United States Eventing Association

The afternoon session of the “Evaluation of the Young Event Horse Prospect” symposium, held at Longwood Farm South, gave spectators a chance to observe and evaluate a group of yearlings through three-year-olds and enjoy the mild weather of Florida.

Following the classroom morning sessions, symposium attendees were able to put their newfound knowledge to use and study a group of yearlings, two-year-olds and three-year-olds. The yearlings and two-year-olds were stood up and evaluated for conformation and type, and then walked and jogged on a triangle for movement observation. Future Event Horse judges and committee members Robin Walker, Faith Fessenden and Susan Graham White explained to the audience how they go about evaluating the youngsters step-by-step. Often times, when the horse was standing still, they were able to predict how the horse would move when it was jogged in hand, affirming the adage that Susan had explained in the classroom that “form follows function.”

The live horse demonstrations allowed the attendees to compare the development of the three age groups of Future Event Horses. Susan explained that at FEH competitions, the judges are flexible about the presentation of the youngsters; many of the horses are impressed by their new environment (the crowd, the judges, the other horses, etc.), so if they need to walk around for a moment to settle before they are formally presented, or if the horse has to be re-jogged, it should not count against them. “We want to see the best version of the horse on that day that we can see, and judge that,” she said.

“I am not one to judge a horse’s conformation by a formula,” said Faith. “I like to, first of all, see the overall impression of balance and harmony in a horse’s body.” However, a few conformation flaws were pointed out - bench knees, uneven feet, and overly angled hind legs - as flaws that could affect the soundness and longevity of the horse. They also stressed that in the 1-3 year age group, there should not be fill in the legs; the horses have not begun their careers so they should be absolutely tight and cold.

Tips for handlers were also provided since it’s a bit of an art to be able to show off the best in a young horse, especially in a new environment.

“Don’t hang on the horse’s head because it can actually make their gait look uneven or abnormal,” said Faith. “Check them if they get ahead of you [in the walk or trot] but check them and then let go. Their heads need to be loose.” It was clear that the horses moved more loosely through their backs when the handlers no longer restrained their heads. Two- and three-year-olds have to be presented in a bridle, but yearlings may be presented in a halter or bridle.

Next, a handful of three-year-olds were presented in the jump chute, and Robin Walker demonstrated the proper way to introduce a young horse to the concept. A few of the horses had been through a chute before and a few hadn’t, but each horse started by cantering at liberty through the chute without any jumps or poles on the ground. This allowed the judges to evaluate the horse’s canter and got the horse comfortable with going through the chute. Then, a handler led each horse over ground poles placed where the jumps would be, and eventually, the horses worked up to trotting into the chute, stepping over a ground pole, and then jumping a crossrail. The more advanced horses went on to jump the full line of three jumps – a crossrail, one stride, a vertical, one stride, and then an oxer – but the jumps stayed small to build confidence in the youngsters.

Robin emphasized that since the FEH Championships will now include a canter and free jump evaluation for three-year-olds, the handlers must spend the time familiarizing their horses with the process at home.

“Don’t show up to the show never having done this with your horse,” he said. “You need at least two people to do this at home, and make sure it is safe.” The chute had 7’ tall metal panels around it to ensure the horses couldn’t jump out, and there were no tight gaps or unsafe corners that the horses could get themselves into.

Samantha Allan also assisted in the free jump demonstration.

“We’re not trying to scare the horse into going forward [over the jumps] by making loud noises or clapping or shouting,” Samantha said. “We’re giving gentle encouragement with the whip to let him figure it out.”

Robin explained that “positive support” should be given by whip handlers, but that timing of the aid is paramount. Don’t wave the whip constantly, but use the whip to reinforce the idea of going forward in a timely manner, he said. He also explained that while horses that over jump the jumps may be flashy and exciting to look at, that behavior can sometimes indicate a presence of fear or lack of confidence in the horse. The horse should jump up and around the jump, fully extend the hind legs, jump through his back with the withers as the highest point of the bascule in midair, land lightly, and catch his balance with ease.

Symposium attendees were provided with a wealth of informative literature upon arrival, including articles on biomechanics of the horse, pedigree articles, information on competing at a YEH or FEH competition, contact information for other young horse enthusiasts, and more. While today focused mainly on yearlings through three-year-olds, tomorrow will incorporate the Young Event Horses at four and five years of age.