Faults in the Show Ring

Exhausted, we were packed and on our way home from Oklahoma City and the State Fair which hosts a Gypsy Show as part of their show schedule.  Reflecting on the classes and presentations, it is apparent much needs to be done to further train judges in the conformation standards.  When a judge rewards faults, we begin to see more and more faults in the offspring  and in the foal crop of those who took note of a particular stallion or mare who placed. For instance, possibly the most prevalent fault is the steep croup or croup that is less than rounded and smooth. The reference to "Bubble Butt" in reference to the Gypsy Vanner, Horse, Cob...is ...apparently,  a deficient description of the rear on the horse.More description is needed.  A steep or straight croup  was evident in many of the horses shown and pinned.  The owner will now go on to promote his or her mare/stallion as Champion or Grand Champion Mare, Stallion, or Gelding...... BUT...that croup will live on in that Mare or Stallion's offspring.  With any fault, breeders must be extremely careful with their breeding choices and not be afraid to geld or simply not breed a lovely mare when the trait is repeatedly evident in their foals.  Really good stallions are few and far between and should be as close to perfect as possible.  Mares also contribute much to their foals making it essential for the stallion and the mare to have exceptionally good conformation and great dispositions.  That brings us to pictures. Please note.... Pictures can hide a thousand faults as well as speak a thousand words!  Seeing the stallion in person is critical to making a good match.  Getting caught up in well marketed blood lines or show records is certainly not the best way to make an educated  breeding decision. No animal is perfect. Responsible breeders will be tough in analyzing their mares, their offspring, and the stallions they use.  Too many times the infamous "ego" gets in the way of being objective and in the end, our breed suffers.  If breeding for  more hair, some will neglect all other aspects of the horse, and there IS a science to the hair as well as color, size, athleticism, etc.

Just so you don't think these are the only problems born of the show ring,   Several years ago, I was aware of an owner's concern with her stallion, wondering why he did not win as she had expected him to.  I was familiar with this stallion and he was an exceptionally lovely example of the breed, and I could find no compelling reason for him not to place well.  The conformation, disposition, abundant hair, and training were all there....so what was going on in the environment that would detract from him.  Eventually, it occurred to me the changing market might be the culprit .....especially with the appearance of silver dapple, palomino, grey, red and white coloring.  Combine this with the lack of knowledge judges demonstrated in regard to the breed and it is quite possible these subtle factors were at play.  At the end of the day, it is one person's opinion, and his/her opinion may have been tainted by many things.  The message is clear.  Breed with your head, not your heart, and do what is best for the breed.  Do everything you can to maintain the breed according to the breed standard.