Steve Patrick, a devoted husband, adoring father and dedicated arabian horse breeder talks to me from his breathtaking county estate located between Paris and Bordeaux, located deep in the countryside of South West France.
Steve is effortlessly cool in both his appearance and demeanour and could, I observe, quite easily be mistaken for perhaps a temporarily misplaced rock star. This observation causes him to raise an amused smile...
Here he reflects on the last 20 years of his life, immersed in the vast and green European countryside, arabian horses and his family.
Steve is effortlessly cool in both his appearance and demeanour and could, I observe, quite easily be mistaken for perhaps a temporarily misplaced rock star. This observation causes him to raise an amused smile...
Here he reflects on the last 20 years of his life, immersed in the vast and green European countryside, arabian horses and his family.
Where did it all begin?
It began in Australia growing up on the farm with my family. I officially started working full time with the horses at the age of 15, I’ve been managing the family stud for 32 years now.
What makes you proud?
My son Casey makes me proud, he’s a really good kid with a genuine kind soul. Also sitting down at the end of a hard day and reflecting on the development of the property and horses and knowing I played apart in preserving history.
What is your vision?
To continue breeding beautiful arabians creating further generations of Redwood Lodge horses, with a pedigree that reflect the horses of my past.
What do you look for in breeding stock?
Soundness, not only in structure but in mind, so many things factor into breeding horses but I like to see a well balanced pretty individual with a pedigree to back it up. We are boutique breeders and do not breed large numbers so we can’t afford to make too many mistakes. I like to have a pretty good idea of what the resulting foal is going to look like. Sure sometimes you get a few surprises but it’s like Poker, it’s a lot easier if you’re playing with a good hand to begin with.
What would you do differently?
Difficult to say, I don’t like to look back, I think the decisions you make in life whether they be right or wrong are what make you the person you are, it’s all experience and you learn from it.
What keeps you up at night?
Nothing, I snore like a dragon! I sleep well at night, my conscience is clear! When the days finished, there’s nothing worth worrying about that can’t be dealt with tomorrow.
What has been your greatest success within the industry?
Probably gaining the World Champion title with Espano Estopa back in 1998.
Your highlights?
When RL Romantik came over from Australia a couple of years later following
In her Sires footsteps and gaining the title of All Nations Cup and Reserve World Champion, which vindicated the farms breeding program.
Do you have advice for anyone coming into the industry?
Depends what you’re coming into the industry for, if it’s for instant fame then make sure you have deep pockets. If you’re looking to establish a breeding programme then make sure you do your homework, visit farms, talk to different breeders. See as many horses as possible to establish a vision and the type of horse you want to breed, look for common ancestors between them and try to collect and begin with a strong foundation of mares based on those bloodlines.
What do your family think/involvement?
Being a family run business we are all very involved and play our own part. I manage the property and horses in France with my partner Kirsty, my parents reside in Australia and visit the farm several times a year. We also speak once a week to keep them updated on the running of the farm and discuss any important decisions.
Something that you couldn’t live without, besides the horses.. Something else that makes you tick
Cigarettes unfortunately! I stopped drinking 8 years ago but we all have to have some vices.
What makes your heart sing?
When Spring arrives, the smell of freshly cut grass and the anticipation of waiting for new foals to be born. Also watching my sons passion for everything 'horse' evolving.
What do you most look forward to within your day/week/month/year?
Sunday morning when I get to have an extra hour sleep.
What scares you?
The thought of losing my partner Kirsty to cancer and having to run the farm and raise my son alone.
If you could spend your day with a person/horse in the industry who would it be?
It would be great to catch up with my old friend WH Justice, he came to me as a 3 yr old where he spent 2 breeding seasons, he was a very special horse and back then I could see something in him, to think that he has since gone on to become one of the Worlds leading sires, I feel very privileged to have been a small part of his life.
If you could use/train/own who would it be and why?
So many great horses to choose from it’s hard to name just one but a special mare I would have loved to of owned would have been WN Antigua, I first saw her in Scottsdale in 1987 and she was for me the epitome of Arabian type, a true fairytale white mare. I have a great respect for the Spanish/Egyptian bloodlines and would have loved to have her in the breeding barn.
What horse do you miss the most and why?
It would have to be Malikah Estopa, I had the honour of being her main caretaker for 25 years. I flew with her from Om el Arab to our farm in Australia when she was just a yearling, she stayed with me until the day she died aged 26 at our farm here in France.
Which horse has had the greatest influence over you?
I’d probably have to say Om el Abadan, he had a special character, he taught me how to have respect and patience and made me a horseman.
Clap/shout/whoop/whistle at show.. or all of the above?
I’m renowned for being quite loud at horse shows, It’s important to have fun and Feel the energy! Don’t be afraid to be yourself in life!
Show and share your passion!
by Anna Cusdin
It began in Australia growing up on the farm with my family. I officially started working full time with the horses at the age of 15, I’ve been managing the family stud for 32 years now.
What makes you proud?
My son Casey makes me proud, he’s a really good kid with a genuine kind soul. Also sitting down at the end of a hard day and reflecting on the development of the property and horses and knowing I played apart in preserving history.
What is your vision?
To continue breeding beautiful arabians creating further generations of Redwood Lodge horses, with a pedigree that reflect the horses of my past.
What do you look for in breeding stock?
Soundness, not only in structure but in mind, so many things factor into breeding horses but I like to see a well balanced pretty individual with a pedigree to back it up. We are boutique breeders and do not breed large numbers so we can’t afford to make too many mistakes. I like to have a pretty good idea of what the resulting foal is going to look like. Sure sometimes you get a few surprises but it’s like Poker, it’s a lot easier if you’re playing with a good hand to begin with.
What would you do differently?
Difficult to say, I don’t like to look back, I think the decisions you make in life whether they be right or wrong are what make you the person you are, it’s all experience and you learn from it.
What keeps you up at night?
Nothing, I snore like a dragon! I sleep well at night, my conscience is clear! When the days finished, there’s nothing worth worrying about that can’t be dealt with tomorrow.
What has been your greatest success within the industry?
Probably gaining the World Champion title with Espano Estopa back in 1998.
Your highlights?
When RL Romantik came over from Australia a couple of years later following
In her Sires footsteps and gaining the title of All Nations Cup and Reserve World Champion, which vindicated the farms breeding program.
Do you have advice for anyone coming into the industry?
Depends what you’re coming into the industry for, if it’s for instant fame then make sure you have deep pockets. If you’re looking to establish a breeding programme then make sure you do your homework, visit farms, talk to different breeders. See as many horses as possible to establish a vision and the type of horse you want to breed, look for common ancestors between them and try to collect and begin with a strong foundation of mares based on those bloodlines.
What do your family think/involvement?
Being a family run business we are all very involved and play our own part. I manage the property and horses in France with my partner Kirsty, my parents reside in Australia and visit the farm several times a year. We also speak once a week to keep them updated on the running of the farm and discuss any important decisions.
Something that you couldn’t live without, besides the horses.. Something else that makes you tick
Cigarettes unfortunately! I stopped drinking 8 years ago but we all have to have some vices.
What makes your heart sing?
When Spring arrives, the smell of freshly cut grass and the anticipation of waiting for new foals to be born. Also watching my sons passion for everything 'horse' evolving.
What do you most look forward to within your day/week/month/year?
Sunday morning when I get to have an extra hour sleep.
What scares you?
The thought of losing my partner Kirsty to cancer and having to run the farm and raise my son alone.
If you could spend your day with a person/horse in the industry who would it be?
It would be great to catch up with my old friend WH Justice, he came to me as a 3 yr old where he spent 2 breeding seasons, he was a very special horse and back then I could see something in him, to think that he has since gone on to become one of the Worlds leading sires, I feel very privileged to have been a small part of his life.
If you could use/train/own who would it be and why?
So many great horses to choose from it’s hard to name just one but a special mare I would have loved to of owned would have been WN Antigua, I first saw her in Scottsdale in 1987 and she was for me the epitome of Arabian type, a true fairytale white mare. I have a great respect for the Spanish/Egyptian bloodlines and would have loved to have her in the breeding barn.
What horse do you miss the most and why?
It would have to be Malikah Estopa, I had the honour of being her main caretaker for 25 years. I flew with her from Om el Arab to our farm in Australia when she was just a yearling, she stayed with me until the day she died aged 26 at our farm here in France.
Which horse has had the greatest influence over you?
I’d probably have to say Om el Abadan, he had a special character, he taught me how to have respect and patience and made me a horseman.
Clap/shout/whoop/whistle at show.. or all of the above?
I’m renowned for being quite loud at horse shows, It’s important to have fun and Feel the energy! Don’t be afraid to be yourself in life!
Show and share your passion!
by Anna Cusdin
GALLERY
CONTACT
Trevor & Sue Patrick - Owners of Redwood Lodge
Château de la Bernardière
La Maucarrière
79600 Tessonnière / France
Steve Patrick: Manager
Tel: + 33 642 15 76 08
Email: [email protected]
Visits by prior arrangement only please
