Howl At The Boon is a genetic game-changer! With no Cat, Dual Rey, Conman or Acres in his genetics, he is the out-cross stallion of the future.
‘Bluey’s’ superior performance genetics will complement a wide range of mares, providing much-needed diversity, which breeders are increasingly seeking.
Howl At The Boon is an investment in the future of Australian performance genetics, which will pay dividends for generations to come.
He is a powerful combination of superior performance bloodlines, being by multi-million-dollar sire Once In A Blu Boon and from the outstanding NCHA Derby Champion Beccy’s Merada.
Bluey’s owner, Belinda Staib, has the absolute highest regard for Beccy’s Merada, saying she always loved watching her.
“She was so consistent and such a cowy mare”.
Belinda always wanted a foal from Beccy, believing that a colt out of her favourite mare of all time by just the right stallion could make a lasting impact on the Performance Horse industry. Not only is Beccy an exceptional individual, but she is from a strong female line that includes her full sister, Merada In Prada (Victorian Futurity and NCHA Derby Champion).
As fate would have it, in 2020, during a conversation with the mare’s owner, Pam Drew of Cutting Edge Performance Horses, Belinda discovered a recipient mare was carrying a foal by Once In A Blu Boon. Belinda had wanted a foal from him for some time. She instinctively knew this combination had the potential to be something very special. “I said, “Wow, I would love that foal. I knew Pam wanted a filly, and I asked if I could have first preference if the foal was a colt. Within minutes of him being born, she let me know”.
Bluey grew into a beautiful animal with a striking presence. He quickly surpassed all expectations. At over 15HH, with an innate intelligence and athleticism, he proved early on that he would suit any performance horse discipline.
While Belinda and fiancé Ken Frost, decided to debut Bluey as a cutting horse, the intention was always to look towards campdrafting in the future.
He was trained and shown by Phil Dawson in the NCHA and DDCC Dalby Futurities. Even though he was unable to draw cattle that enabled him to show his exceptional ability, he captured a lot of attention. It wasn’t the debut Belinda hoped for, and even though Phil would have loved to keep showing him, the decision was made to forge ahead with the plan to change disciplines.
Bluey has what Belinda describes as a smooth, slinky, cool way of moving. “He is very, very smooth and naturally carries himself beautifully. He has a gift for knowing how to move efficiently, where to put his feet and position his body. He is also very willing – you only have to show him something once. He has a big motor but is not hot”. When asked if he can travel, Belinda smiles and says, “He sure can!”
In 2025 Bluey will make his Challenge debut, further exploring both his athleticism and ability to work cattle. While Ken and Belinda are keeping their minds open about how the plan unfolds from there, he will, in the future, transition to the campdraft arena. It is now a matter of ‘watch this space’.
Belinda and Ken operate Beljay Performance Horses, also home to stallion Shines Like Metallic. They pride themselves on breeding exceptional performance horses, carefully considering genetic lines. They firmly believe that Bluey is an asset to their own breeding program and will have a positive impact on the industry.
