The First Foundation but Not The Last…..

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In our aim to breed Foundation Appaloosas we are delighted to announce;

Redheart Royale is the first Foundation Appaloosa to be born within the UK.

Princesse Pascale x RDF Ti Kha Atta Rain

 

Redheart Royale, aka Ben is the first foal born (April 15) within the UK to be registered with the Foundation Appaloosa Horse Registry, above 75%, he has a GAP 5 status and 100% FPD.

He is confirmed homozygous for the Pattern Gene (PATN1/PATN1) and is bay (EE Aa).

Certified negative for PSSM and the Grey gene.

We love Ben…….he has an adorable personality!

It will be a few years before we achieve another foal of this status but it is in the “PLAN”.

He is the first but certainly not the last……

Nature’s natural grooming session………

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Rolling in the mud has many benefits for horses, not only acting as a barrier against insects / bugs and the weather (warmth in winter and sun block in summer) it is also an ideal method of natural grooming, removing hair, dead skin and aids relief, from those out of reach itchy spots.

It’s been noted that Catori the “leader” is sometimes the first to start rolling, it’s very contagious! The fields recreational activity requires “order” that allows the other horses (not always) to wait for Catori to finish. They then roll nearby or in the same spot! I do witness the most amazing “herd” traits.

Watching them roll, I am sure its their personal “treatment plan”, a massage that helps stretch out their muscles and joints…..yet us humans can pay a fortune for it?

After yesterday’s rain the herd certainly made the most of it….

Well at least they are consistent with their camouflage!

It’s not just a social event but its “Nature’s natural grooming session”.

ONWARDS and UPWARDS…….

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Since the arrival of Blu we have been very busy, against the daylight hours of work and school runs we have now completed the weaning of Ben and Blanc, introduced Blu to the herd and put closure to the awful sad loss of our beloved Easter, lost due to colic on the 13th November 2015.

Moving forward it was essential to isolate Blu on his arrival, not only ensuring he didn’t develop any health issues but allowing him to recover from his journey and slowly introduce him to our routine, feed / forage and the herd.

Prior to his arrival Ben and Blanc were weaned…..

Taking the weanling’s to another field locally meant they were out of sight and ear shot depending on the direction of the wind. It was unbelievably uncomplicated and stress free….Two’s company as they say!

When the time was right, over a period of a week we put Blu in an adjacent field to the girls, not a lot happened but after a little showing off the novelty wore thin everyone was able to say hello over the fence.

 

                                      

 

Back in the weanling field we introduced Blu to Ben and Blanc. The three “B’s”,  Blu, Ben and Blanc quickly became “three peas in a pod”. They say “threes a crowd” and it was Blu who soon stamped his authority and became “top dog”. Although he is smaller, he is nearly sixteen weeks older than Ben and has the advantage of his developed social skills coming from a larger herd.

    

After they settled and the pecking order established, it was time to take a walk down the lane to the big field.

 Head collars on and off we went…….

Catori, PP and Evee were stabled and the three youngsters were let loose.

No running around as they were content grazing….

    

Until O’Deer!

This time it was Blanc that “sparked off”, let’s just say they all stretched their legs…… at least Blu realised where his boundary was? Obviously an essential element before being introduced to the rest of the herd.


 


      

     One lap of the field and they settled and they were all left wondering what was Blanc’s problem?

Until next time the deer appears……..

One thing I am certain about, we don’t introduce a youngster albeit a stranger ie. Blu to an established heard if at ALL possible, limiting the damage of any accidents we introduced one by one. Although long-winded it seems to be the safest way in my opinion. There is no doubt the introduction of a strange horse is an upset for all concerned, I always fear the worse and will ensure to the best of my ability safety comes first. None of the horses have shoes on but a kick in the wrong place can have devastating consequences. The ground is dangerous with surface water making it slippery, running around building up a sweat in the cold weather is not ideal either.

Being a weekend, I had plenty of time to “watch”, early on a wet Saturday morning we introduced Evee to the babies…. Evee is at the bottom of the pecking order amongst Catori and PP, allowing her to show her character with the babies was let’s say “different”. She just stood on her hind legs a few times screaming….No running about just standing tall, making it quite clear she was the boss and it worked. What she didn’t know was it was a temporary position.

                                           

When all settled it was PP’s turn to be introduced.

Blu certainly gave the wrong impression to PP,  I cannot even suggest what he was thinking but PP was very happy to meet him (maybe she thought it was Easter from a distance) but with one sniff of the new arrival she established her thoughts and chased him off….Blu knows were he stands with PP now!

    

Again, as the rest of the herd were now bored, they ignored all the goings on and grazed but constantly checked their surroundings. By the time Catori was introduced, the dominant mare that keeps all in order, nobody was bothered. True to form she came into the field showing her dominance, head down, ears back and spinning around but no body was interested, Blu was quick to work this out and one look from Catori established a distance between them.

The horses have redefined their hierarchy, they are well covered for the winter, have thick dirty coats but are safe, happy and relaxed. Our Foundation Appaloosa’s have freedom, they are “friends” and their physical and mental well-being catered for, now we can move “ONWARDS and UPWARDS”.

Every day they look the same …..

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Having a horse, you develop a routine, the way you work and handle a horse, the way you muck it out, feed it, groom it and everything in between is your personal preference that works for you and your horse.

Here at Redheart Appaloosas I am also set in my ways, there is no right or wrong way or order but a horse needs 365 days attention and commitment.

Seeing a horse every day you do not notice their development. It’s a time period that “one day” stops you in your tracks and you say “I can’t believe it”! I guess this is why I like photography so much, a picture cannot lie……

The developmental growth of the 2015 foals have snuck upon me, today these two photos show how big and strong they actually are when stood alongside their dams.

  

 

They have grown so much but Every day they look the same …..

O’Deer……

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  This is the deer that lives around here…..a wild beautiful creature that we see quite often. It’s never that close to the horses but if she see’s you she’s gone! My daughter captured this gorgeous photo a few weeks back and as you can see she fits in quite well with the Appaloosa’s, although she does have more spots than most of the Redheart Appaloosa’s!

 

 

 

 

 The horses are all settled BUT when the deer is hiding in the hedge, then it only takes one horse to convince the other horses there is a lion, tiger, or bear hiding…..

 

 

 

On this occasion it was Evee….

 

         


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Tail up, snorting and running around the other horses aimlessly until they agreed….run for your life !

    

It wasn’t long before they were just trotting around wondering what they were running away from?

 

PP and Ben stayed close…..

    

So did Catori and Blanc……

 

I adore seeing the 2015 foals move, it doesn’t happen very often but when it does it’s just lovely!

They show the extent of movement they have, hold them selves and look outstanding.

                                                                                        

                                                              

 

 

It’s not long before the adults take charge and set the example, back to grazing thank you Evee.

 

 

 

 

Easter the yearling was the only one that was either prepared to stay and fight or may be she saw the deer and was confused why Evee was so scared?

Either way, she is so laid back neither a deer or her half sister was going to disrupt her grazing.

              

Despite the horses seeing the deer most days, they usually don’t bother to even acknowledge it but some times, just sometimes it’s O’deer….

The Redhearts Meet & Greet……

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After weaning Evee and Easter were back with their dams with no problems, the pecking order was established and each horse respected the others place. Since the birth of Ben and Blanc earlier this year, Evee and Easter have been in an adjacent field.

Now the show season has come to an end, it’s time for Evee and Easter to re-join the herd, they will be turned away for the next six months to mature mentally and physically.

A mares bond with her foal is strong and I question the reaction of the mares when they are re-introduced to their previous foals? Although all the horses have talked over the fence the surprise to see them in the same field was extraordinary….Camera ready!

 

Catori, Blanc, Ben and PP watched the new arrivals enter their “territory”.

 Evee and Easter stayed together in their comfort zone…until Catori chased them, exercising her dominant trait, as head of the “herd”.   It was PP who was the first to say hello to Easter, Catori was having nothing to do with the new arrivals and was determined to keep her foal Blanc well away.

 

PP immediately greeted Evee, her 2013 foal and their affections for each other confused Ben her 2015 foal…

Then the fun began….the 2015 foals became excited and started to show off….

    

 

 It was no surprise, Ben would be the first to approach the girls, so submissive yet so brave…

 

 

It wasn’t long before they all settled, lovely to see the “herd” establishing and learning their social skills. Catori keeping her herd in order and having nothing to do with her previous foal? Everyone knows their status in the pecking order and they happily graze….

 

       

  

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Three Redheart’s In The Ring……

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When it comes to a yearling’s first show I can only talk of my own experience. At home, trips in the lorry, bathing, in hand leading and being taught to standing correctly, alongside many other educational lessons will ensure a sense of normality on the day. Whilst at the show, the day can unfold either way…

The Regional Appaloosa Club UK show at Summer House, Gloucester was the perfect introductory show for Easter. Crystal gave her an encouraging start, full of praise and reward. Easter amazed us all with her obedience, positive attitude and calmness. Her shows for the Judge were impressive and were rewarded with a first place in the Most Colourful, a second in the main registered fillies and delighted to say the Reserve Championship from the Females.

Easter was then taken to the lorry to enjoy her hay net whilst Katie and Evee continued their classes and myself and Reus stayed out the way until it was our turn in the ring.

 

Here are a few photos of the Three Redhearts Day Out……..

 

Crystal with Redheart Cateaster

 

 

Katie with Redheart Pascalius

 

Katie and Evee took a first in the young stock UK and USA fillies.

 Also awarded USA Reserve Champion  and UK Female Champion.

A lovely day spent with Happy Appy friends

 

 Reus had an educational day, with a fulfilled day of classes.

We took a few firsts and seconds, three Reserve Champions and the USA Championship.

A delightful day spent with delightful people.

The first show where three Redhearts stood in the ring…….

 

 

 

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK…………

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“The ApHC UK are pleased to announce a Special Award for commitment to promoting the Appaloosa in the UK as well as attending all the Club’s shows in 2014, this award has been presented to Paula Cooper with her Foundation Appaloosa colt Redheart Catorrius.

We understand that Paula and her horses had a good day at Royal Windsor Horse Show too.

Very well done Redheart Appaloosas.”

ApHC Award

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK advert in Free Rein July 2007, my mother and I wouldn’t have attended.

 

 

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK members who introduced their horses at this show we would never have caught the “Bug”.

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK Directors continued support and direction I would have never made it to my first show without borrowing the required clothing and attire.

They are special ones, committing their time, energy and knowledge to support a breed they believe in.

They will always exceed your expectations and help you whatever your needs.

I am truly overwhelmed and honoured to receive this award.

This recognition gives me great strength and encouragement to continue my journey with Redheart Appaloosas.

Showing, producing, breeding and selling Appaloosas x Appaloosa horses within the UK.

Committed to the on-going development of Foundation Blood lines, Performance records topped off with Patterns and Colour.

 Thank you ApHC UK Directors & members.

There is a GAP in our Breeding Programme……….

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We have many factors involved in our breeding programme, we are only at the beginning. Below (in no particular order) are those factors achievable, parallel to confirmation and a performance record. I consider I have bought a future Stallion and semen from three of the most knowledgeable, trustworthy and respected Appaloosa Breeders within Europe.

Plans can change over night, personnel circumstances can change, accidents can happen but at the present moment we are here…..

 

 UNIQUE GENE POOL WITHIN THE UK

When we started breeding we wanted to create a new gene pool within the UK. There are many quality Appaloosas available for sale and at stud within the UK but to enhance a blood line would become a challenge as many are related. Thus the importation of our mares and future stallion.

 

THE GENETICS

Having learnt so much about this topic, it is only recently we realise with the development of the PATN1 gene test that we can confidently say moving forward we require a Stallion with LP/LP and PATN1/PATN1 to maximize our chance of producing loudly patterned foals.

We have taken our chances by breeding heterozygous x heterozygous (LP/lp) and bred some fantastic breeding base stock. Because of this we have secured a few years worth of Kiss My Finest Hearts semen to enable us not only to breed full siblings but with a chance of continued quality base stock for breeding purposes only. It is our aim to keep the fillies and sell the  colts, the odds of this we know are 50%/50% !!!!!!

Regarding our colt Hevans EV Catorrius, as a potential Stallion, he is not suitable to cover any of the Redheart mares. Not only is he related but the only female suitable would be Princesse Pascale and I do not want to dilute her blood line despite his outstanding performance record.

However, he does have a major role to play here at Redheart Appaloosas with his result from Davis being PATN1/patn1. Pending his Stallion license, we will plan to look for his future wife/s. A possible Few Spot or Snow Cap (LP/LP), PATN1/PATN1 filly/mare. With 100% FPD and a high percentage of FAHR blood line, along with great confirmation and a possible performance record?

Does such filly exist? We await his license before we get excited on this note….

 

THE FOUNDATION PEDIGREE DESIGNATION PROGRAMME (FPD)

An Appaloosa horse entered in the FPD programme must have 30 out of 30 horses in its first four generations of Appaloosa breeding to qualify at 100% FPD.

Therefore we realise 100% FPD is another goal to continue with. Princesse Pascale and Redheart Pascalius are both 100% FPD. To achieve a standard of producing 100% FPD foals it is vital we continue to proceed with 100% FPD Stallions.

Peyres Catori Cat is 90% FPD, only her grandchildren will meet the 100% FPD status. With her first filly on the ground, Redheart Cateaster at 97% FPD it is possible and in sight. It’s a long journey to obtain another generation of 100% FPD from this blood line but in my eyes it is well worth the wait.

Reus is 97% FPD and will only be crossed with 100% FPD mares to obtain any future foals to be sold as 100% FPD.

 

 THE FOUNDATION APPALOOSA HORSE REGISTRY (FAHR)

Learning about FAHR was a wonderful insight into the history of the Appaloosa. Peyres Catori Cat and Princesse Pascale are not eligible for this registry because their blood lines relating to the original Nez Perce Foundation horses are less than 75%. I feel quite passionate about this blood line, making every effort to enhance the percentage to produce FAHR eligible foals.

We have our first FAHR eligible foal at Redheart Appaloosas named BEN . Pending registration Redheart Royale  out of Princesse Pascale by RDF Ti Kha Atta Rain.

Our future Stallion will consistently produce FAHR eligible foals and we feel another goal has been achieved.

TRIPLE REGISTERED

Appaloosa Horse Club USA (APHC)

Appaloosa Horse Club UK (ApHC UK)

British Appaloosa Society (BApS)

When we started showing Peyres Catori Cat and Princesse Pascale we realised the potential of opportunities available in the showing / competing world.

When it comes to young stock the in hand classes are endless, having an Appaloosa that is triple registered opens many doors from National Breed Shows, Regional Show and the Agricultural/County level shows. We are also members of The British Show Horses Association, Western Equestrian Society, Sports Horse Society, United Saddlebred Association and a few more which allow us under one or more of the triple registration to compete in Foreign Breed Classes, Sports Horse, Hunter and many more.

If you wanted to go showing every weekend with an Appaloosa then it’s possible. The future of a Triple registered Appaloosa has huge advantages and another box we like to tick in our breeding programme.

 

 PERFOMANCE & CONFIRMATION

All our base stock have and will undergo a thorough examination under the Judges eye. An accumulation of Class Wins, Reserve Championships, Championships, Supreme Championships, Register of Merits (ROM), National status and Breed Registry Point awards have been achieved.

These horses have proven their selves to be suitable for quality breeding, by their own merits.

GENERATION ADVANCEMENT PROGRAM (GAP)

This is a programme through the APHC to promote Appaloosa x Appaloosa breeding. It requires two 100% FPD Appaloosas to be breed from. The resulting foal can then enter the programme at G5.

Redheart Pascalius is eligible and will be enrolled. Our future stallion is also eligible, therefore the future with Princesse Pascale’s off spring and Redheart Pascalius’s  blood line will continue with GAP 6 eligible foals.

Ben is also eligible for the GAP 5 status, he will be enrolled and if kept as an entire his progeny will be eligible for GAP 6 if he is crossed with a 100% FPD mare.

 

In honour of our first GAP 5 foal for sale, we bought Ben a number plate for our horse lorry!

G A P  5    REDHEART APPALOOSAS

Where art thou brothers and sisters……..

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Does your horse have full siblings?

Where are they?

What are they doing?

In 2008 we purchased the 6 month old Peyres Catori Cat, at that time only a full sibling yearling colt was on the ground.

In 2009 Princesse Pascale was purchased at 6 months old, at the time there was no record of any other siblings.

Seven years on, things have changed and I have managed to track down the full siblings to date.

Both mares have “half-brothers” and or “half-sisters” from their Dam’s. There are also other progeny by the same Sire’s on the ground but no sibling relationship is implied.

At the present time with reference to our two broodmares mares, I am curious what has developed from the genetic makeup of these repeat mattings. To seek any proven success seems only common sense to follow up and continue to do so.

Sire: Sully Tom Cat        X      Dam: Diamond Peyres Goer

This pairing gave birth to…..

 OTTAWA PEYRES CAT

2007 colt

Currently for sale in Germany, owned by Doreen Hobrak

This Stallion has excelled himself as a sire and competing under saddle

4 x European Champion in the Junior Trial 2012

Winner of Western Pleasure & Trial

@ Thunder-Horse Ranch

PEYRES CATORI CATI

2008 filly

Here at Redheart Appaloosas

PEYRES SHADOW MOONY

2010 colt

Also in Germany owned by the Natural trainer Simone Boden @ Simone Boden

PEYRES SILVER CAT

2014 colt

A yearling for sale by his owner / breeder in France

Mireille Ducarme @ Peyres Appaloosas

 

Sire: Akawaio Potawatomi    X      Dam: Molly Lou Peyres

This pairing gave birth to…..

 Princesse Pascale

2009 filly

Here at Redheart Appaloosas

Izusa Ayasha

2010 filly

A non-characteristic 4 year-old todate

Ayasha will remain with her owner / breeder in Austria

Johann & Romana Derflinger @ Foundation RHD Appaloosas

This mare is an important future asset for their breeding.

Where art your horses brothers and sisters, you may be pleasantly surprise as I…..