As the breeding season is kicking-off with most stallion owner representing their sires, one question comes to mind! "Are we to much focused on the pedigrees, rather than the horse itself?" To often breeders or investors look at the mares (or stallions) only looking at the level they jumped, but to few do they wonder what is the best fit, based on really knowing the horse. Would it be more correct to force a success ratio on the horses' level, rather than just saying what it jumped? "It's not because the horse jumped a 1.60m course it actually did it with success," it sounds. "We need to prevent our breeding is becoming to narrow ... limiting the future quality of our horses and future new and interesting bloodlines."
"We need to be aware when we breed, we actually breed with animals," the discussion continues. "A real breeder will always look into the specifics of his horse. What are the characteristics of a mare, which qualities he or she likes to emphasize and which shortcomings he or she likes to see outbalanced. Based on this analysis of his or her horse the breeder will look for a fit stallion."
"Whether this stallion or this mare has jumped 1.60m classed is actually of minor importance. A hardcore breeder doesn't make his decisions based on levels mentioned on a paper, rather will look on a long term trying to breed a real champion."
"Even more, the level is not everything..." Jan Vermeiren adds to this thought. "Look at Clinton, I was a fan of this stallion for years, until I sat in the saddle of my first offspring of this amazing stallion. They all have his incredible stubborn character. Something that isn't mentioned on a paper. For me this concludes that knowing your horse is more important that knowing its pedigree!"