AO Breeze has some videos up of his jumping experiences both on the open circuit and of his Reserve National Championship round at Sport Horse Nationals. Enjoy- these videos are lots of fun! Who says Arabians can't jump?
on the open circuit:
at Sport Horse Nationals:
and accepting his Res. National Championship:
The Newest Colt Curses
When I leased TA Caarlie (*Kordelas x TA Caapria by Algonkwin) and WWA Hilary (Majestic Bey x Bint Bay Rose by Bey Shah) I envisioned producing my first two beautiful fillies, but I'm incapable of producing girls. Of course, when I produce boys of this caliber, it's impossible to be disappointed.
This year I welcomed pure polish Caalypso, son of 2 time Reserve National Champion dressage stallion TA Monet+/ (*Gazal Al Shaqab x *Marieta by Arbil) and TA Caarlie. Bred with the help and expertise of Dick and Christine Reed of Toskhara Arabians, this little colt exceeded expectations.
I knew that I loved *Kordelas when I met him in 2003 and had always wanted one of his descendants for my own program and show string. When I had the opportunity to cross a stunning *Kordelas daughter to a son of one of my favorite stallions of all time, *Gazal Al Shaqab, I jumped at the opportunity and could not be happier. Caalypso has quite the personality and we are excited to watch him mature.
Casanova MLM, the second foal we welcomed this year, weathered a difficult pregnancy during which his dam contracted pigeon fever and delivered our little boy 3 weeks early. I was worried that our little boy would struggle, but boy were we wrong. He is strong, confident, large, powerful, and unbelievably kind like his sire and did we mention that he's black? He is going to make a phenomenal show horse and friend with his gentle nature.
Casanova is the first foal that represents our goal of producing foals that combine popular bloodlines of today, with powerful foundation bloodlines. Our hop is that the bloodlines can provide a stronger platform for outcrossing for future generations. He is the product of attempting to solidify Cavalier's legacy while diversifying the greater gene pool and we couldn't be happier.
It will be fun to watch these little ones grow up and see how they eventually mature as stallions or fabulous performance geldings.
This year I welcomed pure polish Caalypso, son of 2 time Reserve National Champion dressage stallion TA Monet+/ (*Gazal Al Shaqab x *Marieta by Arbil) and TA Caarlie. Bred with the help and expertise of Dick and Christine Reed of Toskhara Arabians, this little colt exceeded expectations.
I knew that I loved *Kordelas when I met him in 2003 and had always wanted one of his descendants for my own program and show string. When I had the opportunity to cross a stunning *Kordelas daughter to a son of one of my favorite stallions of all time, *Gazal Al Shaqab, I jumped at the opportunity and could not be happier. Caalypso has quite the personality and we are excited to watch him mature.
Casanova MLM, the second foal we welcomed this year, weathered a difficult pregnancy during which his dam contracted pigeon fever and delivered our little boy 3 weeks early. I was worried that our little boy would struggle, but boy were we wrong. He is strong, confident, large, powerful, and unbelievably kind like his sire and did we mention that he's black? He is going to make a phenomenal show horse and friend with his gentle nature.
It will be fun to watch these little ones grow up and see how they eventually mature as stallions or fabulous performance geldings.
10 rules for stallion management
There are many guidelines to proper stallion management and these guidelines can help keep you safe. However, when it comes to being around a stallion like Cavalier, I've been known to break a few rules.
I managed to break these 10 in less than an hour. I should probably know better by now.
1. Never put your lips near a stallion's mouth.
2. Never expect a stallion to stay put.
3. Never gallop towards a pasture full of mares with a human in the way.
4. Never ride a stallion without shoes.
5. Never fall asleep while handling a stallion.
6. Always follow proper riding etiquette; maintain proper form and posture.
7. Never allow a stallion to fall behind you while leading him.
8. While handling a stallion, ensure that he has your complete attention.
9. Never sit on the ground in the same enclosure as a stallion.
10. Don't "horse around", stallions are simply too dangerous to not take seriously.
I managed to break these 10 in less than an hour. I should probably know better by now.
1. Never put your lips near a stallion's mouth.
2. Never expect a stallion to stay put.
5. Never fall asleep while handling a stallion.
7. Never allow a stallion to fall behind you while leading him.
8. While handling a stallion, ensure that he has your complete attention.
10. Don't "horse around", stallions are simply too dangerous to not take seriously.
Breeze takes a Reserve National Championship
As an exhibitor of Arabian horses, there is always a far off dream of achieving National success. I never thought that I would have a National winner, let alone a Reserve National Championship with one of my adult stallions.
Typically, experience has the advantage in the ring and with Breeze having only 30 days consistently with a trainer, it would be reasonable to assume that the other horses in the Open Jumpers division would be more competitive.
But thanks to the skill of his rider, his trainer's knowledge, and Breeze's innate talent he was able to conquer the course. He was one of only two horses that made it to the jump off round and came in second to a seasoned show horse.
And afterwards we enjoyed a party... complete with "sea breezes".
It was the win of a lifetime and Breeze is now back at home, enjoying trail rides and preparing for his spring show season. We missed all of his energy and enthusiasm- not that Cavalier isn't a ton of fun, but Breeze fills a room with his personality and is enjoying "working for a living", we can't wait to get him back in the ring!
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