All foalings are personally attended by Eve Holmes, who began foaling mares under the guidance of Allan Holmes (who had the benefit of 15 years foaling experience to draw upon) prior to his retirement in 2004. Mares foal in large sheltered paddocks next to the homestead and are not disturbed during initial labour where possible. Whilst labour is monitored, human intervention is kept to a minimum to reduce further stress on the mare. During the final stages of labour, the foals presentation is checked and delivery assisted only if necessary.
We have two dedicated mare and foal boxes for mares and foals requiring intensive care and/or isolation, with small grass yards available also.
Should we encounter a problem, our stud veterinarian lives just two minutes along the road, with two others also close by. Matamata Veterinary Services Equine Hospital is only 4 kilometers away - all of which is very reassuring.!

Foals are handled prior to weaning in an intensive 10 -14 day program. This sees the foal learn to have its feet lifted and held, and learns to lead alongside a handler, first in a confined area with the mare and gradually progressing to the wide open spaces.
During this period of time the weanlings are assessed and trimmed by our farrier, and drenched, vaccinated, branded and DNA typed by our veterinarian.
Weaning is done in the paddock to reduce stress and injury to the foal, with two mares being removed the first day and remaining mares removed every couple of days if the mob is settled. A nurse maid mare is left with the group of six weanlings to keep them settled and happy. She acts as the leader when we move between paddocks and when weanlings are brought up to the stable area for further farrier or veterinary attention and for their introduction to being stabled.

With 430 acres of land available we can offer grazing of the highest quality. Cross grazing with our sheep and beef operation keeps pasture clean and helps with parasite control.

Broodmares are kept in mobs of no more than 16 and graze in large open paddocks on rolling countryside which keeps them in great order. Hillsides and hedging provide shelter from the elements, with baylage and/or hay fed out daily during winter months or if grass growth is insufficient. Older mares or those requiring covers and/or supplementary grain are also catered for in much smaller groups.

Young stock are kept in small mobs of approx. six or less and reside in paddocks safely fenced to well above eye level, with trees and hedging providing shelter and shade. Weanlings and yearlings are supplemented daily with baylage and grain feed, with two and three year olds on a similar program, or spelling on grass only at clients discretion.

We have a proven track record for preparing mares to walk out for service. Many studs in the Waikato area are very happy to serve the mares we walk-in without questioning their readiness for service, based on previous experience and results. Grande Vue is the ideal farm to prepare your valuable young broodmare for service under stress free conditions.

DIFFICULT BREEDERS

Here at Grande Vue we see every broodmare as a personal challenge and every effort is undertaken to get mares pregnant and subsequently producing healthy, viable foals. We have had great success in the past with mares deemed "difficult breeders".
Our most notable case being Jesmond Lass who at age 19 failed to produce a viable foal for several successive years. Our careful management of this mare has seen her go on to produce a further five foals, her final foal produced when she was aged 25!

We see our rolling countryside as a valuable tool in maintaining difficult mares in top condition with muscle tone condusive to conception. We are also very fortunate to have the support and expertise of Matamata Veterinary Services whose enthusiastic vets are constantly keeping up with the latest technology and procedures, with periods of time spent overseas during our off season upskilling and researching.