HOT PROFILE

Introducing...
ROBIN AND LEIGH LARK FROM "LARKSPUR LODGE"

From originally owning horses for pleasure, Robin and Leigh from Larkspur Lodge have gradually expanded their interest into a full time profession, now operating a well recognised breeding and training establishment in the North Island.
We catch up with the busy duo to find out some of their horsey philosophies!

How did Larkspur come about?
Larkspur started in Kaitieke (situated south west of Taumarunui) where Robin and I owned and worked a Sheep and Beef farm. Both of us have always been involved with horses for pleasure, work and for Robin competitively in Europe where he managed a large Hunting Stable. Horses have always been a very big part of our lives yet neither of us were satisfied with the limited involvement we had with the horses that owning and working the farm gave us. When the dispersal sale of purpose bred Sport horses at Waipoa Station came about we decided to add to our already growing team of talented horses a proven broodmare base and move towards developing a breeding and training establishment of quality sport horses, which is now based in Pukekawa approximately 1 hour north of Hamilton.

You have two stallions at stud, please tell us about them!
The first resident Stallion that we introduced to our breeding programme was Larkspur Ripples, whom we purchased as a yearling from Meersbrooke Farm in Taihape. Ripples is ¼ Clyde, TB, Stationbred, Pinto. With Ripples our aim was to produce a versatile horse suitable for riders of all capabilities. The NZ Stationbred has been the back bone of NZ horses, and the Clyde crosses have proved popular for many reasons, in particular their willingness and easy going nature. Ripples stands at 15'2hh but will produce youngsters 16hh plus from mares 15'3hh and over. Ripples has a natural jumping ability and boldness with great movement, all of which he is passing on to his foals plus the added bonus of producing a pinto. All our own mares that we breed to Ripples are solid colored and he is leaving approximately 80% colour from these mares with most foals having a 50/50 colour pattern. Ripples youngsters have proved successful at jumping, hack classes, hunting, trekking, and are especially suited for women who are returning to riding after having time away raising a family or pursuing other interests for some time.

Stallion - Larkspur Ripples

The second resident Stallion introduced to our breeding programme is Larkspur Connoisseur, often he is admired as being a European imported stallion but we did actually successfully breed him ourselves, he is a stallion with that "x" factor that so many breeders strive for when breeding. He has proven competitive bloodlines coming from his sires side being the successful warm blood Voltaire II and from his dam's side being the Irish stallion Kingsway Diamond and TB Cry Baby II, giving his progeny the capabilities of going to the top in the competition field of their chosen disciplines whether it be show jumping, dressage and eventing. Connoisseur stands at 17'3hh and is full of presence and athleticism crossing extremely well with TB's and Warm blood x TB mares, producing horses from 16hh to 17hh plus. His influence over the TB mares is leaving foals with the stamina and refinement of a TB but with increased bone and a trainable mind, making them the ideal eventing type or for those who prefer a finer elegant type of horse. The warm blood cross mares are producing foals by Connoisseur with great substance and movement typical of the European type horse used for Dressage. Connoisseur's oldest progeny are 5 years and are entering their competition careers this season, all that have been show in hand have been successful.

Stallion - Larkspur Connoisseur

We do also have a third stallion that we are currently developing who we will be breeding to some of our own select mares this season and may stand him for the public next season. He is a Warmblood by imported Dutch Warmblood Goldstar out of a Jaguar x Old Soldier mare. He exudes presence, trainability and expressive movement with an impressive jumping technique.

What are your goals when breeding and do you breed many of your own foals each year?
We have a proven broodmare base that consists of TB, Warmblood, Irish / TB and TB /QH. Bloodlines are Witzbold, Loewenherz / Allermund, Jaguar / Old Soldier, Kingsway Diamond / Aberlou, Icelandic, Hula Town, Roselander, Wham and Chinkazan. Our aim is to breed horses suitable for a broad range of equine enthusiasts whether they be pleasure riders or competitive riders capable of reaching Olympic standards. We have been foaling up to 8 of our own mares each season but due to increase in demand we will be increasing the number of foals born each year by introducing some new broodmares to the herd. We like to have a few more broodmare numbers than we are actually breeding each year so we can rest some of them from time to time.

2 year old gelding by Larkspur Connoisseur out of a Jaguar x Old Soldier mare

4 year old gelding by Larkspur Ripples out of a Irish x TB mare.

I understand you also take other peoples horses in for schooling, breaking in, show preparation etc. What are your main philosophies when working with young horses and starting them under saddle?
Our main philosophy when working with horses is to judge each horses individuality and work with the best of their capabilities. Also in this process we are mindful of the capabilities of their owners and what they wish to accomplish with their horses once they are working with them themselves. We will take horses through a step by step process adjusting it where necessary to allow for each horses progress where by they are understanding what is required by them. Ground work is established first making them responsive, calm and confident. Once backed we like to have the horses moving forward into a soft hand and contact. At this stage we feel it is very important to incorporate the owners riding ability and school the horse accordingly. Before horses leave we like to be able to work with the owners and the horse together so both have an understanding of the training process.

Can people send their horses to you if, for example, they are going away on holiday and would like the horse to be kept in work? What sort of training do you offer?
Yes we are very flexible with individual requirements people need for their horses and can support most requests, including rehabilitation from injury, foaling mares, livery options and spelling. We can cater for horses who require arena schooling including jumping and dressage work or if horses are needing a break from arena work we have a 150 acres of varying terrain to hack the horses to keep them fit and fresh for returning to competition, or their normal riding regime. We also have a facility available for people to keep their horses here while we are schooling them in conjunction with having weekly lessons with us and their horse, which is proving very popular with people returning to riding after some time away and they don't have the confidence that they use to have. We can also help these riders prepare for showing by taking the horse into that environment until the owners feel confident to participate.

Your facilities sound great! Can the public come and ride at Larkspur Lodge?
Yes we do offer our facilities for people to come and use. Recently we had our arena rebuilt to professional standards with a working surface of sand and rubber, the arena is 80 x 40 giving people ample room for schooling and jumping either individually or in a group situation but if arena work is not required and people just want to enjoy a peaceful ride around the farm we can also cater for this. We are also in the process of developing accommodation to cater for people who wish to come and stay with their horse and take advantage of our facilities or as a base for people and their horses while competing. We are also in the process of developing a riding club to cater for individual group requirements, in particular housewives who appreciate a break from being tied to housework and taking care of family who will enjoy the company of other ladies and take some time out for themselves to ride in a relaxed atmosphere.

How can people contact you if they wish to know more?
People can contact us through our email address at LarkspurLodge@xtra.co.nz or by phone on 09 2334545. We will have a website up and running in the not too distant future.

Thanks Robin and Leigh!

----------------------

Are you or do you know someone involved with horses who you would like to see profiled here? Perhaps a rider or trainer, a talented horse, your local club or horsey business who deserves special mention? Get in contact with us today with details and we may feature your profile idea here - it's all positive promotion and it's FREE!