“We are competing year round for so many reasons, but horses need to be given a break or they will take one on their own. Modern veterinary medicine has pushed the limits of what a horse can do and science has helped with so many aspects from nutrition to reproduction. Alterna- tive therapy has provided a new oc- cupation. My horses did not need a daily massage or chiro; they lived outside because I think that limit- ing a horse’s movement is wrong. I never had a horse break down. In fact I only had one with any issue: tendonitis.” “The economic impact to the


venues and the surrounding area is great for local economies. And some non-horse people even find out there is something fun going on for the family. Kudos to the organizers!” “The prize money is starting to become important as


definitely changed. Most have less substance now be- cause people are breeding on paper and not looking at the individuals.” “I find the heavy Warmbloods have a hard time do-


“The horse does not have to be a pure Thoroughbred, it just has to have that lightness—that gallop, that engine, that endurance and that spirit.”


owners and sponsors would like to hope they might see a little help with expenses. The increase of CICs and CCIs quadruple the expense of the organizer and competitor. Do we need them?” “Marketing and the goal of a quick return on invest-


ment is sad. It is a business, but instant gratification is not the right way. Some seem to be lacking a long-range plan for the benefit of the horse. You need time to develop them mentally and physically. It used to take five or six years to make a four-star horse, not the two or three years you see today…because of the almighty dollar.”


The Change in Horses “I have a better eye for a horse now, but the type is set in my mind: the classy Thoroughbred type. The horse does not have to be a pure Thoroughbred, it just has to have that lightness—that gallop, that engine, that endurance and that spirit.” “There’s a need for all levels of horses. There’s a need for the horse who can accommodate the less-than-profession- al rider. I think the Warmblood has become very impor- tant in the sport. The lower levels have a predominance of Warmblood or crossbred entries. Not everyone can ride a Thoroughbred well.” “The infusion of Warmblood with Thoroughbreds in


their second or third generation is going to produce a modern event horse for most because of movement and rideability, but the upper levels still require three quarters blood.” “Now there seems to be a prejudice against the Thoroughbred, in part because the Thoroughbred has


ing all three phases in one day, especially if it is hot. I have bred mares by my stallions to Warmbloods who have Thorough- bred ancestors in the second and/ or third generation with great re- sults. I also competed on cross- breds by Babamist and Mystic Rep- lica: Dynamite, Josephine, Mystic Joe, Bunny, etc. and I loved them all.”


“I used High-Scope in my


breeding program because I knew him from his competition days, and particularly liked his jump and his disposition.” (High-Scope com-


peted at the four-star level, including the Sydney Olym- pics in 2000, where he was one of only five horses to finish without jumping penalties in both cross-country and show jumping. He also has two pure Thoroughbreds and one half-Thoroughbred in his third generation.) Her farm’s slogan is: “If you want an event horse, breed


to one.” She admits her goal is always to produce four-star eventers, but she places her horses where they are best suited without letting her ego get in the way.


The Future “The future of the sport is bright, but it needs some help.” “The [eventing] showcase at Wellington was wonder-


ful, and it introduced people to the sport who I hope will venture to the ‘regular events’ and become owners, spon- sors or competitors. There is room for many varieties of competition, but a different type of horse may evolve for each one. The Warmblood will have a huge influence.” “The economic impact of eventing in the equestrian


community is profound. The preservation of open spaces and welfare of the horse are fringe benefits.” Regarding moving up through the levels at the right


time, she says, “We need a way of judging previous competitions—maybe video. It is not just that you [and your horse] survived, but that you did it well. It is not fair to expect a horse that is not physically built to do a job to be asked to do it! Who determines when that horse has reached its limit? It should not be ego or the almighty dollar.” “At a competition I watch the horses and riders I am


associated with, but I do not watch the rest. It’s too scary to watch. And I am appalled at some of the coaches. I


Warmbloods Today 39


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