British Breeder Magazine May 2020

Feature - BREEDER PROFILE
Classic has stayed at Spring Farm
recently giving birth to her second foal
a Conthargos x Ruby colt. “The foal is
similar in looks, size and stamp to the Big
Star foal of last year.”
“The mares are all good types with
super temperaments and look after their
foals well,” said Di, who asked Billy
Stud breeder and showjumper William
Funnell for advice. “William knows
Ruby well and has so much breeding
experience; he suggested Conthargos. I
also talked to Paul Schockemohle – who
stands Conthargos at stud –he agreed
wholeheartedly with William”
The first foal this year was by Rolf-Goran
Bengtsson’s world class ride Casall.
“Again, I thought he’d complement Ruby
and the longevity of his top level career
is amazing”. Di’s first foray into breeding
goes back to Miss M, a mare she
competed in the early 1980’s , resulting
in Master Bob.
“I used the Thoroughbred stallion Bridge
of Sighs through the H.I.S. scheme when
they used to travel the stallions. With one
covering Bingo! Riding the progeny of a
mare you have previously competed has
a feeling of déjà vu. “I was competing
Miss M and Master Bob in the same
International classes and that was very
rewarding as you can feel the similarities
in their progeny and you fully appreciate
their ways and actions. More credit
should be given to mares – as I believe
70% comes from the mare.”
Another mare Di jumped to success
is Ruby’s dam Equity.“Dietmar
(Ackermann, Di’s husband) liked Balou
Du Rouet for his movement, elasticity and
blood, so even though he wasn’t proven
at the time Internationally, we took a
chance,” said Di, who bred another four
from Equity using Parco, Argentinus,
Landlord and Coronado.
“Parco wasn’t a great cross as he was
short-legged like Equity and neither
was Argentinus. The majority have gone
eventing with good homes the priority.”
Ruby returned to Spring Farm from Louise
Whitaker for her first ET and stayed. “I
was coaching Holly Smith and it made
sense to coach Ruby as well – and I get
to ride her when home,” said Di, who
has a third recipient, yet to foal. “Ruby
incurred a small injury at Dublin show so
we now have a Big Star embryo due in
August – and we’re hoping for a filly this
time.”
Demanding commitments as
Performance Manager meant Di closed
the Spring Farm training facilities. “If I
hadn’t got the land and the right mare,
I wouldn’t be breeding but wanted to
do something with the place. Looking
forward we all need to help our British
riders & produce the very best we can”
Nicky Williams, my yard manager, is
fantastically patient with the foals; they’re
handled well and by five weeks old they
pick their feet up and cross over like
showjumpers!”
I’ve got over the disappointment of the
Olympic postponement and it will be a
totally different Games in 2021 – we’re
all a year older, horses as well. New
partnerships will come into selection &
the option to purchase new horses will
be a massive opportunity for all Nations.
We all need to be patient, stay focused
on our horse’s wellbeing & be ready to
start building the competitions up again
carefully when we can. – but I know
we’ve still got a great chance with our
quality of riders, horses & supportive
owners.”
Interviewed at the European Champs by FEI TV
BRITISH BREEDER| 57