The Hanoverian 09|2012 - the American Hanoverian Society!

again breeders follow new trends. Foundation sires
like Der Löwe xx or Grande created an incredibly
strong breed foundation that allows for mistakes
here and there.
It is important to search for a healthy foundation in
the breeding program and to not become influenced
too much by trends. A breeder must always
be aware to breed correct and powerfully moving
horses. While observing the developments in the
Netherlands I believe that the breeders there may
have focused a bit too much on show and great
front-end action. We are still on the right track
here in Germany.”
THE HANOVERIAN: What could be improved
in the relation between the sport and the
breeding program?
Isabell Werth, “The contact between breeders and
riders could be better. Isn’t it very important that
talented horses get into the right hands as early as
possible? I believe that we have plenty of good
horses in Germany – we just have to be able to
locate them. Maybe we must address the associations.
I greatly enjoy keeping in contact with the
breeders of my horses. The breeders of Don Johnson
FRH call on a regular basis to inquire about
Jonny. I am delighted when breeders show an interest
in the development and history of the horses.
I keep in contact with the breeders and the often
results in them offering me young horses. For obvious
reasons I cannot view all young horses in every
breeder’s barn. But this presents an opportunity
to identify top horses at a very early stage. It does
take time and experts to find them though. The
first sight can be deceiving.”
THE HANOVERIAN: Which attributes are essential
for a Grand Prix-dressage horse?
Isabell Werth, “Three top basic gaits, elasticity, rideability
and performance willingness. Doctor Uwe
Schulten-Baumer would not touch a horse that
does not display a good walk. I am of similar opinion
because I am convinced that three top basic
gaits are essential. I view all other opinions as
trendy movements with which one cannot exist
long-term. Grand Prix-horse must also be appropriately
spirited and lively.
There is no horse without weaknesses. It is important
as the rider and trainer to have a vision and
the feel to deal with the respective weakness. I let
the horse inspire me. I have had many very successful
horses that were not perfectly built. In general
one obviously wants the ideally constructed
horse. There is nothing you can do though with just
a perfectly constructed body and no movement.”
THE HANOVERIAN: At what age can you detect
the talent for Grand Prix?
Isabell Werth, “Early on you can evaluate type, basic
gaits and rideability. You can then see if a horse
moves with enough elasticity and if the hind leg is
quick enough. One can realistically assess the talent
for Grand Prix as five- to six year olds.”
THE HANOVERIAN: Please give your opinion
on the development in the international
dressage arenas during the past years.
Isabell Werth, “We wanted globalization - we
wanted the competition in dressage, too. Now we
have got it and now we cannot complain. The
other nations have caught up. We as the riders
from Germany have to live with this fact and have
to just be even better. I am convinced that horses
with good and solid basic gaits and an appropriate
interior will perform the almost perfect test and
will have the nose ahead in the end! The ideal is to
combine both. In general the art of riding has continued
to develop. I rode differently ten years ago.
While training my young horses I have become
more and more aware of the increased importance
of the Piaffe- and Passage-tour.” n
Don Johnson FRH: Federal Minister Ursula von der
Leyen, Madeleine Winter-Schulze, Manfred Schäfer
and Dr. Werner Schade congratulate Isabell Werth.
Photo: Rüchel
Sport
Breeding and competition hand in
hand: Isabell Werth, Don Johnoson‘s
breeder Adolf Meyer and Madeleine
Winter-Schulze.
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