The esteemed career of Richard Freeman, a foundational figure in the Danish Warmblood breeding program in the United States and a pioneer in equine reproduction, has drawn to a close. At 83 years old, Freeman has retired and officially sold Oak Hill Ranch, the 35-year-old establishment that has significantly impacted sport horse breeding in the U.S. The sale of the property was confirmed by Oak Hill Ranch staff on October 25, 2021, following Freeman’s announcement of his retirement in 2019.
Oak Hill Ranch, established in Folsom, Louisiana, in 1987, began its renowned breeding program in 1992. The ranch quickly distinguished itself as a leader in importing frozen semen for strategic sport horse breeding within the U.S. In the early 1990s, in collaboration with Dr. Gary Greene, Oak Hill Ranch was at the forefront of successful embryo transfers and the utilization of frozen semen, cementing its status as an innovator in contemporary breeding technologies and practices. Since its inception, the breeding program has produced over 200 foals.
Under Freeman’s dedicated leadership, Oak Hill Ranch garnered numerous USDF Dressage Breeder of the Year awards. Furthermore, it earned the prestigious USDF Bronze, Silver, and Gold medal breeder awards for horses bred at the ranch that achieved success at the highest levels of competition. The ranch also played a vital role in educating breeders and riders by hosting stallion licensings, mare gradings, and dressage clinics.
The Danish Warmblood Influence
Richard Freeman’s journey into horse breeding began unexpectedly. After selling his family’s Coca-Cola franchise in the 1980s, his initial interest was in breeding llamas. However, upon learning of a two-year waiting list for llamas from a top U.S. breeding farm, he turned his attention to horses. Freeman initially focused on breeding Polish Arabians from the Bask bloodline. By approximately 1992, his interest shifted towards dressage and larger warmblood horses. A pivotal moment occurred when he met Danish dressage trainer Leif Sorensen at a clinic, leading him to travel to Denmark a week later.
It was in Denmark that Freeman acquired his first warmblood mares. In 1998, he contacted Danish Warmblood, commissioning judges Poul Graugaard and Svend Sørensen to identify six of the finest two-year-old fillies in Denmark to form his future breeding stock. Five of these fillies successfully passed veterinary checks and were acquired by Oak Hill Ranch.
Freeman’s keen eye identified the Danish Warmblood stallion Rambo (by Racot x Ibikus) as a valuable asset for his stallion roster. He imported Rambo in 2000, and later added the sires Solos Landtinus and Blue Horse Don Caruso to his collection. His commitment to promoting Danish Warmblood in North America led him to co-found the North American Danish Warmblood Association (NADWA) in 2001. For seven years, Freeman collaborated with American Grand Prix rider Heather Blitz, working together to develop and compete some of his promising horses.
Oak Hill Ranch became the birthplace of several top-ranking American dressage horses and sport horses. Notable alumni include Paragon (ridden by Heather Blitz), the 2012 U.S. Olympic team reserve horse; Montana (Jessica Jo Tate); Regiment (Alyssa Pitts); Arabella (Heather Blitz); Galveston (Laura Noyes); and Duke of Tryon (Jessica Davis). The ranch also produced its own licensed stallion, Ripline (by Hotline x Cavan x Rambo), who, under Heather Blitz’s guidance, was crowned the 2015 USEF Developing Prix St Georges Horse Champion and the 2014 U.S. Young Horse Champion for six-year-olds.
Management and Recognition
While Richard Freeman managed the daily operations of Oak Hill Ranch, he was supported by Sharon Londono from 1993 to 1997. In 2012, he received assistance from long-time employees Regina Millikin and Deonne Zelden. In the final decade of operations, his wife, Sarah Freeman, provided close support.
Freeman’s significant contributions to equine breeding were recognized when he received the 2020 Ellen Scripps Davis Memorial Breeder’s Cup at the 2020 USEF Pegasus Awards. Throughout his career, Freeman remained an active individual, maintaining his riding practice and fitness through Pilates. He divided his time between his North Carolina residence during the summers and Folsom in the winters.
Heather Blitz and Paragon
An End of an Era
Oak Hill Ranch communicated that Freeman “has decided it is time to enter the next stage of his life’s adventures, and has sold the Oak Hill Ranch property.” The statement also emphasized the collaborative spirit behind the ranch’s success: “Without buyers, without the riders, without other people in the world passionate about equine athletes, Oak Hill would not have been the highly successful breeding program that it became.”
Freeman’s legacy demonstrates that high-quality horses do not necessarily need to be imported. Oak Hill Ranch stated, “The depth of the breeding program, with its proven broodmares, has been competitive with European breeding programs, producing offspring which still compete at the international level.” The sale marks the end of a significant chapter in American equestrian history, leaving behind a legacy of innovation, dedication, and excellence in sport horse breeding.
Photos © private – Marie Cobb – Sue Stickle – Astrid Appels
Related Links
