THE HISTORY-
The Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar International (RPSI) may seem like a "new kid on the block" but, this is an organization that brings both history and integrity to Warmblood breeding in North America.
The territory of the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar developed in southern Germany along the Rhine river. During the Roman Empire the area was a principality known as Rheinland Palatinate. In 1755 a state stud was established by Duke Christian IV von Pfalz-Zweibrucken. More than 100 stallions were traded with Trakehnen.
During the Napoleonic wars many stallions were lost to the French. There is even a famous painting of Napoleon riding a grey Zweibrucken stallion named "Fayom'. It is said that Napoleon was impressed by the beauty and stamina of the breed and once rode Fayom for 23 hours without interruption during the battle of Wagram in Austria, 1809.
The Pferdezuchterverband Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar e.V. was formed in 1977, and still maintains the registry today. Approved stallions and mares are entered directly into the German stud books and foals are given a registration number at birth. In 1992 the RPSI moved to its new equestrian center (PZ) in Standebuhl/ Donnersbergkreis. As one of the few breed associations with its own riding facilities, they are proud of being the center of administration as well as offering sales and training. The state stud offers a constant supply of hand picked horses ranging from the reliable riding mount to the top-class competitor. Qualified experts guarantee sound advice on buying a horse, advice on breeding, support with training of the stallion grading, championships, mare shows and even present them on request. In 1995 more than 2,000 mares were covered, 1587 foals were registered and 3552 new mares were registered.
Many outstanding and internationally successful horses have emerged from the ranks of the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar and its annual auction. Robert Dover rode the Zweibrucken gelding, Romantico at the 1984 Olympics and Lucky Lord helped Margit Otto-Crepin and the French Dressage team place fourth in the 1996 Atlanta Olympics. Currently Lynda Alicki (USA) is also gaining international success on Gino by Grunstein ll.
Apricot D by Alexis is ranked as one of the top two most successful show jumpers of alt time. His rider, the infamous Hugo Simon of Austria, achieved international success on two other Zweibruckers, Magnum and Amaretto D.
IN NORTH AMERICA - Over the past 25 years the popularity and appreciation for the qualities of the Warmblood skyrocketed in the United States. This infusion of European warmblood in conjunction with our strong Thoroughbred lines has kept us in the main arena of international competition. Early on it also created some problems.
For all of the outstanding examples of the warmblood athlete seen at the Olympics, World Cup Finals, and top horse shows, there were just as many ill-fated purchases. Many trainers have been faced with new customers bringing the baggage of a warmblood purchase that was poorly suited to the rider's needs or simply a poor quality animal. With the meteoric rise of Warmblood popularity many trainers were initially faced with traveling in Europe without having as much time as they would like to build relationships with European contacts. I'm happy to say in my opinion this situation has been almost eliminated by American smarts, integrity and perseverance.
Sadly, many of the same inconsistencies that faced those first purchasing horses in Europe years ago, are still plaguing the today's North American Warmblood breeder. Often there is a very weak communications between European Breed Associations and the breeders. Whether it is simply a poor educational process or attempts by some organizations to veil the truth, addresses individual questions for each breeder. I like to hope that many of these problems have grown more out of misdirected enthusiasm.
The first set of problems involves thc perceived and actual integrity and accountability of the Keurings. Many North American Breed Associations (with European Warmblood names) seem to care more about increasing their numbers than maintaining the integrity of the breed. More numbers mean more registration fees. All too often local breeders are used in the selection process. No matter how pure their intent in keeping the selection process unbiased they cannot be unaware of the position of their own stock. This leaves the door open for any disgruntled breeder to cry foul.
An even more important shortcoming of some organizations is their registry limitations. Many breeders are unaware that horses that are registered, licensed, branded, etc. by warmblood societies preface by North American or the equivalent, have few ties if any with the registry of their European counterpart. That means a stallion or mare licensed, approved and branded in the U.S. is not recognized in the homeland stud or mare books. This is true of their offspring as well. Each breeder must assess their situation - it is important to them if a horse's papers are from say, a German Verband or an American organization with a German name? Is it important if both the breeding and competitive history of their animals is well documented and easily attainable?
Make note this information is not meant to condemn any particular breed organization, but rather to give the individual breeders more information as to the questions to ask, and the results they should expect from an association.
THE RHEINLAND - PFALZ- SAAR INTERNATIONAL (RPSI)
By 1995 confusion plagued many of the American counterparts of German breed associations. When the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar Verband looked to expand its territory to North America the RPSI was born. This is not a counterpart, but rather an extension of the original Verband. Following the guidelines of the parent Verband, this new registry has some special qualities. The RPSI will use only the top educated and qualified representatives directly from the German Verband at is North American Inspection. Using the same representatives here and in Germany assures more correct and ethical Keurings. As in Europe, approved mares and stallions are entered directly into the Mare and Stud Books in Germany, and foals are given a registration number at birth. This number used in the European community and soon in North America, follows the foal's show results, location, and breeding records, if applicable.
The main goal of the RPSI is to preserve and expand the quality of sport horses in all disciplines on the North American continent. There is a dedication to offer service, advice and stability for both the breeders and those purchasing and competing on RPSI horses. I feel breeders in North America are producing some of the highest quality equine athletes in the world, and it is only because of inadequate registration and promotion that we are not receiving the global recognition deserved.
To contact the North American headquarters for RPSI, please call (909) 948-2934