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Northern Warmblood Stud -
A Trip to see the Horses
Story and Pictures Berni Saunders On Friday the 18th Jan my dear friend Karrie Bowe, her daughter "Tricky", we set off for a day to do what we all love to do - talk about and look at beautiful horses. A day at Northern Warmblood Stud, in the heart of Victoria's irrigation country is always a treat , even though the years of drought have depleted the once lush greenery and parts of this area bow look as dry as Toolern Vale, where I live ... and probably the driest part of Victoria.  Having arranged the visit with Jan and accepting an invitation to arrive in time for one of Peter's special home cooked lunches, we left "with plenty of time' in hand!!! However, we got lost a few times, not that our directions were in any way to blame, but the navigators chatted and forgot to navigate. A few SOS calls to Jan got us there, eventually. (Peter and Jan, pictured right) Northern Warmblood Stud is in Kyabram which is quite close to Tatura. It is an area known for irrigated crops and there also seemed to be a number of cattle farms about. The distinctive open irrigation drains have, in the past, provided frequent flooding to the land to produce the fertile and lush conditions that attracted Peter and Jan to settle and build their business here. Jan is a very keen gardener and the majestic trees and wonderful collection of ornamental plants are testimony to her years of dedication and the gift of water. Karrie was keen to see Bo Jangles, one of the young horses and I was interested to see how the horses which are coming down to Melbourne on the 26th Jan to be part of the stud's dispersal sale at Peppercorn Park at Bulla the next day, are coming along in their preparation.
I have known Peter and Jan for many years and the friendship was originally fostered through an amazingly fair transaction that took place. Peter stood behind the reputation of the stud - well beyond the call of duty - and in a way that I could not imagine any other breeder doing! The fair and honest treatment that I received was heart-warming, as the horse business has many hard luck stories from unhappy buyers who have not received this support. After several decades in the horse breeding business, Peter and Jan have decided to cut right back and make some time to 'enjoy' the horses. Peter said "My brother Bob's daughter Courtney will ride a couple of our horses including the stallion Northern Apollo lll. We are looking forward to having the time to go and see the horses we bred out in competition. Being responsible for the many horses in our care has meant that we have been very restricted in our opportunities to get away to see the ones we have sold. It is great to think that we can do this in the future." 
Northern Apollo lll - A stallion ridden by Peter and Jan's
niece Courtney Powles - I took this picture on
Sunday 20th January, they were taking part at a competition. On Friday, the weather was pleasantly mild, and some threatening clouds came over and we decided that it may be prudent to look at the horses and make lunch a late sitting. Jan asked the girls to get the two similarly bred yearlings Northern Bo Jangles and Northern Bo Didley. They are by the stallion B.W.S. Bertram - a Hanoverian with a fantastic pedigree that traces back to the well respected horse Bolero. It is very exciting to see Australia breeding horses with world recognised bloodlines. Bo Jangles - Karrie's pick will make a lovely Dressage horse and Bo Didley took my eye as he is from Northern Francis a mare that I was quite interested in buying some years ago. Francis has superb movement and her son, Bo Dudley has kept up the family tradition. I think the picture says it all. Northern Berlington is a special favourite for Jan - and it is easy to see why she likes the fine and elegant youngster who seems set for a great future. He would be at home in a dressage arena or show ring. I was taken with the elegance and the swing towards the modern 'riding type' that I saw in the horses today.
The 4 YO mare Northern Vanquisher was just finishing up on the arena as we arrived there and I only saw a glimpse - what a star.! Jan said, "It is a pity we do not have time to show you her jumping - she could jump the moon." This was the impression I got from the scopey lines of this equine 'Rolls Royce"! Peter and Jan were justifiably proud of their two outstanding ridden fillies, Northern Invincible and Northern Illusion. They were presented beautifully and both Karrie and I were impressed with the temperament and movement . I especially liked Illusion. With horse breeding having developed into a highly scientific exercise, a good natured and trainable mare is a great option as a hobbyist owner/rider can breed a foal and keep riding their horse, using AI and embryo transfer techniques. These girls are gorgeous!  |  | | Stop Press
Jan has asked me to especially mention a very special horse that they bred who has been added to the catalogue. Northern Mandrake (above) - by Falkland Victory from Northern Chelsea is a 5 YO bay gelding who has had all the hard work done. He is being offered as part of this auction to satisfy the huge demand for ridden horses - particularly a horse that is in work and ready to compete. He was purchased as a young horse , trained and competed by his current owner who has limited time - Mandrake is a beautiful horse and would suit the most discerning buyer.
Enquiries prior to Auction should be directed to his owner,
Carolyn Baumann Phone (03) 50256342 (home) or 0408 596 793 or by e-mail | Do not miss the Dispersal Sale of Dressage Horses,
Brood Mares and Youngstock - click here for details
Sale will be conducted at Peppercorn Park Equestrian Centre
Oaklands Junction on Sunday 27th January 2008
(only 5 minutes from the airport, Melway reference 177 K4) 
© Cyberhorse 2008 Berni Saunders
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