McNamara Cavelina is a homebred mare by Cavalier, owned by Gavin and Caroline Roberts, out of Bellina, a daughter of the highly regarded McNamara Bellette, one of the best mares bred by Karen McNamara and her family. Although Bellina sustained an injury as a two-year-old and was never broken in, her strong maternal lineage made her a valuable broodmare in Karen’s program.
Cavelina was broken in by Tom Ramsay, a young horseman Karen trusted for his fearless but kind nature with horses. Following the break-in, Karen brought Cavelina along slowly, allowing her to develop naturally through general mustering and light stockwork before starting her drafting career at five years old.
Cavelina was a quirky but talented mare, particularly known for her instinct and ability outside chasing a cow. While she worked beautifully at home cutting out, she didn’t always reflect that same potential in competition. Still, she earned multiple placings throughout her career, including her first novice win at Kragra and a ladies draft win with Karen. Due to restrictions in the number of runs allowed in ladies events, she didn’t get the same competition exposure as some of Karen’s other mares, like Conquest. Later, she was also drafted by Joe Payne, who nearly broke her open status with a second-place finish in the open draft at Eidsvold Golden Bell.
True to Karen’s program, Cavelina retired from competition at 12 years old to begin her broodmare career. Her first foal, Console (by Hazelwood Conman), was sold to Rick Payne for $5,000, and went on to be successfully campaigned by Joe Payne, securing multiple placings before selling for $40,000 at the Dalby Sale.
Her second foal, a black filly by Cole Black, was broken in by Myles Macdonell, with early work by Cameron Wilson and further training by James Telford. The filly later joined Joe Payne, who continues to campaign her. Promising from the start, she placed fourth in a novice at Kragra in just her second outing and is viewed as a mare with a strong future in the sport.
Cavelina was a naturally talented and smart mare with a unique personality, part of the foundation of Karen McNamara’s thoughtful and proven breeding program.
