Smallwood farm Crozet, stallions

[Eventer55]

Can anyone who has been there tell me about their stallions. I plan on going myself, but would like input from someone who has bred to Rock Point or Castle Cove.

Thanks

[mkevent]

I bred my mare to Rock Point. Her foal (now 7) definitely more of a hunter type movement with a really nice quiet attitude (mare was a packer and a bit on the lazy side-competed to Prelim). She got in foal on first AI, which was really good. The people who bought the gelding love him and he has quite a fan club-they show hunters. He's also a good looking horse-easy to start under saddle,etc.

[pwynnnorman]

I haven't bred to their TB stallions, but I have a lovely Smallwood Paris filly. When I visited, I was impressed by just how many get (and how proven) their stallions are. Given the number of babies he has, I suspect Rock Point really breeds true as a hunter stallion (in terms of what mkevent stated). Robin and her mom were great to work with, too.

[fordtraktor]

I have a Castle Magic (sire of Castle Cove) gelding. He is retired now (at 19), but was a fantastic mover and jumper. I showed him up to 4'3 jumpers, and he had more than enough scope for the grand prix had I been a better rider (I jumped him over wide 5' oxers a time or two). I showed him with modest success in the regular working hunters (4') a few times as well.

Several eventing friends tried to get me to event him, and I think he would have been terrific. He could long and low like a hunter, but when collected he had a ton of suspension. He is the big-framed, classic TB, looks more like a WB these days. He retired at 17 due to suspensory and ringbone issues.

To ride, he was what we called a "push and pull" horse, not sensitive at all like many TBs can be. With training, he became responsive, but he was always an active ride.

[GreyDun]

I have a Castle Magic (sire of Castle Cove) gelding. He is retired now (at 19), but was a fantastic mover and jumper. I showed him up to 4'3 jumpers, and he had more than enough scope for the grand prix had I been a better rider (I jumped him over wide 5' oxers a time or two). I showed him with modest success in the regular working hunters (4') a few times as well.

Several eventing friends tried to get me to event him, and I think he would have been terrific. He could long and low like a hunter, but when collected he had a ton of suspension. He is the big-framed, classic TB, looks more like a WB these days. He retired at 17 due to suspensory and ringbone issues.



We also have had several Castle Magic babies, and we enjoyed them quite a bit. Big-bodied, athletic, scopey, and great minds.

I was contemplating breeding my Connemara pony to Castle Cove a few years back, but it didn't work out. I'd definitely consider him as a sport horse sire - yes, he was a little huntery for my type, and a tad downhill for what I wanted, but he still has a very lovely classic Thoroughbred look that's hard to beat.

[RiverBendPol]

I had a friend who bought a Castle Magic baby (weanling) out of the field back in 1979 or 80. The thing was GORGEOUS. Grew up to be a gigantic red Working Hunter mare. She was pure heaven. We went and hung around in the field with those babies 5 or 6 times, with my then 2 year old son. There must have been 10 of them, each as beautiful, friendly and sane as the next.

Sorry, that isn't much to go on but it was a fun memory to dredge up:)

[fordtraktor]

Mine is still a very pretty boy! He looks about 5 if he's not limping. And he just floats around the field.

He lives with my folks, and every time an outside trainer or clinician comes by they always gape, point and ask, "Why isn't someone riding THAT one?!?"

[Arcadien]

I have a lovely 3 yo Rock Point filly. So far she's all I dreamed of - can't wait to really get going with her this coming summer!

Alas, I thought Rock Point left Smallwood, and went to the VA "Mare" program? Someone correct me if wrong, please!

Anyway, 4 yrs ago, when I met RP in person, he was a total dream. And my mare caught first cover (live, as she was TB).

Arcadien

[PhoenixFarm]

My homebred CCI** boy is by a former Smallwood stallion, Class Secret, who sadly died in a breeding accident with only a few foal crops on the ground. His dam was a complete and utter beeyotch to breed and I can vouch for Phyllis and company's patience and experience.

I've worked with several Rock Point babies as there were a lot locally up north when he stood at Blue Ridge. While I'd say they definately skew more hunter than eventer, he's also thrown some good jump racers, so they are more than just pretty faces. Good brains and bone, but yes, pretty daisy cuttery and prone to being more level than up hill. But, on the other hand, there's no such thing as universal truth (what does the mare look like) and with the scope and brain he throws, he may produce everything you need. The above mentioned baby of mine's weaning buddy was a Rock Point, and he was lovely.

I used to work for Sharon White and she went advanced on a Castle Magic daughter, who was LOVELY--size, brains, and beauty. Unfortunately, she wasn't the soundest thing on 4 legs, and had a premature career as a result. Lovely horses, but I'd want a sound mare to cross with. Don't know much about the son.

[Eventer55]

Thanks everyone, we won't be breeding for a couple of years and things can change as to what is out there, but i wanted to get a feeling for farms, current stallions etc. I hope I don't jinx anyone, my first pick was A Fine Romance, gone to Canada, my second pick was Denny's stallion:(, so now I'm starting again. I definately want a Thoroughbred, this will be a not for sale horse, so I'm breeding for me only.

I wish the JC would step into the millenium. . . .

[GreyDun]

My homebred CCI** boy is by a former Smallwood stallion, Class Secret, who sadly died in a breeding accident with only a few foal crops on the ground. His dam was a complete and utter beeyotch to breed and I can vouch for Phyllis and company's patience and experience.



Ah, loved Class Secret! We had five of his foals, and still have one (my main broodmare who has had some pretty neat Connemara-cross babies). His children were some of the most athletic, prettiest movers... and interesting personalities to boot. We were going to keep one of his sons a stallion at one point, but then sold him to do the jumpers - sadly, we lost touch with his new owners. One is in the midwest competing Novice with a junior (saw them have an awesome ride at Richland last summer... very cool!), and another we had was a very promising youngster who we lost in a trailer accident last year. Love those bloodlines though - if you ever get your hands on a Class Secret baby, they're pretty neat horses.

[Highflyer]

We've had lots of Rock Point babies, we have horses for his owner. He is back at Smallwood this year, as he was repurchased by Mede Cahaba--he had a couple of very successful runners over fences this year, Class Real Rock, who was leading 3 yr old, and Class Shadow, who just missed being leading mare (both of whom are out of Class Secret mares, too, for those of you keeping score at home!) They tend to be solid, quiet horses, very pleasant to work with but with definite opinions and some "go." He seems to do especially well toning down the Class Secret temperament (which I guess goes back to Mystic II). The ones I've seen have been nice, correct movers, but more hunter-y than dressage-y--but they are out of hunter type mares, too.

[Galloway Farms, L.L.C.]

Hi,

I would never deal with them again.......

Sorry to be the only one that says this, on this thread. I won't air dirty laundry on a public forum.

Lets just say several years ago I had a VERY BAD dealing with them where I lost THOUSANDS! They are very Dishonest people.

Thanks
Christy

[fordtraktor]

I'm sorry to hear that. I have never heard anything like it from any other source, and based on their solid reputation from sources I trust would certainly deal with them in the future.

Plus, I think it is unfair to say those sorts of things without telling people what happened. Throwing around words like "dishonest" ought to have some facts to back it up, or you shouldn't say anything at all.

In full disclosure, I don't personally know and have never dealt with the Joneses. I bought my horse from his breeder.

[Sparky Boy]

Ah, loved Class Secret! We had five of his foals, and still have one (my main broodmare who has had some pretty neat Connemara-cross babies). His children were some of the most athletic, prettiest movers... and interesting personalities to boot. We were going to keep one of his sons a stallion at one point, but then sold him to do the jumpers - sadly, we lost touch with his new owners. One is in the midwest competing Novice with a junior (saw them have an awesome ride at Richland last summer... very cool!), and another we had was a very promising youngster who we lost in a trailer accident last year. Love those bloodlines though - if you ever get your hands on a Class Secret baby, they're pretty neat horses.


I have an 11 yr old Class Secret Gelding. He just sits around and eats because I have no time for him. :(
Looks like daddy, only taller I think. He has castle magic on his dam's side.
http://good-times.webshots.com/album/564035122tVbSiw?vhost=good-times

[Galloway Farms, L.L.C.]

[QUOTE=fordtraktor;3791499]I'm sorry to hear that. I have never heard anything like it from any other source, and based on their solid reputation from sources I trust would certainly deal with them in the future.

Plus, I think it is unfair to say those sorts of things without telling people what happened. Throwing around words like "dishonest" ought to have some facts to back it up, or you shouldn't say anything at all.


You are right "their solid reputation...." and that's what I thought too. That is why I choose them to spend my "Nest Egg" on. What I got was grossly misrepresented. I got scammed....learned my lesson and will not deal with them again. It's just that simple. No big dramatic story to tell. I got scammed like many people do that don't do enough research on what they are buying. Never rely on a seller to disclose the entire truth about what they are selling.

Best
Christy

[PhoenixFarm]

Highflyer I'm betting we know some of the Sam people-Mr.PF worked with Lilith and Richard when he was doing jump racers. We picked Secret becuase he had handled him at the track and seen him train. We got a couple of lovely other horses over the years from them.

GreyDun, I love my guy and would love to have a broodie daughter. Such a tragedy to have lost him so soon.

Funny you both mentioned their "interesting temperaments". Mine is certainly full of personality and not an ammie ride, but he is SO much easier than his mother, LOL.I've always loudly praised Secret's calming influence, cuz she was such a toughie.

[Sing Mia Song]

The Mid Atlantic TB lists Rock Point as "pensioned." Is he definitely covering mares this year, does anyone know?

[Hilldale]

I've seen several advertisements for him in "Stallion Issues" this year so they are promoting him. I wonder is he's listed as pensioned because the MARE center didn't allow outside mares. They only would breed their own mares.

[Highflyer]

Yes, Rock Point is definitely covering mares this year. He's not owned by the MARE center any more. However, he is older--24 or 25, IIRC--and I think is probably only going to be available LC. If you are interested in breeding to him, I wouldn't wait around, in other words.

PF--yep, I know Lilith and Richard! The Mede Cahaba horses are foaled at Smallwood and we have the weanlings/ yearlings and break them before they go to Lilith's. In fact my mom broke Class Secret and showed him in hand. He was really a gorgeous horse. Almost all of the babies we have now are descended from him, but 2-3 generations back, and only one of the yearlings this year really looks like a Class Secret--high whites and a blaze, and that pretty head.

ETA: My experience with Phyllis and Smallwood Farm has been overwhelmingly positive. I'm not sure what they're being accused of, exactly, but given that the poster won't specify I'd take it with a grain of salt.

[classsaber]

I have an unraced gelding by class secret, his name is class saber. He is great, super athletic, 16.2, very red chestnut. I show him in the the jumpers and he has done very well. I bought him from mede cahaba a little over 6 yrs ago. I have always wanted a picture of his dad, class secret, does anybody have any? There is not much info on class secret since he died so early into his breeding.

[Highflyer]

There's one here: http://www.sporthorse-data.com/horse/10515961/995/Horse_Class_Secret-big.jpg . He was very pretty and athletic. Who was your guy out of? Was it Class Sharp? I get them all mixed up after a while.

[Muffin]

We had a Castle Magic baby many, MANY years ago! She was my Small Junior hunter, and I foxhunted her quite a bit. She did buck me off twice before the hunt started once, but she was excited and who could blame her?

Mom had seen a tiny black and white ad in The Chronicle and thought Castle Magic was pretty nice looking, and off we went, mare in tow. It was a good match, and our filly was a looker and talented, for sure.

I recently saw Castle Cove's ad in the Stallion Issue. Nice to know Castle Magic babies are still around.

[classsaber]

Thanks so much, so glad to finally see what he looks like! He is so handsome!!Yes my horse is out of Class Sharp. Happen to know where I can find a picture of her?

[Highflyer]

I will ask the secretary next time I talk to her, but honestly I doubt it. If they do have one, it's probably an old JC registration picture--I don't think she did much but have babies and they weren't great racehorses. I'm glad yours is doing so well--I was really surprised that they bred Sharp to Secret given that she was out of Classicality and so was Secret's dam, Class Wizard. But I guess sometimes it works out :)