P-Foal 2026S

This Breeding Dossier evaluates the mating between Backwoods Perfect (Edie) and Olivero.

This comprehensive analysis integrates the Frielinghaus-PAX and Wardrope Functional frameworks with an expanded narrative, specifically tailored to our mission of breeding “intelligent, graceful, courageous” partners for the amateur market.

Backwoods Perfect x Olivero

1. SUMMARY: The “Genetic Fortress”

This mating is not merely a combination of two horses; it is a strategic fortification of the Shagya-Arabian’s most valuable traits: Constitution, Character, and Connection.

Our mission is to breed horses that “survive” and “bond”—traits forged in the cavalry but often lost in modern sport breeding. This cross executes that mission by creating a Genetic Fortress around the Bartok and Gazal VII lines. By uniting Olivero (a grandson of Bartok) with Edie (who carries Bartok in her dam line), we are locking in the “huge topline,” “massive bone,” and “unshakeable temperament” that defined the heavy cavalry horse.

The resulting foal represents the “Robust Athlete.” It will not be a delicate, high-strung creature requiring a professional ride. Instead, it projects to be a substantial, rhythmic, and deeply bonded partner—a horse with the bone to carry an adult amateur safely over fences and the brain to forgive their mistakes. It is the antithesis of the “unrideable champion”; it is the “Forever Horse.”

2. PEDIGREE ANALYSIS: The Power of Linebreeding

The linebreeding strategy confirms a sophisticated stacking of performance genetics. This is a “high-probability” mating.

• The “Bartok” Core (Strength & Topline):
• The Architecture: The foal carries Bartok (Gazal VII x Babolna) in a concentrated position (4S x 5D).
• The Impact: Bartok was legendary for his “huge topline” and “big muscles”. This linebreeding is the structural key to this cross. It directly addresses Edie’s “Fair” LS gap (coupling) by reinforcing the foal’s spine with Bartok’s legendary strength. This ensures the foal will have the back strength to collect in dressage or bascule over a jump without soreness.
• The “Gazal VII” Engine (Elasticity & Scope):
• The Engine: The foal carries 18 crosses to Gazal VII.
• The Impact: Gazal VII is the “Stallion of the Century” for jumping. Saturating the pedigree with this blood ensures the foal inherits the “elasticity” and “scope” required for sport. It guarantees that the “heavy” bone does not come at the expense of “light” movement.
• The “O’Bajan” Foundation (Rideability):
• The Mind: Linebreeding to O’Bajan X and O’Bajan XIII anchors the pedigree in the “black/brown” line known for “depth” and “rideability”. This is the genetic source of the “easy temperament” we seek.

3. PHENOTYPE ANALYSIS: The Frielinghaus-PAX Model

Targeting the “Ideal Shagya-Sport Horse”

4. FUNCTIONAL ANALYSIS: The Wardrope Model

Targeting Biomechanical Efficiency & Soundness

5. THE VIRTUAL FOAL: “The Robust Athlete”

• Conformation: A “Tank-Like” athlete. The foal will have the density of a cavalry horse (20cm bone) with the refinement of the Gazal line. It will be substantial enough to carry a larger rider but elegant enough for the show ring.
• Height: 15.3h – 16.1h. Olivero is a reliable size improver, but with a 15.3h mare, we expect a solid, medium-sized horse rather than a giant. This is often the “perfect size” for adult amateurs who want substance without the maintenance of a 17h horse.
• Movement: Rhythmic and Ground-Covering. The mid-range stifle and strong loin suggest a horse with a comfortable, metronomic canter—the “Rocking Horse” ride prized in the Hunter/Equitation rings.
• Temperament: “The Golden Retriever.” Safe, sane, and deeply bonded. This horse will be the one that meets you at the gate.

6. CONCLUSION

This mating is the definition of “Breeding for the Mission.”

It does not chase the “moon-jumping” trends of modern warmblood breeding. Instead, it consolidates the ancient virtues of the Shagya—hardiness, bone, and rideability—into a modern sport frame. It fixes the mare’s primary weakness (coupling) while doubling down on her greatest strengths (bone and brain).

Verdict: A Foundation Cross that will produce the kind of horse owners keep for a lifetime.

Mating Forecast: Backwoods Perfect (“Edie”) x Olivero (“Prince”)

Mare: Backwoods Perfect | Height: 15.3hh | Bone: 19.5 cm

Stallion: Olivero | Height: 15.1½hh | Bone: 19.0 cm

1. Height Prediction: The “Size-Maker” Factor

Despite the stallion’s medium stature, the genetic evidence points to a significantly larger foal.

• The Mare’s Size Genetics:
  • Edie stands 15.3hh.
  • Progeny Evidence: Her 2025 filly, Poppy JSI, is projected to exceed 16.0hh (based on user input and current growth). This confirms Edie has “hidden size” genetics, likely from the substantial Wineglass/O’Bajan foundation, and does not restrict the growth of her foals.
• The Stallion’s Production Record:
  • Olivero stands 15.1½hh (156 cm). In breeding, a smaller stallion often risks downsizing the foal.
  • However, Olivero’s production record contradicts this risk. He has consistently thrown height well above his own:
    • Sahara SM: Purebred mare, 16.1hh.
    • Once Upon a Baelfire: Purebred, 16.0hh.
    • Sadiyah SM: Purebred, 15.2hh (still taller than the sire).
• The Forecast:
  • Target Height: 16.0hh – 16.2hh.
  • Analysis: This is a rare “Size-Neutral to Size-Positive” mating. Since the 15.1h stallion frequently produces 16h offspring, and the 15.3h mare is currently throwing >16h foals, you should expect a large sport horse. The foal will likely surpass both parents in height.

2. The “Frielinghaus” Structure Match

Ensuring the frame supports the predicted height.

• Foundation Support:
  • With a predicted height of ~16.1hh, a horse requires significant bone to avoid breaking down.
  • Safety Margin: Edie brings 19.5 cm bone and Olivero brings 19.0 cm. This provides the massive foundation required to support a large, tall sport horse frame.
• Topline Risk (Re-emphasized):
  • As noted previously, both parents have a tendency toward length in the coupling/loin.
  • Height Impact: A taller horse with a long back can sometimes struggle with collection. The foal will likely be long and tall—a “scopey” frame ideal for endurance or jumping, but it may require time to develop core strength.

3. Progeny Analysis: The “Olivero Effect”

Based on video evidence of Olivero’s produced offspring.

1. Suspension & Air Time:
   • Observation: His taller offspring (Once Upon a Baelfire) show a distinct “pop” and suspension in the trot.
   • Benefit to Edie: Edie moves with power and reach. Olivero adds lightness. The resulting large foal should have a “floaty” trot desirable for dressage/hunters, rather than a heavy, pounding gait.
2. Neck Set & Head Type:
   • Observation: His offspring consistently inherit a vertical neck set and refined, dry head.
   • Benefit to Edie: Edie has a functional neck, but Olivero will likely add the vertical flexion and “Show Ring Presence” needed for a 16h+ impressor.

4. Final Verdict

Classification: The “Modern” Large Sport Shagya

This mating is uniquely positioned to produce a 16.1hh+ Athlete that retains the refinement of a smaller Arabian.

• Primary Outcome: A tall, elegant horse with 19+ cm bone and a noble head.
• Performance Suitability:
  • Endurance: Excellent. The frame covers ground effortlessly.
  • Hunters/Jumpers: High potential. The combination of size (16h+), bone, and Olivero’s calm temperament fits the Hunter ring perfectly.
• Genetic Value: By breeding the 15.3h mare to the 15.1h stallion and getting a 16.1h foal, you utilize the “hybrid vigor” of the outcross pedigree (Romanian/German mix) to gain size without losing type.

Recommendation: Highly Recommended for Sport. If your goal is to breed a larger horse for the open sport market (Dressage/Eventing/Hunters) that still looks like a classic Shagya, this cross delivers the height genetics that the stallion’s own phenotype hides.