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As equine breeders, our objective is to produce Grand Prix level jumpers with international appeal – a challenging but hardly unusual goal in the industry. We believe, however, that two dynamics work to set us apart from the field: an intelligent and painstaking selection process augmented by skilled and thoughtful handling.
Selection – In seeking to pair the best available bloodlines, research is of course key to the process, and we spare no effort or expense in this regard. We focus on stallions with strong pedigrees and international Grand Prix success. “We try harder” isn’t a very persuasive selling point, but the results do tend to speak for themselves. Our mare View To Kill OTJ, daughter of Clinton (by Carolus) out of our mare Kimberly, is a prime example of this process in practice. We have also bred to Mr. Blue, Dollar Du Murier and Indoctro.
Handling – Equally central to our breeding plan is the notion that handling – beginning with treatment of the surrogate mare when used – is of fundamental importance in producing the kind of socialization and human trust that can make the difference between the ordinary and the exceptional performer. In other words, breeding can and must be enhanced for optimum results. Athletic ability, conformation and jumping style may be essentially innate equine characteristics, and these qualities are among those we target in the selection process. Discipline, temperament, work ethic, will to please and heart, however – qualities that will often differentiate the winner from the equally gifted also-ran – may be another matter. In our view, birth opens a critical developmental window and opportunity for the kind of handling that can produce, maintain and build on such qualities. With this in mind, we are committed to the consistent use of caring, firmness and respect – together with exposure to the day-to-day realities of show horse life (tack, wraps, baths, vacuuming, clippers, trailering and the like) – which experience tells us yields the equine persona we seek.
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