The most famous Danish warmblood stallion, May Sherif, has passed away August 25, 2003, at the ripe age of 31. May Sherif was born in 1972 and bred by Priess Stutteri, owned by Georg & Klara Møllebjerg from Herning, Denmark.
He became approved for the Danish Warmblood society in 1975 and won his stallion performance test. May Sherif was by Elizar out of May Kigneas (Securius x Nessus). May Sherif has been up for stud in Denmark all his life, except for a short breeding exchange with Finland in 1987, and produced his best offspring the first five years of his breeding career.
May Sherif was a very popular breeding stallion, but lost his popularity in the late 1970's, early 1980s. However, when his offspring became highly successful in the show ring, May Sherif was high in demand. Two of his progeny competed at the 1988 Seoul Olympic Games: Andiamo, then ridden by the Swiss Otto Hofer -- later owned by Sven Rothenberger -- and Matador with Kyra Kyrklund.
The Horse Magazine writes that according to Per Høst-Madsen, the press officer with the Danish Warmblood Association: "May Sherif horses have always been very difficult to ride. They have a very difficult temper and it is typical that they never win at beginner level competition, but when it comes to the Prix St. Georges level and higher, then they start to win. A May Sherif horse needs soft riders with much patience.
May Sherif still has offspring which is currently active in the show ring. In the United States, Pamela Goodrich competes Melville (May Sherif x ) at Grand Prix level. In Denmark Karina Bertelsen shows May Dancer (May Sherif x Starry Night XX) at Prix St Georges level.
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Related Links
Matador Passed Away
Horsemagazine: Foundation Sires: May Sherif