The foundation of our breeding program is our mares.  Mare selection is based on bloodlines, conformation and performance potential, and temperament in essentially equal parts.  Our goal is to consistently produce an equine product that is of high quality and pleasing to be around. Because we do not stand our own stallion, we are free to choose from a vast array of high quality sires to cross with our mares.

Criteria for stallion selection:
Bloodlines – Since the inception of our program, we have been studying Morgan bloodlines.  Our challenge is to find lines that consistently produce individuals that are both a credit to the Morgan breed (that is possess traits that enhance the Morgan’s general strength and useability) and are appealing to the Morgan show horse market. 

Because all stallions produce some individuals that are not suitable for the show ring, we choose bloodlines that also produce temperaments suitable for family pleasure.  We strongly believe in the importance of both sides of a pedigree and that the real strength of a pedigree is found many generations back. 

Sires figuring most prominently on our pedigrees include Waseeka’s Nocturne, Upwey Ben Don, O C R, Vigilmarch, Trophy, and their great breeding sons and grandsons, Waseeka’s In Command, Wham Bam Command, Noble Command, Noble Flaire, Tug Hill Commando, Troutbrook Hallmark, Tug Hill Whammunition, Beethoven, et al.

Conformation – a well put together individual, with many standard conformational strengths (laid back shoulder, long forearm, short cannon, short back, correct legs, good feet, overall refinement, etc.), balanced in appearance, e.g. we will steer away from a stud with an extreme neck if it is not balanced by length of leg, back and hip, or it is accompanied by a too long or low back.

Performance – Ideally the stallion will have proven himself in hand and in performance at the national level.  We like to breed to ranked stallions if they are affordable. Performance ranking is more important than in-hand ranking.  We like to see a stallion move.

Beauty – In the larger horse world, the Morgan stands out as an extraordinarily beautiful creature.  We seek to breed this on by choosing stallions with bloodlines proven over time to produce beauty.  Again, we want an individual with a nice balance of beauty and athleticism. 
Get – We follow performance of the get of breeding stallions closely.  We believe this is the best measure of a stallion’s breeding value.  We also like to see babies. We believe it is very valuable to visit the foal fields of other breeders and spend some time talking about the strengths of various crosses.
Affordability -  Because campaigning and promoting a breeding quality stallion is an extremely costly venture, we have been able to find some more affordable stallions who have most of the qualities we seek at more affordable fees.  When making such a choice, we emphasize the quality of the individual’s bloodlines (proven performance and temperament) on both sides of his pedigree, and his conformation.