After many years of breeding, foals, international competition and partnerships across Europe, Stellar Stud is entering a new chapter.
Over the years, my focus has gradually shifted from breeding towards training, competition and new projects. Most importantly, I am looking forward to supporting the next generation, with my daughter’s competitive riding becoming an increasingly important part of our journey.
As part of this transition, several of my mares have been given the opportunity to continue their journeys with people I know, trust and have worked with for many years.
Laithehill Goddess will remain with Haras des Mirys in France, a stud with whom I have enjoyed a long and successful partnership. As she has already spent the last few years there, I am delighted that they have decided to make her a permanent part of their stud.
Friars Gwelais Hi, Stellar Princess of Solaria, Sunwillow Venus and Stellar Birthday Girl are moving to my long-standing partners at EARL Elevage Peuch in Saint-Jal, where they will join Stellar Uptown Girl, Stellar Milagro, Friars Tears From Heaven, Friars True Love and Friarly Glen Bride in contributing to future generations of Welsh ponies.
Friars Pavarotti will remain with the de Jongh family in Holland, a solution I am truly grateful for now that they have purchased him from me. I cannot thank them enough for everything they have done for my beloved ponies over the years.
I consider myself incredibly fortunate to be able to make these decisions based on trust, friendship and long-term relationships. Throughout the years, I have received countless photographs, updates and messages from owners and breeders across Europe, allowing me to watch my ponies flourish, succeed and become treasured members of their new families.
A few ponies are currently available as I continue shaping the future of Stellar Stud.
Laithehill Overture is currently offered for sale in the United Kingdom, as I have decided to focus entirely on finding a larger competition pony for my daughter as she continues her riding career. Overture is an exceptional pony of outstanding quality, combining beautiful Welsh breed type with tremendous future potential.
Cannenburgh’s Jaap is offered for sale in France, as I have decided to focus entirely on showjumping and bring my Section A breeding programme to a close. Jaap is an exceptional double dilute stallion of outstanding quality, with excellent breed type and proven bloodlines, making him a valuable asset for both breeding and a future ridden career.
Against all odds, Laithehill Soloist is now available for sale in Sweden. This is not a decision made lightly, but as our focus has shifted entirely towards my daughter’s showjumping career, it is time for this extraordinary mare to continue her journey with someone who can fully appreciate and develop her exceptional dressage talent in combination with her high value as a broodmare.
The ponies remaining with me will form the foundation of this next chapter.
Our Welsh Partbred ponies Stellar Thunderbolt (Hilin Dinozzo x Tesla Falkenhorst Z) is currently in training and is expected to return home in 2028.
At the same time, Stellar Khaleesi Yin (Khalvin Khlein KpM x Anri Yasmin) will continue her role as a broodmare in France in the years ahead before eventually returning to begin her future career as a competition pony for my daughter.
Rhydspence Sweet-Sorrel will remain with us. Next year will likely be her final season as a showjumping pony with my daughter, who is gradually outgrowing her, and time will tell what her next role within our family will be.
Tesla Falkenhorst Z will be trained and competed by my daughter and myself, and I look forward to dedicating more time to competition and the development of my own riding horses and ponies.
I am also excited to welcome Smokeycott Shezam home from France, if we are not making some exciting new plans before that. She will begin her ridden career and competition journey with us, becoming another important part of my future plans as I focus more on training and performance.
This is not a farewell to the horses, the friendships or the breeding programme that has shaped such a large part of my life. Rather, it is the beginning of a new chapter—one where I can proudly follow the continued success of my ponies across Europe while embracing new goals and new adventures of my own.
As part of this transition, I would also like to clarify that I, Eleonor Marklund, am now solely responsible for the ownership, management and operation of Stellar Stud.
The future may look different, but my passion for Welsh ponies remains exactly the same. ❤️