Recent History

In the 1990’s Jennifer went back to school to get a Master’s Degree in Psychology. She had previously graduated from William Woods College with an Equestrian Science Degree. She continued giving lessons and training Montbelle Morgans but as her parents put it “we’re letting horses we’ve bred do our advertising for us”. In 2000 she and her lifetime partner got together and Steve sold his boat and bought Montbelle La Vie En Rose, a full sister to Rosalie. He bred Rosie to Irish Entertainment which produced Montbelle Big River. “Butters”, foaled in 2001, is a bright red chestnut gelding and the entertainment for the farm. Steve decided to breed Rosie again in 2001, this time to Century Free Spirit. This was not to be as Free Spirit died unexpectedly, and Jennifer and Steve needed to immediately decide on another stud. (Rosie was ready at the clinic). They chose War and Peace and this time got a gorgeous filly, Montbelle Rose of Peace. Steve for her birthday, gave Jennifer a breeding to Immortal Command to her Waseeka’s Skylark daughter, Montbelle Eve. (out of Shaker’s Eva). This cross, in 2005 produced Montbelle Ever in Command, who is being introduced this year at stud. “Jag” was shown at the Illinois State Fair as a yearling and won the Yearling Futurity Championship.

In 2005 another life-changing event was taking place. Steve and Jennifer built and began operating Horse & Hound Country Store, a Purina Premier concept store. The store offers tack, feed, and supplies for horses and equipment and food and supplies for all other species of animals. Little did they realize the amount of time and energy this project would consume. At the same time, M.G. and Joan were aging and Jennifer found herself juggling their care, the store and the farm. The farm’s breeding operation was put on hold. In 2011, Joan died and M.G.’s needs became more significant and in 2020, M.G. died. 2020 provided Jennifer and Steve time to reassess their goals and they made the decision to bring the breeding program back. Late summer of 2021, Jennifer acquired a mare, Scheetz Fixation (Montbelle Endeavor X Bears Beautique), (Beautique is a Lord Appleton and Kingston bred mare), who will be bred to Jag. This will be a double-cross to her mare, Shaker’s Eva.  Jennifer feels that Jag will continue the royal heritage and reputation that the foundation horses of Montebello began. His breeding is truly unique…a double Nocturne bred horse with Government breeding up close. There is currently no other stallion standing with these impeccable crosses so close on papers.  He will doubtlessly stamp his progeny with his type, presence, motion,  beautiful correct conformation, and his trainable attitude, and willing and loving disposition.