Pony Magazine Australia September October 2017

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA

September/October 2017

OWENDALE BRANDYMAN RETFORD PARK NEWS EQUINE MELANOMA FEEDING THE BREEDING STALLION

www.ponymagazineaustralia.com

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017 OWNER/EDITOR B.M. Williams Ba. Eq. Science bpurcellequine@hotmail.com WEB http://www.ponymagazineaustralia.com ABN: 87 845 173 370

DISCLAIMER All rights reserved. All material appearing in Pony Magazine Australia is subject to copyright and remains the property of Pony Magazine Australia, or the individual contributors. No material may be reproduced or reprinted in any manner, way or form without prior permission from the publisher.

Any opinions expressed within are not necessarily those of Pony Magazine Australia, and while all effort is made to ensure that all facts are correct and up to date, to the extent permitted by law, Pony Magazine Australia accepts no responsibility whatsoever in relation to any advice, representation, statement, opinion or other matter expressed in the magazine. Pony Magazine Australia does not accept responsibility for any errors in advertisements, articles, unsolicited manuscripts, photographs or illustrations. we recommend seeking veterinary advice, or the appropriate health care professional, prior to giving your pony any treatment or change of diet.

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

Š B.M. Williams 2017

ON THE COVER: The lovely Janie is one of those ponies that has been there and done that. Rising 25 and still happily participating in Pony Club and competitions she is one of those one in a million ponies.

Photo: Š B.M. Williams 2017.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2017 IN THIS ISSUE: FROM THE EDITOR RETFORD PARK GIFTED TO THE NATIONAL TRUST EQUINE MELANOMA SPRING MUST HAVES CONNEMARA PONY SHOWCASE CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS FEATURE FEEDING THE BREEDING STALLION VALE PADRON’S PSYCHE OWENDALE BRANDYMAN

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA

CATERING FOR THE PONY INDUSTRY IN AUSTRALIA

BREEDING AND HISTORY

HEALTH AND NUTRITION

STUD AND STALLION COVERAGE

WWW.PONYMAGAZINEAUSTRALIA.COM

FROM THE EDITOR Welcome back to another issue of Pony Magazine Australia. The Magazine is just going from strength to strength and I thank you all for continuing to support and read Pony Magazine Australia. We provide the industry with a specific publishing platform that enables your event or business to reach a targeted audience. We are always on the lookout for advertisers to join us and the funds from these enable us to sponsor more classes and events, giving back to the industry where we can. Our advertising rates are kept very reasonable and you can find them on the website, www.ponymagazineaustralia.com This issue we feature some great news from the National Trust of Australia that the iconic Retford Park will be preserved. This is the historic home of Sir Samuel Hordern, of Retford Park Stud, Along with his brother Anthony’s Milton Park, these properties are architectual masterpieces with impressive gardens and it is great news for pony enthusiasts that it will be preserved.

Equine melanoma affects some 80% of grey horses, and can be a real worry for horse owners. Sometimes the horse can have them and not be affected but there is the potential that they can spread to other parts of the horse and cause problems. This month we look at some of the new developments in potential treatment for horses with melanoma. We also look at feeding the breeding stallion and how adding Omega-3 fatty acids into their diet can improve fertility.

It can be a daunting thought for many getting out there and competing with our ponies. It can also be hard finding a competition or show with a nice relaxed atmosphere. This month we feature the Connemara Pony Showcase, which has become known as the perfect show for the adults to get out and have a go! It would be great to see more of these events run, where adults on ponies can get out in a competition environment and have fun. The event was so popular that the schedule was extended to include other mountain and mooreland breeds. kind regards,

Brooke Owner/Editor Pony Magazine Austrlaia

Retford Park Gifted to the National Trust Retford Park in Bowral, New South Wales, was recently gifted to

the National Trust of Australia by owner James Fairfax. Valued at $20 million, this estate is the largest gift ever received by the Trust in it’s 70 year history and fantastic news for the pony world knowing that this historical beauty will be protected and maintained.

While admired by the general public for its architectural brilliance, Retford Park is known in pony circles for its connection to some of Australia’s most influential early ponies.

The property was originally called ‘Bloomfield’ when granted to Edward Riley in 1821

by Governor Macquari.

Samuel Hordern (father of Sir Samuel, Anthony and Lebbeus Hordern) acquired the land in the 1880s and renamed it ‘Retford Park’ (in recognition of family links to Retford in Nottinghamshire in England).

The grand Italianate mansion was completed in 1887, designed by

Albert Bond who was the architect responsible for the Anthony Hordern and Sons buildings.

The Horderns were regular exhibitors at the Royal Shows, among their first exhibits their lovely pony stock.

Samuel Hordern, and later his son Sir Samuel Hordern were both well known breeders of a variety of livestock breeds.

They continued to improve their stock with imported and local animals. They were actively involved with the Agricultural Society of New South Wales, as well as the founding of the Australian Pony Stud Book, Sir Samuel being their very first Patron.

Early stallions of the stud included Login Briton (imp), Castellmai Clansman (imp) and Traveller’s Joy (imp), all of which contributed to the impressive string of harness horses employed

by Anthony Hordern and Sons. These stallions also had a contribution to the early Australian Ponies.

Sir Samuel was President of the Royal Agricultural Society (NSW) from 1915 to 1941 and was largely responsible for the growth of the Royal Easter Show.

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

Retford Prince (by Greylight (imp)) was described by Lorna Howlett (in her Complete Book of Ponies, 1984) as “...perhaps the most loved pony in the Bowral district.” He was said to have been a lovely mover

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and was much sought after as a sire.

In the later years of the stud, Mr. Kenneth H. Armstrong joined the stud as manager. Mr. Armstrong arrived in 1952 and brought an intimate knowledge of bloodlines and breeding and with his hands on the reins, Retford Park bred some truly beautiful and influential Welsh Ponies.

The lovely Penarth Titlight (imp) and Revel Hailstone (imp) both stood at the stud during this time, and bloodlines were swapped between Retford Park and the later famous Nattai Stud of his niece, Lady Creswick.

The stallion Flashlight II was also acquired, bred

by Sir Samuel’s daughter, Mrs. Winter-Irving and was quite influential.

Another imported pony to

stand at the stud during Mr. Armstrong’s time was Coed Coch Siabod (imp).

The Hordern family owned Retford Park until 1960, when it was briefly in the hands of the American-owned King Ranch, of Quarter Horse fame. It was purchased by James Fairfax in 1964. A number of additions have since been constructed and the gardens have been extended.

The stunning Retford Park mansion, surrounded by picturesque gardens Photo: Ray Joyce

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The mansion sits on 33 hectares, with impressive gardens surrounding the house. The property was officially gifted to the Trust in April 2016 with a significant endowment dedicated to its continued upkeep.

Trust took ownership of the property in August and are planning to have this impressive piece of history open to the public within a year.

You can find out more information by visiting http://retfordparkbowral.com.au/

Some of the land surrounding Retford Park was subdivided and sold off to cover the upkeep for the property. The National

Business and Stud Advertising available now Book your spot for 2018!

See the website for rates

Available: Inside Front Cover (POA) Back Cover and Inside Back Cover (POA) Stud and Business Advertising Advertorials

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA November/December 2017

STUD AND PONY PROFILES CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS PLUS MORE...

Research Giving New Hope for Equine Melanoma By the age of 15, some 80% of grey horses will have developed melanoma.

While the exact cause of equine melanoma, and why it is so common in grey horses, is still unclear, research is continuing to figure out how to combat this condition and a number of prospective treatments are showing immense promise.

Equine melanoma behaves somewhat differently when compared with melanoma in other species. In humans it is associated with UV exposure, while in dogs it is most commonly found in animals of dark colouring. In horses, on the other hand, it is almost always associated with the grey coat colour.

While it is not exactly clear what causes melanoma in grey horses, it has been suggested that it may have something to do with the way the skin changes on a cellular level as the horses ‘grey out’.

By the age of 15, some 80% of grey horses will have melanomas of some

form. While many are benign, there is the risk that they can spread to other parts of the body and cause issues. They are most commonly found in hairless areas, such as under the tail, the perineum and around the eyes, ears and muzzle.

They generally present as black lumps under the skin of varying sizes.

Traditionally, equine melanoma is treated with surgical removal and laser. Chemotherapy

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

treatment is sometimes used , but carries risk to the owner and treating vet, and success is not guaranteed. Cimitidine has been used but studies show varying results as to whether this treatment has any effect on melanomas.

Clinical trials are currently being conducted to determine the effectiveness of a number of potential new treatments.

Dr. Rowan Milner at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine has developed and tested a vaccine for treatment of melanoma in dogs. This is now available both in America and Australia. This vaccine has been modified

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for horses and is currently being tested in clinincal trials.

Another option for the treatment of equine and canine melanoma is also being explored. Betulinic acid, which is a semisynthetic derivative of birch bark, has shown immense promise against a variety of tumours.

A number of derivatives of Betulinic acid are currently being tested, in particular NVX-207 is proving to be an exciting

prospect. It’s effectiveness in vitro was demonstrated to be two to fivefold that of Betulinic acid in one study, and results on the tumours were seen much earlier.

In a small study on dogs, NVX-207 was effective in clearing up tumours in all five dogs that were involved, and no toxicity or side effects were noted.

A study was done with grey horses and results

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

in the laboratory proved successful . A tolerability test was done in two grey horses, showing no adverse effects to the substance. This opens up the opportunity to begin clinical trials on affected horses.

Many veterinarians prefer to leave melanomas alone if they are not causing issues. These new treatments will potentially provide another option for owners wanting to be on the safe side.

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Shedding Tools

Those coats are shifting, and we all know how much hair those ponies have grown over the winter!

Whether you prefer grooming blocks, grooming mits, the trusty old curry comb or the new Strip Hair, you are going to need to stock up on!

Bling!

The more bling the better this season, bling browbands, bling helmets, bling saddle blankets... the list goes on.

Sticky Bums

To stick out those fresh-feeling ponies and moody mares!

Insect Products

Those pesky insects that disappear in the cold weather will be starting to reappear. Stock up on fly spray ( horses and people) and dust off those fly masks.

Spring

Must Haves Slow Feed Haynets

Chances are that if you have one of those ponies that get fat off the smell of an oily rag, you are going to need to keep them off the lush spring grass at some stage! Ensure their hay rations last longer with a slow feed haynet.

Storage Bins

If you are lucky, the weather will be warming up and it’s nearly time to pack away the snuggly winter rugs. To ensure that these are not eaten or lived in by mice, rats and bugs, sealed containers are a great idea! Wheely bins and old chest freezers also work well.

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

B.M. WILLIAMS

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY

Give them something truly special this Christmas ~ Custom equine and pet portraits ~Colour and high detail monochrome ~Gift vouchers available Taking Christma Orders now!

Click here to visit the website.

Connemara Pony Showcase encouragement, experience, exposure

The Connemara Pony Showcase first came about in 2008 after a meeting to

discuss ways of getting more exposure for our breed as well as encouraging owners to take their ponies “past the front gate”. It came to our attention that many did not have the experience of competition, the confidence of an experienced rider or the knowledge of what exactly was available to them. Our event is not about pretty ponies and super competition. You are pretty much competing against yourself so really it’s about your own personal achievement and experience.

The Connemara Pony Showcase is under the umbrella of the APSB – Australian Pony Studbook Society. In 2016 we expanded our entries to include all breeds of Mountain and Moorland Pony – Welsh, New Forest, Highland, Shetland, Fell, Dartmoor as well as the Fjord Horse and the Australian Heritage Brumby.

This is due to many requests since 2010 to please include these breeds as there is no other event like ours.

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Our two day program includes an In Hand Clinic, In Hand classes, Ridden Breed Classes and Dressage (including Walk/Trot test) and Show Jumping (including poles on the ground for first timers).

We also have a Handy Mount obstacle course which can be led or ridden.

Long Reining is only for experienced people but gives new people a look at how this works.

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There are many firsts at an event like ours – first dressage test, first time under saddle, first outing. Not just for the ponies but for their riders who have worked up the courage to try something new. We hold our breath while watching them, we feel their anxiety and we cheer when they finish. So many proud moments and we are all there to share those wonderful achievements.

We have plenty of experienced handlers on the ground to step in and assist anyone needing help or reassurance. We

have wonderful judges who encourage and advise competitors. We are patient, supportive and we want to see everyone succeed. Beautiful ribbons, sashes and trophies to be won and every entry receives a rosette.

We are not a big event and months of fund raising goes in to making the weekend affordable. Sponsors are always welcome and our monster raffle on the day helps enormously. In fact, we encourage people to bring along items to go into the raffle.

We hold our next event at Elmore Equestrian Centre on Saturday 21st & Sunday 22nd October 2017.

Please put that on your calendar. Go to Facebook – Connemara Pony Showcase to see photos of our event and like our page to keep in touch.

Click to visit Connemara Pony Showcase on Facebook!

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS 2017

Gifts Just For Them In addition to all their great gift range, Filly and Co Horse Gifts now bring you a growing range of personalised gifts from hoodies, bags, mugs, clocks, puzzles and much more.

See them all at www.fillyandco.com.au The Adventures of Bella and Emily Michelle Holland

Lovingly handcrafted from her studio in North Yorkshire, England Sally Florence creates bespoke characterful mosaics and cookie cutters. Christmas decorations are also available of your beloved pet. New for this year have a name included. Perfect personal gifts or treat for yourself. Email at sallyflorencedesigns@yahoo.co.uk or see our website

www.sallyflorencedesigns.bigcartel.com for more details.

B.M. WILLIAMS

ART AND PHOTOGRAPHY Give them something truly special this Christmas ~ Custom equine and pet portraits ~Colour and high detail monochrome ~Gift vouchers available

Available now in paperback and Kindle Order from Amazon.com.au www.michelleholland.co.uk

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2017

CHRISTMAS GIFT IDEAS 2017

By Snuggle-Bub

Greeting Cards Blank or Merry Christmas inside Starting from $3.95

For over 17 years we have been custom making jewellery from your OWN horse or pony's hair, helping you to always have a little piece of them close to you. All are made with sterling silver or 9ct Gold and there are over 40 different designs of bracelets, necklaces, stockpins, rings, charms etc. to choose from.

Visit the website at www.tailendjewellery. co.uk to see the complete range and order.

Worldwide shipping available.

The ultimate accessory for any bub at Christmas lunch.

Merry Christmas or My 1st Christmas $14.95

Gorgeous sack for Santa to leave those all important presents OR for the rellies to hide those awkward to wrap items

Made from Cotton Drill and Measuring a generous 94cm x 50cm (approx). $59.95

Purchase a Santa Sack plus ANY other Thelwell product to receive a 10% discount on your total invoice. Just use the discount code ‘Christmas’.

And don’t forget... free postage within Australia!

Go to www.snuggle-bub.com or email sales.snugglebub@activ8.net.au to place your order.

Snuggle-Bub 265 Gembrook Rd Launching Place Vic 3139 mob. 0417 396 381 ph/fax 03 5964 6802

Have an equine business or product?

Be featured in our November/ December Christmas Gift Ideas!

All material required by October 15th.

Email bpurcellequine@hotmail.com for more information

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2017

Advert

Feeding the Breeding Stallion The Role of Omega-3 Fatty Acids in Semen Production Advances in modern technology and scientific literature allow us to better understand factors that contribute to fertility problems. It is a common issue to have a stallion whose sperm just doesn’t cope with the freezing and thawing process and a number of studies over the past decade are giving new hope to these stallions.

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A number of studies over the past

decade or so have focused on the effect of Omega-3 fatty acids on the composition of stallion sperm. It has been shown that including Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet of stallions, in particular docosahexaenoic acid (DHA), has a positive effect on the ability of sperm to withstand the freezing-thawing process.

Bull semen is much more suited to surviving this process, and has been shown to have higher Omega-3 fatty acid levels, which favours fluidity of the cell membrane. Studies in horses has proven that increasing dietary levels of Omega-3 fatty acids (and in particular DHA) can improve the capacity of the sperm to survive the freezing and thawing process.

A recent study published earlier this year found that supplementing polyunsaturated fatty acids did not alter the characteristics of fresh or cooled semen, but improved the motility, velocity and tolerance of frozenthawed sperm. Other studies have also found that the supplementation appeared to mostly benefit stallions with poor sperm quality to begin with.

While the exact desired ratio of Omega-3 to Omega-6 has not been determined (it is suggested to be about 2 to 4:1 Omega3:Omega-6, based on the levels found in fresh pasture) , the reason for desiring more Omega-3 in the diet is their role as antiinflammatory agents. They decrease the formation of prostaglandins, while high levels of Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet increase the formation of prostaglandins, PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

which increase inflammatory processes.

Omega-3 fatty acids play a protective role in joint and ligament function, diminish airway inflammation, reduce skin allergies and can reduce nervousness. Increased levels of Omega-6 fatty acids in the diet can promote inflammation, which is why they are undesirable in excess quantities.

While hay and pasture have higher Omega-3 compared to Omega-6, most common horse feeds are the opposite. Though pasture and hay are quite low in fat, if your pony has access to good quality pasture that is meeting his or her energy requirements, chances are that they are also getting adequate Omega-3 fatty acids. Compared to fresh pasture, hay is much lower in Omega-3 (the majority of the fat no longer available), but still higher than Omega-6. Cereal grains, a number of oils commonly fed to horses (i.e. vegetable, corn), rice bran and sunflower seeds, just to name a few, are high in Omega-6 fatty acids but low in Omega-3 fatty acids.

As the equine diet should comprise mostly of forage anyway, there is no reason to shy away from cereal grains or premixed concentrates where they are required for extra energy. For stallions that are not performing to expectations, it may be worthwhile to look at an Omega-3 supplement.

Horses have a requirement for the Omega-3 fatty acid Alpha Linolenic Acid (APA), from which it can make the other fatty acids. This particular fatty acid is found in plant sources, such as linseeds (flax) and linseed oils, chia seeds, and in smaller amounts in soybean and canola oil. The best concentrated plant source of APA is linseed oil. When horses consume APA, it is converted into the other SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER2017

For best results implement any dietary changes before the breeding season begins, as spermatogenesis takes 60 days and any changes from the diet will take this long to take effect.

Studies over the last decade or so have found that supplementing Omega-3 fatty acids in the diet can have a positive effect on stallion fertility. fatty acids, DHA and Eicosapentaenoic Acid (EPA).

It has been found in a number of studies that supplementing these longer chain fatty acids directly (DHA being paricularly important) had greater results on cell membrane properties. This includes the membrane properties of sperm, with oral supplementation resulting in greater DHA concentration in the plasma membrane of the sperm cells. This has a protective role, rendering the sperm more likely to survive cryopreservation, and may also aid in motility and fusion.

cases but can be found in a number of commercial preparations. Another source is some algal preparations, as algae manufacture these long chain Omega-3 fatty acids.

So whether you choose to use a commercial supplement or a stand-alone source, it may be worthwhile adding Omega-3 fatty acids to your stallion’s diet, particularly during breeding season, for his reproductive health.

For best results implement before the season begins, as spermatogenesis takes 60 days and any changes from the diet will take this long to take effect.

The best source of direct DHA is fish oil, which is quite unplatable to horses in most PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

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Vale

Padron’s Psyche The Legend, The Look

It is not often in the history of a breed that a horse comes along and changes the direction of the breed. True legends are few and far between, stallions and mares that really create their own dynasties are rare, despite what advertisements might make us believe.

Padron’s Psyche may be gone but his legacy will live on through his many decendants.

Padron’s Psyche, the horse

responsible for that instantly recognisable ‘look’ that has been passed down many generations, was sadly laid to rest on 9th September 2017 at the grand age of 29.

Psyche was born in 1988 in the United States of America, bred by the McPherson Family Trust. His sire was the imported Padron, a stallion famous in his own right, and his dam the Tamerlan daughter Kilika.

Padron and Kilika’s sire and dam, Tamerlan and Kilifa were imported into the United States by Robert Strathmore of Make-Believe Farms.

Padron’s Psyche was a stallion of great beauty, he was Reserve National U.S. Champion as a three year old, the youngest horse to achieve this honour. However it is as a sire that this horse will truly live on.

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He sired over 1200 foals in his stud career and what a line up these make!

Probably his most famous son was the divine Magnum Psyche, U.S. and Brazillian National Champion. He in turn sired WH Justice, as well as our own Magnum Forty Four. Magnum Forty Four, who was leased and later purchased by Mulawa Stud has sired some superb ponies. Mulawa bred him to the beautiful Avondale Thumbelina to produce Mulawa Magnolia, Mulawa Ballerina and For the Moment, all of which have had successful show careers.

The 2009 National Arabian Stud Show was a memorable one for the team, Mulawa Ballerina being named Champion Junior Part Bred Filly, Mulawa Magnolia being Reserve Junior Part Bred Filly, and For the Moment being awarded Champion SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Junior Arabian Pony Gelding.

Mulawa Ballerina then went on to be named Supreme Champion Junior Derivative Female.

The beautiful Sadik’s Psyche is another descendant to have an influence on pony stock here. Peter and Jenny Pond of Forest Hill Arabian Stud bred some beautiful ponies by this striking chestnut stallion under the Halimas prefix. Of these, Halimas Prince Charming was highly successful. A chanrming little stallion with the most beautiful typey head, he was Australian National Champion and won at all of the major Arabian Shows in hand and under

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saddle.

He has been a top sire, passing on his excellent qualities. Progeny include Bracknell Sunika, Brofour Aphrodite, Dara Park Lady Arwen and Shartier Prince Shaklan, just to name a few.

This is just a small touch on the Padron’s Psyche influence here in Australia through his pony stock. His influence on the purebred Arabian has been huge and industry-changing.

He truly was one of those once in a lifetime horses.

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OWENDALE BRANDYMAN WHEN I BOUGHT Owendale Brandyman as a two year old colt

in 1989, I fully intended to use him at stud for three seasons and then to geld him so that he could be a saddle pony.

I believed then, and still do, that good colts make excellent geldings.

Brandyman photographed as a three year old at Cobram Ag Society Show, 1990. Note the lengthy forearm, well developed gaskins and the lovely quality flat bone.

Photo: Gary Jameson.

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I

had always admired his dam, Owendale Brandy, and when I had the chance to buy her son, who was a larger, masculine version of Brandy, I didn’t hesitate. Frances Best had purchased him from the Owens, but found that she had too many ponies about her, so advertised him in the Welsh Society quarterly newsletter ‘Action’, along with a couple of other youngsters. The Action arrived in my letterbox on a Tuesday at lunch time.

By Wednesday afternoon, Brandyman was standing in my paddock.

Brandyman (Croston Cufflink Imp UK x Owendale Brandy by Sir Percy of Paxhall Imp UK) was an instant success at stud. In his first season, he covered seven of my mares successfully while running in the paddock, then, because he had settled them all with minimum fuss and put on weight while doing so, I accepted six visitors, five of which also produced foals in 1990. His stud fees covered the shire rates in that year, and for many years to come, making him one of the only ponies to pay his own way. Most of my ponies will die in debt - but not Brandyman.

Before purchasing Brandyman, I already owned a close relative, in Owendale Warwick (Sir Percy of Paxhall Imp UK x Nattai Windflower) but I wanted a taller pony to produce up to height Section Bs. When I put Brandyman over Warwick’s daughters, I was thrilled with the results. The progeny were big, strong and athletic - just what I was after. Just what the PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

Mithril Mood Indigo (1996 – 2017) (Owen Owendale Warwick) Beautiful Indi was pu and came back to Mithril in 2014. She br by the Section D stallion, Westbury Spitf great-grandson, and is now the main sta Kristy Sparkes, who rides and comp photo: stephe market was after, too, and I sold many of them to mainly performance homes.

Brandyman’s first ever show was the Melbourne Royal, when he was a three year old colt. Qualifications were required, but I attached a letter explaining that he hadn’t been shown, but that he was certainly of good show quality, citing the success of his dam, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

in his stride.

By this time, his first foals were arriving.

I was thrilled with them. I started to wonder whether I would geld him after three seasons.

ndale Brandyman x Cweim Musical, by urchased as a yearling by Margie Kuiper, red an outstanding colt (to be gelded) fire. Spitfire is an Owendale Brandyman allion at Mithril. He is co-owned with petes him, currently in Advanced. en wiltshire and mentioning that he was well socialised and polite. The RAS accepted his entry and he was prepped for the show, first being mouthed and driven in long reins.

He travelled to the show next to a two year old filly without any fuss. To my delight, he won the three year old class of seven entrants under Sally Bayles and was a pure pleasure to show, taking the whole outing PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

He covered more mares after the show, then went out to quite a few local shows, winning a lot of Open Pony Stallion classes, but not doing so well in his Welsh classes - he had rather too much bone for the time, when the fashion was for ‘exquisite’. It is well recognised by many that male mammals are larger and heavier in bone than the females of the species. Breed standards for cattle and dogs specify this, but horse standards do not, and I think they should. The only difference between mares and stallions noted in the Welsh Standard refers to mature stallions having a neck which is inclined to be cresty. If we ignore this difference in secondary sex characteristics when choosing which stallions to breed with, then we will lose bone and substance, and very quickly.

When I sent him off to be started under saddle after the breeding and showing season, I expected to not hear how he was going for a week or so, but after only two days, the breaker phoned me to let me tell me how he was progressing.

Having lunged him, and driven him in reins, they understood that he was ready to ride. So they ponied him a couple of miles down the road to a neighbour’s sand yard, rode him in the yard, then ponied the lead horse home, while riding Brandyman. He came home ready to show under saddle in a matter of weeks, SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

being naturally well balanced and a willing worker. At the time, I didn’t have anyone to ride him at shows, so he never had that opportunity, but I rode him quite a bit myself, and what a joy he was.

His popularity at stud increased every year with people who wanted to breed a big pony for their own use. He covered a lot of Thoroughbred and Stockhorse mares, and the offspring of those matings largely went unregistered, but he has 91 progeny registered in the Stud Book. Several of his Section B daughters did very well in the ring and his geldings did well under saddle. Over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of interest in using Brandyman to produce ponies for Dressage, due largely to the success of Mithril Vagabond, Mithril Valetta and Mithril Herakles.

All of these ponies have placed well at Dressage With The Stars.

Louise Maguire’s Mithril Vagabond, born 2008. 13.3 1/2hh.

(Owendale Brandyman x Mithril Valerie by Fairway Skyline) Photographed competing in Advanced at a competition in February 2017, now competing Prix St George and about to have his first start in Intermediate I. photo: Geoff Mclean - gone riding media

I am very grateful to the Owens for breeding Brandyman and I enjoy seeing the Owendale ponies doing so well in Show Hunter classes Australia wide.

They share his wonderful attributes of a sound constitution, wonderfully strong limbs, equable temperament, and correct movement, going from both ends, with great freedom in the shoulder and very active hock action.

I gave up any thought of gelding him long ago. He’s 30 now, and is no longer fertile, but he’s enjoying an honoured retirement. Brandyman has outlived many of his progeny, but his youngest offspring, a colt, Shea Tarn Rephaani, and a filly, Mithril Aim High, both threeyear-olds, are in my paddocks.

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SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

“Over the last couple of years, there has been a lot of interest in using Brandyman to produce ponies for Dressage, due largely to the success of Mithril Vagabond, Mithril Valetta and Mithril Herakles. All of these ponies have placed well at Dressage With The Stars.”

Mithril Herakles (owendale brandyman x mithril hester, by fairway skyline) born 2012, 14 hands, jointly owned by Chris Milvain and Louise Maguire, ridden and trained by Louise. ‘Harry’ is currently competing Novice and was a placegetter in the 4 Year Old Pony test at Dressage and Jumping With The Stars in March 2017. photo: sue jeffers-equine images victoria

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

Fernhill Champagne, born 1991, (Owendale Brandyman x Fairway Valencia by Twyford Skylight (Imp UK). Champagne was a successful show and brood mare for mithril stud. photo: raelene Milvain.

Brandyman in the paddock, September 2012- 25 years old. fit and well. His correct conformation and outstanding hardy constitution have stood him in good stead. He has run in the paddock for much of his life, and has never been allowed to become obese.

Photo: raelene milvain.

PONY MAGAZINE AUSTRALIA

SEPTEMBER/OCTOBER 2017

www.ponymagazineaustralia.com

PONY MAGAZINE

AUSTRALIA

www.ponymagazineaustralia.com