As far as my understanding there are four Balou Du Rouet sons in North America for fresh semen, Bon Balou, Banderas, Bliss, and Amazing. Can anybody tell me what type of mare these stallions need, and what one is the better “producer”. I would like to make my mare slightly taller, and a little more length in the back, when standing she is rather “but high” but moves very uphill. . Foal would be registered with either GOV or KWPN Reg A. Mare is Damiro B - Slaney xx - Wisconsin .
I bred my mare to Bon Balou, and love all of his sons, feel free to PM me for my opinions on them all!
I have a Rapport/Franat mare who had a filly by Amazing last year, is due this year w/ a foal by Bliss MF, and will be bred to Banderas this spring…so next year I can give you a better answer regarding the crosses 
I also have a 2 yr old colt by Banderas
All 4 sons are younger so older foal crops are just now starting under saddle. I can tell you that my Banderas colt has very long legs which must have come from his sire b/c the dam was shorter legged, I have heard several times he does add length of leg. It looks like Bliss does as well. I really love everything I’ve seen from Amazing but most of the ones I’ve seen were shorter legged and stockier in build. Mind you, that is only my experience w/ a limited number of offspring that I’ve seen
After researching more, I’ve scratched Amazing off of the list. . He’s a very nice hunter, but I would like a stallion with a bit better movement.
What are everyones thoughts on Balou and/or his sons improving hindend?
I think its really unfair - at this point in time - to do any definitive “assessment” on these 4 VERY nice stallions. They all have very young offspring on the ground that haven’t done a thing yet - except go to inspections and maybe hit the odd HB class
They are all very different in their own rights, and their own strengths. Doesn’t mean one is “better” than another …
I chose Bliss MF for my TB mare because I felt he suited her - specifically - the very best. If I had 4 different mares lined up in front of me - all different types, conformation, movement, etc - would I choose one of each for each of those mares? Or go with one stallion? or a couple of them? Who knows
They are all the products of terrific breeding programs, reputable and proven bloodlines and each come to the table with very specific attributes and strengths. It is now up to the savvy Mare Owner to critically analyze her own mare and decide which of these lovely stallions will compliment her the very best
Its not a case of “better” or “worse”. Its a case of suitability and making the very best breeding choice …
Good luck in your decision
We have used 3 of the 4 stallions in our program, all on different TB mares. Each stallion is actually quite different which results in a better fit for different mares. I have had two foals by the stallion Amazing, both sold into top show homes. My mare is booked back to him for a custom breeding again this year which was contract 3 years ago. He improved the movement on my mare, both babies have the most agreeable personality, and are pretty easy on the eyes. Time will tell how they perform in the ring but that is true of any young horse. The colt Aut of the Balou did a handful of HB shows last year and was very well received. I think his owner plans on doing more this year with him too.
We have a TB mare that is currently in foal to Bon Balou and due any day now. I am very excited for this foal and since it is my first foal from this mare, I am very interested to see what she produces. Once the foal hits the ground we will decide if she will go back to Bon Balou or more than likely try her with Bliss MF.
Our third mare was bred to Bliss MF last year late when she would not cooperate with cycling and Maggie went above and beyond to get semen to us literally last minute to catch her. I am totally smitten with this stallion and the foals he is producing.
All three boys look to be stamping their babies so again depending on your mare any of these boys could be an ideal choice. Good luck!
Here are a few pictures of our Amazing foals. I will update once our others have finally ht the ground.
I bred my mare specifically to improve the hind end, so I think Balou sons in general will definitely help in that area. As far as who is the best, True Colors hit the nail on the head, it really depends on the mare. It helps to do your research, talk to the stallion owners and get out and meet as many in person as you can, and if you can see them go, all the better. I can sing the praises of one over the other all day long, but at the end of the day, it really depends on what you’re breeding for.
[QUOTE=Caspar27;7458382]
After researching more, I’ve scratched Amazing off of the list. . He’s a very nice hunter, but I would like a stallion with a bit better movement.[/QUOTE]
Amazing greatly improved the movement on the mare, the resulting filly is a superb mover. Also improved hind end…I believe the Balou lines will be beneficial in that respect
Here are my Balou and Balou son (Amazing) crosses out of the same TB dam.
TB Dam Glenda Jane by Minard
https://www.facebook.com/jessica.fredericks.10/media_set?set=a.582242195484.2045680.67300310&type=3
2011 Balou du Rouet filly
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=582252639554&set=a.582251611614.2045686.67300310&type=3&theater
2013 Amazing Filly
https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=650764336564&set=a.650763807624.1073741842.67300310&type=3&theater
As far as movement goes my Amazing filly scored very well (8.4 overall and tied for 4th highest place in the 2013 inspection tour with the ISR/OldNA). My direct Balou filly was more flat kneed but with a phenomenal canter and my Amazing has more freedom through the shoulder and suspension.
Hope this helps! Not sure what you’re looking to produce (hunter or jumper) but it’s always helpful for me when I can see the mare and resulting foal(s). Best of luck!
