This message is from: [EMAIL PROTECTED] (BRIAN C JACOBSEN)
First, allow me to reiterate the question that began all this discussion
on stallion behavior and evaluations; Basically, it was "Should a
stallion (or any Fjord) presented for conformation evaluation also be
judged on his temperament/behavior?"
Second, Mr. Hipsley has made the good point that we in this country need
more information to make the best choices regarding conducting the
Evaluation process in the U.S. To that end, I would like to present a
brief summary of how the Norwegians judge Fjords. This information is
current as of 1997 and is taken from information sent to me by Tor
Nestaas in Norway. I have "cut and pasted" what I feel are the pertinent
points.
"The official system in Norway is based on the evaluation of individuals
for breeding purposes, i.e. against a breed standard, not necessarily
against the other individuals in a class.
Animals are first officially judged at the age of two, but are only given
a "grade" [prize] from the age of three years [and older].
Yearlings.....have traditionally been judged as well, but all young stock
(unless they have a very grave defect) will be given a [mark of
approval].
All animals are performance tested.
The criteria for being accepted as a stallion or graded as a mare is
breed character and type, conformation, movement, breeding, temperament
and in older animals progeny and durability. All stallions are [examined
by a veterinarian]."
This ends the quoting. Now I'll summarize the Judging Card they use.
Horses are given points in three main categories, and if they are old
enough and have offspring, in two more. The categories are:
Conformation (includes movement)
Performance (includes trotting, driving, and optional riding test)
Temperament (a score is given by each of three people: performance judge,
conformation judge, examining veterinarian)
and for older horses:
Soundness - Durability (longevity)
Progeny (quality of offspring)
I believe I am interpreting correctly when I say there are 50 points
available in the conformation section, 40 in the performance, and 30 for
temperament.
Note that the Norwegians also do a six week stallion testing, but that is
different from what has been presented above. The above is for a
Norwegian "show" which is the equivalent of our Evaluation.
So the Norwegians do include points for temperament as assessed by the
conformational judges. From what Carol Rivoire said regarding Bob Van
Bon's comments to her, the Dutch do not. From what Wayne Hipsley said,
we in the U.S. are not. All three countries, however, allow the
Evaluator (Judge) to assess the temperament if the horse's performance is
being tested.
The last paragraph was not meant to be an endorsement or criticism of any
country's methods; It is simply for the purpose of presenting what is, to
the best of my knowledge, objective information.
Thanks,
Brian Jacobsen
Norwegian Fjordhest Ranch
Salisbury, North Carolina
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