Michelle Caig
Farm/Stud location:
Winton - Central Southland.
Farm size:
25 acres.
How did you get started in breeding?
We used to buy and sell show ponies which naturally lead to breeding ponies. We sold our best pony to pay the first standardbred service fee.
What is the name of your first broodmare:
Mistequila (Andrel - Trish Mist).
Is the priority to breed your horses for racing or to sell at the sales?
We definitely breed to sell. I know I'm considered to be a genuine seller. I don't think you can do both.
What do you consider was the best horse you've bred and raced?
I have not raced any at all on my own account. I can't afford to. One day I'd like to race a nice trotting filly - win everything possible and retain her for breeding.
Best priced yearling sold at the sales?
I have sold five on my own account and have had two $30,000. sales and a $19,000. sale. It's not the sale price that's important - it's the profit margin.
Highest priced colt bred and sold?
Mistefire (Courage Under Fire - Mistequila) $30,000.
Highest priced colt you have prepared for sale?
Franco Caesar (Falcon Seelster - Cherubic) 27-5-3-3 $30,115.
Highest priced filly you have prepared for sale?
Tiber Franco (Red River Hanover - Tantana) $100,000.
Editor's note: Tiber Franco was bought by John and Katrina Price also of Winton. She is unraced and is being bred from.
Biggest stake earner you have prepared for sale?
Report For Duty (55-13-4-8 $503,349.)
Editor's note: Report For Duty was passed in at the sales and was later sold for $8,000.
Favourite all time stallion?
Courage Under Fire, Falcon Seelster and Sundon.
What new season sires are you most excited about and why?
Gotta Go Cullect. Apart from the fact he's by Christian Cullen, his dam Elect To Live was also fantastic. I have a colt and a filly by him for next years sale out of Falcon Seelster mares. Yes I'm excited.
How important do you feel it is to breed to a stallion that will possibly leave two year olds?
The key word there is possibly. How do you know? They come in all shapes and sizes but one key thing I believe is their willingness to please. A lot about being a good two year old is in their head.
How important do you feel research is in choosing a stallion for your mare?
I go on gut feeling with most things. This is no exception. You are two years from the sales when you breed to your stallion. Temperament and conformation are everything.
How important is the stallion's size?
It's only important when you compare it to your mares. You are always trying to refine your stock.
Do you prefer to see your stallion choices in the flesh?
No.
As a professional breeder, how often do you buy outside mares to broaden your breeding stock?
I have three mares now and have just gained another one. I was told a long time ago to give someone else your breeding list and get them to cull out your bottom mares. I'm always looking for more well bred mares.
What current New Zealand family would you like to buy into?
You can't go past what is winning consistently at the moment.
What feeding plan do you follow when rearing your foals?
I use Sgt Dans from Gore - the weanlings love it and I'm a Lucerne fan. I grow my own baleage and hay. This is the bulk of my feed and then they get vitamins and minerals etc. They are better fed than I am!
If you breed primarily pacers, would you ever consider breeding trotters?
I'm lucky enough to have both.
What do you most enjoy about breeding horses?
I was born with a love of the horse. That's what motivates me. My ex husband told me once I loved my horses more than him.
What do you consider to be the most challenging aspect about breeding horses today?
Rising costs and your profit margins. Without a doubt the breeder pays!!
Michelle Caig's breeding list:
Merinai (Tuff Choice - Meriden) 27-19-0-1 $244,155
Best Progeny: Sunny Elegant (Sundon) 57-14-9-6 $102,330 and 1-57.2 (AUS) and Classic Armbro (Armbro Invasion) 7-2-1-1 $10,010.
Editor's note: Merinai is currently at Woodlands Stud. Michelle hopes to have her served by Monarchy in the spring. She is expected down in Southland next year.
Sun Mist (Sundon - Merinai) - unraced mare
Best Progeny: Sonofanearl (Earl) 24-7-2-1 $45,285. and Pretty Sunday (5-1-0-0 $6,275)
Editor's note: The mare's latest foal is a colt by Thanksgivings. Sun Mist is in foal to Pegasus Spur.
My Party Doll (Falcon Seelster - Smooth Doll) 2 wins from just 12 starts
Best Progeny: Loaded (In The Pocket) 35-11-5-4 and 1-59.9 AUS.
Editor's note: My Party Doll has a Gotta Go Cullect filly at foot (Cantilly Lace) and is in foal to Courage Under Fire.
Vein Of Gold (Britwell - Sunny Gal) unraced mare
Best Progeny: Susuwe (Dream Vacation) 4-1-1-0 $5,051 plus two wins in Australia.
Editor's note: This mare is closely related to Sundon (27 wins), Arnsong (8 wins) and Sunning (8 wins). She is in foal to Thanksgiving.
Pat's Daughter (Gee Whiz 11 - Princess Pat) - unraced mare
Best Progeny: Pablo Bromac (Muscles Yankee) 18-2-1-2 $13,232
Editor's note: Pat's Daughter is a half sister to White Horse Pride (92-9-8-4 $73,059). She is in foal to Monarchy.
