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Santiago HGF Trains with Steffen Peters
We had the best kick-off of the season. Santiago HGF (Grandioso III x Joyero XXIV), ridden by Kerrigan Gluch, participated in a clinic with six-time U.S. Olympic rider Steffen Peters in Ocala. During the session, Peters shared his impressions and feedback on the young stallion, praising the quality and potential of this promising U.S.-bred PRE from the Hampton Green Farm “We had a wonderful time working with Kerrigan today and was really impressed with your with your boy; hat was fun. The first thing that comes to my mind is the temperament of the horse, you know just for a 5 year old to come to a new location and then just so settled and so willing to work with us it was just one of those lessons where you say you know what this is this is really fun. In general the impression of the horse is so important and the mouth was so quiet he does have a beautiful canter which is not always the case for this breed, he does have a good lengthening in trot, so it clearly would give me the impression that this is going to be a very special horse and potentially an international Horse.
BUYER'S GUIDE
Why Buy a PRE Horse? --Beauty The PRE Horse has been bred and prized for centuries for its unique beauty. The characteristic features of the PRE Horse--the high-set neck and proud head, the short back and rounded croup, the refined leg and luxurious mane and tail--have defined the standard for equine beauty since the Renaissance. --Temperament The PRE Horse is unmatched in its intelligence, trainability, and sensibility. --Athleticism Modern breeding standards have improved the strength of the back and hindquarters of the PRE Horse resulting in more ground-covering gaits and forward movement, while keeping the breed’s trademark high-stepping expression and aptitude for collection. --Rarity The PRE Horse is the world’s newest developing sport horse breed. Demand for well-bred and well-trained PREs exceeds the supply in the US as well as in Spain. Why Buy a PRE Horse from Hampton Green Farm? --Proven Sires in World-Class Competition HGF selects for breeding only those stallions who have proven themselves in dressage competition as well as in the morphology circuits, as HGF believes that the mentality and ability to do upper level work are inherited. In the past three years alone, HGF sires and offspring have taken first or have been in the ribbons in over 25 CDI classes in the US and Europe, 3 HGF horses have placed in the top five in National Dressage Championships in both the United States and Spain, including achieving National Grand Prix Champion of Spain in 2011. Most recently HGF sire Grandioso was appointed to the Olympic Dressage Team for Spain, finishing 29th of 50 in London 2012. --Modern Movement HGF horses embody the most sought-after traits of the modern Dressage horse—natural roundness conveyed by a ground-covering rhythmic trot with suspension, freedom of the shoulder with knee action in front, and a quick hind leg to match; a canter that is supported by a powerful hind-quarters with flexibility of the croup and a natural propensity to carry the weight underneath the body; a clear four-beat walk with moderate over-stride. The trademark style of movement historically associated with Iberian horses has now become desired by FEI-level riders and pursued by warmblood breeders . --Ideal Environment for Young Horses All HGF young horses are kept in herds and live outside in large pastures for the majority of the year, exposed to all the conditions of the outdoor life. They are handled and started by our experienced staff, who do not introduce stress or isolation into the young horses’ experiences. As a result, HGF horses are confident, social and sensible. --Clientele--HGF is the PRE breeder of choice for Olympians Martin Schaudt, Robert Dover, Courtney King-Dye, Jose Daniel Martin Dockx and Lendon Gray. The majority of HGF buyers are professional dressage riders. How to Evaluate a Young Horse: 1. Look for 3 good gaits. 2. Keep in mind that size is not as important as quality and scope of movement. 3. Evaluate the young horse’s temperament, in the context of the situation. 4. Look for a conformation that will assist your riding goals, or that will best represents the breed standards. 5. Judge the young horse for overall Harmony—of conformation, temperament and movement. 6. Consider the qualities of the parents, view siblings and training sessions with sires if possible. 7. Consider the age of the young horse and its state of development. Scope, strength, suspension and balance improve as the horse reaches physical maturity—6 or 7 years old in the PRE breed.
"Andalusians Three Day Eventing?"
by: Eric Smith (Reprinted from ) When I was asked to write an article on why Andalusians would make good event horses, I had to reflect on our decision to event our mare, Carina HGF. Although the Andalusian is often thought of as a dressage horse, many of the qualities that are sought after in dressage, such as intelligence, athleticism and temperament, are the same qualities that have helped our mare succeed in eventing. We acquired Carina HGF from Kim Boyer at Hampton Green Farm in Michigan. Her intent was to keep Carina as her own mount until we persuaded her to sell her to us as a performance horse and possible breeding companion to our stallion, Decoroso HGF. Although the Andalusian is not typically known for jumping, we saw Carina’s athleticism as a three year old and Cindy suspected, given her twenty two year background in eventing that she would excel over fences. Carina’s dressage training started immediately upon her arrival in California. Twice she scored in excess of 75% in training level test in her first year of showing. Six months later we started showing her over fences. She first showed in the hunter ring and then dabbled in show jumping. She proved to be a brave and careful jumper. Carina competed in her first combined event at a schooling show in January and finished second by less than a point in a field of thirty two. Last weekend, Carina took the lead on day one in dressage with a score of 76.5% and never relinquished it, as she went double clear in both stadium and cross country jumping for a first place finish in the beginner novice division at the USEA sanctioned Twin Rivers Winter Horse Trials. At any level of eventing, a three day horse trial is extremely stressful– both for the horse, and the rider. Even if your dressage is spectacular on day one, the specter that you could have a refusal on cross country on day two or have a rail down in stadium jumping on day three is always present and foremost on your mind. Since scoring is cumulative over three days, there is as much pressure on the leader to keep the lead as there is on the rest of the field to move into the lead. Carina’s temperament, focus and determination are some of the attributes that are well suited for eventing. In the high octane world of eventing—a world dominated by thoroughbreds and warmbloods– we are often complimented on the bold and confident nature of our horse. We are counting on Carina’s athleticism, focus and determination as we move up to Novice level later this Spring. Wish us luck! For more information, contact Pedro Nadales at 011-34-617-39-25-93 or yeguadanadales@gmail.com or contact Hampton Green Farm.
Handling and Keeping Stallions
Handling and Keeping StallionsBy Ana Gilmour, Hampton Green Farmin·stinct (instingkt) (n)1. An innate, typically fixed pattern of behavior in animals that is characteristic of a species and is often a response to specific environmental stimuli.The temperament of a stallion will vary depending on genetics and training, but he should always be handled by a person with stallion experience. The wonderful thing about PRE stallions is that they are usually very obedient and well-behaved by nature. They are extremely intelligent and a very personable breed with an innate desire for interaction with people. Because of these wonderful natural qualities, many PRE horses are successfully and safely kept as stallions. This should be considered when researching the aspects of keeping a stallion, particularly a PRE. It is nevertheless important to always remember that a stallion is a herd animal who relies heavily on instinct and can become unpredictable or aggressive at any time. It can be unsafe for an inexperienced person to handle a stallion, but with the proper surroundings, training, and management, a stallion can be a wonderful equine companion and athlete at the highest level of competition!To Geld or Not To Geld...The question of whether or not to geld a stallion is a common one, but the decision is usually easier with a Pure Spanish Horse. Because of their natural obedient qualities, the PRE stallion is very often the epitome of the ideal stallion. The most important factors which influence a decision of whether or not to geld are disposition, conformation and movement. We want a horse to be happy and mentally well-balanced. We also want his conformation to be the kind that we would want to reproduce, should we choose to do so. Finally, his movement should be suitable and well-qualified for the sport for which he is bred. If these three points are confirmed, he should be a candidate to remain a stallion. On the other hand, disposition usually outweighs the other factors when a decision is made to castrate. If he is constantly stressed out, unhappy, or dangerous, and does not improve with good training or handling, gelding may be the solution. Even a horse with fine bloodlines, if he is unmanageable or detrimental to himself, in all likelihood would have a more successful life as a gelding. This should be a joint decision between owner, veterinarian, and a trust-worthy trainer.Once you have made the decision to own a stallion, following some basic and logical rules will contribute to a safe and happy arrangement for both horse and owner:Stable ManagementIssues such as cross-tying, hand-walking and turn-out can be more complicated with stallions and must be done with care. Always be aware of your surroundings. Keep track of other horses in relation to yourself and your stallion. Cross-tying mares and stallions together is not a good idea, except in the occasion of an ultra docile stallion who just does not seem to care. A better idea would be to prepare your stallion in his stall, or wait to cross-tie him until there are no mares around. Many stallions are able to be ridden along side other horses comfortably, and this should be required of them at some point. Nevertheless, some stallions can become excited and aroused just from the smell of another animal, so always proceed with caution when approaching other horses. Turn-out should be done carefully and in a low-traffic area. If he remains relatively calm as you walk horses by his paddock, it is acceptable to do so. Mares should not be walked by a stallion who is turned out, unless he is completely relaxed about it. If he becomes overly excited, try to find a quieter area in which to turn him out.Do not overreact or punish your stallion for "masculine" behavior if he is not disobedient--he must be allowed to be himself. For example, calling out should not be corrected unless the stallion's body energy is becoming inappropriately strong or unnecessarily tense. If a horse calls out under saddle, but continues his work and stays on the bit, no correction should be made. If he calls out while being led but remains respectful of your space, he should not be reprimanded. He must remain attentive and respectful of your space at all times, even if he is calling. Rather than trying to "train" instincts out of him, keep him within a reasonable environment and patiently help him to learn that obedience to his handler must always supersede any instinctual urges.HandlingAlways handle your stallion with a professional nearby. Consistent and clear commands will teach your stallion to respect you and be obedient. In the inevitable event that you must make a correction, it is not appropriate to hit or smack any horse, including a stallion. This will only result in sour behavior. Instead, a stallion should to be corrected with the same tools that you will use to lead and handle him in all situations: a long chain lead shank over the nose and under the chin. Attach the chain clip back to the near-side ring (the left side ring) at the upper jaw so as not to allow the halter to pull into the horse's far eye (right eye). You should always handle your stallion with the lead attached, even within his stall. He will learn that he is expected to behave a certain way once he is haltered with the lead. If neccessary, it is acceptable to carry a whip with you to convince your stallion that you are "bigger" then he. Although some stallions are pushier than others, the goal should be only having to show him the whip to get the "yes ma'am" reaction. It is also very important to use your body language to control a stallion. In hand, he should learn to stop and back up on command completely from your body language. Clearly and patiently use the chain lead shank and perhaps the whip to teach him how to do this.When corrections are made, they should be made quickly and precisely in such a way that discourages the excitement level to escalate. If done in proper timing, a very quick pull and release of the chain or a lift of the whip should be all you need. This includes when he is on the cross-ties. If he is acting up, rather than hitting him, you can keep your chain lead attached over his nose while in the cross-ties. However, be careful that he does not over-react and pull back on the cross-ties from a correction that you make. The safest scenario is one of two choices: 1. Attach both cross-ties, and hold a normal lead rope attached for corrections. 2. Attach only one cross-tie, and hold a chain lead shank attached over the nose for corrections. Most horses who are used to the chain will stand with both cross-ties attached, plus a chain lead shank in hand, but proceed with caution. If he is acting silly, unhook one cross-tie, make your correction, and quietly re-attach the cross-tie again.Always keep in mind that you must match the strength of your correction with his level of excitement. Timing is the key. The best thing to do is keep his mind on you before he starts to focus on something else, because by the time he finds something else to focus on, chances are his excitement has already escalated to an undesirable level. Give the chain a little shake-shake if his eye or ear begins to focus elsewhere. When he relaxes and focuses back on you, praise him! This way he will associate listening and focusing with positive affirmation.In NatureRemember that stallions breed and protect the herd in the wild, but the leadership role is held by the lead or "boss" mare. It is she who says where to go, when to go, and how to get there. It is she who determines the route the herd takes when fleeing from danger. You must be that lead mare! It is not a stallion's place to lead, and when he is allowed that role, he will become tense and insecure.Having said all this, let's go back to the very first point made about the proper surroundings and handling. Stallions are blessed with a special individuality, an exceptional shine to their coat, and a spark of animation to their character which, when gelded, could become softened or subdued. Provide your stallion with the appropriate environment and a capable experienced handler, and he will probably flourish and enjoy a wonderful life of work and breeding!