“I knew there were risks and I knew there were skeptics, but I’ve also always been willing to take a few risks as a breeder.”
accepted, he only bred Orchis to Totilas. He admits that the Totilas breeding was a bit of a risk.
“It was his first year at stud, it was expensive and his frozen was not proven,” says Scot, adding, “The foal quality was also unknown and some people were skeptical.” Then, two weeks before she was due, Orchis gave birth
to Galearites SSF. “I was home alone when she foaled,” remembers Scot. “I knew the mare was predictable and foaled easily. I decided not to call anyone because I wanted it to be my own experience.” Galearities SSF, nicknamed Mazey, was born with no
complications. “I was surprised that she was chestnut, and I was also surprised at how big she was. She’s Orchis’ biggest foal and has more bone than others out of this mare.” Scot knew Mazey was special from the very first
moment. “A couple of days after she foaled, we turned her out for the first time. When I saw her move it was the icing on the cake—she was everything I’d hoped for,” he beams. He adds that he’s also very impressed with her personality. “Even as a foal she has a good brain with a sensitivity that’s not hotness but makes her more aware. I’ve heard Totilas is the same way—very ‘aware’ of his rider.” Scot feels vindicated to have gotten such a nice foal
by Totilas. “I knew there were risks and I knew there were skeptics, but I’ve also always been willing to take a few risks as a breeder. This is one of the things that has made our breeding program special.” He plans to keep Mazey and has repeated this breeding for 2012, hoping this time for a black colt.
GENTLEMAN A Member of the Family
Edgar and Susan Schutte have been breeding horses for nearly a quarter century at their Rainbow Equus Meadows in California. Edgar estimates they’ve foaled out hundreds of foals over the years, at one point producing 20–25 foals per year. When asked about the best foal the farm has bred,
Edgar found it difficult to choose. “We’ve bred so many nice horses,” he ponders. “We do have a family favorite however. It’s not so much about the breeding or the performance career, but it’s about the close personal relationship we have developed with this guy. He’s become a member of our family.” Distinguished Gentleman is an 18-year-old Oldenburg
gelding and is Susan’s show horse. Edgar says he is a favorite because he represents the start of their breeding program and has brought the family a lot of joy. “When Susan is mad at him she calls him ‘Edgar,’ and when she is mad at me she calls me ‘Gentleman,’ so how could we not have a close relationship?” Gentleman’s
sire is the Hanoverian stallion Diamont, and his dam is a black Thoroughbred mare named Legacy. “We repeated this cross three times,” recalls Edgar. “Several top hunters have come from this line.” Edgar still
remembers the day Gentleman was born. “Legacy foaled earlier than expected out in the pasture during the day,” he begins. He quickly gives credit to Susan for saving Gentleman’s life. “She happened to see something lying in the pasture and ran out there. As she ripped the thicker-than-normal bag open a bunch of steam escaped, as the poor colt had unsuccessfully struggled to get out. Suddenly Gentleman could take his first breath. Susan and Gentleman have been soul mates ever since.” Gentleman grew to be a monumental 18.2 hands tall! Edgar started him under saddle and their son Calvin thought it was a kick to get on such a tall horse and trot him around the arena laughing out loud at his huge stride. Their daughter Susie rode and showed him as well. “Gentleman was primarily
Gentleman and Susan
Schutte. Top photo by Renée. Lower two photos courtesy of Edgar Schutte.
Warmbloods Today 61
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