ELLSTON JASPER

When I first met Jasper, he had been left in a field on his own for two months, was not being checked and had no company, horse or human. I was concerned for his welfare so contacted his breeder; as he had been sold on a loan purchase agreement and the breeder had no idea he was not being cared for. They were happy to transfer ownership to me and have kept in contact ever since. Jasper is sensitive soul who aims to please.

Jasper was a yearling when we met, tall, gangly and very cheeky. He would stand for hours being cuddled, then would plant a kiss on my head, buck and bolt off. At the time I had another Shire stallion, Apollo, so I put Jasper with him to give him company and the opportunity to be taught some manners by another horse. Horses should not be kept alone as they are herd animals and need social interaction and company.

As a 2 year old; I ‘bitted him up’ (began training with a bridle and bit), and began general training in hand. Jasper enjoyed this and would trot proudly by my side – although his strides were much longer than mine and he’d often leave me running behind!

One day Jasper jumped several fences to be with my mare Dulce; the result? Waterfall Sweet Lunar. Having proved that he was a viable stud, I put him to my mare Lizzie Brown; the result? Waterfall Arctic Storm, aka Boston-Louie, and so began Waterfall Shires.

In 2020 I put Jasper to 2 of my mares; Lizzie Brown and my Broodmare, Queenie. March 2021 saw 2 beautiful colt foals that were born a day apart. Queenie gave birth to Waterfall Crackerjack, who is the first registered Shire Horse produced from the stud. Lizzie then had a skewbald colt, Waterfall Tom Thumb.