Next year’s foal could be registered Westphalian or BWP. Westphalian is somewhat more convenient because inspections are at the farm; however, I think that registry is more expensive for the same reason. The foal is bred to be a jumper for personal partnership. What are your thoughts?
I cannot comment on the BWP, as we haven’t presented anything to them. We have attended Westphalian Verband inspections in the past, and will attend our next one this fall, and have been really happy with the inspectors and the Registry as a whole.
I’m opposite of Daventry - my 2014 colt is BWP. He was my first and so far only, and the inspection process was fun, friendly and easy. They were very accessible for “newbie” questions and the day went really smoothly.
If/when I breed again I wouldn’t hesitate to go back to BWP if I were doing another hunter/jumper. However, I’m dabbling in the dressage realm now, so may change registries based on that in the future.
It’s good to know folks have had positive experiences with both. Maybe either way would be fine.
I have presented foals to the RPSI, Oldenburg, Holsteiner and recently went to a BWP inspection. I enjoyed all the inspectors, enjoyed the process etc. The only comment is that I like the registries that grade the canter. It is one of the most important gates for jumping. So if the registry only works on the triangle and you cannot run as fast as is necessary to show off your mare and foal, the scores may not reflect their gates. I have seen way too many owners who could not show their horse to their potential. When a registry actually turns the mare and foal loose, they can see the horses move out at the trot and obviously show their canter and gallop. Just my opinion.
BWP just topped the world show jumping rankings WBFSH, so that would be a consideration if you were selling the foal. If your mare isn’t inspected BWP, you’ll have to have her inspected also. If the sire was part of the SSA, you might win money for BWP futurity.
If Westphalian is more convenient and you’ve stated you’re keeping the foal or if your mare is approved Westphalian, it’s a respectable book.
