GRADING
We prepare horses for their grading, whether it be mares or stallions.
What is grading?
THE various
breed societies such as the SHB(GB), BWBS, BHHS, etc. have specific
criteria to help maintain high breeding standards and impeccable blood
lines. Such specifics that are taken into consideration are conformation,
pedigree, ability and "personal" qualities such as temperament
that a horse will pass to its progeny. A horse has to fulfill these
criteria and also show off its talents or potential for its chosen equestrian
sphere be it dressage or show jumping. Horses have an extensive
veterinary examination prior to the day of the grading.
A
GRADING day will typically involve a trot up and then jumping
(loose-jumping for 2/3 year olds, under saddle for 4 year olds and over)
or the performance of a short test for the potential dressage horse.
A
Stallion we are preparing for Grading
THE young stallion featured below,
"Jivetime A-Bit-of-a-Do" (Athens)
is by "Arko III"; he has a considerable amount of making up to do but with time and the correct work the coming months will see a tremendous change in him. These photographs were taken on 24th October (2007) so comparison can be made with future pictures.
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FROM the way he is jumping these small jumps, which to him of course are quite big, this horse is not going to have a problem getting height. However his actual technique needs working on to teach him to lift more from the shoulder and fold more
tightly in front. This presents no problem as by building the fences in certain ways and
with strategic use of ground poles, etc. horses can be taught to jump with a
better style; it is when they do not want to go near a fence, keep knocking it down or stopping that you need to worry!
THE photograph below was taken on 29th January (2008).
ALTHOUGH Athens was jumping very well for a horse of his age, he was tending to "throw" himself over the fence but now that he is much more confident, and of course physically stronger, he is actually" jumping" now. His technique is improving but there is still work to be done. We have introduced him to negotiating a double so we can now play around with the distances to improve his athleticism.
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WHAT a difference a day makes! These two pictures were taken on 30th January (2008).
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ATHENS is being prepared
for his grading in April and ultimate showjumping career..
This is Athens' Dam Sire Beach Boy ST. PR.H.
IF Athens proves to have this talent and that of his sire, Arko III, then Athens' owners, Jivetime Sport Horses surely have a winner on their hands!
OF course as Athens will be a four year old when his grading takes place, he will have to jump several fences under saddle rather than performing loose.
The judges will not only be looking for good conformation, but also for style and technique combined with the right attitude, good behaviour, etc.
WHATEVER YOUR TRAINING REQUIREMENTS, PLEASE CONTACT US FOR FURTHER INFORMATION