In addition, CWHBA is collaborating with a Canadian
sponsor, Ogilvy Equestrian, to institute a leader board that will track the show results of Canadian Warmbloods. Chris explains, “This, coupled with year end awards, is providing a reason for owners and riders to help us recognize the achievements, at all levels, of Canadian Warmblood horses.” Across the border,
the U.S. Eventing
Assocation brings young event horses into the spotlight through their annual Young Event Horse (YEH) program. The USEA describes the program as a “talent search” for 4 and 5-year-old event prospects. Although the program does not cater specifically to North American bred horses, most horses entered are from the U.S. and Canada. The program is a successful example of promoting young horses through specific initiatives. Having gained solid reviews as a desirable venue for event prospects, it affords an excellent opportunity to garner exposure. Another established program in its tenth year is the
Markel/USEF Young Dressage Horse Program. Scott Hassler, USEF National Young Dressage Horse coach, believes that the increased recognition and advancement of the North American bred horse is due, in part, to programs such as this one. While remaining steadfastly neutral due to his coaching position, Scott cites Emily Wagner’s stallion WakeUp as an example of a homebred horse being well received while demonstrating a “beautiful progression of advancement through the sport.” WakeUp represented the U.S. as a 5-year- old in the FEI/WBFSH Young Horse World Championship and also won the Markel/ USEF Young Horse Dressage Championship last year in the 6-year-old division. He is currently the second leading horse in the 2012 USEF National Developing Horse Prix St. Georges Dressage Championship Ranking List.
Left: Travolta, ridden by Joni Lynn Peters, was originally purchased at the CWHBA’s auction and was on the long list for the 2012 Olympic Dressage Team for Canada. Below: Emily Wagner and her American-bred stallion WakeUp won the Markel/USEF Young Horse Dressage Championship Six-Year-Old division last year.
Looking Ahead The USEF Young Horse Committee has discussed implementing a national young horse championship spanning across disciplines with 2013 as its possible inaugural year. A championship of this magnitude has potential to provide breeders, trainers, and other interested parties an ideal environment to establish networks and foster a rapport. Such an event would also provide another promising marketing forum option for North American breeders. Sally Ike, USEF’s Managing Director of Show Jumping, affirms that further details will be available as plans are deliberated. As more young prospects enter the show ring,
the future of the North American bred sport horse is promising. Industry players agree however that more effort is required in order to be a truly competitive force. One area of particular importance is the further development of more partnerships between breeders and trainers. As Scott remarks, “Breeding programs can only be as successful as the training afterwards.” Likewise, Lisa would like to see the implementation of a certification process for young horse trainers. “We need more trainers whose primary competency is in training young horses.” As these observations suggest, our industry has a ways
to go in order to earn top recognition in the global market. It can only happen if the breeding quality remains high followed by good training basics for young horses which are then followed by strong marketing and promotion efforts. These three steps—the breeding, the training, the promoting—are all necessary to enhance the long-term success of our North American bred sport horses. As Chris of the CWHBA states, “We all take great pride in
the success of our national riders. We need to find ways to create the same interest and pride in our national horses.” Here’s to rallying behind the red, white (and blue)!
WEBSITES FORMORE INFORMATION
Benchmark
Program.................................www.thebenchmarkprogram.com Breeder’s Bridge to High Performance
contest....www.johnmaddensales.com Fall Classic Breeder’s Sale
........................................www.fallclassicsale.com Markel/USEF Young Dressage Horse
Program...........................www.usef.org Pacific Sporthorse Selection
..........................www.sporthorse-selection.com Young Event Horse
......................................................www.useventing.com Young Horse Show
Series....................................www.younghorseshow.com
Warmbloods Today 33
Photo by Swan Studios
Photo by Erin Rispin, courtesy CWHBA
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