From humble beginnings
Big things grow
I have been breeding Australian Stock Horses since 1967 when as a 15 year old teen, and without assistance from my non-horsey parents, I bred my first foal from a borrowed polo pony. 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. No internet then!
This led me on an incredible journey. In 1974, I was even fortunate enough to meet Queen Elizabeth II. You can read about it here.
Together with my daughter Kim, the Chalani stud has enjoyed considerable success Australia-wide.
The Stud prefix is “Chalani” which we pronounce Sh-lar-ny, like champagne. It is aboriginal for “place of cockatoos.”
For 19 years I taught adult Equine Studies, and wrote numerous articles for equine magazines, such as the Hoofs and Horns. 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 two more books, and started this blog, REFLECTIONS FROM 50+ YEARS of HORSE BREEDING.
‘Always with the horses in mind’
About The Thinking Horse Breeder
From the forward 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.
Please tell your friends so they can join us on this journey.