What is it like to breed a foal with Ribbleton?

As a breeder we often get asked for advice about which stallion to choose for their mare. A typical email to us will be:

"I have a mare that I did Elementary level dressage on but she is now injured. The mare is a little short neck and is a somewhat croup high. Now that I am not riding her I think I will breed a future dressage horse! Can you tell me which stallion will produce a nice natured foal with good conformation and movement???"

So often we find people just focus on the stallion and look to use a less than ideal mare! If you start with something less than ideal then you often end up with something less than ideal!

We have put together what we think is a very innovative plan to allow enthusiasts to realise their dream of breeding a foal. The aim is to ensure that the breeder has access to the best mare bloodlines without the costs of importation or a knowledge of horse breeding, foal raising and later sale of the mare ... or the hassle and expense of keeping the mare and breeding year after year - thus creating a workload that is not part of the original plan.

Juanita Burt's Ribbleton Fantango at 5 days of age. She is by Fishermans Friend / Ribbleton Weltango (Whisper)

We asked Juanita Burt a few questions. Juanita purchased a breeding contract with Ribbleton and now is the very proud owner of Ribbbleton Fantango (Fishermans Friend / Ribbleton Weltango (Whisper))...

Paulette "There are a lot of warmblood breeders in Australia, why did you choose Ribbleton?"

Juanita "Why I chose Ribbleton? Because the mares are well bred; great bloodlines, conformation and temperament are well evident in all the mares. When I went to Ribbleton and saw all the mares to choose from, boy it was a hard decision! For me I also liked that it is local – near home where I could get involved with the foal. However most of all is the bloodlines that I am looking for, not only from the stallion but the mare’s bloodline and temperament play a very important role too. Finally, Ribbleton offers payment plans that suits me very well."

Paulette"When people think about getting a young horse, most are thinking 3 years old and under saddle. Why did you decide to start with a foal?"

Ribbleton Fantango dam Ribbleton Weltango

Juanita "I decided to start with a foal because I want to establish a special bond, a partnership with the foal from day one. I don’t want to have other people’s mistakes. To have a horse that you have from a foal is something very special to me."

Paulette "As purchaser of a breeding contract (ie your foal was not even born) how did you find this process?"

Juanita "It was an easy decision to purchase a breeding contract. Because all of these factors: Ribbleton is an experienced breeder who has been breeding for 20 years; mares are well bred; don’t have to learn about breeding from scratch – all of these have taken care of by Ribbleton; when the foal is born Ribbleton gets the buyer actively involve in handling the foal."

Paulette "We would love to hear a little more about your beautiful filly Ribbleton Fantango?"

Juanita "Well what can I say, when you read about my filly I can be viewed as a bias owner. However, this is the reality; my beautiful Ribbleton Fantango. As the name suggest Fantango – she can dance (move), her walk is free; her trot floats; she is bold and brave what a temperament (takes after mum & dad of course); above all she is easy to train. I dreamed to have a beautiful horse and Ribbleton has produced one for me."

Paulette "Little Fantango is now 3 months of age. How has the past 3 months progressed?"

Juanita Burt's Ribbleton Fantango at her Hanoverian foal classification at 3 months of age

Juanita "Ribbleton gave me a clear training plan that is a foundation and a preparation training for under saddle. The training is very natural, no force is involved and makes these horses just want to be with and always constantly asking: “what about me when are you going to play with me?”."

Paulette "Your final words??"

Juanita "Don’t do what I did! It took me 3 months to decide as I was hesitant to give them a call. So don’t hesitate to give Ribbleton a call because they are very helpful and they can help in realising your dreams."

Check out Ribbleton horses at www.ribbletonwarmbloods.com.au or give Paulette a call on 0410 440259 or send an email to ribbleton@ribbletonwarmbloods.com.au