search.noResults

search.searching

note.createNoteMessage

search.noResults

search.searching

orderForm.title

orderForm.productCode
orderForm.description
orderForm.quantity
orderForm.itemPrice
orderForm.price
orderForm.totalPrice
orderForm.deliveryDetails.billingAddress
orderForm.deliveryDetails.deliveryAddress
orderForm.noItems
the humerus, the elbow and the base of neck is a good place to start. We can then use these points as well as the point of hip, the point of buttock, the point of shoulder and the pillar of support (a line that runs through the naturally occurring groove in the forearm to the top of the horse and the ground) to select the most suitable mates. This knowledge can be applied to the mare and the stallion as well as their previous offspring. These conformational points, which are regularly


mentioned in this column, can be described in objective terms and are key elements in function. We can train our eye to look for them. We can look at photos of top performers in our sport and easily spot the common traits among them based on measurable points. We can then compare those points to our mare. Is she the same, similar or quite different? Step Three: Applying the theory of increments is a good


next step. Crossing a Clydesdale and a pony and breeding ‘like’ to ‘like’ illustrate the extremes, with the latter being the ideal, but the truth is that most of us don’t own a perfect mare we can breed to a perfect stallion. Often the best we can do is to breed ‘almost like’ to ‘almost like’ in order to optimize our chances of producing the foal we envision. Adding the knowledge in the first two steps, we can then look for a mate for our mare who matches her beneficial points – thereby cementing those traits - yet is strong where she is weakest, thereby having a chance of improving on the mare.


Continuing Education After training our eye by looking at photos of stationary subjects, as in Step Two, we are better able to apply the same principles to competitions and mobile subjects. At this stage we can look at a competitor and make predictions about that horse’s performance. This is a great way to test our knowledge. The more accurate we are at predicting ability, the better our chances of actually


producing a youngster able to do what we had in mind when we first decided to breed our mare. We will also be able to make accurate assessments of the resulting youngster regarding discipline preferences and levels of athleticism.


Mare Examples Take a moment to study the photographs and see if you can determine the disciplines and levels of competition of the three mares using objective criteria. All three competed at the international level, and were specifically chosen for this article so that marketability and fashion would not be major factors in making breeding decisions. The grey mare, a dressage mount, has all the qualities


one would want for upper level dressage … except the one that cut her career short. One would want to choose a dressage stallion who matches all her good points while improving the bottom of the pillar of support. The bay mare, an eventer, could also use an improve-


ment in the bottom of her pillar of support. Seeking a scopey stallion does that, as well as one with a higher point of shoulder, especially if he stamps that trait, which would benefit her jumping and lighten her forehand. The chestnut mare, a jumper, could benefit from better


placement of the bottom of her pillar of support as well. In her case, a jumper stallion likely to produce a higher base of neck would also be beneficial. Remember, a good horse is always marketable, no


matter the trends. Conversely, a lot of marketable horses do not turn out to be a good competitors or investments.


About Judy: Judy has researched equine conformation for 30 years and has written three books on the subject (the most recent, an e-book). She travels world-wide giving conformation clinics for all disciplines. Judy also analyzes individual horses based on photos and gives breeding consultations. Learn more at www.jwequine.com.


Warmbloods Today 69


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40  |  Page 41  |  Page 42  |  Page 43  |  Page 44  |  Page 45  |  Page 46  |  Page 47  |  Page 48  |  Page 49  |  Page 50  |  Page 51  |  Page 52  |  Page 53  |  Page 54  |  Page 55  |  Page 56  |  Page 57  |  Page 58  |  Page 59  |  Page 60  |  Page 61  |  Page 62  |  Page 63  |  Page 64  |  Page 65  |  Page 66  |  Page 67  |  Page 68  |  Page 69  |  Page 70  |  Page 71  |  Page 72  |  Page 73  |  Page 74  |  Page 75  |  Page 76  |  Page 77  |  Page 78  |  Page 79  |  Page 80  |  Page 81  |  Page 82  |  Page 83  |  Page 84  |  Page 85  |  Page 86  |  Page 87  |  Page 88  |  Page 89  |  Page 90  |  Page 91  |  Page 92