by Larry J. Smith, DVM

Berne, IN — A pair of stallions have joined the breeding ranks at Hickory Ridge Farm in Berne, Indiana.

Livestrong p,3,1:50.4 ($579,295), by Artiscape and out of Dreamlands Hardie, a Jenna’s Beach Boy mare, will stand the 2011 breeding season at Hickory Ridge Farm. As a 3-year-old in 2006, he broke Hi Ho Silverheel’s 1994 record and became the fastest New Jersey pacing colt in the Sire Stakes at Freehold. The horse won at the Meadowlands in 1:53.1 in January of this year and was bred to a limited number of mares in Maryland.

Also joining the stallion barn is Garth Vader 2,1:58.4; 5,1:55.2h ($206,100). By Garland Lobell, out of the Super Bowl mare Cunning Vixen, he was a world champion older trotter on a half-mile track. His first yearling crop was well received at the Breeders Select Sale at Pocono this fall.