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Friesian riding, training, and troubleshooting thread

38K views 100 replies 23 participants last post by  GoldArmored 
#1 ·
Hey guys, being the major fan of Friesian's I am, I wanted to make a solid resource thread where my fellow friesian lovers can exchange feedback and advice on owning, working, or experiencing this wonderful breed in any way. I personally love to hear peoples experiences with Friesian and Friesian crosses, as I think they are the perfect breed of horse, in beauty, attitude, and work ethic. Plus they are an absolute dream to own.

For this thread I thought we could post riding, training (Keuring, Conditioning or otherwise), management (Handling, Health/Welfare or otherwise), or general questions using a categorizing format.

Formats:

[Training]
[Riding]
[Management]
[General]

For example if I want to give an introduction about myself I would type:

[General]

Hi, my names SunnyBlack online, but you can call me "Sunny" if you'd like. I own a 3 yr old Friesian stud, "Spider," who's going to his first stallion testing during keurings this fall. He's an absolute pleasure to own and a true gentlemanly stallion of excellent quality and temperament. I bought him at 4 months old, received him at 6 months, and immediately went into training where he has been up-to today. He's by Sipke 450 and out of a Sjaard 320 "Full Papper" Star mare.

We work on Dressage mostly (classical methods), but my future goals are to branch out into Driving, and maybe Saddle Seat as I've always wanted to compete in that.

Anybody else? I'd love to meet some of my fellow Friesian people, as there's not many of us on Horse Forum.
 
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#2 ·
Hi Sunny. I too am a Friesian owner. I just joined so I could join this thread. I am always looking for more information about all the issues you posted! I own 3 Friesians: a 7 year old mare, a 3 year old gelding and a yearling stud colt.

My mare is more of the baroque type. She was my ultimate dream horse. I waited all my life for her. She is sweet and kind. She has incredible movement, but is not the most comfortable ride at all! She has a pretty steep shoulder. I trailride her (Western) mostly, although we do dressage lessons together (not really her forte). I do plan on training her to cart soon.

My 3-year old gelding just got his first saddle fitting this weekend! He took it like a real champ- completely mellow and unfaxed. He is the modern sporthorse type. I think he might make a good dressage horse and I am hoping to switch to him as soon as he is ready to go into riding training.

Lastly, my yearling baby boy. Love him to death. He is out of Lolke 371 and my mare. He did well at Keuring, but as he is in that gawky yearling stage, not sure what he will develop to be. he does have a lot of hair!

How did Spider do at the Keuring? I am looking forward to great discussions on this thread!
 
#3 · (Edited)
Awww, you flatter me Kirei. Yeah there doesn't seem to be many Friesian owners on HF, but this thread isn't just for people who own, but for people who love and are interested in the breed. I love Friesians to death, and my friends tease me that i'm going to own like 8 of them one day.Have a whole barn full of black horses as far as the eye can see, lol.

If anyone has any questions, issues, or topics u want to discuss then dont hesitate to ask. I'm a college gal myself, plus I work a job and Assistant train/instruct to the head trainer of my barn, so normally I wont be able to answer too much until the end of the day (I'm in WA so that would be Pacific Time) but I do have HF on my iPhone so I'll try to provide enough info as possible. I have some great resource websites I'll post soon as well. There's a lot to learn about caring, training, and showing your Friesian so hopefully we can bring a good amount of community to the table here at HF.

To answer your question Kirei, Spider got a 2nd premie on his Foal Keuring, but he hasn't been back since then. He's three now so I'll be sending him to stallion testing this fall here in WA. I have high hopes for him, but as you probably know the FHANA flies in a handful of judges from the FPS to judge all the horses across the North American globe, so the inspection is really up to the professionals. I wish I could bring someone in and have them evaluate Spider and tell me whether he's of "Stallion Quality" or not, but unfortunately the FPS judges can see things no one else can. So we'll just have to wait and see how he does. :(

Your lucky you own three though. If I got to a better place with my own finances I'd take on a Gelding probably. Ultimately I want to own a Driving Pair, I think competing in Show Driving would be SO much fun! I'm a part of the NorthWest Friesian Horse Club, and our President "Will Bron" competes in Show Driving, so i'm sure he could recommend a great trainer to work Spider in carriages. Spider can already ground drive (we use it as a Dressage conditioning aid) so the next step would be transferring that forward motion into a cart-situation. Easier said then done, am I right? Lol.

Oh and btw, Spider is a baroque type too. Well "Medium-baroque" as Sipke 450 is very "Medium" built, and my Sjaard 320 dam was VERY "Big baroque" so Spider landed somewhere in the middle.

Here's a fun pic:

 
#4 ·
I'm a Friesian owner as well. I have a yearly stud colt out of the late Nanning 374 (he passed 12 days after Lestat was bred for) and Hinke D Ster mare. He's amazing and has a wonderful personality. I bought him at 9 months and there's threads upon threads here about his difficult entrance( stupid former trainer) up until him now and today. He's great and I love him to pieces.
Here's my Lestat. He's registered Leroy SDP and I don't like that name at all and since I can't change it I've barn named him Lestat. Leroy is only for rated events.

My goal for him will be theatrical performance like my drum mare, dressage, maybe some low jumping if he finds it fun (nothing serious), and english pleasure. Eventually he'll be studded to select friesian mares but that's not for a very long time.
Here's pictures from his first show ever. He did great!
 

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#5 ·
Wow super cute. And I see your in washigton too? Are u a part of the NWFHC too? If not you should join, we have quite a fun time up here. (There aren't many of us, but put enough friesian crazy gals in a room and well... see the sparks fly lol.)

Btw thats a big colt. I wonder at what height he's at currently? And thats awesome that you named him after the Vampire Lastat btw (that is the analogy right) because i just ADORE "Interview with a Vampire", lol. Was that a halter class you showed him in?

And don't get me started on Nanning 374, aka, "The Stallion with the Best Confirmation." I literally wept (no joke) when I heard he passed. I loved that stud so much, and was hoping in the future I could own a colt by him. (now im sure prices will be more competitive unless they collected prior to his passing.) I'm glad however to know that the "Fenway Foundation" did an autopsy on him. Finally we have a Medical Practitioner Facility dedicated to the health and welfare of Friesians. 'Bout time, we really needed one! I'm excited to see what Fenway and Nanning 374 give back to the Friesian community.

Costume classes are fun, I personally want to enter a few too. Do they allow you to show studs in costume classes, though? :/

Oh and since we're on the topic of horse names, Spider got his the day I first saw him at 4 months old. He was in his stall with his monster of a dam (She was huge, no joke.), when I noticed this giant spider inside the stall-door frame. I told the owner right there that I could not go in the stall, and I swear the little ****** heard me because the next thing I knew, he turned around and ate the spider!!! He just opened his mouth and CHOMP! ate the dang thing! Oh and btw, he still lives and breathes today so I dont know if that thing was poisonous and now my horse is some kind of mutated "Super Horse" like Spiderman, lol. Or if somehow when you swallow it whole, you avoid the poison? Who knows, but basically that little act of serious "Badass Ballsiness" set the stage for his general persona, and it's been all down hill from there, lol.
 
#6 ·
Oh btw guys, here are those resource links I promised. I wish I could edit my first post but you know HF... maybe I can try asking a mod?

Anyway, Friesian Management, Care, and Training links:

Friesian Crazy website and Encyclopedia:
Friesian Crazy
[I can't stress this website enough. Some GREAT info on technical terms and FHANA/FPS horse registry and studbook standing. Please read and brush up on your knowledge of Approval requirements.)

The FHANA homepage:
Friesian Horse Association of North America - FHANA
[A website we should all be familiar with, lol.]

The IFSHA homepage:
International Friesian Show Horse Association
[For all you Friesian show stoppers.]

Anneke's Friesians:
Welcome to Anneke's Friesians! Dedicated to the purebred Dutch KFPS Friesian horse since 1981. Home of Friesian stallion Tropical Rider's Wieger.
[A great resource for inside info on the breed, shows, training, and the FPS]

The FHS homepage:
The Friesian Horse Society, International registration for Friesian Horses in North America, including B Book and D book horses and Friesian Part-breds.
[For all your Part-Bred Friesian horse needs.]

The Fenway Foundation:
Fenway Foundation for Friesian Horses Inc.
[Your number #1 Fresian health and welfare resource. I have already spoken with a few of the Fenway vets about some issues, and they were very kind a personable.]

If anyone has anymore links they'd like to share then post 'em up. :)
 
#7 · (Edited)
yes you can show studs in costume classes depending on the show. Some have rules because of younger kids and some space things out.
The theatrical work I do is similar to Cavalo Equestrian Arts who I've trained with and work with during the summers and I've always worked with Seattle members of Cavalia. My Drum mare is trained through some of their seattle members as am I. Fun times! Yes Lestat is named after the Vampire. He tends to switch between the Rockstar from Queen of the Damned and the Romancer from Anne Rice. That was his first ever halter class. It was a little schooling show. He missed last years Kuering because his breeder injured her back. They took a different colt to the show because Lestat was going through an awkward gangly baby and she figured with her injury it would have been difficult with two colts.

I love (d) Nanning and was so sad he passed. I too wanted a colt from him and figured I'd never get the chance after that but then I met Deb from Rainier Friesians and she had a 9 month old Lestat. I met him, fell in love with him and snatched him up the next day. He's a big boy, should top out in the 16.2 range possibly taller. His mom always throws 16-16.2 and Nanning threw big as well so I'm hoping over 16 hands for him. I'm 5'2 if that helps, I haven't taped him recently.

I'm not a member of the club but I am a member of Fhana. Where in WA are you?
 
#8 ·
I'm new to the breed, only having seen a handful of them and always in harness, carriage and cart. Never under saddle (I know they can be ridden but these were historical displays) So excuse the question. But why would care, training and handling be different from any other horse?
 
#9 ·
Friesians like many horses have their own set of issues and traits. They were inbred to survive so they also have certain diseases they can easily develop more so than other horses. In addition the Friesian training and inspection system is extremely grueling and most trainers and instructors are few and far between leaving the average owner Little availability in information and management of these wonderful horses. Remember the Friesian is still considered a rare breed and although the breed is becoming more popular few people have experience in handling or managing them.

Anyway I'm on the way to my barn to see my Friesian now so I'll be back later today to give more information on the subject in the meantime I'm sure some my other fellow Friesian owners can give you more helpful information on your question.
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#10 ·
I have a half friesian (by Raven out of a swedish warmblood mare) that I bought last year. We are training for low jumpers and she has been getting better and better.

Friesians a put together uniquely so you have to adjust your training. Today my trainer was working on getting her to tuck her knees more and trying to teach her to be able to compress her long body to adjust her stride better. She was explaining that Signa has a very long back and extremely strong hindquarters so we have to teach her how to use that to her advantage. If you have a trainer that refuses to work with how the horse is put together (since they aren't built like other breeds) then you won't be successful. You have to embrace the differences and work with them. Some people aren't willing to give them (friesians or part friesians) a chance.

I'd love to follow this thread and see what people have to contribute. :D
 
#11 ·
I see where your coming from but it is a little silly to think that a trainer wouldn't work with a horse because of conformation, it would be like one saying they wouldn't with horses with long/short backs. Just because they are rare doesn't mean they should be treated as anything but a horse, Keuring is cool but it is just an inspection, like other breeds have. Cool breed, though everyone has beautiful horses.
 
#12 ·
Hey I'm still @ the barn hanging out with spider so I won't be home for awhile but when I do I'll answer some questions and post some more topics. Cruiser I understand where your coming from, but if every horse is special and beautiful in its own right than u should respect the people who are looking to this thread to give their Freisian the best chance in life. When I attend my NWFHC meets we talk about many things beyond the Friesian horse. Some of us are a part of FHANA and need to talk about new rules or regulations with keurings, some need help in solving a medical issue they've come across that is native to this breed, and some are looking for propper tack or training methods that could help increase their standing in inspections or shows. It's more than simply the breed as a single animal, Cruiser, it's truly a community of people who come together and share information because they care so much about this breed of horse. I suspect u could respect that. Inspections (keurings) are stressful and grading is cut throat at best, Friesians are inbred to a degree, every foal dropped has an "inbreeding coifeciant" which although the FPS and FHANA try very hard to reduce that number to 0, the fact that bloodlines are so close creates many problems/issues in the breed from medical to physical to mental. This is one of the reasons inspections and grading is so serious, the FPS has to carefully monitor the horses that are breeding the future "Friesian" and because of this Freisian owners are very careful with their breeding/training/healthcare. We want the future of the fresian breed to be bright and therefore we work together to achieve that. :)
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#13 ·
FINALLY a thread about Friesians, love love love the breed have never met one up close, a purebred one anyhow. Met one that was half friesian half percheron, had one nasty eye on her and had horrible ground manners. Totally her owners fault who treated her like a little child and let her get away with everything.

My goal is to eventually own one of these majestic horses, thier beauty and strength took my breath away the first time I saw one (on tv lol) I have researched the breed, and fallen in love with the breed, now I just need to save up the $$ lol!
 
#14 ·
I hope you do Fahntasia. They are quite the animal. :)

[Training]

Okay for beginning topics how about we start off with Keurings? Since fall Keurings are just around the corner, now would be the time to put your horse in training for Keuring prep. Any thoughts on techniques or experienced trainers that have had success with your animal? Personally I'm working with my own trainer (who has shown and trained Friesians for Dressage but has never shown breed or prepped for inspection). However she has a wonderful foundation in classical dressage and its conditioning techniques so we're currently working on using collection from the ground and ground driving as a way to engage a more flexion and extension in the trot. We're currently doing this by encouraging spider to flex at the hock, which naturally causes his forehand to open and extend, however easier said then done, and to condition his gait might be hopefulness on my side, since in all honesty you can't change a horses natural gait in it's entirety. But you can improve upon it, which is what we're doing.

Other useful points of information to contribute:

-Inspection grading system. How important is the trot, vs. the walk?
-Tips in conditioning your horse for inspection. What can u do if you have an out-of-shape Friesian?
-Confirmation? Tips on how to "make up" for known faults in confirmation, and give your horse the best presentation at Keuring.
-Working toward different standings in Studbook. (Ster, croon, Pref., Model, Approved)
 
#15 ·
Keuring Prep: I think there are many ways to prepare. For those lucky enough to have a trainer or be able to send theirhorse out for prep- you are lucky. I live out here in the middle of no where with very few Friesians, so I did all my "prep" on my own. I read books, watched videos, attended other keurings before mine and... trail rode my horse! Yep, Rode in the mountains!

My first suggestion, don't be in a hurry! Since judges are getting tougher, make sure your horse "looks" mature They all mature differently,and I know everyone wants to go at 3, but you can also go at 4 or so for the first time too. Consider waiting a year if your horse still looks like a baby. I went with my mare at 4, and I am SO glad I did. I believe had I gone at 3, she would not have gotten ster. There was a HUGE difference in her at 3 and 4 yo.

Also, as for mares, make sure they are developed and muscled, not overly bulky or anything, but in shape. More than once I have heard the Dutch judges say that we don't "work" our mares. I think they want to see our mare as much in shape as our geldings and stallions. My advice, if your horse is ridable- ride it! Best exercise there is! And consider carefully a decision to try a mare for ster when she has a foal on her. Some will do well, if trained, exercised and fit, but so often baby sucks so much out of mama, that she doesn't look good.

Movement- I think the trot is very important. The walk is too, the definitely look at that, but a short weak walk (what they said about my mare) can be overcome by a long, powerful and high action trot! I agree that the horse's natural gait is going to come to the surface first and foremost. you can definitely improve it. And believe it or not, the person showing the horse (runner, owner, who ever...) can make a difference. you want the horse relaxed enough that they have a natural walk, but at the same time excited enough to "mooove!" If you can run (or have someone who can) I think practicing running your horse to the music you are going to use also helps. They associate the music with showing off and some horses will just perform big time!

And for "Mom" and "Dad"- relax! have fun!
 
#16 ·
Very well said, Kirei. Tip your runners, folks! It'll help out big time. they really are trained to give your horse its best go at being presented. In fact I spoke to one of the ladies in my club about whether to run yourself vs. paying a runner? And she said, "unless your absolutely confident in your ability to present your horse in the most positive and exemplary impression... Then you're better off paying the runner instead." Lol, big time! Truth is, most of the "Runners" and "Whips" follow the touring circuit, with plenty of experience in "presenting" a horse correctly. Personally i would LOVE to learn that job. Especially if it can give an inside look in how to correctly run your own horse. Remember folks, presentation is not just about inspection or even show, it's the ability to bring the best out of your horse, whether thats to a possible buyer, or to your best friend. I just think its a great skill to learn. If anyone has any knowledge of clinics or understudy programs where you work as a Runner or Whip in Keuring tours, or Stallion shows, I would love to find out.
 
#18 · (Edited)
Good question! Depending on the site runners can cost anywhere from 15.00 to 50.00. This also a variable over the type of inspection and experience of the runner.

You should call the coordinator/host, at the site you are interested in, to find out the details of what they are offering at that particular site.*.

If you would like to hire a runner/handler, you will be responsible for independently contacting these people prior to the start of the inspection and making arrangements with them.
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Hey guys in addition I found another great resource for keuring info: http://www.friesianhorseclub.com/files/FAQforinspections.pdf
 
#19 ·
Wow, talk about a timely thread and with great information! I just purchased a Friesian cross gelding that I was told came from Canada. He has a microchip, and I am going to try and run down his history that way. He was a carriage horse, but we are planning on using him on the trails.
 
#21 ·
If your in Wa then the Wa keuring is usually in Monroe, at the Emerald Arena. And if u have multiple horses to show, then yes u can set them up to all be inspected at different times (since inspects happen in groups ie. geldings, stallions, mares, and mare with foal.) however no, u can not show the same horse twice during the same inspection. You only get one chance a year, that's why keurings are taken so seriously. However u can bring that same horse back next year to be re-inspected with the possibility of changing its standing in the stud book. :)

I'll post some more keuring info later, right now I gotta deal with my own hairy boy.
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#22 ·
That's what I was wondering if it's a once a year type thing or if it's a once only ever and never again thing. I was looking into taking Lestat as a yearling since he did go as a weanling and seeing how he stood but only if he's shed out and a pretty boy by the time that rolls around. Besides that I had plans to take him yearly for experience and because currently that's my only breed show option besides schooling shows in halter since Donida canceled all of there from drama some crazy lady started last year.
 
#23 · (Edited)
Undortualnately if he was already inspected and recorded into the foal book as a foal, then the FHANA won't need to see him again until three. Fillies however can be shown at a year, because the grading for females is different than males. Females have more grading within the stud book, u can make Ster, Prefferent, Croon, and Model. The boys however are split between geldings and studs, and geldings can only make Ster I think... Or can they make Pref? (someone check me on this?) while the studs can make Ster, Pref., and Approved. (excluding sport predicates here.)

I'm actually still learning the grading system myself since it is fairly complex. (which is why studying the FHANA rules and regulations are so important.) Apparently you can fall within "bad standing" with the FPS/FHANA. Although I would expect you'd have to do something really bad to warrant that (like breeding your star stud to mares within his bloodline...) If someone can find some good resources on Keuring gradings, can u post them here?

So anyway, I'm not sure, but I think you "can" send ur yearling to keuring this year, but I don't think it's needed since the FHANA would want to see him as he's matured at three, since in their view little would have changed between weanling and a year. Mares however are a different tale, although why they track the mares maturity more so than the colts, I'm not too sure. Again can someone check me on this, to make sure this info is correct. I don't own any mares myself, so I want to make sure that I'm giving the correct info according to the FHANA.

Also on a related note, is this the same set up for Part-bred friesians? (grading and keuring)
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#24 · (Edited)
He's in the foal book because of his father but he's never been inspected ever. He's registered foal book because Nannings foals are automatically accepted in before inspections from what I understand. Looking into it he's never been to a keuring or inspection. The only thing I've ever shown him in is a halter class from the April schooling show down the street from me. His breeder broke her back shortly before keurings and couldn't handle taking two colts so she took his cousin.
His next option for inspection would be stallion I suppose but being he's never been inspected before I don't know how that would work.

Edit: just noticed my stupid computer decided DIDN'T wasn't ok and put DID instead. To clarify he DIDN'T go to any inspections as a weanling.

For bad standing from what I understand would be breeding to an unapproved mare and fhana doesn't approve outside breeds or cross breeding so anything besides pure friesian blood would be unapproved and I guess you can get booted? That's what I've heard and read. I question it however because for a stud that isn't proven yet (such as a 3 year old) how to do begin his breeding and foal crop if you can only breed to approved mares (friesians) and on that level, who with an approved mare would be willing to breed to a beginner stallion to help him start his foal crop? I don't understand this.
 
#25 · (Edited)
Youll have to excuse me, im posting from my iphone here. Not meaning to double post.

*Edit for Drafts4Ever* okay I understand now. I didn't know that he hadnt been inspected yet. That changes things. Then yes they'd need to see him in person. I would however contact the FHANA rep for WA (I don't remember her name off the top of my head) and inform them prior to inspection your circomatances. Tell the. That he hasn't been inspected (didn't receive a premie) and you are planning on having him inspected at a year old. This is smart because he would have changed too much at three, and like I said earlier the judges don't see much difference between weanling and a yearling. :)

Relating back to what Kerei said earlier, I think the most important thing to consider before deciding to jump on the keuring band wagon, is whether or not your horse is ready. Deciding to wait a year is NEVER a bad thing. Remember this isn't a horse show, it's not about ribbons or trophies. (although u are awarded ribbons at the end, lol.) Its about parenting your horse for grading and placement into the stud book. So keurings are very personal. The Friesian community is great (we really are a great group of people) and are more than willing to give you advice and tips on how to prepare yourself, but ultimately it's all about your hOrse. And when he's running in front of judges it's all about him or her, lol. The FPS juggles are very few (I'm sure there's less than 10, maybe less than 5) but they are masters of the Friesian breed. They can see things you would never see (until they point it out lol) so don't get too disappointed if they point out faults. They do this so you can improve upon them for next years keuring, and they do expect you to do best by your horse and present better next year. Because the Judges never change, some of them get personally familiar with some horses and "expect" a better presentation next year. Also remember that although u can improve your horse through training and conditioning, the judges will be able to see past all that for his real quality. It's hard to explain but all judges want to see an athletic horse that loves to move, and even if u get your f
Friesian bulging with muscle like a QH (please dont do this, lol) and stepping like a Tenessee Walker (Don't do this ether) they can see past all the add "bells and whistles" to the real movement and confirmation of the animal. That's why I find it important to remember not to try and "change" your Friesian for keuring (using strange tools or suppliments to artificially enhance) but to work through time and effort into a better presentation of the Friesian breed. Also this goes without saying but your not aloud to use silicone or otherwise "show" coat enhancers for keuring. Normally not even shoes, although u can, but if they're enhanced in any way they'll ask u to remove them and try again next year. Truly the Judges want to see a "natural" horse but not obviously a horse u picked out of the field that morning. So it sounds comicated but we all need to walk that line between "improvement" and "destruction," and I personally would love to hear some feedback or personal experiences on that matter.
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#26 ·
His breeder is high on the FHANA board so I can talk to her. I'm tossing a yearling keuring around in my head for two reasons and right now I'm thinking more towards a two year old maybe.
From the huge rule book I have printed it says injuries what not will not count against but personally believe it all depends on how he's matured through them. To me his shoulder injury has healed, vets say he's made a full recovery however the muscle tone is still noticeably different since he wasn't actively using his right shoulder for a good 3 months. Now that he's been able to get out run buck play and start his training he's coming back but there's still a small difference. On top of that his scar on his ankle is there, slowly disappearing as he grows and he has a huge crack/dent/gash growing out of his hoof. No problems caused by either but they are still noticeable blemishes.

Besides that he still has his sun burn baby fur patches all over him and after this May open breed show he'll be getting a full body shave down to the knees. His most noticeably baby fluff is his muttonchops. his face has shed out to a nice black black except for a line stretching along his jaw. Muttonchops! Kuerings start in September I believe? I'll have to double check.

As for his movement he's been ready since he was a weanling, just wasn't able to go because of her injury. His trot is great and we've been working on his movement since I show him in halter, he's natural and prancy, great extention. I'm not too worried about that being that I prefer to go into something even as personal as a keuring looking at it from a neutral point. I'm not trying to match to other colts but I want to see what mine comes in at with all the work and progress he's made. Again though his noticeable blemishes hold me back.
 
#27 ·
That's a good way to look at it. Like I tried to say earlier (unless my phones autocorrect was being a douche, lol) is that keurings are personal. It's not about competing against other horses (although some people see it this way) Everyone wants their horse to do the best it can, so be sure to pay attention to the judges, and if they give u advice please listen. They really do know what they're talking about. Also don't be afraid to approach them and ask questions. They'll see that as u being proactive about your horse, and be more willing to answer questions or speak with you later. As always, be polite and take criticism as a way to promote your horse next year. No one has the perfect horse, I'll betcha on that. :)

D4E (I hope u don't mind me calling you that) I would consult the WA rep about whether you should present him at one or two. What I'm worried about is that the judges want make a record of your horse as a baby, and if u wait until two they might think he's already past the window of preferability. I'm sure they'd accept him regardless because the judges would want to inspect him, but since it would be unusual circomstances I'd notice them ahead of time. (although I doubt u are the first one to do this, so they would have the correct information for you.)
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