many years I was a scribe and later a learner judge for several more years. I was a learner judge in Schleswig Holstein for the mare tests and later for the foal brandings. MG: After getting the judging license in 1999,


“Dressage horses are


really powerfully built jumpers with a good walk.” –Arlene Rigdon


I was selected (voted in) by the delegates of the Holsteiner Verband in 2000 to become a member of the ap- provals committee.


Since you first began to judge at Holsteiner inspections, have you noticed any trends or changes in the breeding of the Holsteiner horse? Are you seeing generational changes in the horses? Do feel you are seeing more im-


ported horses? AR: To answer the first question, yes, I’ve seen lots of


changes. In Germany, their mares were Holsteiners and they were bred to outside stallions, so their breeding was more “mare dominant.” Whereas here in the U.S., the strength of the Holsteiner breeding came from the Hol- steiner stallions. All kinds of mares were being accepted, the bulk being Toroughbreds, so our breeding was “stallion dominant.” Now, after two or three generations of breed- ing, what has emerged are bet- ter mares, still with blood and still more refined, but much improved. I do see Holsteiner mares still being imported about as much as in the past, and their quality is also better. MD: It has only been eight


Judges Arlene Rigdon and Michael Gonell officiate at an inspection. Te AHHA sends two inspectors to each inspection site.


years since I began as a learner judge so I can’t really say that I have seen a lot of generational changes. Tere are relatively equal numbers of domestically


bred and imported horses at the inspections. Most of the young- er mares I see are the product of domestic breeding and the im-


ported mares are those no longer competing in sport. MG: Over the last eight years conducting inspections in


the states, I have a positive impression about the quality of colts and fillies. Year after year as I travel and meet the horse people, you can see their “handwriting.” Lots of old fash- ioned mares are gone and more lighter mares are utilized. Te quality of the stallions could be stronger and selected by higher minimum standards.


In your opinion, how has the breeding industry rebound-


ed from the economic downturn of 2008? AR: By necessity the poorer breeding stock was weeded


out. For the last thirty years, people have become more educated and more recently were able to make good deci-


sions to improve their mare quality. Te genetics are important, but the demeanor of the mare has become more influential. So we, like Germany, became stronger from this experience. Since 2008 I’ve seen a lot more foals presented at the inspections that are out- standing. MD: In my opinion the breeding industry has seen some


signs of recovery in recent years. Te economic downturn dramatically impacted the financial feasibility for breeders who were utilizing marginal quality mares. In my opinion, the quality of the horses has increased since 2008 and I have seen higher prices for these quality horses. MG: Te economic downturn of 2008 yielded a positive


outcome to the Holsteiner horse breeders because it became important for everybody to think about their mares’ quality. Breeders stopped using their limited or lesser quality mares.


What are the benefits of bringing young stock to the Hol-


steiner inspections? AR: It’s important for the breeders to receive direct feed-


back in order to help educate them for future breeding deci- sions. I think it’s best to show foals at three to four months of age alongside their mothers. MD: To receive objective feedback about the conformation


and movement of horses. If the horses are being free jumped, then an indication of their jumping willingness, scope and technique. If the horses are doing a mare or stallion test, feedback on the impression of rideability as well as quality of gaits under saddle is another benefit. It is also a great opportunity to network with other breed-


ers and for education. Generally speaking, most breeders don’t have access to quality handlers and others that help within the ring to show their horses at their best. Tis is often the best opportunity for breeders to get quality photos and videos to market their horses. At many of our inspec- tions there are people looking to buy quality young horses that day. MG: It is important for a positive evaluation. Stallions


must have a correct body, especially correct legs. To con- sider “outside blood” (no Holsteiner genetics), for Holstein they need to be a top jumper with a good willingness to perform.


SPECIAL HOLSTEINER SECTION Warmbloods Today 37


Te young premium select filly Querida FFF (Cunningham x Quaterback) at her in- spection during the free lunging phase. She was bred by First Flight Farm in Texas.


American Holsteiner Horse Association Robbin Cresswell


Cheryl Kellerman


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