J’ADORE my filly……

Easter’s second show was an Open Performance Gala held at Three Counties Show Ground.

Her first class was called “World Breeds”, open to horses and ponies with performance potential. Easter was foot perfect, tracked up straight, stood for the judge, stood in line and was an absolute delight to work with. She was placed an honourable third from some quality proven and seasoned competition.

Our second class was for yearlings, colt, filly or gelding, we were in our “class” and placed first, delighted to be pulled forward into the Championship in fourth place.

I can ask no more from this filly at the present moment in time.

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

Redheart Cateaster

I adore this filly…..

Three Redheart’s In The Ring……

When it comes to a yearling’s first show I can only talk of my own experience. At home, trips in the lorry, bathing, in hand leading and being taught to standing correctly, alongside many other educational lessons will ensure a sense of normality on the day. Whilst at the show, the day can unfold either way…

The Regional Appaloosa Club UK show at Summer House, Gloucester was the perfect introductory show for Easter. Crystal gave her an encouraging start, full of praise and reward. Easter amazed us all with her obedience, positive attitude and calmness. Her shows for the Judge were impressive and were rewarded with a first place in the Most Colourful, a second in the main registered fillies and delighted to say the Reserve Championship from the Females.

Easter was then taken to the lorry to enjoy her hay net whilst Katie and Evee continued their classes and myself and Reus stayed out the way until it was our turn in the ring.

 

Here are a few photos of the Three Redhearts Day Out……..

 

Crystal with Redheart Cateaster

 

 

Katie with Redheart Pascalius

 

Katie and Evee took a first in the young stock UK and USA fillies.

 Also awarded USA Reserve Champion  and UK Female Champion.

A lovely day spent with Happy Appy friends

 

 Reus had an educational day, with a fulfilled day of classes.

We took a few firsts and seconds, three Reserve Champions and the USA Championship.

A delightful day spent with delightful people.

The first show where three Redhearts stood in the ring…….

 

 

 

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK…………

“The ApHC UK are pleased to announce a Special Award for commitment to promoting the Appaloosa in the UK as well as attending all the Club’s shows in 2014, this award has been presented to Paula Cooper with her Foundation Appaloosa colt Redheart Catorrius.

We understand that Paula and her horses had a good day at Royal Windsor Horse Show too.

Very well done Redheart Appaloosas.”

ApHC Award

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK advert in Free Rein July 2007, my mother and I wouldn’t have attended.

 

 

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK members who introduced their horses at this show we would never have caught the “Bug”.

If it wasn’t for the ApHC UK Directors continued support and direction I would have never made it to my first show without borrowing the required clothing and attire.

They are special ones, committing their time, energy and knowledge to support a breed they believe in.

They will always exceed your expectations and help you whatever your needs.

I am truly overwhelmed and honoured to receive this award.

This recognition gives me great strength and encouragement to continue my journey with Redheart Appaloosas.

Showing, producing, breeding and selling Appaloosas x Appaloosa horses within the UK.

Committed to the on-going development of Foundation Blood lines, Performance records topped off with Patterns and Colour.

 Thank you ApHC UK Directors & members.

There is a GAP in our Breeding Programme……….

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

Happy Birthday on the 21st………

Redheart Pascalius & Redheart Cateaster were both born on the 21st April but a year apart.

                                                  2

 

It is not always easy to predict a grown Appaloosa’s colour at birth, Evee was born black. Slight stripes on her hooves was the only Appaloosa characteristics present at 6 months. We now know she is heterozygous (LP/lp) for the Leopard Print Gene and doesn’t carry the PATN1 (N/N) gene. At the moment I see her growing through the “gormless stage” where her body and head don’t look in proportion. There has never been any doubt she would colour out but here are a few pictures of her “change” to date.

  

Easter on the other hand had Appaloosa Characteristics at birth, she is homozygous (LP/LP) for the Leopard Print Gene and carries one copy of the PATN1 (PATN1/N) gene. At present she is shedding her foal / winter coat, it is evident there are a few dark  pigmented areas of skin on her hind legs and she is colouring out on her face. Patterns can change throughout an Appaloosa’s life but I think Easters is quite stable. Here are a few pictures of her “change” to date.

 

  These two youngsters are very affectionate towards each other.

   

and constantly play …….

Happy Birthday on the 21st April 2015

Past and present…..

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)

3

 

 

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.

4 (2)

Redheart Pascalius (Past & Present)

4

 

 

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…………

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” ……..

Valentine’s Red Heart

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……….

Figuring it out…………

 

 

I have no judgement upon breeders who cross their Appaloosas, it is my own personal goal to improve my horses blood line with increased Foundation blood. It is the history (many versions) that fascinates me and the only competition I have is with myself.

Breeding a horse involves following/studying other proven professionals, supporting the relevant associations, establishing a breeding plan and using stock supported by their competition titles. Understanding the genetics and the pedigrees that support the future off-spring. 

One of our goals at Redheart Appaloosas is to improve our Appaloosa x Appaloosa blood line. The percentages of Foundation Blood is not the only criteria considered, although in doing so we are creating a unique blood line and gene pool here in the UK.

Studying the young stock here at Redheart Appaloosas (as they develop), it is quite clear they all have a certain presence in statue. This is a great quality to have and so may it continue. We are fortunate to have imported two quality mares, not only have they proved themselves under the judge’s eye, their quality genes have been “stamped” on their off spring. This is very important as they continue to produce a future line of full/half-brother and sisters. Make no mistake, using the same Stallion has also contributed to the present stocks quality.

Planning and developing my breeding plan has been a priority for a few years…..looking for a quality homozygous Stud colt with high Foundation Blood,  a clear panel of genetic results and excellent confirmation etc. has not been an easy task.

In due course, we will be delighted to introduce you to our future potential REDHEART STALLION, when he has safely arrived here in the UK.

At this present time I can confidently say, we have found what we have looked for, I have “figured out” all the numbers and to my delight they add up…….

 

 

Keep an eye on us……..

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……..