With an extensive sport record behind him, Iceman de Muze (Erco Van T Roosakker – For Pleasure) came into Elli Yeager’s life as a steppingstone to the U25 Grand Prix but she credits the stallion with so much more. It’s rare we see a stallion with such an extensive and successful career in the show ring under different riders, as we do with Iceman.
The recently crowned Elite Belgian Warmblood stallion boasts a resume that includes a trip to the World Breeding Championships as a 6-Year Old and competing through the CSI2* and CSI3* level in Europe prior to his importation to the USA. Once in the US, Iceman earned top placings at WEF, Tryon, Devon, New York, and Lexington. The stallion’s extensive show record and competition experience made him a natural choice for Elli Yeager as she sought a mount to bring her more experience. Yeager now credits Iceman as being influential in her growth as a rider. Yeager notes “His athleticism, intelligence, and heart have pushed me to refine my skills and become a more thoughtful competitor. He has an incredible ability to read a situation and respond accordingly, which has helped me develop a deeper level of trust and communication with my horses.”
The pair’s three years together brought them numerous special highlights, but Yeager noted two accomplishments that are particularly memorable for her. She shared “Competing in the U25 Grand Prix at the WEF was special highlight, he gave me everything in the ring, and it was one of those rides where everything just clicked.” Their journey together also took them to the North American FEI Young Riders Championship in Traverse City, Michigan where their team earned a Silver Medal in 2022. Yeager notes “Iceman showed off his scope, speed, and incredible ability to rise to the occasion through multiple rounds.”
When asked about the stallion’s particular areas of strength under saddle, Yeager couldn’t pick just one trait as the stallion offers his rider so much. She shared “He has an amazing ability to adjust within the course, making him incredibly rideable. His scope is one of his standout qualities, he makes the biggest fences feel effortless. It is very rare to have such a comfortable feeling in the air combined with so much power and scope underneath you. His quick reactions and carefulness make him incredibly competitive.” It’s clear he offers not just talent for the sport, but the exceptional trainability needed to succeed.
More than just a competition horse for Yeager, Iceman is part of the family. Some of Yeager’s favorite memories of Iceman include the quiet moments together at night check and spoiling him with special treats after big competitions. When asked what treats he likes most, she candidly said “all of them.” As Yeager now focuses on college, Iceman is enjoying his retirement and available to North American breeders. Yeager has already produced one Iceman foal out of one of her favorite competition mares. With so much talent and an exceptional sport record, Iceman de Muze has so much to offers North American breeders.
Iceman de Muze is available for breeding through Hilltop Farm, Inc. For additional information on Iceman de Muze visit www.hilltopfarminc.com or call 410-658-9898.