Highlighting Baroque and Distinctive Breeds
Zoe, Astrid and Cara not only had extensive experience in competing and running shows, but also in stewarding and announcing, so it made sense to form a small group and see what could be done to turn things around. In 2017, they founded the Baroque and Distinctive Breeds Association, Inc. Now in its 4th year the association is growing, and celebrating three years of events, only missing 2020 due to covid.
‘Our events are getting bigger and better, and through them, we offer the equestrian and general communities the unique opportunity to meet and learn about so many incredible and genetically important breeds. These breeds are so important to the entire equine community, being some of the oldest and rarest there is.’
B&DBAI proudly cater to 49 breeds, 38 of which are on the rare and endangered list. For simplicity, the various breeds are split into 4 categories: Baroque, Heavy Horse, Distinctive and Gaited, as seen below.
‘As of 2021, however.’ Zoe explains. ’We’ve combined the breeds in the Gaited and Distinctive categories using a height split, instead—Small Distinctive for 14hh and Under, and Large Distinctive for over 14hh. All breeds across B&DBAI lists are judged to their official breed standards. Because of the differences in each of the breed and their uses, our shows purposely consist of breed halter classes and various disciplines — Dressage, Harness, Show Jumping, Trail, Led and Ridden Breed, Exhibition, Hacking, Youth and Riders with
