One Continent, One Theme: Promoting Our Homebred Youngsters
By Katie Shoultz
NORTH AMERICAN BREEDERS ARE BREEDING QUALITY SPORT HORSES WHICH BRING NATIONAL PRIDE, INDUSTRY GROWTH AND OFTEN GOOD PRICES IN OUR OWN BACKYARD.
T
he renewed interest in North American-bred prospects stems, in part, from dedicated individuals and organizations determined to bring recognition to
our breeders. In the united effort to promote homegrown horses as a viable and appealing option for today’s riders and trainers, several programs are experiencing great success—both new initiatives and maturing programs. While there are many well established breed shows to
showcase very young horses in hand, (weanlings to three year olds), the purpose of this article is to feature events where young sport horse prospects under saddle may be tested and promoted.
New Ventures Earlier this year, John Madden Sales Inc., a top show jumping facility based in New York, announced their Breeder’s Bridge to High Performance contest. As a supporter of North American bred horses, John hopes the contest will encourage breeders and provide a showcase for quality young jumper prospects. As the contest’s title suggests, John’s objective is to create a connection between breeders and top riders. Although he isn’t surprised by the 139 entries received, he is certainly pleased. “I hope it grows in the future, both in quality and as breeders see they have a goal that is not too distant. And I hope it invites breeders to invest in good, basic training in order to have horses ready for the contest, which in turn will increase their chances to sell.” The final selection of two horses will receive a minimum of three months free board and training at the Madden facility with horses progressing primarily under the training of Grand Prix rider Callie Schott. (See full coverage of the contest on page 12.) On the west coast, in 2011 the Benchmark Program
was founded as a practical means for horses and riders to gain valuable mileage without breaking one’s bank account.
Jumping courses are set in a friendly manner for young or green horses, yet still provide an accurate gauge of progress and ability. Co-founders, Linda Allen and Lisa Westin, recognized the need for events
that model a show environment but provide ample training opportunities. Lisa stresses, “This is not a show, so it’s very inviting for horse and rider.” The one-day “rallies” of the Benchmark Program are receiving great feedback. Lisa finds that one of the biggest perks of the program is the online performance record of your scored first round. “It’s a great marketing device. If the budget does not permit taking the horse to expensive shows, they can direct potential buyers to this record. It demonstrates that the horse has done something productive and worthwhile,” Lisa explains. Another new initiative designed as a multi-discipline
approach is the Young Horse Show (YHS) series along the east coast. Lisa Lourie of Spy Coast Farm and Jean-Yves Tola of Jump Start Farm merged ideas and resources to launch a series of economical shows that provide experience and exposure to young horses in conjunction with the North American Studbook (NAS). Horses and ponies (yearlings to five-year-olds) that are being brought along to compete in hunters, jumpers, dressage or eventing are eligible. Lisa states, “One of our main tenets is that young sport horses should essentially be started out in the same way. Participants at our YHS events benefit from being able to practice these essential skills in a show setting. They also have the unique opportunity to be assessed by judges specifically trained to evaluate young sport horses as they
Above: Callie Schott and Contant Star, a semi-finalist in the Breeder’s Bridge to High Performance contest.
Warmbloods Today 31
Photo courtesy John Madden Sales
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