“It is with great sadness that we report the passing of the legendary Oldenburg stallion Stedinger, aged 25. He has been laid to rest in his own paddock at his final home in Australia,” reads the announcement from Springside Warmbloods.
Bred by Gerd Sosath in Germany, Stedinger’s career began with brilliance. He was crowned the 2002 Oldenburg Licensing Champion and went on to claim the 2004 Oldenburg Main Premium Award Reserve Champion title. His exceptional quality was further confirmed during his 70-day test in Neustadt, Dossem where he achieved an outstanding overall index of 131.
Imported to Australia in 2013 by Amanda and David Shoobridge to stand at Revelwood Stud, Stedinger continued to build upon his already remarkable resume. Campaigned successfully to Medium Tour level by Gina Montgomery, he became one of the most recognised and respected stallions in the country. In 2017, he reached an extraordinary milestone when he climbed to 8th in the world on the WBFSH sire rankings – an achievement made even more remarkable considering his injury-induced retirement from competition the same year.
Across his international career, Stedinger made a profound and lasting impact on sport horse breeding. He has sired over 40 licensed stallions – more than 100 FEI competitors, over 40 Grand Prix horses (some of whom represented their nations at the Olympics and World Equestrian Games), a Bundeschampion and placegetters, a World Young Horse Championship medal winner, and more than 140 predicate mares (has achieved special recognition or titles from a breed registry). His influence spans continents and generations, ensuring that his legacy will continue to shape elite sport horse for decades to come.
In recent years, Stedinger enjoyed a peaceful semi-retirement at Springside Warmbloods, where he sired a final handful of foals and continued to welcome visiting mares. Springside Warmbloods warmly reflected on the privilege of having shared their lives with him:
“Having Stedinger as a part of our lives for the last six years created so many wonderful opportunities, new connections and invaluable friendships… Even though he is better known for his international accolades and successful career, he brought us immense joy in his twilight years, teaching us so much about breeding and stallion ownership, giving the odd pony ride to some very lucky children, and generally being a joy to have around.”
They also offered heartfelt thanks to those who played a part in his life:
“We take very little credit for Stedinger’s incredible life. The greatest credit goes to Gerd, his family and the team at Hof Sosath, to Revelwood Stud for importing him to Australia, and to Gina for competing him. It has truly been a privilege to have him with us for the last six years.”
Stedinger’s loss will be felt deeply by breeders, riders, and admirers across the world, but his extraordinary contribution to dressage and breeding will continue through the generations of horses he leaves behind.
Equestrian Life’s thoughts are with all those connected with this special stallion.
