Pik Bube, sire of Pikadero, was himself a successful sire in his own right, but more importantly he became one half of the magic equation: Donnerhall x Pik Bube - for the overwhelming majority of successful Donnerhall progeny are out of mares by Pik Bube.

It was a great surprise when the head of the State Stud Celle, Christian von Steglin failed to include Pik Bube in the ‘Celle Lot’ (the state stud director has first pick of the successful young stallions) and let him go to the glamorous Grönwohldhof studfarm - where he formed a hugely successful partnership with resident trainer, Herbert Rehbein. They won 11 out of 12 advanced dressage classes in their only competition season in 1980.