Not what you want……

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Sometimes the force is against you…..sometimes there are little signs and your gut tells you not to go ahead with your plan! Sunday was one of those days…..

After an amazing day with Redheart Cateaster I came home to work Evee and Reus and prepare them for the next day. All done, all good to go for our journey just over two and a half hours away.

Unforeseen circumstance set us off late but we made good time to junction 10 of the M4, then….round about after roundabout after roundabout. Under no circumstance would I give the horses a bad ride but in turn this made us very late.

We took the horses off the lorry straight into the ring which is something I never do and didn’t really think about under the circumstances. Therefore to expect a two-year old and three-year old to stand still was a big ask when their nostrils were flared and tails up!

Needless to say neither I nor Katie did any good and to be honest neither horse deserved to be placed. We used our time wisely, I worked Reus in a corner out the way and unfortunately Evee was not playing the game. It then became obvious she was showing the same miserable signs as four weeks prior at the APHC UK Regional show, season time!!!!

 

Reus settled and stood to win his class, take the Young stock Championship and Reserve Supreme Champion. Evee continued to be very “mare-ish” and disobedient with Katie.

 

 

During a ten minute break between classes Katie squared Evee up and took her back into the arena. Sometimes things happen so quick you don’t know what happened but the result was Katie getting kicked and Evee running loose. Katie was a little shocked and was controlling her painful arm with great dishonesty, something we all do but we all know everyone knows you’re in pain but you keep repeating I’m fine…trying to convince yourself I guess?

Horses generally run back to their comfort zone and sure enough the route to the lorry was with a sharp 45 degree turn. With a lead from the halter dragging, it was a certainty something was going to give. Evee slipped on the concrete and suffered minor superficial grazes, slightly shocked and possibly a tad winded?

It is amazing how horsey people are so quick to react and to everyone that helped, I thank you!

Needless to say our day was cut short as we loaded up and had a quiet slow run home.

All is well, Katie is a little bruised, Evee is sound and will probably miss a few shows while she heals and I have learnt to except sometimes when a mare is in season its best they stay at home!

We have the same red dot on the calendar now…..but its not what you want!

 

 

A Day in Derbyshire……

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We like to arrive at any show at least an hour before our first class. Stretch the horse’s legs, offer them a drink and some kind of forage (grass / hay, depending on the venue) and assess the damage of poo stains from the journey! It doesn’t matter if it’s the same venue as last year, it’s always a good idea to familiarize yourself with the layout and get your bearings.

When we arrived they announced all rings were on time….brilliant! But then one class went over their allocated time and then the knock on affected the rest of the day. That’s Showing! We had plenty of time waiting and chatting to some very nice people who were curious as to our breed of horses, why they were plaited differently, why we didn’t use bridles and our dress code. Talk about promoting the Appaloosa to the general public…..

 

Redheart Catorrius and Redheart Pascalius were entered in the Rare / Foreign Breeds and later in the Spotted or Appaloosa Horse In Hand. Due to the time delay and the same classes open to ponies, horses in hand and ridden, the clash ended up running parallel. By radio contact, the Judges from both rings obliged by waiting in turn for each class to finish and the entrants to swap rings, enabling all competitors to participate in both classes. This was very much appreciated and was co-ordinated too perfection by Emma Rush the secretary.

 

 

 

It was a very humid day and Reus was amazingly relaxed, his shows were straight and to my delight on a loose rein.

He won both classes and placed Champion from ridden spotted pony and horse’s, spot coloured or spot bred ponies in hand and spotted or Appaloosa horse in hand.

 

 

This was Evee’s first show where she was directly amongst a lot of horses and people. It was a lot for her to take in and granted an immense amount of pressure. At first, out side the ring, she did loose the “plot” a few times. Katie kept her walking and reassured her with lots of talking and I think singing!!!

In the ring she gave a super show and both judges commented on how they were torn between the two Redhearts. Evee took a second in both classes and a Reserve Champion. All was well until the Monster Trucks started their display in the main arena. This was directly behind our ring, separated by a hedge. Evee was not impressed and lunged forward away from the noise, Katie held on to her and was given permission to face Evee the wrong way in the ring to enable her to see what ever she thought was going to eat her?  I am so thankful to the judge and Katie, to educate and encourage young stock requires understanding, how will they ever learn otherwise? Not that we would meet a monster truck again? But you never know!

 

 

 

 

A long enjoyable Day in Derbyshire…….

 

 

Redheart Appaloosas at Royal Three Counties….

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At the foot at the Malvern Hills in Worcestershire, we always enjoy this wonderful County Show with or without horses.

With Redheart Pascalius and Redheart Catorrius entered, it was a blessing they were still clean and braided from the day before and ready to go. Arriving no more than 15 minutes after leaving home, we arrived an hour before our class.

The horses were unloaded and warmed up.

To our disappointment the ring was already an hour behind but it gave Evee and Reus an excuse to graze.

        

We had an enjoyable 30 minutes competing in the British Appaloosa Society main register young stock class.

Reus taking a first with Evee in second.

 

 

We then took the Championship in the same order.

 

 

The wonderful thing about County Shows is the other attractions available for the family.

Again, my children took full advantage of our day out!

  

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…….

 

 

 

Sunny Southampton……

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There are a few shows I look forward to each year and The Festival of Colour is one of them. It’s run by the Cadnam Show Society who produce a calendar of shows at Terry’s Patch, Bartley in Southampton. It holds approximately nine shows a year with a schedule full of classes to suit all. It’s also an amazing show for qualifiers, request a schedule from hazel@cadnamshow.co.uk and have a look!

It is a good 3 hours plus drive in the lorry for us but the atmosphere is adorable and on a sunny day just makes it that more enjoyable. This year we qualified both horses for the SWPA Championships and Royal London. Redheart Catorrius entered and won the British Appaloosa and Appaloosa Horse Club Main registered in-hand young stock but was beaten in the Championship.

 

 

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Redheart Pascalius entered and won the Open in-hand spotted horse/pony young stock and to my delight claimed the Championship.

 

 

A memorable photo from Sunny Southampton……

 

Winning in Warwickshire…..

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Our second show of 2015 was a trip into the home land of William Shakespeare. The well organised event of the United Saddle bred Association “May Festival” (European Championship show and open show for all Foreign Breeds).

The in hand and especially young stock classes are usually early, to our advantage when the premises are less chaotic.

 Redheart Pascalius and Hevans EV Catorrius (Redheart Catorrius) were very relaxed.

The warm up was taken all in their strides.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Our first class was the Coloured Foreign Breeds – Coloured & Dilutes, any age or sex. (e.g. skewbald, spotted, palomino, dun or dilutes.

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Evee took a fourth.

       

Reus took a first.

 

Our second class was the young stock.

A repeat performance, Reus first and Evee fourth.

 

 

 

 

 

The Championship was taken from the winners of the Foreign Breeds classes of veterans, coloureds, young stock, over 4 year old mares, over 4 year old geldings and stallions.

 

 

       

     

We are delighted to say Reus was awarded a Reserve Championship qualifying himself for H.O.P.E Supreme Show later in August.

 

 

 

Evee watched on whilst grazing, it was Reus’s turn this week…..as he won in Warwickshire!

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.

KT Wins at Windsor…..

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Let me introduce you to Katie Lynch…..our paths crossed a few months back when she enquired about Redheart Appaloosas. Katie grew up on her Great Aunty and Uncles farm; they bought her (and her sister) their first pony and allowed them to ride their older and bigger horses. Katie worked as a mother’s helper for a few different families in large private houses. Looking after some precious horses taught Katie how to meet perfection…..Her experience led her into small private racing yards and then she ventured into a large Equestrian Centre.

With a varied equestrian background and years of experience under her belt, Katie decided to go free-lance. Assisting with dressage riders, observing the training has been a highlight of her history to date. Therefore I can confidently say Katie has worked within some prestigious yards and people alike. Her equestrian experience is a huge asset and the best news is she has a passion for Appaloosas. Need I say any more!

 

After meeting the Redheart horses Katie was keen………with no in hand-showing experience we spent a few sessions at home working towards Katie and Redheart Pascalius competing at The Royal Windsor Show. Windsor is a big show, the perfect family day out whether you like horses or not!

The Copper ring again this year was situated by the fun fair and it certainly is a challenge with young stock. The up side is my girls had FUN!

The British Appaloosa Society Appaloosa class was an Open, (main & part bred). Katie and I were judged in the young stock taking a 1st and 2nd. Katie handled and tracked up Evee like a pro, beating myself and Redheart Catorrius.

 

Evee 1

 

Evee 2

 

 

The Championship was taken from the winner of the young stock and in hand over four year olds. Delighted to say Redheart Pascalius took the Reserve Championship to one of the most stunning Appaloosas I have seen, Desired Edition, with a lovely young lady called Megan Share. This is the very “loud spotty” who Reus fell in love with last year at The Royal Three Counties, he didn’t look twice at him this year?

 

It was a glorious sunny day, a good start to the season and a huge REDHEART feather in Katie’s hat.

We are proud of Redheart Pascalius as KT Wins at Windsor……

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

Happy Birthday on the 21st………

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Redheart Pascalius & Redheart Cateaster were both born on the 21st April but a year apart.

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It is not always easy to predict a grown Appaloosa’s colour at birth, Evee was born black. Slight stripes on her hooves was the only Appaloosa characteristics present at 6 months. We now know she is heterozygous (LP/lp) for the Leopard Print Gene and doesn’t carry the PATN1 (N/N) gene. At the moment I see her growing through the “gormless stage” where her body and head don’t look in proportion. There has never been any doubt she would colour out but here are a few pictures of her “change” to date.

  

Easter on the other hand had Appaloosa Characteristics at birth, she is homozygous (LP/LP) for the Leopard Print Gene and carries one copy of the PATN1 (PATN1/N) gene. At present she is shedding her foal / winter coat, it is evident there are a few dark  pigmented areas of skin on her hind legs and she is colouring out on her face. Patterns can change throughout an Appaloosa’s life but I think Easters is quite stable. Here are a few pictures of her “change” to date.

 

  These two youngsters are very affectionate towards each other.

   

and constantly play …….

Happy Birthday on the 21st April 2015