2012 season

It wasn't until that foal reached four and started competing that we realised we had something rather nice. Narramore Diamond was not only beautiful but the most super ride. Forward going but never frightening, she could go out and win a dressage test one day, be hunting the next and win a riding horse class the following. My husband started competing her locally and, with our daughter then aged 12 on her home bred by Ambertson, they trounced all comers in HT, winning 10 Pairs classes in a season. She went on dressage training days and was admired by two of the top trainers, who said we really should specialise in dressage as she was so talented. It really was fun because anything you asked her to do, from winning the local puissance class to the local BE event , she excelled at it.
 
It was at this point that we decided at last we knew what we wanted to breed: not world beaters but nice all-round horses like Diamond. Having taught literally hundreds of riders in my career as an Instructor, I knew how difficult and unforgiving many horses could be, so why not aim for the average one horse owner who wanted to do BD up to Elementary, BSJA to Newcomers and BE to Novice. They needed a sound tough horse who was trainable, well mannered enough to cope with keeping on a DIY yard, but with a talent that they could rely on. So many people had asked if we had another for sale like her, it seemed daft not to breed more. After some searching we tracked down Harpers Bornival (Chocolate) and persuaded his owner to loan him to us, and started covering our mares. The cross worked superbly: his trainable temperament calmed down the original stallion's sometimes fiery one, his paces improved the workmanlike ID ones, and best of all, they were beautiful to look at too, with the effortless jump from both sides. We recently purchased a Cruising mare that had competed successfully BE to add to our brood mare band, because yes, that stallion the dealer had found all those years ago was indeed from a special bloodline - Knockboy RID who sired our Bert, Seacrest and then Cruising.

Our oldest Harpers Bornival offspring are now 5 and not one has moved from their original homes, as the buyers love them far too much! The proof of the pudding is in the regular photos and emails I receive, saying they have just had a lesson with their instructor who raves about their horse and says it will event/dressage with ease etc.

Three have been shown as youngsters and between them won a class at County level and numerous Championships at local shows.

Above: Harpers Bornival

All say exactly the same thing: their temperament is exceptional, their paces wonderful and thank you for breeding such nice horses. I can't wait for them to start competing under saddle regularly bringing home the rosettes.

Diamond has gone on loan, before we breed from her, to a local family who compete in Pony Club tetrathlon. Last year she went to the National Championships and was placed nationally and 11th Internationally, storming effortlessly round a course which is used for BE Intermediate classes. This year she will be taking not one but two riders round, as they can't find a horse as willing or enjoyable, so it may not be Grade A show jumping but she's reached the top of her level, proving our ideas work.

Who wants to breed World beaters? Not me. I'm now busy covering our Ambertson mares and seeing the arrival of horses that I know will have a secure future.

Next time: how my daughter decided to try dressage and take Chocolate eventing, how he proved himself equally good at both, and that he was definitely worthy to breed from……

Sue Horn Narramore Stud Moretonhampstead Devon TQ13 8QT
sue@narramorefarm.com