Inspector Harrie Draaijer: ‘In actual fact the existing characteristics are too close together for a sufficient differentiation in assessment by the judges. We promote a carrying hind leg with satisfactory action in movement. For good performances in the sport a sufficiently fast hind leg is required. Therefore the characteristic ‘swiftness hind leg’ will be introduced on the score form.’
‘Swiftness hind leg’ is an optimum characteristic which means that the highest score is not by definition the most desirable score. The characteristic ‘swiftness hind leg’ lists low scores for a slow hind leg and high scores for a swift hind leg. For the sport an electric response from the hind leg is paramount. Therefore scores between 25 and 35 are the most favourable. The scoring is based on the fact that the average Friesian has a slightly slow hind leg.
Expressivity of movement
The second new characteristic reflects the type of movement which is defined with the terms ‘under the body mass and behind the body mass’. This describes the way in which the horse moves his hind leg forward under the body mass. Under type of movement, ‘behind body mass’ is defined by scores lower than 25 and ‘under body mass’ is defined by scores over 25. Draaijer: ‘Some horses display a powerful trot but still the hind leg comes from far behind which makes it difficult for the horse to carry himself. On the other hand, some horses may be slow in the hind leg but they step far under their body mass and achieve self-carriage. This addition makes it possible to differentiate between the quality of this movement. When assessing balance more attention will be paid to posture and outline. This means judges will examine whether horses demonstrate uphill movement or downhill movement in trot.’
Ids Hellinga: ‘In the upcoming inspection season the new characteristics will be assessed by way of experiment. At the end of this year we will consult and evaluate with the jury body to find out if these new elements are in fact a valuable addition to the existing way of judging.’
As posted in the June KFPS Newsletter
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