Peter and Judith Matthews have been breeding Hanoverian dressage horse for almost 30 years
mares and bred them to top Hanoverian lines.” At the time there were few Hanoverians in New Zealand so breeding was mostly through imported semen or by crossbreeding. The Hanoverian, originated in Germany and is one of the most prominent riding horses in the world. It’s good temperament, athleticism, good conformation and big movement makes it suitable for all disciplines, particularly dressage. In 1996 the couple went to Germany and purchased St.Pr. St. Wel Kantje a 16.3hh black mare by Weltmeyer whose genes also carried other top European Dressage bloodlines Initially ‘Angie’ was successfully competed by Louisa Hill, then Judith before becoming the farm’s foundation broodmare.
Northern Farming Lifestyles February 2012 11 Instead, “We import frozen semen from internationally acclaimed (and more recently top imported) stallions and use it with our own mares.” Interestingly Judith sometimes likes to use Hanoverian jumping sires to improve movement qualities. Judith’s careful selection of genetic matings has proven successful with many of the horses bred at Awanui becoming star performers for their new owner. “We have bred the top New Zealand Young Dressage Horse of the Year(4-6 year old) for five out of the past six years — being placed second in the year we didn’t win”, said Judith. At aged 65, Judith no longer rides. She now employees a rider and a German trained ‘stud groom’ who under her guidance trains the youngsters. Careful feeding is a priority for Judith, with mares (even pre-breeding) being fed selected minerals every day to ensure good bone structure and growth. It’s hard work and an expensive business to own but Judith, and Peter who manages the non-horse side of the farm, enjoy the lifestyle. Dante MH - Wel Kanje’s grandson Seeing the new season’s foals on the ground is an annual that won NZ Young Dressage Horse 2011 highlight as is the feedback Judith receives from her customers. “We feel we are still part of our babies lives — then of course there are the winning achievements, both by new owners and Buy Your Sires Locally the stud itself.” Stud Est. 1990 Any horses retained by the stud are competed to test their ability and • Maternal worthiness for future breeding — it’s also a way of promoting the stud. • High Bulk Wool
TEXEL RAMS
In due course two other mares were imported from Germany and three others from a German stud in Australia joined the breeding stock at Matthews Hanoverians.
Hanoverian, originated “inTheGermany and is one of
Nowadays there are 40 horses on the farm — 15 are broodmares — although not all are bred each year. Matthews Hanoverians point of difference is their stud doesn’t stand any stallions.
the most prominent riding horses in the world
TRAILERS
• Brucellosis Tested • Our sires are MyoMax accredited
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Peter and Sheryl Tonkin • 09 431 7276 EyTon FarmS • maTakohE
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