Free Giveaway
Last month I posted I would give away a FREE copy of my book The Thinking Horse Breeder to one lucky new subscriber. Thank you to those who subscribed, and welcome to this newsletter. If you have a horse breeding related question you would like to ask me, just put a note in the comments section here, or email me, and I will try to answer it. (I will not give out veterinary advice however.) You can buy a signed copy of The Thinking Horse Breeder
So the winner is……. Steve W. Maryborough. Steve, if you’d like to provide me with your mailing address, I can send a copy to you.
Last chance to buy at pre-publishing price….
The Rannock Legacy will be released in three weeks on AMAZON and signed copies will be available direct from me. This is your last chance to buy it at the reduced price of $49.95 before publication. Once published it will sell for $55 plus postage. I am thrilled with the first proof which has come through. Altogether there are 23 Chapters, and over 250 photographs. If you have (or have had) a Rannock descendant, your photo may even be in it!
Chapters include the early beginnings of the ASH Society, Rannock’s history and background in depth, the four Sire Sons - Gyprock, Witchetty, Littlewood Montego, and Master Herbert, eight chapters on their descendants, and modern day influences.
It is amazing to think this line is finding a path internationally. There have been descendants in every state and territory of Australia, as well as overseas in New Zealand, America, England, Dubai, Argentina, Canada and Taiwan.
It is also the stories of the families involved, those who knew the lines well, for their ability to produce, smart, good looking, trainable and reliable heritage stock horses, which could perform to high levels over the past 50 or so years, way outside their traditional fields or specialties.
In October 2023, Rannock was inducted to the ASH Society’s Hall of Fame. Time is now full circle to tell his story. It is not just the story of one horse, but that of our great Australian horses. You can order a copy
Did you know?
The oldest living Thoroughbred is thought to be a brown gelding foaled in 1986, which makes him 38. His name is New Years Eve. His career was about as unexceptional as it gets, running 18 times for 2 wins, and a total earnings of $3140 US. He is still holding his weight, doing amazingly well, occasionally still running around his paddock when the mood strikes him.
Julie Izzo his owner, bought him when he was seven years of age, and used him for pleasure riding. “He was fun” she said “and loves to jump.” She previously owned a QH mare who lived to be 40. He eats a mashed senior feed and alfalfa (lucerne) cubes, and a high quality probiotic, twice a day, and is kept out in the paddock to keep him mobile.