We Need Systems—Not Just Showcases—For Our Young Horses

by Scott Hassler

Our columnist believes our national championship should be at least as important as the world championship for young dressage horses.

We have two major championships for our young horses. One is the prestigious FEI World Breeding Championships For Young Dressage Horses, which is held every year at a rotating site. For the past several years it has been in Verden, Germany, and will be there until 2011. Our second championships are the Markel/ USEF National Young Horse Dressage Championship, which has been held in Lexington, Ky., for the past four years.

Riders from the United States have been able to take up to two 5-year-old horses and two 6-year-old horses to the World Breeding Championships, which the World Breeding Federation governs. Over the years, U.S. riders have not had the success in these classes that one would wish for, however, I think these riders have certainly made an impact.

We have had good combinations going over there; we have had American-bred horses representing our country there. We have had professional riders on good horses, but it is a game that is very difficult to win. You are looking at the hierarchy of the German and Dutch as well as other breeding programs; this is a special showcase. I really believe in the future we will have success there—there is no question about this.

Right now the World Breeding Championship for Young Horses carries quite a bit of prestige; however, the other young horse championship is our national championship. I would like to think that perhaps this championship in many ways may be even more important.

Why? So that our country can build its base and see the progression of the horses’ development through the age groups.

At the national championship, the 4-year-old division was added three years ago so that we now have 4-, 5-, and 6–year-old divisions; this was a beneficial change. And, for the past two years, we have added the developing horse division. You can now see 4-year-olds through 9-year-olds in sport; I think it is extremely educational and also fun.

There’s great value in a head-to-head national championship, with riders from all over the country interacting. This should be our aim: to build up our base and to train the horses correctly. We are not just showcasing horses with “fabulous gaits and a look of presence,” but we are training horses on the scale where we can take them into the sport up to Grand Prix.

We need to build depth in our country; this should be our main objective, not just going to a world championship and showcasing those quality horses. They are exceptional horses; don’t get me wrong. But more important, I believe, is that we are building a system which shows the horses’ development from age group to age group.

It is wonderful and unique to have 4-, 5- and 6-year-olds as well as the developing horse program combined. In other countries they are separated, but I think this format is educational.

If I were a breeder or rider hoping to participate in the championships, I would want to take a look and see it for myself. If I’m a breeder what are my advantages? First, I see the quality of the horses to use as a measuring stick to see how I’m doing. Secondly, if I don’t have a rider in mind for my horses I get to meet some of the riders and get a feel for the type of rider I want for my horse. I can also see if my goals are
realistic for my horse and compare my breeding results. For a breeder it’s extremely beneficial to go and watch the championships, then use it as a check on your goals.

As a rider, it’s invaluable to see the event and the caliber of horses and how they match up to what I have in my barn. Am I bringing my horse correctly through the progression; is my riding beneficial for my horse’s development; what are the judges looking for; what do they want to see from each age group?

A rider should become familiar with all of these points. If I’m a developing horse rider I need to get a feel and understanding for the young horse classes into Prix St. Georges. These championships are a link; the young horse classes bring young horse riders and professional Grand Prix riders together for an understanding and appreciation for each group—young horse or professional—which is beneficial and necessary for all to see the natural progression.

I certainly hope that our national championship becomes much more prestigious than just a means to get to the world championship. My hope is that we are building up our own strength and our own systems so that we can be proud of the horses we are building for our future.

Scott Hassler