Hello - It’s great to have you here.

I write passionately about horsey topics, with a no-holds barred, practical approach, reflecting on my own experiences, so you can improve your practices and support your dreams.

Would you like to breed your dream foal? Discover the right stallion to breed to your mare? Learn more about foaling? Get that winning edge?

Here you will get actionable tips, checklists, and resources in a welcoming environment. All things horse breeding, (and a lot more) is discussed here.

We have an extensive archive for you to refer to, based on topics as diverse as heredity, selection, promotion, foaling down, raising the foal, financial matters and photography.

Why not scroll through the homepage to see archives of previous newsletters?

Your twice weekly newsletter contains information, insights and philosophy about horse breeding, suitable for beginners, hobbyists or seasoned professionals. Questions and comments are welcomed, as well as ideas for future topics.

I challenge you to think seriously about goals, methods and responsibilities of horse breeding to make the best decisions possible and succeed in the industry.

Grab a cup of coffee and listen to this fabulous video interview. . . It tells my story and provides many insights into my horse breeding journey.

I have been breeding Australian Stock Horses since 1967 when as a 15 year old teen, without assistance from my non-horsey parents, I bred my first foal from a borrowed polo mare. I must have done something right, as that bloodline is still successful in our stud.

As a result I became ‘addicted’ to breeding horses, so wanting to find out more, I researched everything by snail mail, particularly horse genetics, pedigree evaluation and training, delving deep into encyclopedias and libraries, and listening to experts in their fields. I was curious about everything - the art, science and tools.

Together with my daughter Kim, the Chalani stud has enjoyed considerable success Australia-wide. I have taught adult Equine Studies for 19 years, and have written numerous articles for equine magazines. In 1999 I wrote the widely acclaimed Horse Colour Explained which sold in over 17 countries and had a Dutch translation.

I have judged horses at local shows, right through to Royals and Nationals and done workshops in almost every state of Australia.

In 2023 and 24, I wrote 2 more books, and started this blog.

You can find the books here

REFLECTIONS FROM 50+ YEARS OF HORSE BREEDING

Just hit reply and let me know what you would like discussed. Join us. Be part of a community of hundreds of members who share your interests (without the trolls and advertisements.)

About The Thinking Horse Breeder

From the foreward of the book

by Merrie Elliott, master Quarter Horse breeder:

“Jeanette has been there, done it. She has done the hardest yards, enduring for almost 6 decades in a manner that no one in this image-ridden, fashion-conscious, promotion-minded horse industry of today, would have any hope of replicating.

“From her own experience as a young struggling breeder with no land of her own, when every dollar had to do the work of three, she understood that, nice as it is to have top notch facilities, one can get by with pretty basic stuff - but you have to work harder, be smarter and have really co-operative horses.

“From two mares of obscure breeding, in whom only she could see any merit, Jeanette has, by thoughtful use of bloodlines, by keeping her horses in the public eye and having the fortitude to hang in there during low spots in the industry and through some massive knock-backs that would have encouraged more fragile-minded people to leave, she has successfully developed a line of Australian Stock horses that are respected throughout the nation.”

Jeanette Gower's book is a step-by-step treasure trove of practical information that will guide you through the inevitable challenges and joys of horse breeding. Whether you want to improve your breeding techniques, enhance your marketing strategies, or gain a deeper understanding of the profession, this book is invaluable.

You can find the books here

Please tell your friends so they can join us on this journey.

Share The Thinking Horse Breeder

Get more from Jeanette Gower in the Substack app

Available for iOS and Android

Get the app