Witcham House Farm Stud Interview continued....

Having discussed her stallions, I went on to ask Katy about what qualities she looks for in her breeding mares:

"The first quality I look for is a kind temperament, then sound conformation, and hopefully competition success. Then I look at the pedigree: I like to see a mix of jumping and dressage blood, as it will be more likely to produce an athlete."

Katy goes on to explain where she finds her mares:

"Most of my mares have been imported from Germany, but I do have some homebred ones now from all of my stallions. It is very interesting to combine the bloodlines, and last year we had a stunning filly by Elroon out of a Classic Juan/Glucksfall mare."

With several stallions at her disposal I asked Katy what method she uses when choosing what mare is suited to a stallion:

"First I look at the combined conformation, trying to produce the best-looking product. Then I consider the mix of the pedigrees, and the mare’s progeny history also helps. Then I follow my instinct on the personalities involved!"

Elroon by Escudo I

Next I went on to ask her about the end product, the foals, and what she thinks is the most important factor for them:

"I am always hoping to breed a really good-looking foal with big ‘look at me’ presence. Impressive paces also help."

I next asked Katy what stallion she would like to own that is presently doing well at the moment:

"That has to be Moorlands Totilas – a very exiting and impressive stallion. I can’t wait to see his foals in 2011."

"Moorlands Totilas"
Copyright Horse & Hound

As a Stud, I asked Katy what has been her biggest achievement so far in her view.

"Firstly, in 2008, breeding Classic Prada who still holds the record for the highest ever awarded mark of 9.75 in the BEF Futurity. She was a stunning foal and is growing up to live up to her superstar potential. It was thrilling to go to London to receive the Award for the highest marked foal at the British Breeders’ Ball.

Then secondly, to follow that success, with another visit to the Ball to receive two awards in 2009 for Classic Juan as an Elite sire, with the highest progeny performance record for potential Dressage horses and also all disciplines overall with 9.23 the average score.

This has been my biggest achievement with a lifetime of breeding bringing national awards and recognition."

Besides the above achievements, I asked Katy about the other memories she has so far in her breeding career:

"I think the most significant memory I have is of training to be a judge in Germany. It was a privilege to train with such experienced and educated horse breeders. I have since been back for a refresher course and have seen the progression of their sports horse breeding programs. Hanoverians lead the world and other studbooks follow. The modern ideal is to breed for the market horses that are elegant, good looking, athletic and trainable, with light-footed elastic paces."

"Classic Juan" by Crazy Classic

Katy and her Stud have achieved much over the last 20 plus years, but I wondered if there were any further aspirations for them.

"Our future goals are to compete the stallions as much as possible. To ride Flammengold better and win an Intermediare! To take Classic Juan up the grades in Eventing. To promote the young rider who is working with Elroon. To get Glucksfall out to some shows so my staff can try PSG with experienced schoolmaster. And last but not least, to breed a stallion and get him licensed by the Hanoverians!"

My second last question to Katy was the following: In Britain there is continual discussion about lack of horse power for our top riders; how do you think this gap could be bridged between UK breeders and British riders? Is there a way this could be done without financial pressure on either party?

"Some breeders give half a horse to a top rider, so the rider can bring it on without having to pay out to buy it, but the breeder keeps half in the hope that the horse may be sold for good money at a later date. This is a good system when you own the sire as, at worst, the horse will be promoting your stallion and at best you may make money in the long run."

"Classic Juan" by Crazy Classic

As we are now at the end of our interview I finally asked Katy, if someone was to think of “Witcham House Farm Stud”, what would you like that thought to represent with your horses?

"I always want people to think of us breeding and producing good-looking top quality Hanoverians. And my German partner Volker says if you are straight forward with people they will do business with you again. We embrace this philosophy and it pays dividends."

I would like to thank Katy for taking the time out to speak to us and to give our readers an insight into her studfarm. As with all our previous interviewees, I think that Katy has given a lot of thought- provoking ideas for breeders. We certainly wish her great success at this year’s Futurities and hope that they are as fruitful as the previous ones.