It was only a generation ago that Thoroughbreds dominated the hunter/jumper and dressage ranks. Hilda Gurney’s 1976 Olympic team bronze partner Keen and Anne Kursinski’s 1996 Olympic silver partner Eros come to mind as Thoroughbred stars of dressage and show jumping. And, of course, the breed continues to be the ride of choice in the eventing world thanks to its renowned heart, speed and stamina.
In the 1980s, the pendulum of breed popularity for these disciplines swung toward European-bred Warmbloods. As that trend gets refined with an influx of lighter, more responsive horses, the Thoroughbred may be poised for a comeback in sporthorse breeding.
The Seattle Slew grandson Boomer Slew stands ready to deliver athletic ability, good size and an excellent temperament. Based at Sterling Silver Equine in the Sacramento area’s Elverta, Boomer is by Slew o’ Gold, out of the Distinctive Pro mare Social Pro. Slew o’ Gold is a well-proven sire on the track and his offspring have racked up millions in prize purses. He has 28 stakes winners to his credit, including Golden Opinion, Dramatic Gold and Gorgeous.
Boutique breeder Dennis Keller recognized Boomer as a diamond in the rough when he came upon the handsome 17 hand, bay stallion. He was looking for a good sire for his mare with Secretariat lines, and Boomer’s Seattle Slew connection seemed a perfect match.
Now 16, Boomer had not been marketed much as a racing or sporthorse stallion. Mostly, he’d been used as a backyard riding horse, occasionally competing on the A circuit, which speaks to his gentle nature. Although the horse was not at his fighting weight at the time of purchase, Dennis recognized Boomer’s famous bloodlines of both Seattle Slew and Mr. Prospector. He predicted that he would be a successful sire of sporthorses for the hunter/jumper and dressage markets, in addition to having obvious appeal for racehorse breeders.
Dennis brought Boomer to trainer Judi Jackson seven months ago and she agreed with his assessment. “He has a ton of elegance, a tremendous shoulder and lots of suspension in his gaits,” Judi comments. “He’s a beautiful mover and could be a beautiful hunter or dressage horse.” Over fences, he has excellent form with tightly tucked front legs, Judi adds. Best of all for the amateur market, Boomer has a “laid back disposition and a tremendous work ethic” which is already showing up in his babies.
“We have two verifiable jumpers on the ground,” Dennis reports. “He has the conformation, pedigree, disposition, size, and athletic ability to do really well.”
Boomer Slew’s 2008 stud fee is $1,500 with a live foal guarantee and multiple mare discounts are available.
For more information on breeding to Boomer Slew, visit www.allpedigree.com/boomer+slew or call breeding manager and trainer Judi Jackson at 916-532-1255. |
