Everything has taken a back seat lately due to Pilyara’s latest acquisition – a new horse. I’ve always been a staunch advocate of Australian Stock Horses. Possibly the world’s most versatile horse and descended from the legendary Walers, they are often referred to as ‘the breed for every need’. Bred for Australian conditions, stock horses are fine working and performance animals, renowned for their temperament, endurance, resilience and strength. But I’m also an admirer of warmbloods – middle-weight performance horses originating in Europe. They are somewhere in the middle between heavy draft animals (cold bloods) and light saddle horses such as thoroughbreds, stock horses and Arabians (hot bloods). So when a lovely half-stock horse, half-warmblood mare came on the market, I couldn’t resist!

BFD Riptide, Star’s sire

Star’s dam carries the  great stockhorse bloodlines of Gundy Bruce and the world-renowned Souvenir via Victory II. Her sire is a Holsteiner, thought to be the oldest of warmblood breeds, tracing back to the 13th century. Riptide BFD, carries a double cross of the imported champion  Romedio via Mountbatten (Grand Prix dressage & US Olympic Team listed) and Rembrandt (showjumper).

The only reason I could afford such a well-bred mare, is because she didn’t reach the desired height of 16 hh. Anyway, I’m besotted and have been spending all my time with her. (Hope the other horses don’t get jealous!) I even spent New Year’s Eve cleaning horse gear, and getting my father’s beautiful old stock saddle in top shape for her. So I hereby dedicate this post to Star, and now I’m off to the stables again …