Hunter Breeding for weanlings?

[JCIbarra]

I'd like opinions as to whether or not it is worth it to take a weanling in HB classes. Good or bad? Reason behind your answer? Thanks!

[VirginiaBred]

Like recently weaned (2009 versions)? No.

If it's a 2009 foal, they would have shown on the line with their dam. Wait until next year. Hunter breeding only offers foal and yearling classes. I'd pass, plus it's too hot now. The stress of weaning and getting used to being solo is enough.

[Dinah-do]

What about two and three year olds?

[lauriep]

Absolutely (2-3 year olds)! Yearlings, too! It completely prepares them for the show atmosphere and all the preparation. That way, once you introduce RIDING at a show, the show part is a non-issue, and the baby can concentrate on his job.

[Hunters Peak]

We will show weanlings that are both mature and look the part. If they are immature, weeding, and under developed, we will wait a year or two. Depending on the ages, we will show them with their dams or weaned. We only do a show or two with them. Luckily this year, we have 3 weanling headed to Warrenton.

[florida foxhunter]

Personally, I dont like to go to Hunter Breeding Classes until mine are two. Of course, I have a three hour minimum drive to get to any show..........and VA is a 18 hour drive (Devon is 21 hours away?!!). Its too stressful.on them..........plus if I am also going to show u/s I have to purchase an extra stall (at full price plus shavings) for the weekend.......which is a bit much for ONE $25 class!!

I also find you have to really pour the feed to get the fat and shiny look necessry to win......and it's not good to overfeed a yearling.....you can end up with bone (OCD) or feet problems!!

[EllenAspen]

We take ours to hunter breeding classes beginning their yearling year. We think it helps with their manners and getting ready for their upcoming show career. Plus, it makes me have a reason to clip, pull manes...etc...

We are heading to Oklahoma City and the International Hunter Futurity Mid-West Regionals next week. Just about got the manes pulled yesterday :)

[Glenmore]

Going right along the same lines as Virginiabred and FL Foxhunter, don't flush you money and keep the youngster home and healthy for this year. Even if you win your class, most judges won't put a baby up as Best Young Horse.
However, it is a good question. The USHJA Breeders Committee is trying to put together clinics for breed judges. I think that they would be a good thing from people interested in showing on the line to attend as well. Could get some great Q&A's out of it.

[EllenAspen]

IThe USHJA Breeders Committee is trying to put together clinics for breed judges. I think that they would be a good thing from people interested in showing on the line to attend as well. Could get some great Q&A's out of it.

I'd love to attend a hunter breeding clinic!!

[SilverBalls]

Personally, I think HB showing over the past year has been a political "hodgepodge". Some that won deserved it, and some did not. We'll never know if the HB shows held this year were doing what they are supposed to do... showcase young horses. So many opted not to waste their money, since we didn't see everything out there. Devon was a perfect example. :eek:
I see that most of the people on this thread advocating HB shows... make their living in it.

As an owner, exhibitor, and enthusiast... I would say save your money! :yes: BUT, I am optomistic about the Sallie B. Wheeler and IHF East Coast finals this year. It looks like a very fair panel of judges for both events.

http://www.warrentonhorseshow.com/horseShow.cfm

http://www.inthf.org

[EllenAspen]

I think HB showing over the past year has been a political "hodgepodge". Some that won deserved it, and some did not.

We too have seen some dubious judging this past year...

I am optomistic about the Sallie B. Wheeler and IHF East Coast finals this year. It looks like a very fair panel of judges for both events.


What do you think about the Mid-West Regionals?

[QuadNFarm]

I have never done a HB class before but now that I finally have my filly (by Paparazzo out of Lillian-Absolut') I want to. My plan is to do the HB classes some light showing in the hunters when old enough and then breed her. I live in NC- any suggestions who to use for the HB? When I rode I showed with Clouds Harbor here and if they do the IHF next year then I will go with them. Any other suggestions? Pictures of my filly, Poppet are at www.quadnfarm.com.
Thanks!

[SilverBalls]

We too have seen some dubious judging this past year...



What do you think about the Mid-West Regionals?

No comment

[EllenAspen]

No comment

Great:no:

[lauriep]

Bill, I'm taking the crack at those "who make a living at it" personally. Why do you have to be so negative and discourage people from the GOOD part of the sport? Of course it is political in many, but certainly not all, instances, but so is any other subjective sport. Figure skating? Dressage? Hunters? Gymnastics? Are people supposed to give up all subjective sports because you sometimes don't get a fair shot?

Yes, I make my living at it, but I certainly don't have to. I want people to participate at any level they feel comfortable. I think that the sport has some problems, but I CHOOSE to address them from the inside, not the outside by carping about it. Sure, I piss and moan with the best of them when I feel we got screwed, but the next weekend is usually a different story. And I KNOW our horses are better prepared for their future careers by participating.

I also think that true horsemanship has taken a nosedive. But I am going to do my little part to help educate those that are interested in my little corner of exertise, rather than bemoan the fact and do nothing about it.

You may BE an owner, but I have to TELL the owners when we don't win. Not always fun. But STILL I love this sport and want to help make the necessary changes that I believe in. Right now, my "thing" is the Zone rules re: contiguous states. It has affected some of our horses HUGELY this year. And it is just plain unfair, at least in Zone 3. I am going to try to get the rule changed. Wanna help?

[SilverBalls]

Bill, I'm taking the crack at those "who make a living at it" personally. Why do you have to be so negative and discourage people from the GOOD part of the sport?
Yes, I make my living at it, but I certainly don't have to. I want people to participate at any level they feel comfortable. I think that the sport has some problems, but I CHOOSE to address them from the inside, not the outside by carping about it. Sure, I piss and moan with the best of them when I feel we got screwed, but the next weekend is usually a different story. And I KNOW our horses are better prepared for their future careers by participating.

I also think that true horsemanship has taken a nosedive. You may BE an owner, but I have to TELL the owners when we don't win. Not always fun.

Laurie, it was not directed at you personally, sorry about that. I really meant to say the only ones commenting were not necessarily the owners whose $$$ support this.
I agree, the HB showing aspect of the sport has problems, but you know it's not my style to avoid public forums. Working on committees gets NOTHING accomplished in my opinion...at least it hasn't for the last decade. The powers that be "appoint" the committee members.. need I go on! :winkgrin:

I also agree "horsemanship has taken a nosedive". Especially when you go to an HB show with only one or 2 in the class, and a majority of the classes do not fill. Wow to win a class in that company is prestigious... NOT! I ask.. is all the "behind the scenes" pissing and moaning working??? I applaud you for doing your part in your way.. you and Junior do a great job.

Sorry, as an owner, the $1000 + it costs me to show one horse at one show with only one entry or being beaten by a club foot, crooked legs, and capped hocks is discouraging. And, there nothing exciting about winning a class when you are the only one in it. I don't have money to piss away.

I chose Blue Rock & Devon this year... and I will attend Warrenton for the IHF and Sallie B. Wheeler because, like you Laurie, I still believe with a certain pool of judges, there may be a chance. I will probably pick and choose nect year as well. I am hopelessly addicted.

And for the record... I am not out for any good sportsmanship awards. I am out to get my money's worth and a fair shot. :D And if I don't win... I take my toys and go home.

[Jesse'sMom]

I say go for it. There have been breed classes in hunters and dressage forever, and in the dressage its a very strong group with huge turn outs. For example,at DAD some classes have 20-30 in them, and those foals show for several days, and all turn out fine. Mind you the DSHB classes are &**MUCH** harder than the HB.. In HB the foals walk and thats it. In DSHB they walk a triangle, trot a triangle then if they win 1 or 2nd, they go back in again for the champiobnship class, plus the breed classes etc..

So my personal opinion is if all the big wigs take out their foals like Ironsprings, Hilltop, Home again farm, (and on & on) as well as the top hunter breeders, and those foals still today are showing & are are fine.
A great example is Hilltops Cabana Boy, who showed as a weanling 1,2,& 3 yo in hand is still going strong.
**BUT** in showing mine, i chose carefully who goes & who doesnt.
Some foals can handle it & are fine, others do need time to really should stay home.
But again, the biggest shows in both the hunters and dressage offer the classes for the foals, and people all over the world do it.. go for it if thats what you want to do with your foal. Have fun & enjoy it.

[SilverBalls]

There have been breed classes in hunters and dressage forever, and in the dressage its a very strong group with huge turn outs. For example,at DAD some classes have 20-30 in them, and those foals show for several days, and all turn out fine. Mind you the DSHB classes are &**MUCH** harder than the HB.. In HB the foals walk and thats it. In DSHB they walk a triangle, trot a triangle then if they win 1 or 2nd, they go back in again for the champiobnship class, plus the breed classes etc..

I really liked DAD breeding classes. I missed it last year, but I plan to go this fall. The number in the classes are staggering. The team responsible for DAD does a great job.
Thanks for adding this to the equation. :D

[Home Again Farm]

So my personal opinion is if all the big wigs take out their foals like Ironsprings, Hilltop, Home again farm, (and on & on) as well as the top hunter breeders, and those foals still today are showing & are are fine.Oh my goodness. What fun to be called a big wig (thanks JM :winkgrin:). I am a small breeder in FL, though.

I have never shown foals and probably never will — though I am tempted to bring out Stanza's filly Fifi this year.

I have my own personal bias against showing babies. It may be valid or may not be — it is just my own opinion. I believe that it is best to bring out my absolute best youngsters at the age of three when they have already learned what a bit is by a gentle and correct start and also when they will be absolute "dark horses" — complete unknowns. That has been my own strategy over the years and it works well for me. I have seen many breeders do the opposite, and IMHO many of those youngsters lack a certain spark when shown in hand by the time they are three. My greatest fun is bringing a superb mystery filly out at three and having folks want to know who THAT horse is. :winkgrin::D:lol:

Also, this applies strictly to DSHB shows, as I have never shown in any hunter shows.

Also, Cabana Boy was bred by the Doug and Shannon Langer of Maple Run Farm — a small, but exquisite breeding operation in the Midwest. Some of the very best horses in the country come from small breeders. :yes:

[Jesse'sMom]

Hey Mary Lou
I meant it as a total compliment, you are one of the best in the hanoverian breed assoc., your foals are just stunning.
:-)
Lisa

[Home Again Farm]

JM, I knew you meant it that way and I appreciate it. :yes: It was great fun being called a big wig, because I don't feel like one. :winkgrin:

[Kareen]

No bigwig here *winkwink* ML but I like taking mine out as 2yo's so they can see a ring and get a bit accustomed to the environment before they start showing under saddle. I am not a big believer in foal shows but can see the point doing it (exposure, getting the word out, attracting buyers etc.etc.)
I take a lot of information from the way they behave the first time out when they are 2 and it often influences my training approach or timing. A laidback mare that doesn't appear challenged by anything I normally train no longer than 6-8 weeks total for her MPT. A more nervous one who looks impressed and displays tension I'll factor in more time and probably spend a few more weeks on training, drive her around a bit to see a variety of sights, take on trailrides etc.