In the breeding programs for Hanoverian show jumpers, dressage horses, and eventing horses, the *** indicate mares with exceptional competition-oriented genetic potential. They form the elite core of the Hanoverian breeding program.
Darina PHD*** (HVA 208, KÖR 16)
In the now 25-year-old Darina*** by De Niro/Prince Thatch xx (breeder Hubert Ratermann, Alfhausen), we find—as is so often the case—tried-and-true Hanoverian dressage blood combined with a high percentage of Thoroughbred blood as the foundation of her success. Prince Thatch xx, Ecuador xx, and once again Waidmannsdank xx account for more than 50% Thoroughbred blood in her pedigree. She has since found her breeding home in Bastad, Sweden, at Carsten Johansen’s 2m2 stud farm.
Darina*** has become something of a regular supplier to the Verden licensing. Her sons have already passed the licensing commission’s evaluation four times at the Niedersachsenhalle. Two of her offspring have already been awarded premium stallion status. Energy by Escamillo moved to the Glock’s Horse Performance Center in 2021 as a premium stallion, and Obama by Opoque was acquired by the Celle State Stud through the 2025 Stallion Sales. However, it is not these relatively young offspring that have earned Darina*** her ***-mare classification, but rather the competition successes of her older offspring.
Under British rider Bryony Goodwin, Krack DE by Krack C out of Darina***, born in 2011, made his international debut this year in classes up to Intermediaire I, and Schneefuß by Sir Donnerhall, who is
also licensed, is competing successfully up to Grand Prix level under his owner Susanne Mohr. His full brother Skyfall has been successful this year with various riders from Introductory Level up to Class S*, which can certainly be cited as strong evidence of his rideability, and with Kilian, a third full brother from the Sir Donnerhall x Darina*** pairing was licensed.
This year, a full brother to Energy with the number 16 is coming to the Verden licensing and is poised to continue his dam’s success story.
