jokes. “But seriously, the tour is our way of keeping a finger on the pulse of the breeding community. We reconnect with our old-time breeders this way and meet new people along the way. When we see an exceptional horse—be it mare, foal or stallion—that makes our day!” “Te horse world is small in a sense—not by miles, but
by community,” Ernie continues. “Everyone is in contact now thanks to the internet.” Te RPSI is also unique in that they set up a mobile
office at each inspection, complete with computer database and printouts. Each horse that is inspected receives a computerized score sheet at the end of the day that is signed and sealed by the German judge. Tis is an official document and, in the case of foals, includes their official
one will be judging their horses this year, and next year as well. “It’s more than just seeing a friendly face year in and year out,
though we strive to be a user-friendly registry,” Ernie explains. “It’s about continuity, and knowing the judge both as an expert for the day, but also as a mentor, as someone who gives guidance and breeding advice.”
Brief History Te RPSI shares a long history of selective breeding for sport with its parent organization, the PRPS of Germany. Te territory of the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar lies along the Rhine River in southwest Germany. Duke Christian IV established the state stud at Zweibrücken in 1755, while the modern PRPS registry was formed in 1977. In 1992 the PRPS built Pferdezentrum, a new equestrian center and offices near Standenbuhl, Germany. Te registry offers sales and training of Zweibrücken horses, as well as auctions and events from this central location. Tey are proud to be one of the few breed associations in Germany with its own riding and training facilities. In 1995 the PRPS expanded its territory into North America, and the RPSI was born. Te PRPS is also a member of the South German
Breeding Association, a cooperative Warmblood licensing and marketing group made up of representatives from six different German Warmblood registries. Te South Germans hold a stallion approvals and auction in Munich each January, among other events. So Zweibrücker stallions now can go through their approval either in Zweibrucken or Munich depending on their age and owner’s preference. Te original Zweibrücker
unique life number that will stay with them throughout their lives. Tis is the same life registration number as on their official passports, which are printed and issued from Germany. One special thing breeders can take away from an RPSI
inspection is information—the RPSI is proud to be an educational registry, and the central focus of the day is the oral explanation from the judge of the scores. “It’s important that people should hear not only that the
foal receives a 7.5 or 6.8 or 8.2, but what is good or not so good about that animal,” Otto explains. “By watching and listening, a breeder gets an idea what to look for as well as an overall perspective of how she’s doing compared to the rest of the breeding world.” Ernie Cohn agrees, pointing out the great benefit to RPSI
breeders is knowing that the same qualified judges who have inspected both German and North American horses since day
Above, top: Otto Schalter inspects a mare. Bottom: Mares and foals are allowed to show at liberty at RPSI inspections.
44 November/December 2011 SPECIAL RPSI SECTION UNDERSTANDING NAMES AND PLACES
Rheinland Pfalz-Saar – the horse-breeding region in southwest Germany made up of two states, the Rheinland-Pfalz and the Saarland.
Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International (RPSI) – The North American branch of the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar Warmblood horse registry (
www.rhpsi.com). Pferdezuchtverband Rheinland Pfalz-Saar (PRPS) – the German horse-breeding parent organization of the Rheinland Pfalz Saar International registry (
www.pferdezucht-rps.de/). Zweibrücker – The breed of Warmblood horse from the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar district of Germany. Zweibrücken – A city in the Rheinland Pfalz-Saar district and home of their State Stud. It means ‘Two Bridges’ in German, and is named after a famous bridge. Rheinlander – a separate Warmblood horse breed from the district of Rhineland.
Germany
Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International
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