b'NFHR Evaluation Prep Clinic Held in RixeyvilleBy Margaret Bogie, PC: Tom SynderVirginia Fjord owners and breeders were delighted to receive approval for the first NFHR Evaluation in seven years. The new American evaluation system took time in planning as well as had a hiatus for Covid, but it is finally ready to roll out in 2023!Manyownersarenewenoughtothebreedthattheyareunfamiliar with evaluations, what to expect, how they work, and how to prepare for the experience. Additionally, we have a new, updated system that will be operationalforthe firsttime.Therefore,aclinic washeld in Rixeyville, Virginia to help Fjord owners prepare for the new evaluation system. Coincidentally, the NFHR had received a grant from the Virginia Horse Industry Board to video the clinic and create digital education products about the evaluation tests. We had a professional videographer on hand to record both the didactic and demonstration portions of the clinic.Curtis Pierce, a long-time breeder, member of the Evaluation Committee, and former NFHR Board member served as the clinician. Curt reviewed the purpose, overview, and general rules for an evaluation before drilling down to the conformation test.We were fortunate to have a Blue Ribbon evaluated stallion, Tolgar, owned by Denny and Carol Cox, be our breed model. Curt discussed conformation, handler requirements, and general strategies for showing a Fjord.Alex Snyder assisted in walking and running the triangle with Tolgar, who had noproblem demonstrating the At Liberty portion of the test. At age 25 years, Tolgar showed everyone what Fjord movement was all about.TheRixeyvilleEvaluationwillhaveperformancetestsinIntroRiding, Family Fjord Foundation, Family Fjord Ground Driving, and Family Fjord Riding. At the preparation clinic, Helen Hayn rode Ironwood Valena for the Intro Riding test demonstration.Lindy Hild and her fabulous mare, DC Dagney, did all the Family Fjord test demonstrations.Dagney is one of two Fjords in the UnitedStates with a B1 Medallion of Quality award, meaning she completed all four Family Fjord tests at past evaluations.After the demonstrations, it was time for the participants to practice with their own Fjords in the ring.They took full advantage of it!The key to success in any evaluation is to practice, practice, practice!It also helped the handlers to see what was required and how to do it with their own horses. Curt Pierce provided individual coaching. Ironwood Farm will host future practice sessions with the Family Fjord test set for the entered horses. We want no surprises when participants arrive for the actual evaluation in September. We want everyone tohave good results and a happy time.The Rixeyville NFHR Evaluation will be held on September 9 and 10th at Ironwood Farm in Rixeyville, VA. Saturday features mare conformation tests and three riding tests. Sunday is dedicated to Family Fjord tests, a gelding conformation test, and young stock conformation tests. Both days feature fun and fellowship within the Fjord community and is free to attend. So please stop by! Look for photos in the next Herald!The VHIB video project is in the editing stage now and we hope to release those tests by the end of 2023.Finally, the NFHR is looking for more evaluation hosts and sites for 2024. Site locations can include a private farm location as well as public horse show facilities. Hosting an evaluation is a rewarding experience and anyone interested is encouraged to contact the NFHR for requirements.38 Fjord Herald Issue #148Fall 2023'