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!

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

Past and present…..

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Breaking news……..

Last month it was announced the Veterinary Genetics Lab at UC Davis began offering the DNA test for PATN1.

“Since the discovery of LP, the main gene that controls appaloosa spotting patterns and associated traits, breeders have been anticipating DNA tests for the genes that work with LP to produce white appaloosa patterning.

We are happy to announce that the white pattern modifier gene with the largest pattern causing effect, termed Pattern-1 for “first pattern gene” or PATN1 for short, can now be DNA tested for.

A mutation in PATN1 was identified that is associated with increased amount of white in LP horses. This mutation (in combination with LP) behaves in a dominant fashion which means you only need one copy of the PATN1 mutation to observe large amounts of white as long as LP is present.”

 

Here is the link to their horse test page: The Veterinary Genetics Laboratory (VGL)

 

I am sure, I am not the only excited owner / breeder that has anxiously been awaiting their horse’s results. The Appaloosa Project team continues to teach us via their Electronic Classroom keeping us up to date when new information is discovered. The future in genetics continues to help improve the Appaloosa breed by allowing us breeders to act on their knowledge when offered to us. I am sure other test will be available soon but for the present moment here are the results to date and the past photos of the Redheart Appaloosas.

 

Peyres Catori Cat

Leopard Complex            LP/lp

Heterozygous, carries one copy of the Appaloosa LP gene. Is a carrier of CSNB

Grey gene                           gg

Negative for the Grey gene

PSSM1                                  n/n

Negative for the PSSM Type 1 gene mutation

Red factor                           E/e

Both black & red factors detected. Either E or e transmitted to offspring. Basic colour is black, bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

Agouti                                   A/a

Black pigment distributed in point’s pattern. Basic colour is bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

PATTERN-1                         N/PATN1

1 copy of PATN1, 50% of offspring will inherit the modifier mutation. In order for high levels of white spotting to be visible the foal must inherit the LP gene.

 Peyres Catori Cat     

Peyres Catori Cat (Past & Present)

Peyres Catori Cat

 

Princesse Pascale

Leopard Complex            LP/lp      

Heterozygous, carries one copy of the Appaloosa LP gene. Is a carrier of CSNB

Gray gene                           gg        

Negative for the Grey gene

PSSM1                                  n/n

Negative for the PSSM Type 1 gene mutation

Red factor                           E/E          

No red factor detected. Cannot have red foals regardless of the colour of stallion. Basic colour is black, bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

Agouti                                   A/a     

Black pigment distributed in point’s pattern. Basic colour is bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

PATTERN-1                         N/PATN1   

1 copy of PATN1, 50% of offspring will inherit the modifier mutation. In order for high levels of white spotting to be visible the foal must inherit the LP gene.

Princesse Pascale (Past & Present)

 

 

Hevans EV Catorrius

Leopard Complex            lp/lp            

Negative for the Appaloosa LP gene, has no appaloosa characteristics.

Gray gene                           gg        

Negative for the Grey gene

PSSM1                                  n/n    

Negative for the PSSM Type 1 gene mutation

Red factor                           E/e         

Both black & red factors detected. Either E or e transmitted to offspring. Basic colour is black, bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

Agouti                                   A/a           

Black pigment distributed in point’s pattern. Basic colour is bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

PATTERN-1                         N/PATN1        

1 copy of PATN1, 50% of offspring will inherit the modifier mutation. In order for high levels of white spotting to be visable the foal must inherit the LP gene.

In terms of breeding it is very beneficial here at Redheart Appaloosas to have Hevans EV Catorrius results. He is N/PATN1. There is no way to tell by looking at him if the gene was present or not. Bred from two heterozygous (LP/lp) horses it was hopeful but not factual. As a future stallion it is now evident he is quite valuable in terms of breeding and doesn’t deserve to be over looked because he doesn’t have spots! A stallion with the genotype PATN1/patn1 would most definitely produce foals with a higher level of white appaloosa patterning in comparison to the foals produced by a stallion without PATN1.

 

Hevans EV Catorrius (Past & Present)

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Redheart Pascalius

Leopard Complex            LP/lp                     

Heterozygous, carries one copy of the Appaloosa LP gene .Is a carrier of CSNB

Gray gene                           gg 

Negative for the Grey gene

 PSSM1                                  n/n   

Negative for the PSSM Type 1 gene mutation

Red factor                           E/E  

No red factor detected. Cannot have red foals regardless of the colour of the stallion. Basic colour is black, bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

Agouti                                   a/a        

Only recessive allele detected. Black pigment distributed uniformly. Basic colour is black in the absence of other modifying genes.

PATTERN-1                         N/N    

No copies of PATN1

This filly was a deep black velvet colour when born without a coat pattern except one white spot on her back. She has all the characteristics and it is no surprise he result id N/N for PATN1 even though LP is present. She is two years old now and has roaned out beautifully.

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Redheart Pascalius (Past & Present)

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Redheart Cateaster

Leopard Complex            LP/LP

Homozygous, carries two copies of the Appaloosa LP gene and is affected by CSNB

Grey gene                           gg                          

Negative for the Grey gene

PSSM1                                  n/n 

Negative for the PSSM Type 1 gene mutation

Red factor                           E/e   

Both black & red factors detected. Either E or e transmitted to offspring. Basic colour is black, bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

Agouti                                   A/a          

Black pigment distributed in point’s pattern. Basic colour is bay or brown in the absence of other modifying genes.

PATTERN-1                         N/PATN1       

1 copy of PATN1, 50% of offspring will inherit the modifier mutation. In order for high levels of white spotting to be visible the foal must inherit the LP gene.

This filly has not changed much in coat pattern but her colour has lightened. We should see some spots appear after her winter / foal coat has shed, the skin pigment is certainly spotted on her hind legs.

Redheart Cateaster (Past & Present)

Testing for both LP and PATN1 is recommended for breeders interested in producing Leopard Complex-spotted horses.

The past has been guess work and the present has given us factual evidence enabling us to cross

Appaloosa x Appaloosa for the desired traits we seek.

Heads Up…………

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With the day length increasing as the season progresses I believe everyone must be feeling better as we enter the spring months of March, April and May. Welcoming the sun and a general warmer climate, seeing the buds appear and witness the regrowth of the grass gives us all a lift of enthusiasm. More importantly, Spring is the start of reproduction in many animals but there is an awe of excitement here at Redheart Appaloosas as we anticipate the safe arrival of our two 2015 Redheart foals.

Peyres Catori Cat

Peyres Catori Cat

 

Peyres Catori Cat and Princesse Pascale are in their 9th & 10th months of gestation respectively. They are both in foal to RDF Ti Kha Atta Rain. Both mares are extremely well in themselves, looking very healthy in their coats and very well-conditioned.

Princesse Pascale

Princesse Pascale

Assuming both foals are born healthy, correct and without  complications, these foals will be for sale with the following;

  • An Equine Genetics report. All our horses are free from PSSM & Grey gene.
  • An Equine Parentage Report.
  • A Veterinary Health Check Report.
  • An APHC Certificate of Registration.
  • An APHC pedigree certificate.
  • A passport with the ApHC UK
  • Desensitised at birth, micro chipped, vaccinated, wormed and feet trimmed as required.
  • Insured until agreed day of collection or delivery by prior agreement.
  • Registered with the Foundation Appaloosa Association.
  • Princesse Pascale’s foal will qualify and be registered with the Foundation Appaloosa Horse Registry.
  • Registered and enrolled in the APHC Foundation Pedigree Designation (FPD) programme.

Princesse Pascale’s foal will be enrolled at 100% FPD

Peyres Catori Cat’s foal will be enrolled at 97% FPD

Both foals will be half-siblings to many other proven Atta foals. Please have a look at his NEW website WD Appaloosas.

Both foals due are from two successful mares who have obtained many competitive titles. Please view  their details and achievements Peyres Catori Cat and Princesse Pascale.

Princesse Pascale’s foal will be half-sibling to the 2014 Female Yearling Champion at the BApS National 2014 and multi Reserve Champion yearling, Redheart Pascalius.

Peyres Catori Cat’s foal will be half-sibling to the multi Champion and International Top 5 for 2-year-old colts, Hevans EV Catorrius.

Redheart Pascalius

Redheart Pascalius

Hevans EV Cattorius

Hevans EV Cattorius

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

 

With the prefix Redheart there is an opportunity for a prospective purchaser to name the foal. Due to the time scale of registration with APHC and the legal obligation to obtain a passport before 6months old. It is recommended your interest be confirmed ASAP for you to secure a name.

I would appreciate Redheart foals will be sold to those who understand and accept the expenses involved and are confident to take on a long-term commitment, valuing the Appaloosa x Appaloosa breeding we have here at Redhearts.

It is my wish that a Redheart foal will be sold to a loving home with the intention and passion to enhance its future by either competing, breeding or both and continue to support the APHC.

A foal is an exceptional opportunity to personally train, starting with a blank canvas is priceless.

 It is the “right” person that develops the “right” horse to build the “right” partnership.

Please contact me and register your interest.

 At the present time we can only give you the “Heads Up” ……..

International Recognition……..…..

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One thing we set our selves here at Redheart Appaloosas’ is goals. They are realistic and based upon each individuals horses performance. Whether we are the only one in the class or party to a class split because of high entries, their performance is noted from the time each horse has eaten it’s breakfast to the time its eaten its supper.

The result of a day’s showing is not just about the performance in the ring. We can only measure our success from the previous outings and strive to continuously improve.

We use the utility classes to gain a measure of the horse’s attitude, the ability to extend their gait on the surface and become familiar with the new surroundings and surprisingly “odd” features.

We learn so much from these classes which in turn puts us “right” for the following classes that really do matter by gaining points.

One point……….

Redheart Pascalius

Redheart Pascalius

 

Hevans EV Catorrius

Hevans EV Catorrius

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The ApHC UK National show 2014

This proved to be a  successful day for Redheart Pascalius with Crystal Radford and myself with Hevans EV Catorrius.

 

What was not recognised at the time was the “one point” earned by winning the Stallion class. This  point was enough to put Hevans EV Catorrius on the International Top Five table. I have been notified recently about this International ranking and he continues to be present for the fourth month in a row.

APHC Journal December 2014

APHC Journal December 2014

APHC Journal January 2015

APHC Journal January 2015

APHC Journal February 2015

APHC Journal February 2015

APHC Journal March 2015

APHC Journal March 2015

 

This has been a surprise and we are very much delighted to learn of this International recognition.

Valentine’s Red Heart

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The name “Redheart” has another meaning when it comes to Valentine’s Day.

Although in the “normal” sense many people will exchange cards, gifts or flowers for their special “valentine”.

Here at Redheart Appaloosas we honour the memory of the importation of;

Peyres Catori Cat from France in 2008 and Princesse Pascale from Austria in 2009.

Peyres Catori Cat

Peyres Catori Cat

Princesse Pascale

Princesse Pascale

 

Imports of 14th February 

 Today, we remember these fillies at six months old.

What they have achieved to date…..

The wonderful foals they have produced……

I am honoured to have such wonderful mares.

 

Catori & PP February 2015 AM

Catori & PP February 2015

 

Princesse Pascale

Princesse Pascale (Foal due April 2015)

Peyres Catori Cat

Peyres Catori Cat (Foal due May 2015)

 

Redheart Pascalius

RedheartPascalius

Hevans EV Catorrius

Hevans EV Catorrius

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

 

Redheart Pascalius, Hevans EV Catorrius (with his love Katkin) & Redheart Cateaster

February 14th 2015

Happy Valentines……….

Keep an eye on us……..

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2015 is here and Redheart Appaloosas wish you all the very best.

The past is the past and nothing can be changed but on reflection all the horses have exceeded themselves and can only progress further. We had an exciting year full of ups and downs just like everyone else but we are all looking up at the same stars.

The memberships are renewed and the 2015 diary is slowly being edited for the show circuit ahead. The promotional advertising is currently in the making and my Christmas show shirt for 2015 has arrived.

 

2015

 

Heavans EV Catorrius

Reus will compete in the three-year old colt section this season, having a fruitful 2014 he has nothing to prove and we look forward to the prospect of licensing him as a Stallion later this year.

REUS

HEVANS EV CATORRIUS

Redheart Pascallius

Evee, had a nice introduction to the showing world in 2014. We look forward to her development during her two-year old season ahead.

EVEE

REDHEART PASCALIUS

Redheart Cateaster

Easter, now a yearling and is a precocious compact filly. 2015 will be start of her showing campaign.

EASTER

REDHEART CATEASTER

Peyres Catori Cat

Catori proved to be an excellent broodmare yet again in 2014. We greatly look forward to the safe arrival of her foal in May 2015.

CATORI

PEYRES CATORI CAT

Princesse Pascale

PP is was confirmed pregnant in 2014. We are excited to view the safe arrival of Redheart’s first Foundation foal.

PP

Princesse Pascale

Follow the future of these Registered Appaloosas as we aim to enhance the Foundation Blood Lines and prove their quality under the judges eye.

Or just Keep an eye on us……..

 

 

Dawn to Dusk………….

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 At Redhearts, we are no different to any another horse owner during these winter months, finding the long months a challenge. Irrespective if your horse/s live in and worked or live out or come in during the night, the work load is immense. The commitment to strive through the elements of the weather is the small price you pay for the satisfaction of being a horse owner. Taking on the frozen pipes, the extra manure due to the longer hours spent in the stable and ad lib hay. Not to mention the muddy fields……..I could go on!

None the less I look forward to the winter, “letting the horses down”, letting them get muddy, grow a winter coat and be “horses” is all part of their education, especially for the young stock, I believe this is one factor of many that is key to their future.

Although I find it a challenge, with work, the school runs and general family life, it is only what I know now. The race against the day light hours,I find preparation and organisation at the weekends without compromising the care of the horses makes life easier. Long gone are my days of changing rugs and warming the bit up…..

Today the sun shone and I had time to take some up to date images. It is amazing to see what a bit of sun can do, the young stock certainly had fun……

The broodmares grazed….

The Redheart fillies played……

Reus constantly annoyed the pony……..

      

Despite a thick  dirty coat, an over grown mane and  splashed with mud, he still looks a “handsome two-year old colt”…..

 

 

Who is the Appaloosa?

 

The cold dry days are far more enjoyable than the wet windy ones and the horses actions support this quite clearly.

The race against the clock from Dawn to Dusk has been captured beautifully by my very patient daughters.

 

Dawn, the time that marks the beginning of the twilight before the sunrise, time to get those horses out…..in aid of Easter because of her night blindness.

Dusk, during early stages of twilight, there is enough light in the sky under clear-sky conditions to get the horses in without the aid of a torch….

 

When twilight sets the scene, when the Sun itself is not directly visible because it is below the horizon, it’s the countdown to wash your boots and lock up……

The boys are out…….

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Let me introduce you to Katkin 2, a Section A gelding about ten years old that belongs to my daughters, Millicent and Jasmin. They love him dearly and he will stay with us until the end.

He experienced a trauma in his younger days and so we keep him as a lawn mower. He has no other use until now.

 

Since Reus was weaned he always has been in his own secure paddock with a view of the girls, Katkin on the other hand has been kept on a postage stamp of grass due to him being such a good doer. The girls only treat him as a pet.

Now the grass has gone and we have been left with a muddy winter paddock (keeping Reus paddock clean for the spring) I decided to introduce Reus to Katkin. They have met over the stable door on many occasions with a lot of shouting and screaming. Katkin is a very dominant pony and I didn’t want Reus to get hurt but on the other hand Katkin doesn’t deserve a hormonal colt playing a little too rough with him.

Today I took Reus out into Katkins paddock on a lunge line, it was very entertaining as Reus insisted on wanting to “play” with Katkin, a colts play is unique and was not welcomed by Katkin who constantly reprimanded him. Its was at least two hours before I let Reus go and was happy that they would play “nicely”. Eventually Katkin gave Reus “what for”, thank fully no injuries and Reus has been put down the pecking order.

Best friends…..

Never did I think Katkin would be the Boss, none the less they are both living a happier life and are now like two old men…….