We have admired the German breeders’ concentration on mare lines and the structuring of their breeding programs around the descendents of proven producers. Using this model, we have looked forward to the time when we might be in a position to consolidate our breeding program in a similar fashion.

Our first foray into expanding the Marefield program with German bloodstock was just that–an expansion. We focused on procuring a wide genetic sampling of fillies that would cover most of the significant Hanoverian lines. Even then, we were subtly guided in our choices by knowledgeable advisors who could point to the potential strengths of one horse over another based on the depth of the motherline. As we learned more, we actively sought out fillies from specific mare families as much as we looked for the offspring of particular stallions. Concentrating on the production records of the dam side helped to support our decisions as we made some difficult choices. The majority of our present breeding herd were purchased as sucklings. Choosing from among such young horses would have been much more problematic without the insurance of strong mare families with well-documented histories to rely upon when making our final selections. Knowing the motherline of a horse also has been helpful in determining what to do with a filly who doesn’t develop into the mare that was expected. In two notable cases, we have ventured continuing with such a mare in our breeding program and our instincts about her production capabilities have proven correct. We probably wouldn't have taken such chances had we not known the production histories of the families behind those mares.

Having made so many original choices based on the dam side and having already made some significant breeding decisions based on motherlines, we think we are now in a position to concentrate on certain families in our herd as we build for the future. In some instances, we are focusing on mares who are already backed by families of outstanding achievement, eager to continue our branch of that noble heritage. In other cases, certain mares have proven themselves directly through their production for Marefield and we have examples of at least two generations showing their worth. There are other lines that look promising and there are mares who have produced well but who have not yet contributed fillies for the next generation. They, too, may establish a motherline at some later date.

Perhaps it is overly optimistic and premature to be viewing our mare families in such terms. Certainly, it could be seen as more than a little presumptuous given our relative infancy in the breeding business. If nothing else, this approach provides a focus for consolidating the breeding program that is as good as any other; what's more, it is one that has proven itself through the German model. And we believe that even at this early stage, we have begun to detect a fine bright line of consistency that winds through some of these families, supported by the background depth of their motherlines.