2003 Rolex Kentucky Three-Day Event

Rolex Breeders Symposium: The Conformation of the Ideal Event Horse

On Friday evening the group met again with Dr. Kent Allen, DVM and rider Torrance Watkins joining Sam Barr and David O’Connor to analyze, live, the conformation of the ideal event horse.

Both Giltedge (Glen Bar x Kitty), and Prince Panache (Nickel King x Scotch Pancake/Scottish Venture), outstanding event horses campaigned internationally by David and Karen O’Connor, and John Williams’ WEG mount Carrick were on hand for evaluation.

David O’Connor was the first to comment, basically reiterating much of what was said the previous day. “Nothing will inhibit a horse like the mental inability to be ridden,” he said. “Giltedge’s rideability has been a very important part of his success. The dingbat Thoroughbreds off the track won’t be successful in the future because dressage and show jumping are such a huge part of it now.”

O’Connor said that he is a believer in Thoroughbred stallions as horses that have the depth of strength and “run” to make it as eventers. “You’ve got to have the endurance factor,” he said. “Even with the shorter course. The World Equestrian Games in Jerez were a good example: even with a shorter, twisty and turning course the horses got just as tired.” He added, “Our success hasn’t been with US Thoroughbreds off the track, it’s been from Irish and English and some New Zealand-bred horses.”

Denny Emerson attributed this to the fact that those countries have a broader base of crossbred mares to breed to the Thoroughbred stallions. “The reality is that to import one stallion to the United States is easier than importing 50 mares,” he pointed out.

Torrance Watkins also said that she is a fan of Thoroughbreds. “If you’re lucky enough to find a breeder who breeds for the track but the horse doesn’t get that far you’re golden,” she said. “You have to get them before they have the wear and tear of racing.”

Watkins said that she looks for a horse with a good jump before she looks for a good mover. “I find the warmbloods are wonderful in dressage but in jumping the shoulder can’t rotate so they can’t get the knee up,” she said.

On looking over the horses present Dr. Kent Allen said, “These horses have longevity because of their good conformation. To me horses with conformation problems can do well, but not year after year. If a horse is put together right it tends to last.”