clarea
Olympic Poster
Posts: 878
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Post by clarea on Jan 23, 2013 15:32:59 GMT 1
There are not many competing GP friesians but they are increasing in number. At Olympia a couple of years ago there was Rintje ridden by Hans Meganck and in the US Zorro was a competing GP friesian but has now sadly passed away. If I can pluck up the courage then my boy would be out competing at PSG as well! Friesians possibly aren't suited to everyone, they are often quirky and yes I think that a decent and sensitive rider will get the best out of them. MTA I'm not saying I'm a brilliant rider!!
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clarea
Olympic Poster
Posts: 878
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Post by clarea on Jan 23, 2013 16:20:08 GMT 1
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Post by Pony-Nutt on Jan 23, 2013 17:42:28 GMT 1
That is good to hear but I wonder if it is easy for average riders to get there with them? And as you say, 'once the shoulder is free'. Exactly how do you get to that point with them? I am the first to admit that they have lovely movement and are breathtaking to watch when going properly but they are perhaps a specialist breed for devoted fans of the breed? It is worth noting that there are none out there competing with the big boys. We are now seeing plenty Iberian types doing well but no Friesians so presumably the professionals stay clear of them for a reason? Only my own personal thoughts, no idea if Im talking tosh! These were not highly schooled horses and the riders were competent every-day riders. The way to clear the shoulder is getting a saddle that suits their shape and I know the owner was having problems with every english saddle she tried as they were blocking the large shoulder. I expect the professionals have not started competing on them is probably more a case of fashion rather than ability. Doh! I thought you were referring to some fancy technique that I have not even heard of yet not saddle fit! Ive not heard of them being quirky at all quite the opposite in fact, all Ive heard on the temperament side is that they are angels. I used to know a really stunning Fell x Friesian a good few years back, he won loads in the M&M classes, I know that strictly speaking he should not have been in the class at all but he was the nicest one there and he did go very nicely so I didnt mind being beaten by him at all
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