Willowview Hill Farm is thrilled to welcome the beautiful black Andalusian stallion Celesto IV to the WVH private yard. Celesto IV was in training with Paul Alvin-Smith some years back, and is now owned by Paul Alvin-Smith and will continue his dressage work as part of the WVH Iberian horse family.
"Earlier in his career I was fortunate to work with him on his dressage basics, he then went on to stand at stud. While he is not the biggest mover on the planet or the biggest in size standing only 15.1h.h, he is true to his breed in his stoic nature."
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| Paul & Celesto IV |
Celesto joins two other 'lads' in WVH horsey household: Extravaganza WVH, homebred second generation Lusitano/DWB with a dressage pedigree that includes USA team horse Gambol: and El Amable, a purebred Andalusian that is IAHLA registered, whose bloodlines include Gaucho III, born in Spain, who later became one of most prized dressage horses and PRE breeding stallions in the U.S.A.
"Nikki and I are blessed to have some wonderful horses in our private yard. Our 2nd generation homebred WVH Extravaganza, brings some serious Lusitano Briosso bloodlines and extravagant Iberian movement to the party. What is it they say,"Take the Andalusian to church and the Lusitano to work?" His dam Gambol's Georgy Girl, whose sire is the U.S.A. team horse Gambol, brings a high level of pizzazz and fluidity to Extravaganza's gaits.
We bred Georgy Girl from one of our Storm Cat Thoroughbred mares, Ms. Montana. Georgy is currently living her best life with her owner in VT. She has been bringing in copious ribbons and awards thanks to the new owner's wonderful work with her in the saddle. We just love seeing that happen.
Alongside my wife's Andalusian youngster El Amable, who is just beginning his dressage work at age four and who is totally true to his name in his friendly nature, there are client horses that come in for training. So life is busy.
Nikki and I enjoy bringing them along. We take our time and build the trust and strength they need to answer the gymnastic tasks of dressage. With talented horses it is easy to take too much too fast, and preserving their soundness and exuberance in their work is critical to taking them to the highest levels. Plus, it's simply the right way to do it!
Our last two Grand Prix horses Charrington WVH and Tiberio Lafite WVH, both of which we made ourselves from start to finish, both achieved Grand Prix level and continued to be sound and happy well into their vintage years. There are many horses that can and do go on to show around the world at the highest levels well into their teens, including at the Olympic level. I believe this longevity is sincerely helped by patient and correct training as well as good horsemanship and care. Something I know truly good horseman all appreciate, " states Paul.
Dressage training slots at WVH are currently available from mid October, as well as many new interesting programs being added to the services provided for riders on and off-site wishing to take advantage of the 'Grand Prix Duo' team's education and knowledge.
"It's about giving back and enjoying the ride this life with horses has gifted us," adds Nikki, who has just been signed by a traditional publisher to produce a non-fiction title to add to her authorship portfolio, "Bring on the Dancing Horses - Life as an Equine Aficionado" due for release in 2027.
"When I'm not working with horses I am often to be found writing about them. A passion is a passion!"
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