Sorry the reply with quote function is not working
so…
<<But crossing breeds to produce warmbloods is something that europeans do well, and Americans just tend to cross many horses that are’t perfect, and the get is therefore imperfect. >>
Well-- yes, European registries do have strict standards for approval, etc, and many have bloodlines segregated for jumping and for dressage. That said, most of the European warmblood registries are regional and not breeds-- I think the Trakhener is a rare example of what Americans would consider to be a breed, otherwise, warmbloods represent a type of horse, there is a lot of interchange among registries, and not distinct breeds as such. Europeans are non plussed about the work horse origins of warmbloods, but it seems to be something that Americans debate or want to minimize. I guess if you are going for status, the fact that Old Dobbin had a grandfather (or futher up the family tree) that pulled a milk cart or the family carriage isn’t something you want to advertise.
Some European breeders may cull horses that do not pass registry inspections or whathaveyou. That does not mean that every horse in Europe is a top quality horse. There are plenty of F1 sorts for instance in the UK, and plenty of warmbloods do their duty as lesson horses for absolute beginners, not a piaffe or jump in sight.
Just as there are lower quality horses in the US, there are also lower quality horses throughout Europe. Not every European horse has a good flatwork start in life. Not all European horses ( or riders) have a dressage base.
I know some people absolutely know their way around the European market. But I do get the impression that for some, it is just about the label of having a European import ( like a watch or a car or a pair of shoes) and other than that, the actual quality of what can be had is not that much different, if at all, than what you could find with a diligent search in the US or outside of Europe.
