Be Proud

Biography

Be Proud is a standout addition to the Hengststation Beckmann premium stallion collection this season. Discovered in Denmark, he impressed at the pre-selection for the main licensing in Herning, drawing strong attention from leading experts. As a grandson of the outstanding Benicio, Be Proud also brings a valuable and proven genetic connection—combining pedigree, presence, and performance potential. With excellent basic gaits and outstanding hindleg activity, Be Proud shows the athleticism, rideability, and natural power sought after in modern dressage breeding. He has the unmistakable aura of a special stallion—radiating quality, superiority, and true stallion type—making him an exciting prospect for both sport and breeding. His sire, Be Sure, has moved into training with master rider Isabell Werth, underlining his status as an elite dressage stallion for sport and breeding. Previously, he excelled under Leonie Richter in his first S-level season, with five starts and four wins, scoring over 80% in multiple outings and finishing second once. Their campaign culminated in qualification for—and participation in—the final of the NÜRNBERGER Burg-Pokal. As a six-year-old, Be Sure won the Federal Dressage Horse Championships with Eva Möller, following an unbeaten run at the Hanover Championships. At five, he placed 11th in the Dressage Horse World Championship final in Ermelo under Thomas Sigtenbjerggaard, again achieving a score of over 80%. Be Sure was awarded premium stallion status in both Hanover and Denmark and was named Danish Champion Stallion for four-year-olds in 2022. He is also proving himself as a sire, sending a record number of sons to the Danish licensing in Herning this March. His already licensed sons include the Oldenburg premium stallion Brando de Fontaine and the SWB Stallion Trophy winner Balvenie VH. In 2025, Be Proud’s dam, Strandagergards Selma, produced My Vitality by the Danish premium stallion Strandagergards McCloud. McCloud attracted major attention at licensing before moving to Helgstrand Dressage, where he has since strengthened their stallion line-up. On the dam line, Be Proud is also backed by outstanding sire power. As the youngest stallion in the ranking, Selma’s sire Sezuan rose to 16th place in the WBFSH standings for the world’s leading dressage sires—driven by an exceptional group of international performers. Among them is Wendy de Fontaine, ridden by Isabell Werth: team Olympic and European Champion, and individual bronze medallist. Sezuan has also established a true stallion dynasty through numerous licensed sons. Sezuan’s own sport career made history. Under Dorothee Schneider, he became the first stallion ever to win the Dressage Horse World Championship titles for five-, six- and seven-year-olds, before going on to win internationally through Inter I. His accolades also include Danish licensing winner, record HLP winner, Danish Dressage Horse Champion, Elite Stallion, and Denmark’s Stallion of the Year. The third generation is completed by the former Danish Champion Stallion Sam Sam, who competed successfully through to Grand Prix level. Be Proud’s granddam produced the Danish premium stallion Strandagergards Faustino when paired with Fürstenball, and is also a half-sister to Duncan (by Don Schufro), licensed in Denmark and successful through