Who’s excited for keuring season? Whether this is your first keuring or your 21st, attending a keuring is a wonderful experience often packed with nervous energy—for both your horse and you! Being overly prepared is the best way to help you stay calm. Check out our guide to getting organized for this important event.
Keuring Entries with Meghan deGaray
Meghan deGaray, breeding manager at Iron Spring Farm, shares strategies to keep the keuring process as smooth as possible.
What’s your process for the Iron Spring Farm keuring entries?
I start doing entries as soon as they open. I do the foals first and then the 3-year-olds for studbook/star. I do the riding classes last. I don’t like to do the entries too near the closing date because that adds stress for me and the breed registry, who is flooded with last minute entries.
Are there any special tricks or tips for the entries?
Be sure to register your foal right away. This ensures those papers are completely processed before the keuring entries. I love to do the entries online; it’s much more efficient and easy. Familiarize yourself with the process for your registry before you sit down to do the work. This way you’ll have everything you need to expedite the process.
Is there anything you need to include with your entries that might surprise a first-timer?
Make sure your membership with the breed organization is current. As mentioned above, register your foal ahead of time. This process is also usually initiated online through the registry’s website. For a foal or horse you’ve purchased, be sure to complete the transfer of ownership so the horse is in your name.
Call or email the registry if you need help. They are there for you!
What type of prep is ideal before the keuring?
You want to give your horse the best opportunity to shine for the inspectors. Groom your horse to the same level you would for a horse show. You also want your horse at an ideal weight—not too skinny or too fat. Good muscling on the topline and a good condition score will help your horse look his best and help him not tire out during the big day.
If keurings are new to you, consider hiring a professional handler and braider. The pros can help show your horse to his best advantage and are usually well worth their fees.
What type of pre-keuring practice do you recommend?
You’ll want to practice walking and trotting in-hand for the linear score for warmbloods and on the triangle for Friesians. I would also practice free movement so your horse is accustomed to the process.
For the three-year-old horses who will be jumping at the keuring, preparation is key. Jumping in a chute requires a few practice sessions so your horse can learn the ropes and feel confident with gymnastics over fences.
You may want to work with a trainer who’s familiar with the chute set-up so your horse can practice the same heights and distances. You want your horse to have a good experience, so if this is all new to you, definitely get professional help. Read the keuring rules for all the specifications.
Another common oversight: horses three and older will be measured for the studbook at the keuring. Many horses aren’t familiar with this process and get upset when the judge approaches with the measuring stick. This is easy to practice at home, so add this to your pre-keuring checklist.
Any other tips?
Read the rules ahead of time. For example, most registries don’t allow bar shoes or pads. There are also restrictions on what age horses can wear shoes. If your older horses are barefoot, consider adding shoes so they will move to the best of their ability. Of course, allow time for acclimation. Also know what type of bridle and bit or halter is required for the presentation and make sure your horse is comfortable in the headwear.
Also schedule a vet appointment ahead of time so you have a current coggins test and other health papers. Check with the breed organization and the keuring hosts for the specific vaccination requirements. You can also ask the hosts about stabling and stall reservations and fees.
Last, but not least, many keurings have photographers and videographers covering the event. Consider signing up so you can have high quality documentation of all your hard work on the big day.
All in all, know the rules and plan ahead. This makes for a smooth and fun keuring experience.
Links
General information, requirements for participation, handler, rider and horse requirements, IBOP information.
The keuring at Iron Spring Farm is Wednesday August 30, 2023.
KWPN-NA YouTube channel
Good resource with lots of webinars!
Everything you want to know about FHANA keurings, including calendar, application, requirements and info for both in-hand inspection and IBOP and much more. The inspection at Iron Spring Farm is Wednesday, October 4, 2023.
Lots of videos on keuring preparation & what to expect.
Resources to Get Ready!
How to register your foal with the KWPN-NA and FHANA
How to prepare your under saddle horse for his first show (or keuring)
ISF's Friesian Grooming Video Series
Confidently Load on to the Trailer
Disclaimer:
All content provided by Iron Spring Farm is general and for informational purposes only. Content may also not constitute the most up to date information. Nothing in this content is intended to constitute veterinarian advice or to serve as a substitute for consultation with a veterinarian. Always seek the advice of your veterinarian or other qualified provider with any questions that you may have about the treatment and care of your horse.
Any reliance that you place on the information provided is strictly at your own risk and Iron Spring Farm, its officers, employees, representatives, and agents, hereby disclaim any and all liability to any party for any direct, indirect, implied, punitive, special, incidental, consequential or other damages arising directly or indirectly from access to or use of any content provided to the maximum extent permitted by law.
