HF recently approved a brand-new original breed, the Harlequin Sporthorse! Created by Tina of Starlit Oasis Stables, the breed appears, in essence, as a tobiano Friesian with the athleticism of a warmblood by meshing Friesian blood with Oldenburg, Dutch Warmblood, and Trakehner.
For the official thread, please visit that at the HF forum here. If you are interested in created your own Original Breed, please read the rules regarding that here.
Harlequin Sporthorse
Created by Tina in 2020.
Harlequin Sporthorse
The Harlequin Sporthorse appears, in essence, as a tobiano Friesian with the athleticism of a warmblood. The striking white pattern has been achieved by crossing Friesians with pinto warmbloods possessing exceptional gaits and similar heavy ‘baroque-style’ type to a Friesian. These horses make exceptional driving and dressage horses, with the warmblood influence adding even more athleticism than Friesians are already known for. They are also exceptionally hardy since the infusion of new blood has helped mitigate some of the genetic conditions common to Friesians.
Want to get noticed in the dressage arena or driving ring? Get a Harlequin today!
Foundation Breeds
Friesian
Oldenburg (tobiano)
Dutch Warmblood (tobiano)
Trakehner (tobiano)
We will not be closely monitring the pedigrees of parent warmblood stock, so as long as the parent is registered as one of the above breeds, it is eligible to use for Harlequin breeding regardless of any other breeds in its background. However, we ask breeders to use their discretion. Color is not the sole factor–Harlequins are primarily dressage and driving horses, so pinto warmbloods who are phenomenal jumpers but lack flowing gaits on the ground are not suitable for Harlequin breeding. For this reason, warmbloods with a heavy Thoroughbred influence are not ideal, but would be permitted if the horse is an exceptional mover.
For 1st generation Harlequins (pinto WB x Friesian), neither parent needs to be approved before breeding. However, only pinto warmbloods are allowed to be used, as the goal is to add both color and athleticism to the Friesian type.
Generations
1st | Tobiano Warmblood x Friesian = Harlequin
2nd | Harlequin x Friesian = Harlequin
3rd | Harlequin x Harlequin = Harlequin
Cropout Foals
Occasionally, due to genetics, a cropout foal may be born. These foals will possess the same athleticism and traits as any Harlequin, but will come in colors other than black and white. This applies to both solid black horses as well as solids and tobianos of colors other than black. Cropouts will be allowed to show in Harlequin Society shows, but won’t be eligible to produce Harlequin foals.
Evaluations
Harlequins do not need to be approved in order to be considered a Harlequin. From birth, they are eligible for Harlequin shows. However, in order to be used for breeding, Harlequins must pass an evaluation. This is to ensure that they are an accurate representation of the intended cross and will ‘breed true’ the same way the 1st generation cross does.
Evaluation scoring is as follows:
< 50 = Not Approved
51-75 = Second Premium
76-100 = First Premium
Horses that are not approved, or who wish to try for a higher score, are welcome to improve their training and condition and try again at the next evaluation. Evaluations will be available at the monthly Harlequin shows and have no limit to how many times a horse may enter.
Second premium horses are eligible to breed to Friesians only, and are only allowed one Harlequin foal per year.
First premium horses are eligible to breed to other first premium Harlequins as well as Friesians, and are allowed unlimited Harlequin foals per year.
All horses are judged on the following categories:
A. Walk/Trot In-Hand
B. Conformation
C. Temperament
D. Liberty
E. Long Lines Display
F. Overall Critique
(The performance capability of a horse is showcased on long lines rather than under saddle, since the technique applies well to both dressage and harness horses.)
Naming Rules
Harlequin Sporthorses must have a name that references something black, white, or both.
Conformation
Harlequins have long legs and a rounded, baroque-style body with a short croup and a long, arched neck. The overall build is more compact than it is long, and they stand from 15 to 17 hands at the withers with 16 considered ideal. The withers are wide and should not be overly prominent, and the loins are broad and strong. Manes and tails should be full and kept natural or braided for showing but never trimmed or roached. A medium amount of feather below the cannons is ideal. They are exclusively black tobiano; no other colors or patterns are permitted. Head carriage is naturally high, and gaits have energetic knee action with a steady cadence. The trot in particular may be maintained comfortably for a long time, making them optimum carriage driving horses, but they have the athleticism to excel at dressage and combined driving as well.
Additional Registries
BHA – Since they will always be at least 50% Friesian, Harlequins are allowed to show in the BHA
WBA – First generation Harlequins may compete in the WBA as long as one parent was a warmblood
