prospect. His talent for show jumping, however, quickly became apparent.
The Williams found the perfect match for Abdullah in rider Conrad Homfeld. The pair enjoyed an incredible three-year stretch that remains one of the most memorable in show jumping history. At the 1984 Los Angeles Olympic Games, the pair won a Team Gold Medal for the United States and went on to claim the Individual Silver following a jump-off against teammate Joe Fargis riding Touch of Class. Homfeld and Abdullah then won the 1985 World Cup Final in Berlin. The following year, at the age of 15, Abdullah led the United States to its first-ever World Championship Team Gold Medal in 1986 in Aachen, Germany, with the pair competing in the all-important anchor position. They also claimed the Individual Silver Medal, and Abdullah was named the Leading Horse of the competition.
“I don’t know if any horse has ever accomplished what he has internationally,” said Charlotte Schickedanz. “It’s a remarkable record.”
Retiring from show jumping competition at the age of 18, Abdullah returned to Williamsburg Farm in Middleport, NY. Abdullah was the flagship stallion in the farm’s breeding program which produced a long lineage of Abdullah descendants that went on to great success, including winning numerous IHF and IJF Championships as well as AHSA ‘Horse of the Year’ Awards. Another Abdullah descendent, the stallion Airborne Monticello, represented France at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games and was a member of its Silver Medal Team at the 1998 World Championships in Rome, Italy.
Abdullah was also named winner of the American Trakehner Association’s Palmenblüte Award five times. Following his fifth win in 1986, the trophy was retired in his honour.
The Schickedanz family is rightfully proud of the Trakehner lineage that Abdullah has passed down to his offspring. They bred several other successful Trakehner horses out of Abdullah’s dam Abiza including Aida, Amiego, and Anton, all of whom have competed internationally.
“It really shows the strength of the mare,” noted Charlotte Schickedanz. “I can’t emphasize enough the importance of a good quality mare; it’s really important because it’s all about breeding.”
Abdullah was inducted into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame in a special ceremony held during the Budweiser American Invitational at Raymond James Stadium in Tampa, FL, on Saturday evening, April 4. Induction into the Show Jumping Hall of Fame is a great honour bestowed annually upon select individuals or horses whose contribution to the sport has set them apart and whose influence has had a significant impact on the world of show jumping. Abdullah will join the previous 61 inductees in the Show Jumping Hall of Fame. Abdullah was specifically inducted for his “significant impact on the equestrian community.”
“I think it’s wonderful that he was inducted,” said Charlotte Schickedanz. “It was a well-deserved accomplishment.”
Galten Farms continues to operate a successful breeding program that produces world-class horses. For more information, please visit www.galtenfarms.com.
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