Team Murka’s Breeding Programme

Team Murka’s Breeding Programme works closely in conjunction with Pembers Hill Stud Farm based in Hampshire. Murka’s Panthera was a terrific grand prix competition horse who retired from competition. During her retirement, it was decided to start the Team Murka Breeding Programme which could offer better chances of producing future Grand Prix champions by covering Murka’s Panthera with other successful champions.

Murka’s Panthera was covered just before arriving at Pembers Hill and as a result Panthera delivered her first foal, Star, in August, 2008. Team Murka anxiously awaits Star’s development over the next three to four years before testing her hopeful jumping prowess.

In July 2009, Murka’s Panthera delivered the foal of Murka’s Rubert R.

Peter Charles has worked closely with Kevin and Annette of Pembers Hill Stud Farm for many years. Carnavelly was one of the first progeny of Pembers Hill Stud Farm’s artificial insemination programme which started over 25 years ago. It was Peter Charles who rode Carnavelly to become the first ever British Bred World Champion.

Pembers Hill Stud Farm offers an array of programmes and facilities for breeding mares, feisty stallions, and young foals. With over 90 acres of grasslands and water meadows, separate paddocks and stables for all three groups, each horse is cared for individually.

The artificial insemination programme at Pembers Hill is very sophisticated and works with fresh, chilled, and frozen specimens sent from all over world. Kevin videos most specimen samples in order to ensure the quality is of the right standard to increase chances of fertilisation. Insemination occurs within 6 hours of the mare ovulating and the use of an endoscope helps to view any obstructions which may prevent successful fertilisation. In addition, they also perform embryo transfers at their facility.

Throughout the mare’s pregnancy she will be carefully monitored by Annette through cctv and daily checks. Closer to the 10 month period of the pregnancy, Annette places heat sensors on the mare as well as head tilt sensors to monitor the mare’s progress. Once the water breaks, Annette arrives and stays with the mare until the foul is born.

Once the foal is born, he/she will stay at the farm for approximately 3 years.

For more information, please visit www.pembershillstud.co.uk