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Table of Contents

COVER STORY

A World of Color

Body Condition & Reproduction

Breeding for Newbies

Blue Hen Mare Series

Let Color Rein

GOOD TO BE BLUE

Common Coat Colors & Patterns

Nutrition Series

Series Part II

New opportunities for colored reining horses

To Know: 80 Get FULL MEDAL JACKET

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â€œWe fell in love with him. He was a strong mover, and of course, beautiful...â€?

COVER STORY

GOOD TO BE BLUE His countenance compels awe on social media, and with a pedigree predisposed to sire excellent performers, Good To Be Blue is a stallion for APHA breeders to take serious note of in this season.

PRETTY ON PAPER His sire, A Good Zippo, was a Superior western pleasure horse himself and an APHA Leading Sire of performance winners for over a decade, with progeny earnings exceeding $67,000. The great breeders impart that the dam line is of great implication when considering a stallion. Good To Be Blue is blessed with one of the most successful producing dams in the business. Miss Black Ty Too is a 2001 mare by Black Ty Only and out of Im The Class Cutie, a multiple APHA World Champion producer herself. Miss Black Ty Too is an APHA Leading Dam of Performance Point Earners, with four of five foals of riding age being World or Reserve World Champions and all five foals of riding age being performers. A Good Zippo and Miss Black Ty Too proved to excel in producing champion pleasure horses together. Gotta Lota Good has won the Bridleless Western Pleasure sweepstakes at the APHA World Show twice, has been Reserve World Champion in both Junior Western pleasure and trail events, and is also an APHA World Champion in Youth Junior Western Pleasure. Ive Got Your Goodies is a Reichert Celebration Reserve Champion in the 2 Year Old Limited Open Western Pleasure and is also a Color Breed Congress Champion. Lit Up By Zippo is a 3-time PtHA Reserve World Champion, and Im Here To Stay is a World Champion as well. 12

FOLLOWING SUIT “Reggie” followed in his siblings’ footsteps with a Reserve World Championship at the Pinto World Show with JT Thomas, and by earning Top 5 Honors at the APHA World Show in the prestigious Farnam 2 Year Old Western Pleasure Stakes. In 2015, he was third in the 3 Year Old Western Pleasure at the Pinto World Show.

DESTINY INTERVENING Gerri and Liz Sanders of True North Show Horses first laid eyes on “Reggie” at the APHA World Show, with JT in the saddle. “We fell in love with him. He was a strong mover, and of course, beautiful,” Liz said. The Sanders never had any intention of owning or managing a breeding stallion, but the exceptional colt shook up the game plan, “We wanted a show horse but he ended up proving to us that he had qualities that he could offer to the APHA industry such as soundness, temperament, structural correctness & movement.” The Sanders shared that in the dayto-day, Reggie is easy to get along with, “He’s a total sweetheart. He’s so easy to be around, he barely ever acts like he’s a stallion and is very quiet.” Reggie suffered a horrific injury not long after his show career began accelerating, effectively ending that career, “His hind leg got stuck in a fence and he had to go through intensive treatment because the infection spread to his bone,” Liz said. Reggie was exceedingly lucky to have made any measure of a comeback from the severity of his injury, but after a period of healing and rest, things

were looking up, and the Sanders made the decision to focus on breeding. They bred several mares to him, yielding impressive results, “Out of his test crop, we are excited to see correct conformation, slow sweepy legs, size for capability in all around events, and trainable minds,” Gerri said. 13

A PROMISING SIRE

His next crop generated remarkable results as well, with foals born from exceptional mares by industry giants like Zippos Sensation, Lazy Loper, and A Sudden Impulse. “So far our personal favorite cross has been out of our Invitation Only bred mare,” Gerri said. The mare in question, One Fancy Invitation, is sired by Calicos D Invitation (by Invitation Only) and is a 3-time Reichert Celebration Champion/Reserve Champion, APHA World Show Sweepstakes Champion, and a 2-time APHA World Show Slot Reserve Champion. Good In Blue, is out of a full sibling to 14

one of the most recognized show horses of today – Ill Be Sensational. “Glory” touts all key traits necessary to become a World Class all arounder, and has begun what looks to be a promising riding career. Another foal of note, bred and owned by Taylor Barrow, is a striking bay dun overo out of a maternal sibling to the great show horse and sire, Radicalized. This young stallion is proving already his capability as a sire, with exceptional prospects on the ground, and is attracting quality mares from the great pedigrees of the industry. For 2020, mares by Radical Rodder, The Good Ranger, Lazy Loper,

Serious Anticipation, and Invitation Only are to be matched with him. An exciting stallion for APHA breeding programs in the USA and Canada, with a pedigree backed with champions, a champion record of his own, and talented foals already. Semen quality is always a matter of importance when discussing a stallion for breeding purposes, and questions about motility and viability are usually some of the first questions inquiring breeders pose. Good To Be Blue is certainly no slacker in this, “His semen is great! We’ve had a great success rate on the first shipment, including internationally to Canada and on farm. We normally

get enough cells to ship two doses to a handful of mares with 80% progressive motility on average,” Gerri said. Good To Be Blue will stand the 2020 breeding season at McEquine Equine Enterprises in Pilot Point, Texas. Visit him online at https://www.goodtobeblue.com.

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EQUINE COLOR GENETICS:

A WORLD OF COLOR Common Colors & Patterns with photos by Terri Cage

A good horse is never the wrong color, but color never hurt a good horse. Equine color genetics are a world unto their own. The science behind each of the uniquely individual colors and patterns has fascinated breeders and equine enthusiasts throughout the millennia, since man first painted the spotted horses in caves.

TERMS USED IN THIS ARTICLE Heterozygous: horse carries one copy of the gene in question Homozygous: horse carries two copies of the gene in question, and all offspring of that horse will receive a copy from that parent Dominant gene: A dominant gene is one where, in order to show expression of the gene, a horse only needs one copy. These genes will carry down to half of all offspring.

Base Colors THE EXTENSION GENE As a species, horses arrive into this world with the Extension gene, which determines whether the horse is red based or black based. This gene is denoted as follows: e/e = Red factor only E/e = One red factor, one black E/E = Black factor only A horse that is homozygous black can only sire black based offspring. But what about bays? This is where the Agouti gene comes into play.

AGOUTI This gene is Dominant, which means that if they carry it, it is expressed in the horseâ€™s phenotype. The agouti gene restricts the extension gene so that black is only seen at the points - a bay horse will have black legs, black mane and tail, dark muzzle, etc. The agouti gene is denoted as follows: a/a = No agouti gene present A/a = Heterozygous Agouti (1 copy) A/A = Homozygous Agouti (2 copies) A horse can be homozygous black and still carry Agouti. These horses are bay. 28

THE CREAM GENE So how do we obtain those harder-to-get colors, such as palomino or buckskin, or cremello? The Cream gene is an incomplete dominant gene, meaning that it has different ways of expressing in its heterozygous and homozygous forms. In a heterozygous expression, the cream gene will only dilute the red pigment in the hair. In a homozygous expression, it affects both red and black pigment. The Cream gene is denoted as follows: n/n = No cream gene present N/Cr = Heterozygous for cream (1 copy) Cr/Cr = Homozygous for cream (2 copies) N/Cr horses are colored as follows, according to their base colors: Buckskin = Bay + N/Cr Palomino = Red + N/Cr Smokey Black = Black + N/Cr Cr/Cr horses are colored as follows, according to their base colors: Perlino = Bay + Cr/Cr Cremello = Red + Cr/Cr Smonkey Cream = Black + Cr/Cr

THE DUN GENE

THE GREY GENE

The dun gene is a dominant gene, and affects all base colors by lightening the horseâ€™s coat.

The grey gene is a simple dominant gene, and de-pigments the base color of the horse carrying it.

Red + Dun = Red Dun Bay + Dun = Bay Dun Black + Dun = Grulla

g/g = No grey present G/g = Heterozygous for grey G/G = Homozygous for grey

The dun gene is also paired with primitive markings, most easily recognized by a dark stripe down the center of the spine.

Red dun

Grulla

Grey

Grey 31

THE ROAN GENE Roan horses have been all the rage in recent years, and these striking horses are characterized by solid heads and points, with frosting over the rest of their coats. The roan gene is a dominant trait. n/n = No roan present n/Rn = Heterozygous for roan Rn/Rn = Homozygous for roan

TOBIANO Tobiano is a dominant gene. Horses with the tobiano pattern are typically marked with big round shaped white markings that have crisp edges and extend over the horseâ€™s back. A typical tobiano has a solid head, sometimes with normal facial markings one would see on a solid horse. All four legs are usually white from the knees and hocks down.

n/n = No tobiano present n/To = Heterozygous tobiano To/To = Homozygous tobiano

Tobiano

Frame Overo

OVERO PATTERNS The term “overo” covers a multitude of different patterning genes, essentially covering anything that isn’t a tobiano. The key difference between the overo and tobiano color genes is that the white spotting on overos does usually not cross over the spine.

typically will exhibit jagged edges. Frame Overo is a dominant gene, and the only overo pattern linked to Overo Lethal White Syndrome, where a foal inherits two copies of the gene and, as a result, will die from abnormalities within the intestinal tract.

Frame Overo Some of the most celebrated horses in the paint breed have been frame overos. The typical frame overo is characterized by horizontal white patches on the horse’s head and neck. It may be accompanied by blue eyes, and the white patches

n/n = No frame overo present n/O = Heterozygous for frame overo O/O = Homozygous for frame overo, Lethal White

SABINO Sabino is an incomplete dominant gene, meaning that it presents differently in heterozygous and homozygous forms. A heterozygous sabino horse is characterized by freckled and irregular spotting that may extend up the legs to the belly, and they can have â€œroaningâ€? around the edges of their white spots. They can have quite a bit of white on their faces as well. In its homozygous form, sabino makes a horse appear almost completely white. n/n = No sabino present n/Sb1 = Heterozygous for Sabino 1 Sb1/Sb1 = Homozygous for Sabino 1

Sabino

SPLASHED WHITE There are currently four known/testable variations of the Splashed White genes. Most commonly splashed white horses express with high whites, wide blazes, and blue eyes, and look as though they were dipped in paint, with the edges of the white markings being crisp.

Splashed White

Example of testing results: n/n = No sabino present n/Sb1 = Heterozygous for Sabino 1 Sb1/Sb1 = Homozygous for Sabino 1

DOMINANT WHITE There are over 20 variations of the Dominant White genes, though the one primarily tested in stock breeds is Dominant White 20, or W20. This family of genes are what are referred to as white boosters - they intensify other color patterns the horse carries. Quite a few quarter horse pedigrees are known W20 carriers, and since W20 does not express white markings on its own, the only way to determine if a horse has it is through genetic testing. n/n = No W20 present n/W20 = Heterozygous for W20 W20/W20 = Homozygous for W20

Leopard Complex

LEOPARD COMPLEX Also referred to as Appaloosa Spotting, the Leopard Complex (LP gene), is responsible for the roaning and mottled skin you see common to appaloosas. In its homozygous form, it is connected to Congenital Stationary Night Blindness. N/N = No LP present N/LP = Heterozygous for LP LP/LP = Homozygous, affected by CSNB

Leopard Appaloosa

PATTERN GENES The other genes responsible for the wild color present in appaloosas are Pattern 1 and Pattern 2. Pattern 1 is responsible for creating leopard appaloosas when combined with only one copy of the LP gene, and with two copies of the LP gene, it is responsible for fewspot appaloosas. Pattern 2 creates blanket appaloosa when paired with one copy of the LP gene, and a snow cap appaloosa when paired with two copies of the LP gene.

n/n = No gene present n/PATN1 or PATN2 = Heterozygous PATN1/PATN1 = Homozygous PATN1 PATN2/PATN2 = Homozygous PATN2

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NUTRITION

BODY CONDITION & REPRODUCTION written by Brenna Weaver

Reproductive output is a central source of income for a breeder. Identifying deficits and mitigating as many problems in your breeding program as possible are keys to success. There’s nothing more frustrating than a mare failing to conceive repeatedly or a stallion suffering from subfertility. In this, body condition plays a vital role – a horse deprived of nutrients necessary for ideal function is frustrating from an emotional and financial viewpoint.

BODY CONDITION SCORES The Body Condition Score System was developed in 1983 by Dr. Don Henneke and collegues. This invaluable and straightforward tool allows veterinarians and horse 46

owners alike the ability to rate accurately the overall condition of horses. It measures stores of fat in six key regions: neck, withers, ribs, behind the shoulder, loin, and tailhead. The body condition score (BCS), is achieved by both visual indications and manual palpation of these regions. A horse is then given a score between 1 and 9, with a 1 being emaciated and 9 being obese (see chart).

IDEAL RANGE FOR MARES Mares bear the brunt of the work when it comes to reproduction - growing embryos, delivering foals, and providing critical nutrition during the first six months of a foal’s

SCORES

Adapted from Henneke et al Equine Vet. J (1983) 15(4), 371-371

Score 1 – Poor: Horse is extremely emaciated. There is no fatty tissue. The vertebrae, ribs, tail head, and bones of withers, shoulder, and neck are clearly evident. Score 2 – Very thin: Horse is emaciated. There is very slight tissue cover over his bones, and the vertebrae, ribs, tail head, and bones of the withers, shoulder, and neck are evident. Score 3 – Thin: There is slight cover of fat over the horse’s body. The individual vertebrae and ribs are not visible. The withers, shoulder, and neck are not excessively thin. Score 4 – Moderately thin: The ridge of the horse’s spine and the outline of his ribs are evident. The tail head may or may not be visible. Withers, shoulders, and neck are not excessively thin. Score 5 – Moderate: Horse’s spine and ribs are not seen but ribs can be felt. The tail head is spongy. Withers, shoulders, and neck are round and smooth. Score 6 – Moderately fleshy: There is a slight crease down the spine. The horse’s ribs and tail head feel spongy. There are fat deposits along the withers and neck, and also behind the shoulders. Score 7 – Fleshy: There is a crease down the spine. The ribs have fat filling between them. The tail head is spongy, and there are fat deposits along the withers and neck, and also behind the shoulders. Score 8 – Fat: There is an obvious crease down the horse’s spine. Ribs are hard to feel. There is soft fat surrounding the tail head, and there are fat deposits along the withers, behind the shoulders, and on the inner thighs. The neck is large in size. Score 9 – Extremely Fat: There is an obvious crease down the spine. There is patchy fat on his ribs, bulging fat on the tail head, withers, and behind the shoulders,

life can take a toll on her body. It is absolutely critical to the success of any breeding program that mares be conscientiously monitored year-round in order to maximize their ability to conceive, carry, and deliver the next generation. Studies at Texas A&M have yielded valuable information regarding the correlation between BCS and mare fertility. One of these studies, which included 927 mares, placed mares in three categories at foaling according to their BCS: thin, moderate, and fat. The thin maresâ€™ score was 4.5 or less, moderate mares between 5 and 6.5, and fat mares in the study scored 7 and above. The study found that mares foaling in thin condition suffered impaired performance when it came time to re-breed, even when provided necessary energy requirements for lactation1. Even though these thin maresâ€™ rebreeding efficiency was improved with increased feed intake, the study

noted that to do so was quite costly and posed its own set of health risks to the mares (i.e. colic and founder). Pregnancy rates among thin mares was noted to be only 78%, much lower than the rates of moderate or fat mares, and took 2.5 cycles to reach conception. The fat mares made use of their stored fat for efficient reproduction and lactation, even while they were losing weight during the course of the study. They had no foaling problems and experienced high rebreeding efficiency1 of 98%, with an average of 1.5 cycles to reach conception. Mares in a more moderate condition or better (BCS of 5-6.5) cycled earlier, had a 100% conception rate during the breeding season, and took 1.75 cycles on average to reach conception. They also sustained more pregnancies than thin mares. Additional research suggests that mares with body condition scores of 4 or less will delay ovulation at the start of breeding season, and can do so by three or even four weeks 2. They also suffer pregnancy losses at a greater rate than better kept mares. The findings of these studies indicate that a mare should be brought into a breeding season with a body condition score between five and seven, and maintained at a 5 or better throughout the year.

IDEAL RANGE FOR STALLIONS A primary concern for breeding stallions is maintaining proper body condition throughout the active breeding season. While less formal research has been conducted on the specific effects of body condition scores and how they correlate to improved or impaired reproductive performance in stallions, we do know that nutrition is absolutely vital when it comes to cell production and proper reproductive function. It has been recommended that a stallion enter breeding season with a BCS of 6 to 73. Stallions should be fed to support maintenance of their score throughout the breeding season with little significant change in their weight3.

OTHER FACTORS While the BCS system is an important tool for measuring overall horse health, a few other matters to consider are: Coat & Hoof Quality: A horse can receive enough calories to maintain weight, but can still have nutritional deficits that can affect their reproductive function. Hair coat and hoof quality are good indicators of this. If your horse maintains weight, but fails to bloom, with a shiny, soft haircoat and good overall hoof quality, you may

need to consider altering their diet, as there could be underlying deficiencies. Consult your veterinarian and/or equine nutritionist to create a customized ration to meet their individual needs, and even rule out other potential health concerns. Location, location, location!: Geography matters, and soil quality varies greatly depending on location. Different soil types contain widely different levels of 49

key nutrients that can support healthy reproduction. Knowing exactly what is in forage and grain rations can help you form a plan backed by actionable information. You can readily have soil, grain, and forage analyzed in order to do this. Age is more than a number: The nutritional requirements of older mares and stallions are more demanding than those of a horse in the prime of its life. You may need to make alterations to your feeding program for older horses to keep them at optimum function.

Jumpstart Digestion: Teeth are the bridge between food and productivity. You’ve heard the phrase, “No hoof, no horse,” and the same principle applies to teeth. They are the first step in digestion and by extension, nutrient-absorption. Most horses in their prime can have a dental done once a year, but not every horse is the same, and younger and older horses may need more assistance. While your mare is getting her pre-breeding season examinations, it won’t hurt to have your vet take a look at her teeth, just for good measure. Stallions are orally fixated creatures more often than not, so make sure to have your vet or equine dentist check him as well.

CONCLUDING THOUGHTS Paying close attention to and measuring the overall body condition of your herd is your first line of defense against problems during breeding season. As always, good veterinary, farrier, and dental care are of utmost importance, as well as an individualized whole-horse approach. Consult the professionals on your breeding team and make use of their insight and knowledge to get the most of your breeding program. References: 1. Evans, P. (2005). Body Condition Scoring: A Management Tool for Evaluating All Horses. Retrieved from https://pdfs. semanticscholar.org/4596/c468a4a3b4c7b1318f3d67bdb1a03e508db6.pdf 2. Hiney, K. (n.d.). Body Condition of Horses. Retrieved from http://pods.dasnr.okstate.edu/docushare/dsweb/Get/ Document-8661/ANSI-3920web color.pdf 3. Gibbs, P. G. (n.d.). Stallion Nutrition. Retrieved from https://animalscience.tamu.edu/wp-content/uploads/ sites/14/2012/04/nutrition-stallion-nutrition.pdf

SERIES: PART II

BREEDING FOR NEWBIES In part one of our Breeding for Newbies series we began laying a foundation that can help set us up for success during this yearâ€™s breeding season. In part two of the series, weâ€™ll address the actual process of breeding our mare.

MAKING THE TRANSITION

For the mares left to cycle naturally without the accompaniment of artificial lighting, the months of December, January, and February are merely reminders to keep hitting the snooze

button on their estrous cycles. While the days are slowly growing longer, the length of daylight has not yet reached sufficient duration to inspire changes visible to the human eye. Under the influence of extended artificial lighting since late autumn, however, the mares scheduled for earlier breeding have been led to believe that spring has arrived, and their ovaries are waking up. By late January, these mares are often leaving anestrous behind and entering their transitional heat. 55

Anestrous is the period of time that a mare stops cycling during winter. Before breeding can occur, we need the mare to shift gears back into an active estrous cycle. The transitional heat acts as a bridge between the two. The first heat of the new season, the transition isn’t fertile in most cases. It tends to be irregular, lasting anywhere from just a few days to two weeks or even more. The ovaries, having not fully revived from their winter slumber, tend to produce multiple small follicles that don’t quite mature enough to be fertile. Later, after the transitional heat has occurred, the ovaries will produce fewer follicles, and one from each cycle will take the lead and mature to ovulation. Once the transitional heat has passed, the mare’s breeding season has officially begun. It is important to stay the course at this point with the artificial lighting, as any sudden changes, especially in decreasing the hours under lights, can cause the mare to revert back to anestrous again.

ROCKING & ROLLING

Early February marks the traditional beginning of breeding season, so by that time it’s a good idea to begin checking the mare’s reproductive status in earnest if an early foal is your goal. If you have multiple horses, you may 56

see her showing signs of estrous to her pasture or barn mates, particularly to geldings. These include frequent squatting, urinating, and “flagging” the tail. Some mares are much more subtle, however, or may show no signs at all, especially if there is no other horse for them to socialize with. A reproductive exam by your equine veterinarian is the definitive way to establish exactly where the mare is in her cycle. Using rectal palpation, ultrasound, or both, the veterinarian will be able to ascertain some key information. Uterine tone and edema pattern, as well as the condition of the mare’s cervix all play important roles in determining readiness for breeding, but if there is a celebrity of the mare’s reproductive tract, it’s the follicle. Perhaps the easiest piece of the breeding puzzle to understand, the follicle understandably receives much emphasis. Follicular size is measured in millimeters. It will increase in size an average of 3mm to 5mm per day until mature. The minimum size a follicle is generally considered breedable is 35mm but measurement is not the only consideration for breeding. As it matures and nears ovulation, the follicle will also soften considerably and its edges will take on an irregular appearance.

BREEDING THE MARE We want to breed the mare as close to ovulation as possible, so all the key players must come together in concert to have the best chance for a successful breeding. One last option to improve our odds is the administration of a drug to help induce ovulation timed closely to insemination. There are several brands available, but deslorelin or human chorionic gonadotropin (hCG) are commonly used. Once it’s determined the mare is ready for breeding, then it’s time to contact the stallion manager to arrange a shipment of semen. There are a few key things to know:

Your Balance – what do you owe on your breeding (if anything)? Cost of Shipments – It’s a great time to re-familiarize yourself with the fee schedule so you’re not caught off guard by shipping costs. Collection Days & Cutoff Times – Make absolutely sure that you know what days your sire of choice is collected, as some farms stick with a Monday-Wednesday-Friday schedule, while others rotate odd days and even days each month. Find out when, contractually, you are obligated to let your stallion owner/manager know that you are in need of a shipment and by what time you need to finalize those plans.

Once the deliver y of semen has arrived, your veterinarian will recheck the follicle, and determine the best course of action with regard to insemination. In an ideal world, breeding our favorite mare would be a one and done proposition. Sometimes thatâ€™s just not in the cards for some reason or other. If your mare does not conceive on the first go around, your vet will likely attempt to short cycle her using Lutalyse or estrumate, and the cycle repeats. If all the stars align and luck is with us, the 14 day pregnancy check will herald in Part III of our Breeding for Newbies Series, wherein we begin our long wait for our future superstar.

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SERIES: PART II

BLUE HEN MARES The mares are the cornerstones of the breeding industry, and the Blue Hens are those who attain the pinnacle of production achievements. They stand behind the biggest programs in the industry, and these elite mares continuously amaze with each passing season. In Part II of our Blue Hen Mare Series, we have focused on prominent APHA mares and their success in producing the next generation of champions.

R FANCY THIS Judy Brooks saw an ad for R Fancy This is in The Paint Horse Journal when she was a two year old. The beautiful 1999 overo mare by R Big Time Fancy was out of a Scotch Bar Tommy mare, and Judy set out to take a look. “I took a trailer along just in case,” Judy said. “Needless to say, she was gorgeous pretty and a super soft mover. Her legs were so slow and she really was way before her time in her movement. She was raised by Kim Clark in Pitman New Jersey. I brought her home and the rest is history!” R Fancy This went on

to have a successful show career, earning 401 western pleasure points and multiple APHA Superiors in western pleasure before being retired to breeding. Once there, she chiseled a name for herself into the APHA breeding business, with eleven living foals and nine performers carrying her name forward into the showpen. Six of her performers are World or Reserve World Champions, including recognizable names such as multiple Reserve World Champion, Lopin Lazy, multiple World Champion, Krymsunized, Reserve World Champion, Invite This, World Champion, Its All Krymsun, World Champion, Lazadaisical, and Pinto World Champion, This Is Good. Judy raised every one of R Fancy This’s foals herself, “She consistently passed on her

Lopin Lazy, by Lazy Loper and out of R Fancy This

correct conformation and her soft movement. Her babies have all been big and strong and excelled in the Longe Line and Halter events as yearlings.” “Fancy” proved to be the true definition of a Blue Hen mare by crossing on a multitude of different stallions, “A good friend said ‘You could breed that mare to a donkey and get a World Champion.’ Well, I never tried a donkey, but I did laugh!” Judy said that Lazy Loper and One Hot Krymsun were “time and time again great crosses with Fancy. I have a 2 year old by Certainly A Vision who is up and coming though!”

Krymsunized, out of R Fancy This

To maximize the success of her mare, Judy studied genetics,“I thought long and hard about the Stallions I selected. I knew that I needed the strong AQHA Western Pleasure lines in there. I really tried to better our breed. I placed the babies in the best show programs I could to promote them. I have met so many nice people through Fancy and her babies! I also worked with several great trainers to give them good starts.”

R Fancy This

“A good friend said ‘You could breed that mare to a donkey and get a World Champion.’ Well, I never tried a donkey, but I did laugh!”

JUDY’S ADVICE FOR BREEDERS “Above all make sure your mare is genetically tested and color coat tested before you even think about picking a stallion for her! I also feel you need to show the mare herself and get a big show record on her first. The babies will sell themselves if you do your homework before breeding.”

A GIRLS NITE OUT & PROMISE MEA GOOD TIME Michele Tucker bought A Girls Nite Out from Rick Sutherland as a promising weanling. The beautiful bay overo is sired by Scotch Bar Tommy and is a full sibling to multiple World Champion producer, Tommys Reflection. Michele was drawn to her for her disposition, conformation, movement, breeding, and color. She herself became a Top 10 World Show finalist and accumulated more than 300 points in all around events prior to producing multiple World Champions who have earned more than 1,000 points in all around events. “Being sired by the great Scotch Bar Tommy (foundation bred), she has really complimented modern day pleasure horse breeding,” Michele said. Promise Mea Good Time came to Michele in a sale, and it was the same characteristics that drew her to A Girls Nite Out that led her to the purchase, “I bought her as a brood mare because of her breeding and conformation. She has produced multiple APHA and PtHA World Champions.” As with A Girls Nite Out, all of Promise Mea Good Time’s progeny of riding age are titled at the World Shows or point earners. Michele has raised all of these mares’ foals herself, and said. A Girls Nite Out’s best crosses have been those with Big Money Impulse, Mackenzies Gallant Jet, and Invitation Required. Promise Mea

Promise Mea Good Time

Good Time has crossed best with Double Up Investment, He Thinks Hes Special, Jose’s Real Deal. A Girls Nite Out and Promise Mea Good Time are both testaments to the value of maternal force. Both mares have adopted orphan foals and raised them as their own. A Girls Nite Out, according to Michele, “raised the foal along with her own foal who at that time was 1 month old.” Michele said that Promise Mea Good Time “got the orphaned foal away from his mother after she died to protect him. She was due to foal herself 10 days after the incident.”

A Girls Nite Out and her foals

ZIPPOS SATIN N LACE

MICHELE’S ADVICE TO BREEDERS: ”When we are lucky enough to acquire these caliber of mares, their health and wellbeing always come first. If they have extensive show careers themselves, I still do all maintenance required to keep them sound and healthy. A good reproduction veterinarian is key.”

The dam of some of the most prolific show horses the APHA has seen in modern times, Zippos Satin N Lace is a perennial on the APHA Leading Dams list. Owned by BSB Quarter Horses in Sturgis, MI, the sorrel overo mare by Zippos Sensation has proven time and time again exactly what it means to out-produce. Kim Donovan shared that they actually got the mare on a board bill, and her first baby is one of the most easily recognized APHA show horses of today: Shez Eye Candy. “She set her tone as a great mom,” Kim said. Kim and Shelley of BSB have raised several of Zippos Satin N Lace’s progeny, three foals by Too Sleepy To Zip and one by Charlie Hilfiger, and sold them to the best people in order to maximize her success as a dam. Zippos Satin N Lace is the dam of 10

APHA foals, eight of which are performers. Shez Eye Candy is a 15-time APHA World and Reserve World Champion, and the dam of multiple World Champion, Too Sleepy For Candy. She is the dam of A Sudden Legacy, a multiple APHA World and Reserve World Champion, World and Reserve World Champion, A Krymsun Legacy, and World and Reserve World Champion, Goodnight Charlie. KIM’S ADVICE TO BREEDERS “Breed them to strong stallions, and get babies into the right hands.”

Below: Too Sleepy For Candy

SKIPTHISYAMISS Happy accidents are rampant in the horse business, and Lexi Heney’s happening across Skipthisyamiss was one of them. “I came across her rather by accident. I was good friends at the time with her breeder. We had made a barter arrangement wherein I would house and care for 4 young horses of hers, while she housed and cared for 2 of my mares in order to get them bred. “Bunz” was a 2 year old when I met her and brought her home. She was a hairy, ugly thing at the time, and I completely fell in love with her. I wasn’t in a position to purchase her at the time, but shortly after we swapped horses back,

my husband made the deal and brought her back home as a birthday gift to me. She still wasn’t registered, so I was able to even choose her name.” Lexi trained Bunz herself, and the two showed the Pinto circuits together and became 9th in the nation Junior Amateur team, and accumulated 1800 PtHA points. They also earned Top 10 and Top 5 honors at the PtHA World Show, and Lexi leased out a few times, “Over the years, I leased her to several youth and amateur riders who went on to also win accolades before I decided to make her a mom.” Skipthisyamiss has produced eight foals, all bred and raised by Lexi. “Bunz has produced 8 foals to date, her first by Indian Artifacts, and the rest by my stallion Hesa Special Hotrod. She is currently in foal to Chocolate Never Lies, with hopes of a filly to replace her when the time comes. Each of her foals has a show record and/or futurity title. Most notable of her foals are Imagine Mea Hotrod, the first foal by HSH to hit the ground. Mea has earned just over 400 APHA points so far, several Futurity titles in Longe Line and In Hand Trail, as well as being a 4x APHA Congress Champion in Western Pleasure, APHA World Show Champion 3yo Western Pleasure Challenge and APHA Res World Show Champion 3yo NonPro Western Pleasure Sweepstakes, PtHA 2x Reserve World Champion in Open and 68

Novice Youth Western Pleasure, and Top 3 overall in the PPS Series with a Novice Youth exhibitor. Then there is Clearly A Sensation, having earned 117.5 APHA points, several futurity titles in Longe Line, Bucksking Congress Champion Longe Line,and APHA Reserve World Champion in Am SPB Longe Line, all completely non-pro trained.” All totaled, Bunz’s foals have earned just under 1000 APHA points. To ensure Bunz’s legacy as a producer, Lexi has kept each of her

Hesa Special Hotrod foals at home, “I’ve kept each of her foals long enough to win either a weanling halter futurity, or yearling longe line futurity, and then sold them into wonderful show homes where they have continued their careers under saddle.” Blue hens are the backbones of great breeding programs, and Lexi adds, “A mare like this is a dream come true. She is a cherished member of the family and has been the cornerstone of my program.” LEXI’S ADVICE FOR BREEDERS: “Choose the best possible stallion for your mare. Once you have that precious foal, ensure that it goes into a solid training program and give it every opportunity that you can. Even with the best laid plans, luck plays a big part in the success of any baby...so cross your fingers and say a little prayer!”

Have a Blue Hen Mare you’d like us to feature? Submit her backstory and pictures to info@designer-genes.com!

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WRITTEN BY SKYE MIZE When one thinks of reining, some of the household names are not all quarter horses - the trending “splash” of color began with the great APHA horse Colonels Smoking Gun or “GUNNER”. Did you know that Gunner originally only had APHA papers due to his excessive white markings? The very ones we breed for today in our reining bred AQHA horses?

Colonels Smoking Gun is out of one of the most dominant mares in reining history in terms of the overall impact on the demographics of reining horses - Katie Gun, the keeper of the trendy Splash Sw2 gene. The mother of TWO multi-million dollar sires - GUNNER and SPOOKS GOTTA GUN both of which were also APHA Open World Champions, a third approaching million dollar sire threshold in Dun It Gotta Gun, and her youngest in the USA - 2019 Open World Champion This Guns For Nic. This mareâ€™s maternal dominance is the common denominator in todayâ€™s leading reining sires like Gunnatrashya, Gunners Special Nite, Spooks Gotta Whiz, Colonels Shining Gun, Inferno 66, Pale Face Dunnit, and more. There is no doubt that Katie Gun

is the splash that changed the face of the APHA Reining horse.

This Guns For Nic winning an Open World Championship at the 2019 APHA World Show

Today, the American Paint Horse Association, breeders, and trainers are actively looking to improve the marketability of the APHA-only reining horse by breeding to improve their natural ability and taking advantage of new opportunities the APHA is offering to their members, with sponsors stepping up to the plate to offer real money as incentives to compete. At the 2019 APHA World Championship Show, the new 4,5,6,7-yearold reining challenge offered $30,000 added evenly distributed between Open and Non-Pro horses within the four levels of NRHA approved competition.

with multiple World Show Top 5’s, Reserve World Champions, and of course in 2019 an Open Reining World Championship. There is often a stigma about APHA horses being worth “less” than an AQHA horse. Jarvis disagreed saying, “It doesn’t matter to me what association they are papers with. As individuals if they are competitive at the NRHA shows there is plenty of opportunity for these horses to succeed regardless of the set of papers behind them. Especially with APHA classes having dual approval.”

For APHA focused breeders like Missy & Peter Benker of Secret Hills in Alpine, CaliWhen we asked recent APHA Open World fornia their goal is to improve the Tobiano Champion and NRHA Professional, Jarvis reining horse through modern breeding. The Anderson, about what he likes about ultimate goal to breed, raise, and train an competing on APHA horses he had this to APHA Tobiano Million Dollar sire. Today, say, “The APHA is now offering unique op- their program is centered around the up and portunities for these horses that are dual coming SHR QT’s DiamondCutter approved with NRHA and beginning to pay out quite well. With this association, there is now an opportunity for these horses to have another place to win real money in a sport where the horses continue to get more athletic and naturally talented with modern breeding programs. Let’s say you have an APHA horse that is a little green or lacking experience. The APHA World Show offers these horses a great place to get their feet wet in all levels of competition along with World Champion Titles and the incentive of added money. Over the last few years, I have noticed the classes are growing and a homozygous tobiano and black stallion getting deeper in terms of the level of com- that is making an impression on top NRHA petition.” Jarvis has been very successful at Professionals and scheduled to hit the show the APHA World Show in the last 5 years circuit this year. 75

“Cutter” had his first foal crop arrived in 2019 great need for these tobiano horses to be out of daughters of Smart Spook, Spooks bred more carefully.” Missy and Peter are Gotta Whiz, Wimpys Little Step and more doing exactly that by crossing “Cutter” back with an exciting 2020 crop to come. He is on daughters of NRHA’s leading sires and the next generation of tobiano paint reining strategically placing the foals not retained horses like his sire, QTsGold Mastercard, in serious show programs. SHR QTs Diaand Mark This Spot, The Sweet Spot, and mondCutter is by NRHA Money Earner more. Missy found her inspiration in pursuing QTSGold MasterCard and out of Diamonds Tobiano APHA reining horses from her Are Spots by the great Clint Haverty shown grandfather Arnold Bobick who bred quality tobiano sire Mark This Spot, and out out tobiano horses with quarter horse pedigrees. of a daughter of NRHA Million Dollar Sire Missy says, “Many people became excited - Like A Diamond (by Grays Starlight), a about the guarantee of color and bred for sorrel frame overo. homozygosity rather than quality animals sometimes. It is important to me to restore What are the top lines one will find in APHA these tobianos to their former glory. I see a Reining horses today according to EquiStat?

NRHA’s EquiStat TOP 100 of leading reining sires recently released including numerous APHA registered horses: #2 GUNNER #15 GUNNERS SPECIAL NITE #17 GUNNATRASHYA #21 SPOOKS GOTTA GUN #27 SPOOKS GOTTA WHIZ #30 PALE FACE DUNNIT #38 LIKE A DIAMOND (APHA ONLY - OVERO) #53 DUN IT GOTTA GUN #62 COLONELS LIL GUN #63 SMART AND SHINEY #92 RR STAR (APHA ONLY - OVERO) The only APHA only mare listed in the EquiStat Leading reining dams list is: #68 - DARLINS NOT PAINTED - who is also the only APHA ONLY mare listed in the EquiStat Top 100 Reining money earners of All Time. She is by Smokin Chic Olena out of Mi Hollywood Darlin by Hollywood Jac 86.

TOP MONEY EARNERS according to Equistat include: #6 Spooks Gotta Whiz - LTE $363,435 - Spooks Gotta Gun x PrettyWhizPrettyDoes #9 Tinker With Guns - LTE $346,448 - Gunner x Tinker Nic #10 Gunners Tinseltown - LTE $316,233 - Gunner x Miss Tinseltown #11 ARC GunnaBeABigStar LTE $308,902 - Gunnatrashya x Wimpys Little Chic #12 AmericasNextGunModel - LTE $305,779 - Gunner x Cee Dun It Do It #28 RR Star - LTE $258,959 - Like A Diamond x RL Miss Kitty #32 Gunnatrashya - LTE $236,457 - Gunner x Natrasha #46 Gunners Special Nite - LTE $222,974 - Gunner x Mifs Doll #50 Smoking Whiz - LTE $213,709 Topsail Whiz x Gleandas A Smokingun

The highest money earning Tobiano reining The future of the APHA Reining horse is horse of all time is The Sweet Spot with earnings looking bright with trainers enthusiastic about of over $53,000 NRHA. He was shown by added opportunities, breeders working hard top NRHA Professionals like Clint Haverty, on investing in breeding programs focusing Bud Lyon, and Craig Schmersal and was a on producing competitive horses, and an major event winner, including the title of NRBC association in APHA providing the opporLimited Open Reserve Champion, 2008 APHA tunity for the breed to improve and grow World Champion, and was a WEG Qualifier. from the ground up. What are you waiting He is by Mark This Spot and out of the great for? Go “paint” the future with an APHA horse of your own! producing mare Sugar Pop Gun. 77

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Q&A WITH ROBIN BAKER

GET TO KNOW FULL MEDAL JACKET Full Medal Jacket has quickly become a household name with the Hunter Under Saddle breeders. Get to know “Ryder” with our interview with his owner, Robin Baker: Q: How did you come to own Ryder? A: This has been a long Journey but the most rewarding one of my life! ! It started back in 2005 with a mare named MysistersCertifiable. I had her and showed her successfully in 2005 to Win almost every major Futurity that year along with ending it with a bang, bringing home a Congress Championship Win under all 4 judges. From there, the dream to own a baby of hers began and a few years later in 2009, Full Medal Jacket was born and the dream had wings! Q: There’s sometimes a point in time when you just KNOW that you have something great in the works - was there ever a point like that with Ryder? A: I vividly remember this day! From the

day he was born he was in your pocket, calm cool and collected. He had size, structure and a presence. It wasn’t that we knew he was special, HE KNEW he was special. He was jet black, even in the Florida sun and he just sauntered around like he owned the world. One day during his yearling year, I went out to the pasture and chased him around, I knew I liked him because he didn’t want to go anywhere. I was out of breath before I could see 10 strides.. but by the end of it, I just sat there in the pasture, staring at my dream, which in that moment, I realized had already come true. I sat there wondering how I was going to do this horse justice. Planning out a future for him when even for myself, I wasn’t exactly sure what my future in the horse business was going to look like. I knew However, that this horse, other then his mother, was going to be the horse that made me. From that day forward, I vowed to do whatever I could, sacrifice whatever I needed to, in order for this horse to have 81

the best life possible while becoming what I saw in the pasture that day. 10 Years later, this horse owes me nothing, he has given me more then I could of ever hoped for. To know this horse is to love him. My only hope now for him, is for time to slow down and to have forever with him and for people to be able to experience the gift of FMJ and his offspring. Q: Can you run me through all his wins and accomplishments under saddle? A: With just 5 Months under saddle Ryder was Reserve Champion in the Equine Chronicle Masters HUS at the All American Quarter Horse Congress with Kim Reynolds in the irons. His 3 yr old year was just as successful. Ryder and I were Top 4 in the open 3â€™s at the Tom Powers, World Champions in the 3â€™s at the NSBA World Show and 4th and 7th in the open Congress 3s. From there, we concentrated on AQHA points to receive his regular quarter papers and won multiple circuits 82

in the Open and Amateur HUS, receiving his ROM in both. We decided after his 4 yr old year, He would retire to the breeding shed and concentrate solely on that! Q: What are some important traits that he’s passing on to his babies? A: MIND. MOVEMENT. STRUCTURE. We have said it from the beginning and it isn’t just a tag line. From the start of FMJ’s breeding career, we have always said, we hoped he would pass on his easy going, quiet nature and trainability. There was a reason he was able to get ready for the Masters in just about 5 months and that’s truly because of his mind and strength . If there is anything we hear most from our owners, its how easy their babies are. We consistently hear how kind and trainable they are. That to me speaks volumes. I am a firm believer, you don’t have a horse unless you have a mind, and even if you can manufacture one, Its not enjoyable and they don’t last long in a program or a home that hoped to keep them. We are also seeing that he is passing on his size and bone structure. Looking at this horse, his substance and bone isn’t something you always see with Hunt Seat Stallions. It truly makes for a horse that will hold up over time. His babies are strong, cadenced athletic movers like him. They will have a soft front leg and really lope from behind. Something we also see often is they tend to follow suit in his uphill build and really trot out of their shoulders, like FMJ and

his Dam excelled in. Beyond that, they are gorgeous to look at, he’s been known to pretty up almost anything! Q: What do you think sets him apart from other stallions? A: I wanted to bring our Stallion Manager – Rick McDonald in on this Question. I have my ideas as well, but Rick has an eye for a stallion that not many have. He sees and knows what it truly takes to make a stallion. Here was his response: “Outside of the obvious of Ryder being Homozygous black and the most impressive stallion to look at, He has so much going for him in his conformation. He is Strong in his back and that carries through to his loin. The way his Hip structure ties into his stifles, to his gaskins and down into his hock allows for so much self carriage and strength. His Long slope to his shoulders to his strong chest and forearms really provides for a soft front leg that can suspend while also being able to hold the ground and keep his legs slow and cadenced. With his structure and strength, he can carry himself and a rider and not tire out quickly. His mind is un unparalleled. Its not very often you can find a stallion as good natured as this guy, He is a joy to be around and has made friends with everyone who comes into contact with him. He’s a good honest kind soul. Hes the kind of horse, after a long day, you just want to go sit in a stall with. Watch him eat, pet him, just be in his presence. He has a way of realigning the stars, and we all need that 83

some days! Q: What is something people may not know about him that you would like them to know? A: I feel like I try to show this in my Social Media and we always talk about it, But Ryder is so kind and gentle. He is the best minded horse, Stallion or not, that I have ever been around. When people see, 5 Foot Me, walk him around and do what I do with him, it looks intimidating, because he absolutely towers over me. But he is so calm so easy he may as well be a gelding. Nothing excites him, heâ€™s stayed the same horse since beginning his breeding career as he was as a show horse. Dependable and trustworthy. He doesnâ€™t want any trouble and he loves people and attention. He is so sweet with the littles and just lets them pet and love on him. I have a video of my nephew brushing him and Ryder is just yawning and yawning just loving ever minute of it. Some of my most cherished pictures of him are with little 4 yr old Harley Dejong, riding him bareback, they are the sweetest thing. It truly shows his temperament and kind soul.

Q: What mares/pedigrees do you think heâ€™s crossing best on? A: We have been thoroughly impressed with him crossed on Do you Have a Minute Mares, Last Captive Daughters, One Hot Krymsun, Hot n Blazing and All Time Fancy mares or his sire CF Wicked Willie, Just to name a few. Natural Iron daughters have also been a great cross for him. . He is proving to be quite diversified, producing some really talented All around horses by western stallions and Halter

Horses, such as Invested By Far. Q: Are there any babies coming up in 2020 that we should keep an eye out for? A: Just to name a few, We have some really talented 3 yr old’s coming up , such as TF GunPowder n Lace, Owned By The Jensen Family who was 3rd in the Masters this year at the Congress, and a Filly out of the prolific mare Captivating in Blue, named Fully Captivating, who is owned by Madison Stechschulte and under the guidance of Joy and Justin Wheeler. There is also a great set of Two yr olds coming up. One being a filly named Totally Worth It, Owned by Jan Hare, who was 3rd at the Powers in the Open Hunter LL and a colt named Uptowne Funk , owned by the Geiger Family, who had a stellar year in the Hunter LL events. Also a great Gelding named Hot Locked n Loaded, owned by Jen and Justin Wheeler who is showing great promise! Q: Any crosses you’re super excited about in 2020? A: I’m honestly excited about all of them! We have quite the Book already and with his move to the heart of horse country, Pilot Point Tx, I imagine it will be even more impressive! We are always one to believe Quality of Quantity and preapprove each mare. So we believe in each cross and have hopes that each will compliment each other well!

FMJ Foal Owner Testimonial: Although I’ll never ever claim to have a genius eye for a horse and its movement, I can still remember the moment I laid my eyes upon FMJ. It was late summer/early fall, and I had begun to start snooping for a tall, dark something rider bred. I knew I wanted something talented, and with a ton of pretty. I didn’t think it’s too much to ask to find a horse that would suck you in and just make you watch them. But the burden of that, is they have to be better than good. Ryder was it. I knew it from the second I played his video. I felt it through my whole chest. He was it. He 85

was balanced, cadenced, slow legged, Robin has been such a driving force for and just had a look about him that it was folks such as myself. She makes the time so easy.....that he didn’t even have to think to stay in touch, to cheerlead, to help about what he was doing. He just owned out in any way possible. The level of the ground that he trotted on. I wanted customer service she provides makes to be a part of what he had. that insane, frustrating, joyous and crazy Fast forward 5 years.... Not a single time of the year a breeze. regret, and not a single urge to look into Not that there aren’t other fantastic folks the rear view mirror. I’ve had several out there with great horses. But this whole Ryder babies now from a variety of mares. experience, is just different. Sizes, shapes, temperaments, bloodlines. It doesn’t matter. His kids are All eerily Full Medal Jacket will stand the 2020 attached to people. They’re like big, black breeding season at McEquine Enterprislabs. You just can’t ruin their day. They’ll es in Pilot Point, TX. Visit him onlineat pick you over another horse most of the http://www.fullmedaljacketaqha.com/ time. Training them is a pleasure. My now 6 yr old daughter has led the 1-4 month old babies around even without their mommas ever since she could walk herself. And when I say lead, I mean as a 3 year old herself, she led one little weanling filly all by herself out of the barn, across the arena and into the turn out area. I stayed at the barn filming like any good mother would do! Haha! But that’s the point. I trust these horses like none other. And the bonus is their ridiculous talent. I’ve never rode a young horse so few times and did so well showing in my life. They kinda become part of the family, which is why I still have so many of them on the place. And above all of that yet, is the seemingly tireless owner this magnificent horse has! One And Only Asset and Amber Duckett

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