The draw of social networking is that it allows us to keep current with friends and relatives on a daily basis. It keeps us connected.

Yet decades before all this newfangled technology emerged, social networking was the norm in the Appaloosa breed. Instead of Facebook, Twitter, e-mail and other high-tech methods, Appaloosa enthusiasts kept in touch through family ties; a vibrant business community; at shows, races, sales and trail rides; through the fun and friendships of regional clubs; and, of course, the Appaloosa Horse Club’s programs and activities.

Dianne Lindeborn has played an active role in all of these as she’s built and nurtured her breeding operation, Diamond L Appaloosas in Castle Creek, New York. She celebrated 50 years of bond-building passion and dedication to the
spotted breed in 2008.

Inherited bonds

Dianne inherited her horse passion from her grandfather, who grew up in Czechoslovakia, where he raised Polish Arabians. “He came to the United States in 1935,” Dianne says, “and he was my main influence with horses.”
In 1958 Dianne was working young horses at an Arabian farm in New York. The owner brought home an Appaloosa filly. “I was fascinated from the first day by her intelligence and her willingness,” Dianne says. “I went looking for one for myself and found a young filly and a 2-year-old colt, Joker D, whom I gelded,” she adds. “He was a Joker B. grandson and one of the best games horses I ever rode.”

Ten years later, Dianne’s Appaloosa interests had grown to include breeding. She purchased her first Appaloosa stallion, the Bull Lea (JC) grandson Jet Bull, who was also a bottom-side grandson of Buttons B.

Jet Bull was the first in an impressive line of Appaloosa stallions who sired 174 Diamond L-bred performance horses as a result of the kinship Dianne felt to her grandfather’s equine interest.
By Diane Rice

Full-text version printed in the March 2010 issue of Appaloosa Journal.
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