Contango: The Stallion Who Gave Us Ravel, and So Much More
Video Provided By: TheScholarlyEquestrian
In this video, we take an in-depth look at Contango, the legendary KWPN-approved stallion who forever changed the face of modern dressage. From his powerful performances in the Grand Prix ring to his lasting legacy as a sire, Contango left an indelible mark on both European and North American dressage breeding.
Born in 1990 and bred in Germany, Contango was sired by the influential stallion Contender, and brought together a unique combination of jumping and dressage bloodlines. But what set Contango apart wasn’t just his pedigree—it was the impact he had on generations of dressage horses.
Contango himself was an accomplished Grand Prix dressage competitor, winning over 30 Grand Prix classes with rider Mary Alice Malone. Known for his expressive gaits, relaxed temperament, and rideability, Contango quickly gained recognition as both an athlete and a sire. Standing at Iron Spring Farm in Pennsylvania, he went on to produce over 80 FEI-level dressage horses, many of whom competed successfully at the highest levels of international sport.
His most famous offspring, Ravel, ridden by U.S. Olympian Steffen Peters, became a household name in the dressage world after nearly medaling at the 2008 Beijing Olympics and winning the FEI World Cup Final in 2009. But Ravel was only the beginning—Contango also sired talented horses like Caravella, Ulysses, Maestro, and Chinook, each carrying his signature power, presence, and partnership.
Even today, Contango’s influence on dressage can be seen in the bloodlines of horses competing around the globe. His daughters have become elite broodmares, and his frozen semen remains in demand for breeders looking to produce athletic, trainable, and charismatic dressage horses. From amateurs to professionals, Contango’s offspring are known for their talent for collection, sound minds, and willingness to work.
Whether you’re a breeder, trainer, rider, or just a lover of great dressage horses, this deep dive into Contango’s life and legacy will show you why he remains one of the most important sires in modern sport horse history.
Key Moments:
0:00 – Introduction to Contango
1:00 – Contango’s Pedigree and KWPN Approval
3:00 – Competitive Career and Grand Prix Wins
5:00 – Ravel and Contango’s Famous Offspring
8:00 – Legacy in Dressage Breeding Today
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#dressage #contango #ravel #horse
