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World Breeding Federation General Meeting (Fall 2010)
My first World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses Meeting! Monday September 27, 2010 found myself and friend, Mary Kraft landing in Philadelphia. Excited to take part in the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) General Assembly Meeting and Seminars held in conjunction with Dressage at Devon. Like so many years in the past, the weather was rainy…so typical Devon! After checking into the lovely Desmond Hotel, we ate a great meal in the Hunt Room and headed for bed. We had an early start the next morning. We met with Ekkehard Brysch and Christian Schacht of the ISR/Oldenburg N.A. (host of this years program) for breakfast and quick instructions about the check in process. Mary and I were to welcome and check participants into the Seminar. Turned out to be a rather comical hour with lots of hand signals and currency conversions because of the very diverse group of participants from all over the world! Once all were checked in and accounted for we loaded on to shuttle buses and headed to the Dressage at Devon show grounds to watch the foal and young horse breed classes, take in some fantastic shopping (a Devon staple!) and then treated to a spectacular lunch sponsored by the show. Doesn’t get much better than that! The meal gave all an opportunity to start to mingle and meet one another. Canadians dining with Germans, Irish eating with Moroccans and so on…all with a common bond…the sport horse. Once back to the hotel the meeting was called to order by the President of the WBFSH, Jan Pedersen (Denmark). The WBFSH is the only international Federation of Studbooks for Sport Horses in the World. The WBFSH is the major connection between the breeding organizations of sport horses and the international equestrian sport (FEI). Together with the FEI the WBFSH has been ruling the World Breeding Championships in the three Olympic disciplines since 1992. The WBFSH was established to develop and stimulate cooperation between member studbooks and the individual breeders. Every year member studbooks and other participants meet for the WBFSH General Assembly and Seminar. At this annual meeting the latest developments in breeding are discussed, contacts between the studbooks are initiated and useful information is exchanged. The first to speak after the meeting was open was Scott Hassler of Hassler Dressage at Riveredge. Scott stressed the importance of giving back to the sport horse community through competitions and education. American breeders focusing on the life of the horse from foals to sport. Many in attendance had questions about tracking sport horses through out their sport careers and how best that could be done. It has been an issue for years and though many have dedicated years to the problem, it’s resolution stills looms far in the distant future. Also to speak this day was Prof. Dr. Rebecca Splan of Virginia Tech University. Her topic was also heavily slanted towards education, as she described what Virginia Tech is providing students that wish to become involved and have a career in the Equine industry. Not just tradition career paths but supportive roles in the horse world. Last to speak for the day was Donald R. Kapper, PAS, Director of Nutrition and Technical Services with Progressive Nutrition. The subjects he touched on were “Determining Forage Quality”, “Reducing the Incidence of Skeletal Problems”, “Body Condition Scoring and Topline Evaluation”. That evening, after an informative and interesting afternoon of speakers we all got together for a reception sponsored by the ISR/Oldenburg N.A. followed by a fabulous Gala Dinner. If nothing else this event fed us VERY well! Lively conversations could be heard around the dining tables. Horse enthusiasts, breeders, competitors, along with registry officials and journalists from every corner of the earth shared ideas, concerns and hopes for the future of the sport horse. It had only been one short day but I could already see there were strong bonds developing between people that would otherwise never have crossed paths. Day two started out a bit cloudy but the sun kept teasing through the clouds. We boarded a large tour bus and headed out across the Pennsylvania countryside. First stop was Derby Downs, owned by Louise Serio. We were greeted by Louise on her lovely, well maintained farm with rolling hills, planked fencing and dense forests. Coffee and donuts were first on the agenda (See! Food, always food!). Then we walked down to the sand hunter arena while a miriade of “hunter” horses were presented first in hand, then under saddle and lastly over fences. Louise explained what is the ideal in the “hunter” world. This was extremely interesting for those not from North America as “hunters” are strictly an American phenomenon. Hunter differ dramatically from jumpers and it is becoming very obvious that the sport horse industry needs to embrace them. Not that long ago the “hunter” was a thoroughbred that was found, not bred. Today hunters are predominately warmbloods and are being specifically bred for the sport. After that presentation of horses we adjourned to the barn to view video of top hunters preforming in recent years. Of course, while we enjoyed the video we just had to eat! A lovely box lunch was provided to all, eagerly shared with the farm dogs and horses as they reached over their stalls for a nibble. Back on the bus and once again traveling across the countryside towards North View Farm. The birth place of the famous Northern Dancer. Here we were introduced to several thoroughbred stallions that spend their days grazing on green pastures and getting ready for another breeding season this coming spring. The racing industry has drastically changed in the past decade or so. Driven by purses and money, not enough by horsemanship and education. The knowledgable management at North View Farm is aware of this and working to keep the industry strong and the welfare of the horse paramount. The positive influences of the thoroughbred on the modern sport horse is undeniable. This farm visit was particularly interesting to me, as it was a clean, efficient, well manage, all business facility. They had a job to do and they were obviously doing it very well. Once again, back on the bus. This time traveling traveling into the state of Maryland. Our tour guide for the rest of the day was Scott Hassler. He pointed out different points of interest as we headed to Hassler Dressage at Riveredge. Upon reaching the drive, you could hear the emotion in Scott’s voice as he presented us with his vision. The farm is absolutely gorgeous. The architecture was stunning and the grounds were beautiful. Off the bus we got a much better look at the barns. After the initial introduction it was clear to see what Scott was talking about. The buildings are all about the horse’s comfort and the buildings were all about flow. Flow of air, animals, employees and knowledge. Knowledge to be shared with those that are interested in the betterment of the horse and the sport. The Hassler’s have built something that will educate both horse, rider, breeder and trainer. We were allowed free access to all of the facility. There were still bits and pieces of the buildings that were yet to be finished but when it is complete and the thirty seven stalls are filled, it will stand as a testament to what Scott is all about; educating and “giving back”. Finishing up a perfect day with a perfect meal in a perfect location. We were treated to more sumptuous food and drink. Paired with excellent company and friendships that were developing. Conversations were again lively and continued on the bus ride back to the Desmond hotel. Day three started with the WBFSH General Assembly Meeting. It was well run, clear, friendly and responsive to the audiences questions and concerns. The sport horse has a very strong ally in the WBFSH. Filled with strong, well educated and compassionate individuals. The future looks very good. Prof. Ed Squires and Paul Loomis were next to speak on research and techniques on breeding in the horse industry. The material was very well presented and received by those attending the meeting. We broke for lunch that was provided by the Desmond Hotel. More conversations over the luncheon table and then back to the last of the meetings consisting of “Policy of horse slaughter and its impact on horse breeding” and “Identification methods and identification documents for sport horses”. By the end of the afternoon the weather had taken a definite turn for the worse. Power was out at the horse show grounds, classes were cancelled or postponed until the next day and tornados were a real threat! Back at the hotel it was time to have one more meal with new friends, exchange stories, email addresses and phone numbers. Then off to pack and get a good night sleep. Tomorrow would be another day of travel and reflection. I feel very privileged to have been given the opportunity to attend this outstanding meeting. I would highly recommend it to anyone interested in the sport horse. Whether as a g=breeder, rider, trainer or enthusiast. The wealth of information and interesting viewpoints from around the world was worth it’s weight in gold. |
