Billy Congo to focus on breeding

At 18 years of age, Billy Congo (Vetcha x Animo) will now change its priority to focus on breeding... He retires from the top level without definitively closing the door to competition since he will allow the young Pippa Funnel to gain experience on the international circuit according to the demand of European breeders. He will be standing with his rider at West Kingston Stud in England. Billy Congo was the most successful stallion on the 2013 Global Champions Tour, with Grand Prix results including 2nd Monte Carlo GCT, 2nd Cannes GCT, 4th London GCT, 6th Estoril GCT. The same year, William rode him to team gold at the European Championships in Herning, Denmark. Other notable victories include; 1st 5*GP Donetsk, 1st 3*GP Lummen, 1st 1.55 5*Rome, Double Clear Nations Super CSIO5* Hickstead. Billy Congo Progeny:

• Billy Buckingham (Billy Congo x King of Diamonds) 1.60m, W. FUNNELL GBR,
• Billy Onslow (Billy Congo x Iroko) 1.60m, D. KENNY IRL
• Billy Fanta - (Billy Congo x Cevin Z) 1.50m, S. COHEN USA
• Billy Cool (Billy Congo x Kannan) 1.50m, J. TOWELL USA
• Billy Bluebell (Billy Congo x Jazz) 1.50m,  R.SAMPAIO PEIXOTO POR
• Billy Drizzle (Billy Congo x Animo 1.50m, A. HEMPLEMAN GBR
• Billy Guilder (Billy Congo x Cavalier) 1.50m, E. DOYLE IRL
• Billy Ontime (Billy Congo x Anytime) 1.50m N. FEARON IRL

William Funnell- “Congo has certainly been a horse of a lifetime for me, not only did he take me to a European team gold medal (Herning 2013) & numerous Grand Prix wins, he has also been a hugely influential part of our Breeding program at The Billy Stud. He has sired many of our top horses including my 2018 Hickstead Derby winner and World Equestrian Games ride - Billy Buckingham (Billy Congo x King of Diamonds).” Donal Barnwell – Breeder- “Billy Congo, without equal, is a proven world class stallion. With a natural balanced canter, outstanding conformation and quality, he epitomises the ideal sporthorse sire, which he passes on to his progeny. For us, Congo is The Billy Stud. Why wouldn’t you use him?” Michael Whitaker - “I watched Billy Congo competing on the Global Tours and I was impressed with not only his ability but also his consistency at the top level. I had 3 broodmares at home, two of which I had been struggling previously to get in foal, they all took first time to Billy Congo. They have now just turned 3yr olds and look exceptional loose jumping, so it will be exciting to get them broken in and riding.” Tessa Clarke – Breeding Specialist -“ Congo has exceptional quality semen and has the  highest conception rate of any stallion I have ever worked with in the last 20 years. The fertility quality of his frozen semen is just as good as his chilled.”