H&C

9
Aug
2010

1 Comments

The importance of experience

Mooiman has several offspring competing internationally

"Well it's been an interesting year in the breeding station; all the hfd mares are in foal and we are looking towards the foal show and Brightwells auction. It is always interesting to hear what other people think of your young stock - there is always something to learn even if you don't see what they see, as you have to develop the skills of improving your wealth of knowledge and understanding and not simply following sheep-like without explanation or reason.

Correct beginnings

As an International grand prix rider having trained my own horses starting with blank cavasses, I have developed a practical working knowledge of the basic fundamental assets a youngster should posses to have the possibility of reaching the higher echelons of dressage.

Some 'stud book principles' are not so important to me. The 'model must be proportionate and evenly balanced' - not necessarily! Perfect straight limbs and gaits are preferable, but you will be amazed how many horses at International level have the odd dish or lack angle in the hind leg. Temperament is everything as without trainabillity you have nothing.

On the continent

During stallion gradings in europe, the two professionals consult one another throughout the stallion grading at a strict two weekly interval. A good friend of mine Karen Niejvelt is one such international rider whom I have accompanied several times when she has attended to trial ride and asses the young stallions at Ermelo (the KWPN stallion grading centre of Holland). This is to ensure a complete picture is formed of the young stallions with regard to their sport potential and characteristics both physical and mental. I worry that in the UK we rarely see this combination of skill and experience, and many of the judges at young horse classes and foal shows have no successful international sport horse development behind them; indeed they are leading our riders and breeders in a direction they are not experienced or proven in themselves...

Experience and knowledge is not simply reading, watching and talking about grand prix. To really claim to be an expert you have to prove this skill by selecting a horse, training a horse form scratch , then have your work judged in the competition arena at the highest level (which we will all agree is International grand prix) and win a place in the prize giving. Only then you are considered an expert and can go forth to influence and educate others.

So we have two mares and foals next week at the KWPN grading at Myerscough Arena. We chose this show because I know the stud book is a World Breeding Federation of Sport Horse ranked in the top three in the world. It has my respect and it also uses its international dressage and show jumping riders as judges, selectors and advisors, as well as international sport horse trainers and breeders.

Futurity Frustrations

We have attended the BEF Futurity evaluations in the past and many of our breeders do still support the shows. I expressed my dissapointment to the BEF at the lack of experience and achievement in sport horse breeding, riding and training at International level of the selectors and suggested they include an international rider on their judging panel at every show plus representatives from major studs whose stallions have offspring competing at International level ('Smirnoff' by Mooiman hfd x Goodtimes for example) and that they only use FEI vets for the vet check.

I witnessed vet inspectors at one show (who I knew had very little knowledge of dressage and the movements it involves) advising that dressage foals be moved into the eventing section, which I thought was clearly incorrect. I actually teach that same animal now as a broken three year old. 'Czania' is as far from being an eventer as I am from performing in the roayal ballet! She will make a super regional dressage prospect and has gaits suitable for riding horse classes. I think the Futurity is yet to prove its self. Now in its sixth or seventh year, the original three year old horses presented will be old enough for International grand prix, but I wonder how many are at this level? I look forward to a system in the UK which I can support because I see proof of its achievements and the credentials of the representatives. Until then it will take more than a well scripted editorial to convince me they have something to offer my breeding programs or influence my sport horse knowledge.

The Dutch system

But our horses must be seen in a show so this year it is the 'UKWPN'. We are actually the founders of this event; after building up interest over a number of years we handed the reins over to Carol and Gary, the current organisers, so we could spend more time on our competition and stud comitments. The commentary is typically European and can be a little full on at first, as the negative observations are discussed along with the great. It is a sad fact we have yet to breed the perfect horse..."