Several groups of horse enthusiasts with a certain type of horse have opened registries to document the horses. These horses should not be classed as Pure Breeds and unless the gene pool is small they will not attain Pure Breed status unless their registries close. The time of developing the genetic stability depends on the number of individuals with which the programme started. In the case of the Pure Spanish Warmblood attainment of the genetic stability has been accelerated by the fact that the core herd was small.
In the case of the Pure Spanish Warmblood the time has come to increase the critical mass both to seek genetic diversity and to have more individuals available to the general public so that their attributes can become known and recognised.
The difference between line-breeding and in-breeding is simple. To quote Marji's late father: "It is line-breeding when it works and in-breeding when it doesn't." While this makes it necessary for the stud master to make decisions based on commercial reality and the long term objectives for the breed and to cull where appropriate (ie not use certain individuals as breeding stock), Yardah has been fortunate in the quality of stock produced that extensive culling has been unnecessary.
Size of herd.
As mentioned above, the size of the Yardah herd has been small but this has not prevented the development. Over the years the size of breed numbers in some endangered species has been very low, but this has not precluded their resurgence. The Whooping Crane of Canada is a classic example.
Qualities of the Spanish Warmblood
The Spanish Warmblood breed developed by Yardah is unique in comparison to any existing breed; it combines substance, sensitivity, athleticism, refinement, excellent temperament and long-term soundness of body and mind. Their mental balance, intelligence, desire to work, and harmony of form give the breed an extraordinary capacity for collection, making them particularly suitable for the classical training method which is fast growing in popularity.
They have strength, stamina, true paces with good rhythm, elastic backs which produce powerful yet soft movement. Good range of speed, balance and flexibility. They have compact power, flexibility & range of motion. They can lighten their front end to engage, jump and spin. Some of the individuals are taller or shorter than the breed average, but they are otherwise correct to breed type.
These horses have great presence of mind, tremendous generosity and personality, all matched with manageability. Manageability is a breed characteristic that they must have, whether stallion, mare or gelding.
From birth they must show willingness to engage with people. They can be handled by a variety of people with different levels of expertise. When in training they stay focused and learn. Whatever their personality, "gentleman", "dude" or "dignified" they are kind affectionate workers with tremendous capacity to develop relationships with individual riders. While their presence makes them larger than life and they retain their spirit, they are compliant.
The Spanish Warmblood Breed is regulated by The International Spanish Warmblood Horse Association. Further details of this Not for Profit Association can be found on the website. www.spanishwarmblood.com
