for more information call 503-391-7602 or send an email

A V E N I R 1978 - 2005
The foundation stallion for Onestone Farms

A retrospective and note of thanks and appreciation for 2007

For the last 17 years I have been working with and breeding Dutch Warmblood/ Gelderlander sport horses. There 
are many people out there that have shared the dream and aspiration to preserve the breed and make the world
a better place for the horse.  A few of the people that have my appreciation and deserve recognition are
John Van Dongen of BC, Canada for his vision on the Dutch blood and importing of Gelderlanders into North America,
Anton Lijssel of Netherlands whose love for the Gelder horse is almost "fanatic" and has archived and shared this
information on-line: http://home.iae.nl/users/lijssel/english/GeldersPaard.htm, Gerrit Van Heijst whose enthusiasm
for the Gelder horse has helped to establish the "Rare Breeds society" of Netherlands,  Henk Van Kamp of
Netherlands who campaigns the Gelder stallions;  Kass and Elegant  throughout  Holland promoting the breed and
"type" for the future of the sport horse.  

I could also thank Buck Brannaman and Ray Hunt to whom I probably owe my life "or at least my bones" many times
over, and certainly it is compounded by the many people out there on the horses that we have raised and that I
have started over the years.

But, my true mentor of all, was a Dutch Gelderlander called AVENIR, his qualities and showmanship set the stage for
the breeding program and many presentations that we gave over the years.  Avenir had the quality of presence that
no one that ever met him will forget, his action in the ring could stop conversations and turn heads when ever he was
there, and he always passed a bit of it on to his offspring.  We only had him for the last 8 years of his 26, and I would
have to say, to his last day I think he was more horse then any I have ever had the privilege to work with.

Happy trials and holidays to all.

DAVID BLACK
Onestone farms
503-391-7602