Keuring Preparation Clinic with Jenny
Wells
May 20, 2006
Report written by Kelsey Evans
On May 20th, 2006, the Friesian Horse Council of New England hosted a keur preparation clinic by top Friesian trainer and presenter, Jenny Wells and her assistant, Debbie Hinds. Despite a last minute change of location to Prindle Hill Farm, in Charlton, MA, and a somewhat chilly May morning, there was a good turnout, with three participating horses and over ten auditors.
Jenny has been working with Friesians and presenting them at shows and FPS Inspections for over thirteen years and it shows. Her experience and preparation techniques have proven themselves. At the 2003 Inspection alone, Jenny prepared 7 out of the 8 top mares in a class of 28 mares trying for Studbook and Ster, and at shows around New England, her horses stand out for their striking appearance.
The clinic started off with a short introduction and plan for the day's events, then it was off to the cross-ties, where a very pretty and level-headed Wander 352 mare stood for a clipping
demonstration. Jenny showed in total, three examples of clipping styles which tend to show off a Friesian's face to it's best. While working on the demonstration horse, she spoke about some of the trends or misconceptions often associated with the Friesian breed and answered questions from the audience. She demonstrated the visual difference between trimmed ears, and shaved ears, as well as different ways to clip along and define the jaw-line depending upon the shape of the horse's head. Audience members were asked to pick their favorite clip job, and the majority chose the one which most refined and complimented the jaw.
After the clipping, the mare was taken off to the wash stall to get a complete do-over by Jenny and Debbie. Using plenty (gobs) of Jenny's favorite brand of shampoo, about a third of a gallon of show sheen, and after getting everyone just a little bit wet, the mare was slipped into a cooler and sent off to dry while the group moved on to the lecture portion of the
clinic.
The lecture focused all aspects of in-hand presentation, both for the Inspection and the show ring. The importance of horse behavior and human attitude, in addition to the appearance of both, was strongly emphasized. Jenny offered suggestions for training regimens, including exercises to improve the all-important walk, ways to strengthen the hindquarters. She also stressed the importance of honestly evaluating your horse both for it's strong points, and it's faults in conformation and movement so that you have a realistic expectation of how your horse might do at the annual Inspection. However, Jenny also explained that while a horse's conformation cannot be changed, there are ways to improve upon it. The importance of proper trimming and shoeing by a skilled farrier was discussed, as well as the decision of whether to leave a horse barefoot or shod for the keur. The group also looked over an english translation of the FPS linear score sheet, which each owner receives after his/her horse has been inspected. The meaning of each category was discussed, as well as the ideal scores.
After the lecture, the mare was brought out again, clean, sleek and shiny, and was given a final grooming session. By the end, hooves gleaming black, coat slippery sleek, mane and tail brushed smooth, and positively shimmering all
over, everyone found it rather a shame that the mare didn't actually have anywhere to go and show off her beauty treatment. The clinicians took this opportunity to try different styles of bridle, from the traditional white headstall, to white-padded dressage bridle, to plain black on the mare. Although traditionally white is used on Friesians at the Inspection, Jenny pointed out that for some Friesians a white headstall can be quite ugly. She encourages owners to choose the bridle that compliments their horse's head the best over something which is traditional but distracts from the overall impression. For instance, on a long-faced horse a dressage bridle with white padding may be preferred as it can help distract from the long
nose. On the mare in question, the white was acceptable, though she also looked quite beautiful in a padded, plain black dressage bridle.
After the last few touch-ups, it was on to the evaluations. In addition to the mare, there was a 3 year old filly and a 3 year old colt. Each of the three horses was evaluated for conformation, then run by Jenny Wells, with Deb Hind running whip to be evaluated for movement. The first mare, while having good overall conformation, had some difficulties in the trot, and after some discussion, a visit from a farrier and chiropractor was suggested.
The filly, who sported a fantastic, sweet temperament, also showed impressive
potential in her movement at the walk and trot. However, being rather underdeveloped physically for a three-year old, the owners were encouraged to wait a year or two until she had matured before bringing her to be keured for the Studbook. The final horse to be evaluated, a fresh young colt somewhat overwhelmed by his hormones, was treated by Jenny to an impromptu lesson in ground manners. After a few moments of stubborn belligerence, the young stallion finally caught on to the idea of being polite, a quick transformation and a testament to the clinician's training
skills.
By the time the clinic wrapped up, the day had warmed, and participants seemed happy and satisfied with their experience. Judging from all the note-taking, questions and interested observations from the crowd, it is certain that the clinic was a success and that another handful of Friesians will be spit-polished and ready when it comes time for the Inspection.
To submit news for our monthly article, please e-mail it to Kelsey Evans, friesiancrazy@gmail.com. Thank you.
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