It’s ironic that almost all modern breeds can be traced back to the Iberian horse, and yet each year the International Andalusian and Lusitano Horse Association registers only 400 new foals in the United States. Lusitano aficionados will say that the breed is a rare gem. But even amongst the rarest of gems, there are some jewels that are exceptionally unique. Ultimo RRL is one such jewel.
Ultimo is one of only a handful of cremello Lusitano stallions breeding in the U.S. In a breed dominated by greys and bays, his coat color alone would make him stand out. But Ultimo is also a double-dilute cremello, meaning he will never sire a bay or grey -- only palominos, buckskins, perlinos, smokey blacks or other cremellos.
“He is a very special and intelligent stallion with a wonderful demeanor,” says Tammy Hildreth. Tammy and her husband, Robert Hildreth D.V.M., acquired Ultimo from a close friend’s estate, Honor Bright Farms, founded by Dr. Genevieve de Montremare, to improve breeding in the U.S. “Genevieve never bought a horse that was not special and he was her jewel until the end. Since Ultimo has never before been offered to the public, we desire to be respectful not only of his previous loving owner, but of Ultimo’s Portuguese heritage.
Owners of Friesian Quest, LLC, a full service breeding and training facility in Murrieta, Tammy and Robert have been competing in the equine industry at national levels since 1982. For the last 10 years they have focused solely on the Friesian horse, and in 2005, 2006 and 2007 they were the recipients of the United States Equestrian Federation Leading Friesian Breeder title, and were the USEF’s Leading Friesian owners in 2005 and 2006.
Ultimo is their first venture into the world of Lusitanos, but they have no doubt he will be a smashing success. Well-respected judge, breeder and the 2004 USEF Equestrian of Honor, Gareth Selwood tried to buy the stallion before he hit the ground. Gareth explained that in addition to his extremely rare color, Ultimo also has superior bloodlines. “His father, Modico, is an imported stallion from Portugal. His dam Nespera, is by Umbaba, making her a full sister to Saphiro. So he is a very well bred stallion.” Nespera’s sire, the celebrated palomino stallion Umbaba, was the 1983 National Champion of Portugal and was ridden by Luis Valenca of the Portuguese School of Equestrian Art.
Gareth explains that Ultimo had suffered an injury as a colt so he never competed, but, as far as he knew, Ultimo was perfectly sound now. Until recently he had only been bred to sire Warlanders. Warlanders are derived from the crossbreeding of Friesian and Iberian purebred horses (Lusitanos or Andalusians). They originated in Australia, but have been gaining popularity in Europe as dressage horses.
This is about to change. Tammy and Robert will now be offering Ultimo at stud by private treaty. They plan to present him formally to the public at the Fiesta of the Spanish Horse, May 1-4 at the Los Angles Equestrian Center in Burbank (see page 133 for more information).
“We only had a week with Ultimo before we left for Texas, but he’s a complete gentleman,” says Tammy. “He’s very personable and extremely intelligent; everything he has been shown he learns the first or second time.”
Tammy is impressed with Ultimo’s manners. “The most he’ll do with a mare is talk – he never gets out of hand or strikes. I think what has impressed me the most is how well Ultimo has settled in. As a new stallion, sitting amongst five approved breeding Friesian stallions, except for his color, he fits right in. When we came home from Texas with our two young stallions, he ran right to the front of his stall to greet us, as if to say, ‘Where did you go? I’ve missed you!’ And what can I say -- those dreamy blue eyes get me every time!”
For more information on Ultimo RRL, or to view his pedigree, a color chart and to view his Warlanger offspring currently for sale, visit www.ultimo-rrl.com, call 951-677-9477 or e-mail Tammy and Robert at info@ultimo-rrl.com.
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