all-breeds connection [email protected] Spotlight: Friesian Heritage & Sporthorse international Not just basic black!

he Friesian tends to be an intel- optional inspection and award pro- ligent, gentle, people-oriented grams place an emphasis on recogniz- thorse. typically, Friesians are ing quality and correctly identifying crossed with a lighter horse to create a suitability of type. riding horse with the gentle nature of Based on the suitability a horse HORSE OF A DIFFERENT COLOR: Te 2003 the Friesian combined with the stam- displays—through the optional HH-registered Friesian/Spotted Draft cross ina and increased athleticism of the inspections ofered, through competi- stallion Orca (Uko–Bossy), ridden by Sharon lighter breed. Te Friesian adds a tion, or both—HH-registered Katanik (WA) and owned by Lori Stewart (WA) of baroque charisma and an elegant may earn designations of Sporthorse, amateur title and was in the top fve at topline. Te Friesian also adds fair to Utility, or Park/Carriage. Te HH Second Level in his division. the movement, making many of these supports the concept that a horse’s All-Breeds awards offered: All horses expressive and fashy dres- suitability type should be based on categories, including DSHB and musi- sage mounts or horses. Teir the individual horse’s ability, not on cal freestyle, with separate divisions gentle nature and excellent ridability generic and arbitrary breeding guide- for , crossbreds, and ponies. make them suitable mounts for ama- lines that specify that only certain How to participate: Te HH reg- teurs and juniors, while trainability breed mixtures are allowed or consid- isters any horse that can be verifed as and elastic movement result in a horse ered to be a “sport type.” 25 to 100 percent Friesian heritage. We that is suitable for the advanced rider. Friesian Heritage Horses you must be able to verify Friesian heritage The organization: Te Friesian might know: in 2012 Orca (pic- through DnA. Horses that are regis- Heritage Horse & Sporthorse tured), a pinto Friesian/Spotted Draft tered elsewhere are eligible for partici- international (HH) supports all horses stallion, was the Great American/ pation in our registry but must declare of 25 to 100 percent verifable Friesian USDF Region 6 training Level adult under Friesian HH with USDF. heritage. For crossbred registration as a amateur champion and is now show- Organization contact info: Friesian Heritage Horse, a minimum of ing Second Level. Custom Design, Friesian Heritage Horse & Sporthorse 25 percent Friesian blood is required. a Friesian/ cross, won international: friesianheritage.com or Te secondary breed(s) may be any the 2012 Region 4 First Level adult (877) 653-1341. s breed or breed combination. Te HH has separate books for For the Breeds, by the Breeds Friesians and - breds as well as specialty books for ach month, “All-Breeds Connection” spotlights a USDF All-Breeds some specifc crosses, such as the awards program participating organization and the breed it rep- Gypsian Heritage Horse (Friesian/ Eresents. Information and photos that appear in this column are Gypsy), imperial Heritage Horse furnished by the breed registries. USDF does not endorse or promote any (Friesian/Appaloosa or Knabstrupper), breed or registry over another. turbo Friesian (Friesian/Arabian), The All-Breeds program is designed to recognize the accomplishments Heritage Horse (Friesian/ of specifc breeds in . All participating organizations offer “open” Andalusian or ), and Heritage year-end awards from Training Level through Grand Prix, and some offer Pony (under ffteen hands). awards in additional categories, such as adult amateur, junior/young rider, While the purebred Friesians are and dressage sport-. Registry representatives are usually on limited in color to black (with an oc- hand to help bestow awards at the banquet held during each year’s USDF casional rare chestnut), the Friesian convention. Heritage Horse comes in a wide range All-Breeds award eligibility requirements include memberships and of colors, including all solids and horse registrations with both USDF and the participating organization. For patterns. details and a list of current participating organizations, visit usdf.org. For Unlike many other registries, the more information about All-Breeds awards program participation, send e- HH employs DnA parent verifcation mail to [email protected]. to ensure proof of Friesian heritage. COURTESY OF FRIESIAN HERITAGE HORSE & SPORTHORSE INTERNATIONAL COURTESY OF FRIESIAN HERITAGE

50 December 2013/January 2014 • USDF ConneCtion

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