Cyanne

Congratulations to new owners Elgin and Rachel Allen of Dallas, Texas, on the purchase of this dynamite young mare by Coconut Grove!

Keechi & Lola

Christian Wakefield King, a long time competitor in hunter and jumper shows in Texas, and her husband sent out a wonderful holiday card showing their two 2008 fillies Keechi by Lordship (on left) and Lola by Mezcalero. Keechi's dam was a very successful junior hunter named Mona Lisa, who was first imported to the United States by October Hill Farm in 2002. She is now retired and has produced her first foal! Says Christian, who purchased the mare from October Hill soon after she was imported, "Keechi will do anything you ask her to do and is a sweetheart!" Lola's dam is a sizeable Contender mare, Cyra, that is also retired from sport. Both mares were sent to October Hill Farm in 2007 to be bred as part of our mare management services. Cyra's embryo was carried by a surrogate, who gestated and foaled Lola without any problem. We look forward to Christian's future updates to hear about the future adventures of Keechi and Lola! Thanks, Christian!

Tip for Taking Great Conformation Photos

In preparation for our spring photo contest, my trusty marketing director Nicole Robertson suggested I share some of my helpful hints for taking great pictures. I take most of the conformation shots for our website and sales ads, and, well, I’ve learned A LOT about what works and what doesn’t. I’m no professional, to be sure, but I’ve got a formula that works for us. Read photo tips here.

Coquette

Rick Toering, director-at-large of the American Hanoverian Society and contributing author and driving force behind the AHS Jumper Breeding Program, stopped by the October Hill Farm website to update us on his Coconut Grove filly, Coquette, pictured here showing in the yearling class at Devon. Rick also has two full brothers by Coconut Grove out of his Prinz Gaylord/Servus/Gotthard mare. Thanks for the update, Rick!

Breeders News: "Magical" Mezcalero Filly

October Hill recently heard from Bee Mountain Farm's Joanne Germaine, a performance horse breeder in New England. She shared her wonderful news about her 2008 Mezcalero filly, Magical.

Hi Wendy! Happy New Year! I have a couple of head shots I sent along. This filly is so light, I know she will jump the moon! I love her temperment; high-spirited but listens and is not pushy. We will be breeding this filly's mother back this year, as i am so pleased with "Magical".