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Backbones
y late summer, this year’s beautiful foals are blossoming and annual registry inspections are in full swing. In September, I attended a local keuring (a.k.a. inspection) as a spectator. Previously I had been to one
inspection, with very low attendance, back in 1996. I’m not a breeder (but it sure is tempting aſter seeing the gorgeous stallions advertised in this issue!). In our September issue, we published the article “Inspections 101,” and I was reminded of the value of these events. I was itching to get to another one, albeit fiſteen years later. I wasn’t disappointed. When I first arrived, materiale classes were underway (horses presented under saddle). Lovely
foals and young stallion prospects were later presented in hand and free jumping. Tere were probably sixty spectators. I heard people whisper nearby, “Dutch judges are really tough.” As I listened to the judge’s comments aſter each presentation, it was starting to sound like a broken record, but one with which I had to agree. Te horses “could be more supple.” Or, “need to step under more from behind.” And my favorite, “not enough freedom in the shoulder.” Eventually a two year old came out that was quite lovely. Te young stud appeared to be more supple, stepping under
with a loſty trot gait and better with the shoulder freedom. “Still, this horse needs more, even in the shoulder,” the judge remarked. “For us this is not a stallion prospect.” I was taken aback, but then later it hit me. One horse, Totilas, has raised the bar—the standard—and the goals for dressage breeders. We see the same phenomenon in other disciplines as well. And if it’s happening in Europe, then it better happen here too. Breed registries, worldwide, are partly responsible for setting these standards, and it starts with the judges at the inspections. I used to think our breeders were the backbone of our industry. In reality, they still are, but they aren’t alone. I’ve
come to the conclusion that the backbone of the backbone, if you will, are the breed registries, and they too need recognition and support. (Doesn’t every backbone group need their own backbone of support?) Tis year Warmbloods Today has taken steps to improve awareness of the breeds and their registries by launching our Breed Sponsor Sections. And in this issue, you won’t be disappointed. Te RPSI (Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International) does a great job explaining who they are and who they are not. I’m embarrassed to admit I didn’t understand what a Zweibrücker was before putting this issue together! Besides the breed section, we’re featuring numerous inspirational stories, many of which are nothing short of
miraculous. As part of our ongoing effort to support our young riders (the future of our sports), we cover the winners of the North American Junior & Young Rider Championships, showcasing them with beautiful photos. We also introduce a fun breeder series called “Best of Bred,” and we present an interesting report from a recent symposium in California where well-respected German judge Dr. Dieter Schüle evaluated young dressage horses for the FEI classes. As 2011 comes to a close, and we look forward to riding, competing, and breeding in 2012, Warmbloods Today
wishes everyone a safe and joyous holiday season. Please continue to send us your notes and emails—we take every idea, opinion and request seriously. Looking ahead, 2012 is going to be a great year, and Warmbloods Today, along with breeders and registries, will make every effort to be a backbone of support for the sport horse industry, wherever and whenever possible.
ublisher’sWelcome
Our Mission: Warmbloods Today is the only magazine in North America focused on the entire spectrum of Warmblood breeds. It’s a place where people from all aspects of the sport horse community can come together: amateurs, owners, trainers and breeders. Each issue contains interesting, informative and often heart-warming stories of peoples’ experiences with their horses, along with thought-provoking opinions from various professionals and amateurs. We cover all horses from European descent bred for the sports of jumping, dressage, eventing and driving including the Iberian breeds and American Warmbloods.
10 November/December 2011
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