We had visited the Tori Stud in 2004 and were impressed with the style and calm nature of the Tori horses. We decided to import frozen embryos into Australia, thereby establishing a stud at a lesser cost than importing horses. On arrival back in Australia we discovered that Australia does not have a protocol for the importation of equine embryos and none is likely in the near future. We decided not proceed at that stage.

We again visited the stud in October 2007 and after looking at all the mares we decided on Amadora, who we were fortunately able to purchase as there were prospective buyers from Sweden interested in purchasing her. Jaanus Kallaste of the Tori Stud has been invaluable in his help and advice. The transport and quarantine arrangements were left in the hands of IRT in Melbourne.

After leaving Tori on the 6th of November 2007, Amadora went by road to Poland, Germany and France then by ship to the UK to arrive on the 11th November. She was to leave the UK on the 8th January, but the Australian Government changed the rules on Equine Influenza vaccinations, so she had to stay another 6 weeks to leave on the 20th February 2008.

Finally on the 20^th February, Amadora boarded her flight to Australia, with stopovers in Sharjah (UAE) and Singapore, to arrive in Sydney on the 23^rd February after a 30 hour flight. She had to stay in Sydney for 21 days under quarantine to have further checks before she was allowed to leave.

Eventually on the 23^rd of March, the big day came and she made her final 350 km road trip to Jerangle and her new home. She arrived safely and in excellent condition thanks to the organization of IRT and Barry Flynn Transport. She had to stay in quarantine until she had her foal, so she had access to a stable from her paddock. The stable was required as she came from spring in the UK to early winter here.

Even though we are building new stables, our approach is to run horses in paddocks to allow full development of muscles, joints and bones. She has been joined to Opaal, a Tori stallion that regularly jumps 1.9 meters. The foal was due on the 20^th April, however Amadora decided to give birth on the 11^th April at around 2.00pm, so she must still be operating on Estonian time, as horses normally give birth during the night. She had a colt which has been named Omadeus.

We have decided to import another Tori mare, named Leary, who is 3 years old. She left Estonia on the 23^rd June and arrived in the UK on the 25^th June. She is due to leave for Australia on the 31^st August, to eventually arrive at Dundee at the end of September. She has been joined to Carrys Son and is due to foal on the 19^th February 2009. After arriving at Dundee she will have to stay in quarantine until she has her foal and passes further tests.

Amadora and Omadeus were seen on Landline and Stateline on the ABC during June.

 

At present we are arranging semen from Hilbek (owned by the Toric Centre in Sweden) to be imported for impregnating Amadora.

Leary arrived in Sydney from the UK on the 3^rd September.

Leary finally arrived at Dundee on the 27^th September. She arrived in excellent condition thanks to IRT and Barry Flynn Transport. She is now in quarantine until she has her foal in February 2009.

 

2009 has started with very ordinary weather, little rain and wingless grasshoppers. We are looking forward to the birth of Queen's foal due 15^th February and Leary's foal about the 19^th February. Omadeus has been weaned and continues to grow rapidly, impressing the Tori stud in Estonia.

Leary decided to foal early, 9:15 am on the 30^th January. She has a black/grey colt with no problems. We have named him Carrero.

    

Queen had her foal on the 7^th February. She had a colt named Aksel.

 

Raad went to Ben Flynn at Murrumbateman on the 18^th March to be broken in, so far he is responding well.

Leary and Carrero had their first showing at Yarramann Equestrian Centre at Bredbo and there was a very positive response to them, as well their behaviour was impeccable.

Opaal, Omadeus' sire became the 140 cm champion of Estonia on the 12^thApril, ridden by Andrus Kallaste from the Tori Stud. Opaal goes from strength to strength, catching the eye of many, with offers to purchase in the 6 figure Euros area. He is only 9 years old and in training regularly jumping 1.90 meters.

On the 19^th April, we hosted a group consisting of Estonian and horse enthusiasts wanting to see the horses. Apart from the day being a little wet, a very enjoyable and social day was had by all.

 

 

After much discussion with vets, because Amadora and Leary's body clocks are still aligned to the Northern hemisphere, we have delayed getting them into foal until the Australian spring so that they will adapt.

Raad returned from Barry Flynn and is a joy to ride.

Omadeus went to Barry Flynn, on the 11^th July for basic education and a preliminary break in.

Omadeus now has a passport and has been approved for the Tori breeding program.

On the weekend of the 26-27^th September, Andrus Kallaste, riding Opaal, competed and did very well. On the 26^th they won the 1.25 m class, and on the 27^th they won the 1.30 m class against 140 competitors. With these results, the winning combination, has them qualified for the Helsinki Horse show.

At the Mondial du Lion FEI World championship for young eventing horses from the 15^th to 18^th October, Marit Poltimäe  from Estonia, competed with Colibri, a Tori horse, with distinction.

Leary competed in the led classes at the National Capital Horse Show in Canberra. She obtained a second and third placing against some very well prepared horses. Preparation of Leary was undertaken by Judith and Amanda Milner from Yarramann Equestrian Centre and handled by Toni Wallace. They all must be congratulated for the time and effort that was put into the event. There was considerable interest in the Tori breed, as Leary really stood out amongst the other breeds.

 

 

Leary competed on the 13^th December at The National Buckskin Show. She gained a 2^nd, 3^rd and was Reserve Champion mare.  There was much interest in 'the big Estonian horse'.

 

 

Leary will be inseminated with Condios and the embryo transferred to a host mare.

Unfortunately after 2 attempts, the process failed, so now she will be inseminated with Danaos Du Theillet, an imported champion Selle Francais stallion, from Bendooley Park..

After injuries to Hilbek, who was to provide Tori semen, we have found another top stallion, Prominent, and if he passes all the testing, his semen will be in Australia early April 2010.