KNABSTRUPPERS OF SHAKESPEARE
ABOUT US
Committed Stewards of Knabstrupper Integrity and Legacy
About Knabstruppers of Shakespeare
Knabstruppers of Shakespeare was established as an extension of decades of professional involvement in equestrian sport, international breeding, and performance-based horse development, with a focused commitment to educated, selective, and responsible breeding practices.
Owner and founder Kimberly Ramirez brings more than 35 years of experience as a breeder, importer, competitor, and horsewoman across multiple disciplines and breeds, including Thoroughbreds, Arabians, and a long-standing focus in the Hanoverian sport horse world. Through Shakespeare Farm, Kimberly has built a reputation for producing, developing, and placing horses known for rideability, soundness, and correct foundations—always with the horse’s long-term well-being as the priority.
While Knabstruppers represent a newer chapter in her breeding program, they are not a departure from her philosophy—they are a natural evolution of it.
Knabstruppers of Shakespeare exists to support and preserve the qualities that make this breed exceptional: temperament, intelligence, endurance, beauty, and partnership. Our goal is not to change the Knabstrupper, but to protect its identity while contributing thoughtfully to its future.
Every decision — from selection to breeding, development, and placement—is guided by respect for the breed’s heritage, its global community, and its long-term genetic health, and we are honored to be part of the Knabstrupper story and are committed to serving the breed with integrity, humility, and dedication.
Why Knabstruppers?
The interest in Knabstruppers did not begin with ownership—it began with observation.
More than six years ago, Kimberly Ramirez became intrigued by the breed’s temperament, endurance, and rideability. She watched quietly. She studied bloodlines, movement, soundness, and the evolution of the breed in both Europe and North America. She followed breeders, riders, and results. What stood out most to her was not only their beauty, but their consistency as partners—horses that could perform, compete, and remain accessible to amateur riders.
Over time, Kimberly felt the breed had reached a point in North America where careful, selective involvement could truly serve its future. That was when she chose to step in—not impulsively, but intentionally.
The goal of 'Knabstruppers of Shakespeare' is simple:
Bring decades of breeding and development experience into a program that protects Knabstrupper identity while supporting correct conformation, rideability, longevity, and character.
We believe the strength of this breed lies in preserving what already makes it special—not in diluting it with excessive outside influence. Our commitment is to honor the genetics, history, and future of the breed with patience, responsibility, and respect.
Knabstruppers are not just visually unique—they are emotionally intelligent, generous, and deeply willing partners. They represent exactly the kind of horse I have spent my life believing in.
Shakespeare Farm:
A Sanctuary Nestled In Nature's Splendor
Shakespeare Farm is nestled in the heart of the Santa Cruz Mountains with sweeping vistas of the Monterey Bay. The land meets the sea in a harmonious blend of colors and textures, and the gentle coastal breezes and stunning sunsets are perfectly complemented by giant, ancient redwoods, which offer cool shade and a sense of timelessness that enriches the experience of all who visit. Best of all, the Santa Cruz Mountains are renowned for their lush landscapes and diverse ecosystems, which offer an idyllic setting for both horse and rider.
Despite its secluded feel, Shakespeare Farm is easily accessible with convenient proximity to major airports. Visitors can easily reach us from various locations:
- San Jose International Airport (SJC): Approximately 32 miles away, about a 40-minute drive.
- San Francisco International Airport (SFO): Approximately 61 miles away, about a 1-hour drive.
- Monterey Regional Airport (MRY): Approximately 45 miles away, about a 50-minute drive.
Exciting Upcoming Event: BreyerFest 2026 and Our "Pyxis av Drömmarna"
July 10th - 12th at the Kentucky Horse Park in Lexington, KY
New Paragraph
We’re excited to be a part of BreyerFest 2026, themed "Midsummer Fair," which takes place July 10th-12th at the Kentucky Horse Park and online. This event celebrates Scandinavian culture and traditions, and equine breeds from Norway, Sweden, Finland, Denmark, and Iceland. Tickets go on sale in February and are offered while supplies last and may be limited in availability. Click below for more information.
Exciting News: Shakespeare Farm is honored to announce that our very own Pyxis av Drömmarna, a Danish Knabstrupper stallion, has been selected as the inspiration for a BreyerFest® 2026 model (at right)!
Knabs of Shakespeare Presentation at BreyerFest 2026
Featuring Portuguese Master Horseman, Alberto Conde
It is an honor to announce that Alberto Conde will present Pyxis av Drömmarna at BreyerFest 2026 in a Working Equitation demonstration celebrating the Knabstrupper breed—honoring its exceptional rideability, temperament, and versatility. This presentation will stand as both a tribute to classical horsemanship and a celebration of the Knabstrupper’s unique ability to excel in modern sport while maintaining its generous character and partnership with the rider.
Alberto Conde’s horsemanship is rooted in the classical traditions of Portuguese riding schools, where balance, refinement, and harmony between horse and rider define true mastery. His riding reflects a deep respect for the horse’s mental and physical well-being, expressed through subtle communication, precision, and artistic control. He carries these traditional foundations into modern Working Equitation, demonstrating how classical training creates horses that are confident, supple, responsive, and courageous. Alberto exemplifies the bridge between historic Iberian horsemanship and the evolving future of the sport. You can read more about Alberto Conde below.
The partnership between Alberto Conde and Pyxis av Drömmarna represents everything we believe in at Shakespeare Farm—classical integrity, ethical training, and the preservation of true horsemanship in a modern world.
We are proud to present this extraordinary demonstration partnership on July 10th-12th on the BreyerFest 2026 stage, and Alberto Conde will be available for autographs!
Alberto Conde, Master Horseman
Alberto Conde is a Portuguese master horseman and Working Equitation competitor whose horsemanship reflects the depth, refinement, and artistic heritage of traditional Iberian riding schools.
Raised within Portugal’s rich equestrian culture, Alberto developed his foundation in classical horsemanship, where balance, straightness, responsiveness, and harmony between horse and rider form the core of training. His education reflects the influence of the great Portuguese classical traditions, emphasizing feel, timing, and subtle communication over force or mechanical execution.
These principles extend beyond modern sport and are deeply connected to Portugal’s historic equestrian arts. Within Portuguese tradition, mounted horsemanship has long been regarded as an expression of artistry, bravery, and refined training. Alberto’s background reflects this cultural lineage, where the horse is developed as a highly educated, courageous, and responsive partner, capable of precision, agility, and expressive movement.
Portuguese mounted performance traditions emphasize the elegance, athleticism, and partnership of the horse and rider, valuing the quality of the horse’s training, responsiveness, and presence above all else. Alberto carries this heritage forward through his riding, demonstrating the same qualities of harmony, control, and artistic expression that define classical Portuguese horsemanship.
These foundations translate directly into his work within Working Equitation, a discipline that demands both classical dressage training and functional athletic expression. His competitive experience demonstrates how traditional schooling produces horses that are confident, supple, courageous, and mentally available.
Through his riding, competition, and demonstrations, Alberto Conde represents the continuity of Portuguese equestrian artistry within the modern world of Working Equitation — honoring tradition while guiding the sport toward a refined, ethical, and harmonious future.
