This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] Hello everyone,
Through the work of attempting to get an evaluation together for the Great Lakes Fjordhest this year, I have talked to many different people, all with a great deal of knowledge concerning the evaluation process both here and abroad. >From my understanding, the Europeans are breeding more "sport" versus "draft" type as the former is apparently in higher demand, especially with American importers. It also has been made clear the European (Dutch especially) evaluations are beginning to lean more toward "sport" versus "draft". In regard to draft type, I have heard various terms, "out dated", "coarse", "not modern"......Obviously the European countries do not have the need for the "draft" type in the modern day, at least that is my understanding. Another possiblity I have heard rumored is Americans importers themselves are influencing the breeding practices of the European countries which export? Money always marks the trend in breeding programs. Americans and Canadians use the Norwegian Fjord Horse for many different disciplines; riding, dressage, driving, draft, pulling....this is indeed what they have been used for throughout their history with humankind. Regardless the personal annoyance I have with the evaluation program we have in the works today, it is still the best program for our American/Canadian bred and USED Norwegian Fjord Horse. This evaluation system, based upon European systems, acknowledges the Fjord, whether it be slender, mid range, draft, as long as it meets breed standards it is a quality animal. We can certainly learn a great deal from Dutch and Norwegian Evaluations, but we should keep in mind the differences the countries have in current market trends and the uses of that particular horse itself within its native country. I agreed 100% with Carol's post regarding stallions. I also believe we need as much diversity as possible with our bloodlines. It would seem our goal should be to produce quality animals of all "types" with good, strong pedigrees. The more we limit the stallions to a "few" expectional animals, especially in regard to "type", the more the Fjord bloodlines will eventually become inbred. We should rather be concentrating on producing the best quality animals we can and getting as much diversity into the bloodlines as possible. I have heard breeders say the two ugliest horses might produce a champion whereas two champions might produce a "plug", the point being the best stallion may not always produce quality offspring. I am not condoning breeding poor stallions, but believe we need stallions of good, better than average, quality of all "types" to assist us in keeping the Norwegian Fjord Horse that we love today available tomorrow. I, for one, would be dismayed to see the future of the Norwegian Fjord Horse limited to a nice looking, slim, tall, riding only horse with a pretty stripe, and a pedigree focused upon a few stallions versus many. What I believe would be a most informative evaluation would be an event which encompasses both American and European evaluators. It would be interesting to see the two groups working side by side and to be able to see first hand where they agree and where they differ. I suppose such an event will be far in the future, but would be interesting, nonetheless. Sincerely, Lynda Bailey's Norwegian Fjord Horse Farm White Cloud, MI http://hometown.aol.com/heithingi/BaileysNorwegianFjords.html
