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The International Sporthorse Registry/ Oldenburg North America Advanced Stallion Performance Testing.
For over 20 years the ISR/OLD has been holding the 100 day testing of Stallions for them to earn their lifetime breeding licence. As times have changed, American breeders are showing and training their stallions themselves and have been hesitant to have them gone from the show and breeding season for 100 days.
We were honored to be a part of the ISR/OLD first ever advanced performance testing.
As pioneers of this new testing system I am enthusiastic and pleased to share my experience as a stallion owner about the test.
THE FREE JUMP
There were many phases of the test, first was
free jumping of all the stallions.
Each stallion was required to participate in a
special discipline, even though all the stallions
at the testing were being presented as
dressage stallions - it was still required
for them too perform the free jump through
the jump chute.
After the free-jumping phase was a test of the basic gaits. This was done at high speeds on the open hunt field.
GALLOP ON TRACK
After showing of their trot work on the hunt field, the stallions then went to the 1/4 mile track to show off their gallop!!!
What fun for the stallions -- Reesling and Kellie were really flying!! Such a beautiful sight.
CANTER
After the gallop on the track, it was back to the hunt field for some more (very forward) canter.
Training Director, Helmut Schrant, gives Kellie and Reesling some last minute "words of wisdom" as they head onto the hunt field for the Basic Gaits Test.
Helmut was wonderful in working with all the stallions and riders, making sure they were ready to perform the way the judges would require.
THE BASIC GAITS ~ TROT
TEST RIDERS
The day after the basic gaits testing was the test ride of all the stallion by expert riders. The test riders gave each stallion a score for their rideability, character and temperament.
SPECIAL DISCIPLINE TESTS
Each stallion was required to ride 2 FEI tests for the panel of judges.
The warm-up and final prep before beginning the test
AND NOW SOME DRESSAGE TEST PICTURES..................
The final halt of the final test ---- beautifully ridden and a pleasure to watch.
Photos by Jim Greene www.jgreenephotography.com
