“Ideally we should implement a method to track these American-bred horses throughout their lifetimes, from showing on the line to over fences, regardless of how many times they may change owners.”
’70s and ’80s.” She also comments that the recognition and appreciation of the importance of bloodlines as well as the promotion of breeders and their programs are a must. Adding conformation classes would also help
promote continuity throughout the divisions. Ponies aside, conformation is only judged in the performance divisions at 3’6” and higher, but there is a market preference for classes below 3’6”. “Some of my peers would like to see a conformation or strip class added to the junior and amateur divisions, which would give trainers an incentive to seek suitable horses for their riders from our breeding divisions,” Julie says. In an effort to bridge the gap, adding a conformation component to the spectrum, she explains, “would make our riders become more educated about selection, presentation and handling, and in the process become more knowledgeable horsemen.” This, in turn, also brings amateurs back into the
Epitome of a performance hunter demonstrated. This is Brady Mitchell at Devon this year on Medalist.
been lost. Unfortunately, in all these instances, it leaves the breeders unrecognized. “It’s not fair to bring them [imported horses] here and
show them against our babies. People are really successful in this approach, but it’s also not fair to the homegrown pre- greens,” Laura says. Although she’s quick to point out that she doesn’t know all the answers, she does think it’s important that horses with a show record in Europe have the same record here in the United States. Developing a systematic program for the horses
throughout their young career and in their first years under saddle will help the divisions promote and support each other. After all, a huge advantage to showing on the line is coming away with a youngster that has been there, done that—a valuable asset when it comes to showing over fences later on.
Breaking the Bank (and Incentives) Financial incentives can go a long way helping owners and breeders and can infuse renewed interest in the in hand divisions. Any time a horse steps foot in the ring at a large show, the time, effort and cost to get there is huge. For a breeder, this can be insurmountable—making it unattainable to get youngsters some valuable in-ring experience. “The breeding classes are so important, but we’re getting
swallowed by the European market, and I think the classes should really be promoted,” Laura says. “There is such good American breeding. We need to get back to like it was in the
fold of handling, a throwback to years past. With fewer people in the industry knowing how to stand a horse and handle one, it is truly becoming a lost art.
Unresolved Issues If we search for where past in hand winners are today, they are extremely difficult to find. Breeding information becomes lost and only the most diligent of Google hunters and cold callers can track the history of these horses. They risk becoming legends before their time or winners with an unknown past. Either way, it’s a loss for the industry overall. “The breeding division is extremely important for our
show hunter industry and needs to continue to set the standards and ideals for all of the conformation components,” Julie explains. “This division provides opportunities for breeders, owners and all horsemen who care about the heritage and future of our sport to exercise their expertise. These young superstars are given a bright future, but as members of the sport, we must keep the light shining.” With the importance of the hunter breeding division
comes an opportunity within the industry to address the many issues it faces. Ideally we should implement a method to track these American-bred horses throughout their lifetimes, from showing on the line to over fences, regardless of how many times they may change owners. Then there’s the issue of imported sport horses without a show history here competing against our green horses. Who will step forward to promote and execute changes for the betterment of the sport and for the recognition of the breeders? It’s a challenge that should not be ignored by the USEF, its committees and the breed associations.
Warmbloods Today 41
The Book LLC
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