[QUOTE=jdeboer01;5772085]
Hands down the Friesian Sporthorse Association. They’re the ONLY cross-bred registry that has ANY standards at all! :yes:[/QUOTE]
I think this statement is a bit unfair and definitely inaccurate. Like MysticOakRanch, I am also a supporter of the Friesian Heritage Horse and they too have standards. Matter of fact, they have standards that are very intelligent, and take into consideration the vast array of outcomes that are possible when crossbreeding. It takes many, many generations to create a “true breed type” and the Friesian Crossbred is a long way off yet from being “consistent in type.”
Particularly when crossbreeding, it is possible to breed the same mare to the same stallion and get a different result each time – even get two completely different suitability types from the same parents. For example, I have a Friesian/Thoroughbred that is very carriage-type. She is lovely for carriage work, but, reality is, she would fail miserably as a sport horse! Yet, she has a FULL brother who is doing very well in dressage. He has a completely different build and completely different movement! These are both very nice horses, they are just different. So, who should decide which one is the “better horse?” A person who likes dressage or a person who likes carriage?
I like the Friesian Heritage Horse, because their philosophy is to look at each horse as an individual, regardless of breed mixture, and judge that horse for quality and suitability of purpose, based on the horse’s own distinct merits and accomplishments. To some of us, sporthorses are great and I am all in support of developing Friesian crosses in that direction! But let’s face it, not ALL Friesian or Friesian crosses are sport-type. Many of them are not, even when they are intended/bred to be so. And, many riders do not need or even want a sport-type horse. Some people want park horses and others want pleasure horses. With the development of the IFSHA show platform, (International Friesian Show Horse Association), there is a growing demand for Park/Carriage type Friesian crosses. There is also definitely a place for nice, all-around horses with nice temperaments and nice movement, who do not have gigantic, sport-type gaits, so that the average, amateur rider can comfortably ride. If you look at the overall statistics of riders, most are not professional or anywhere near upper level in any discipline. These people need help and support in choosing/breeding their horses too. So, I like the Friesian Heritage Horse, because they have standards in place for all types and give credit where credit is due. It does not matter what type the horse is. What is important is that the horse has quality for its intended purpose and that the suitability type is correctly identified!
Furthermore, speaking to standards, the inspections that the Friesian Heritage Horse offers judge the quality of the canter! The quality of the canter is often a weak spot in the Friesian breed and is a critical component of a quality sport-type horse. The Friesian Heritage Horse specifically DOES NOT accept USDF In-hand scores or AWS inspection scores alone, for suitability designation, because neither of these programs addresses the vital need for a quality canter. It is not uncommon at all for Friesians and Friesian Crossbreds to display a correct trot, or even a great trot, for sport work, and then have a really hard time with a correct canter. This is a particular weakness for the breed and I commend the Friesian Heritage Horse for recognizing this and incorporating it into their standards, making it a special concern to look for and improve.
