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International Curly
Approved
Mare & Stallion studbook
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ICAMS
FAQ
1. What does ICAMS stand
for?
International Curly Approved Mare & Stallion studbook.
2. Why was ICAMS
created?
To provide and apply a uniform rating &/or grading system that allows
comparison of all ICHO Curly Horses in one universally recognizable &
acceptable format. To recognize, identify, and track quality breeding stock
and to encourage selection for improved quality and to develop qualifying
Curly Horse Types toward breed status.
3. What is a studbook?
Why have both a registry and a
studbook?
There is a difference between Registries and Studbooks. But these terms are
easily confused for two reasons: First, often are published birth registry
listings (books) called "Stud Books", like the ABC "Stud Books", or Jockey
Club Stud Books, even if the included horses are just registered horses and
not stud book approved. Secondly, a Registry and a Stud Book often are connected
and run by the same organization or association, with one of the requirements
to be eligible for the stud book part is that the horse is entered into the
registry part.
Registry Definition: An inventory list of horses that
share some traits or blood lines. The acceptance are most often based on
non-qualitative criteria, and very seldom inspection. The most frequent criteria
are: - pedigree (in closed registries), for instance arab, fjord etc. - color
(or coat type :-), for instance pinto, paint, palomino - gait, for instance
spotted saddle horse, american fox trotter. Most registries accept foals
from when they are foaled, and as long as they meet the criteria, they can
be of any quality. In the curly world, NACHR, ABCR and SACHF are such registries.
NACHR has curly coat as their single criteria (or straight coat off a dominant
curly parent). ABCR has pedigree (must be from two ABC registered horses),
and curly coat (or straight non-stallions from two ABC full horses or and
ABC full sire and ABC straight mare). SACHF has pedigree (must be an ABC
or NACHR horse, or be out of two ABC or SACHF horses), and curly coat (or
straight non-stallions). In Sweden the registry part is called "Grundstambok".
The objective of a registry is to identify and track all eligible horses.
Stud Book Definition: Accepts horses that meet specified
quality criteria. Most often only stallions or mares are accepted, sometimes
geldings also (to show the producing quality of its parents). Horses have
to be inspected and rated and will be accepted if they meet or exceed the
decided on rating level. Often veterinary inspections are required as well.
Sometimes performance records are used as a substitute for inspection. Most
European registries runs a stud book part also. The horses are inspected
at official all-breed inspections or breed specific inspections. In Swedish
the stud book part is called "Riksstambok". In the curly world, so far The
Swedish SACHF is the only stud book. Among their criteria are: (1) the horse
must be registered SACHF (registry part) (2) the horse should have been approved
at an official inspection including approved ridden/driven test, and (3)
passed a veterinary inspection (for stallions). The objective of a stud book
is to identify, test, recognize and track good quality breeding stock, in
order to sustain or improve the overall quality of the breed. In Europe,
in a horse's life, most often it is submitted to a registry as a foal. Later,
if the owner wants to use it for breeding, it is entered into an inspection
and if approved, will apply for the stud book. There is legislation that
prohibits use of unapproved stallions (with some exceptions). Mares are normally
not required to be stud book accepted to be allowed to breed, but doing so
will increase her value and the value of her foals. Horses will ideally be
shown several times in their life, in order to advance in the rating levels.
The better performance records they achieve, the more foals (of a certain
quality), the higher rating they are eligible to receive. Normally they don't
compete with the other horses entered at the same inspection, but they compete
with a set standard.
4. What if my Curly Horse doesn't meet ICAMS minimal approval scores?
Is that a death sentence for my breeding program? Does it mean my horse is
worthless?
Parts
of this FAQ is borrowed from the Connemara Pony Studbook FAQ, and is true
of Curly Horses as well:
"No, no and no. First of all, a horse may ALWAYS be presented
for re-inspection. But even if your horse never passes it will still be a
REGISTERED Curly Horse, listed in the ICHO/NACHR (or ECHR) Registry ... It
just will not appear in the Approved Section of the ICAMS Stud Book. And
... your horse's progeny would be eligible for inspection. Also many horses
that fail ... go on to have wonderful performance careers. Seabiscuit, one
of the best race horses of all time, would never have passed a conformation
inspection!" Many Curly Horses presented for evaluation, will receive
approval scores. The minimum scores are not rigid or set overly high. The
Curly Horse that is sound and genetically fault free, and without serious
conformation problems, will be approved. There are no competitive attitudes
at evaluations, instead it is supportive and educational, and all learn together.
The Curlies are not competing against each other, they are being evaluated
in comparison to ideal horse conformation, which technically does not exist.
When a Curly Horse is enrolled in a NACHIP (any voluntary North American
Curly Horse Inspection Program) inspection, it will receive a score there.
That score will be compatible with scores needed to apply to ICAMS. The owner
has the option to then apply for approval to ICAMS with that score, or not.
The owner already knows what the score is, and already has the educational
information provided at the inspection. Plus, scores received below the ICAMS
cutoff would not be published anywhere. Perhaps the higher scoring horses
of the event might have their scores published. The scores would be sent
to the ICAMS database.
5. How do I get my ICHO Curly Horse approved by
ICAMS?
All horses applying to ICAMS must be inspected live. In North America, most
will be inspected at a NACHIP event. Horses will be inspected for genetic
health, conformation, movement, athletic ability, Curly breed character and
temperament. It will include a ridden or driven test (optional in North America).
If the scores are compatible with ICAMS, and if they meet or exceed the minimum
requirements for ICAMS the horse will be approved if the owner applies to
ICAMS. Previous inspection scores from other accredited functions may be
included, or transferred into ICAMS grading format.
6. Do I have to have my
horse
inspected?
Yes & No.
NO: Because enrolling your Curly Horse in a NACHIP inspection
is totally optional.
NO: Because submitting the resulting NACHIP scores to ICAMS
for approval is also totally optional.
But ...
YES: if you want to apply to ICAMS, an inspection is required
for ICAMS' approval.
7. Why would I want
to submit my ICHO Curly Horse for
inspection?
Owners: You might be interested in getting an objective,
professional's opinion of what type your Curly is, and why. How well it is
conformed and how suitable its movement and/or its athletic ability is for
its type [form to function]. ICAMS will only recognize the world's most
experienced and qualified horse professionals (in all equine fields), so
that inspection scores will be as objective, educational, supportive and
non-political as humanly possible.
Breeders: An inspection gives you the opportunity to
have your breeding Curly Horses professionally inspected for quality and
ability. If you are breeding for a special type this is very valuable to
help you reproduce quality consistent foals from inspected parents, generation
to generation. You should not fear grading results, but only use them as
a tool to help guide you in how to improve your next generation.
Marketing: Every ICAMS approved Curly Horse will be
receive an official ICAMS score record. That ICAMS score is in turn recognizable
on an international scale for Type, Quality & Breed Genesis status. That
gives it more international appeal when considering the high cost of shipping
horses overseas (improves overall marketing potential for all
concerned.)
Value: You might want a professional evaluation done
on a horse to help establish its value for legal or insurance purposes.
Breed Status: Breed genesis supported by scientifically
documented and sound genetic practice is the most responsible and credible
way to present an "evolving breed" to the world equine community.
8. What are the
specialized Types addressed in a NACHIP type inspection report?
a. GENERAL SADDLE HORSE (Non-Specialized)
(Specialized:)
b.
SPORT
c. STOCK
d. PLEASURE (likely a type class we will find out)
e. DRAFT
It is REQUIRED that an inspector address a Specialized Type (when it exists)
for any Curly Horse s/he evaluates, however, many Curly Horses are
non-specialized in type. For those few Curly Horses that show specialized
type the judge will mark that on the scorecard, and has an area to make comments
regarding form to function: The judge is encouraged to comment on that
to help the owner and breeder pinpoint their particular successes and areas
to work on. (Working with North American & European definitions, these
4 Specialized Types were singled out & defined to represent the wide
variety of [prevalent] body styles, movement and athletic disciplines (abilities)
exhibited in the Curly Horses of today. Other Curly Horse Types could form
in the future if the need arose.)
The ICHO "Type" Clubs or Associations (formed now in North America) are going
to be more activity oriented (i.e. Sporthorse supporting all horses competing
in any sporthorse event, regardless of type - therefore any Homestead, Pleasure,
Gaited or Classic ICAMS approved horse would be equally welcome to partake
in the sport events) Similarly the ICHO Curly Western/Stockhorse Club would
be supporting all working western horses regardless of type; Pleasure all
pleasure/gaited type events; and Classic all endurance, versatile horses
with participation in all events. The ponies cover all body types. We believe
we need this overlap and division in labour because the reality is that most
Curly Horses are quite versatile - a trait ICHO actively encourages.
9. How do I know
what type my Curly
is?
Most Curlies are not of any (specialized) type. Based on your Curly's
conformation, movements, athletic ability and temperament, compare that to
definitions of types listed. Look at the online Judging Handbook photo pages
and compare there. It's origin, bloodlines, other breeds in pedigree might
be a guiding factor. If you are still unsure, don't worry, the judges are
experienced in judging different horse types and have that same manual to
assess which type (if any special type) your horse is.
10. What if I am
a breeder and my type of Curly interest is not
listed?
Most Curlies fall into this category. Again, the typing is only optional
for the judges anyway, and it is likely your curly is not a specialized type.
All Curly Horses will be inspected for universal "good conformation" on the
basis of the general NACHR breed description, and type notations may be included
in the inspection. If your horse displayed ideal conformation, movement and
aptitude for endurance racing for example, that should be noted by a judge
on the scorecard.
11. Who will be
the judges at ICAMS
inspections?
Non Curly Horse people. Objective Judges who have extensive national or
international recognition & respected credentials in multi-Type judging,
as well as specialized discipline areas, such as sporthorse [many disciplines],
working ranch horse, gaited horse, pleasure horse, etc. Judge's qualifications
must meet international standards. Inspectors will be ICAMS certified if
they meet this description.
12. Is a horse inspected
through the CSI automatically eligible as an ICAMS Sport
horse?
ICAMS must by definition be internationally accountable for all scores it
awards or approves, so nothing is actually automatic. However the major
responsibility of a studbook is to record all awards of accomplishment
that a horse has earned. So with any horses approved by ICAMS its quality
records from any previous judgings should be included in its ICAMS records,
if they are presented in ICAMS compatible scoring format. ICAMS is setting
up a system for fair and equitable translation of all quality records into
a universal ICAMS scoring system format. International industry experts will
guide GC in forming the most efficient and accurate method of translation
possible. It is intended that quality data from any accredited organization
or system should transfer quite seamlessly. Once ICAMS is established, CSI
and any other organization can then apply for ICAMS sanctioning for their
future inspections.
13. Will the judge(s) do a "run" around our countries each year, so we
can reserve him/her when he/she is passing nearby... is that the plan?
That is certainly one
possibility among many. There will probably be an annual ICAMS inspection
at the ICHO Convention each fall. Other associations will be encouraged to
hold as many ICAMS sanctioned inspections a year as possible to offer the
closest possible events to everyone. The costs will be held down to a
minimum.
14. Why do you already have stallions pictured on the ICAMS webpages?
Are they already inspected and if not don't you think you should put all
the stallions on there that are? Aren't you promoting one particular
stallion/mare to establish the ideal for all others to conform
to?
No. Just because we (actually I the weblackey) put photos up to illustrate
variances in Type (to illustrate this for prospective judges/inspectors),
doesn't mean we (GC) chose those horses as the one ideal to represent each
type. It does NOT mean that, even if it does look that way. The purpose is
to educate judges. In judging we are taught: there are more variations
within the types, than there are between the types. That is such a
fundamental truth in horses and all livestock, and it is very important to
remember in ICAMS! Good conformation (and movement) is good - poor is poor.
The variations in type are to be addressed to help breeders' goals when possible,
but good horses of all types often have more similarities than they do
differences.
15. I am not interested in ICAMS if its purpose is to regulate
policy on the eligibility of Smooth Coated Curly Horses and "Crossbred" Curly
Horses,
etc.
ICAMS purpose is not to address these kinds of eligibility issues. In order
for any Curly Horse to apply for ICAMS approval, it must first already be
registered in one of ICHO's registering bodies. Thus, eligibility for any
ICHO Curly Horse has already been determined by that Curly Horse's original
registering body. ICHO Curly Horse nreed character will only be addressed
by inspections in the function of applying a single universal grading system,
but only for the purpose of definition, not for eligibility or exclusion.
16. It looks
as though ICAMS is being formed and promoted by an exclusive group of sporthorse
breeders in ICHO, and will not benefit other breeders of other programs,
or other types or non-specialized types of Curly Horses. What good will that
do us?
It is unfortunate if the
Genesis Committee gives this illusion. That is neither true nor our intent.
We have been commissioned by ICHO to form ICAMS - firstly to benefit
international breeders and European Curly Horse Registry needs - and secondly,
to provide a useful tool for North American breeders of ALL types of Curly
Horses, to be able to use. It should be a very useful tool to have our Curly
Horses compared to general equine correct conformation standards. There are
always differences between types, but that does not prevent conformation
weaknesses or flaws to be identified before they get overly propagated. Also,
with so many horses being sold over the internet these days, an objective
inspection for their quality and value would be very beneficial to both sellers
and buyers. And even more exciting, it will be FUN to watch an objective
horse expert who knows nothing about Curly Horses, inspect them. Many inspectors
may be impressed with the bone, feet, overall health and constitution, and
the surprisingly nice temperament. With such evaluations lending credibility
to what we already know, Curly Horses will receive some overdue support in
the outside horse industry, who will have a much harder time writing them
off as just pasture ornaments.
17. One final concern -
with ICAMS installing
a new rating system - it will mean something in the very long term, but in
the short term I wonder how many breeders with quality stock will be able
to afford the costs involved. When they can't their stock won't get approved,
their value won't increase, in fact they will somewhat decrease as they will
now be measured against the stock that is "ICAMS approved" and yet they will
still be out there on their own promoting the breed at every corner they
turn.
The scenario you describe
would not be very beneficial for anyone. Here is where all of your support
and suggestions could help avoid that inefficiency. We want to work together.
As ICAMS & the NACHIP program develops, we can arrange major collaboration
efforts both within and outside the Curly Horse industry to avoid unnecessary
duplication expenses for Curly Horse owners who are serious about investing
in international quality grading of their horses. For example, get other
inspection events ICAMS sanctioned. Also, in North America, ICAMS encourages
hosts to hold costs down to a minimum for its members. The goal is to keep
NACHIP & ICAMS affordable for all ICHO members who are interested in
it.
ICAMS - ECHR - ICHO -
Hierarchy
ICAMS & NACHIP. NACHIP (North American Curly Horse Inspection Program)
is simply an inspection program devised by Genesis Committee to demonstrate
a viable Curly Horse inspection program for Curly Horses in North America.
An inspection does not required to employ the exact NACHIP program protocol
in order to produce scores eligible (compatible) for ICAMS application, however,
if they do employ the NACHIP program, the scores are certain to be compatible
for ICAMS application.
ECHIP. European Curly Horse Inspection program/s will evolve next,
and must meet the more stringent needs for inspection standards in Europe.
They may need additional divisions included in ICAMS, higher cutoff scores,
and terms for different levels of grading.
ICAMS & ECHR - Horses get registered in their own European countries
by the rules of that country. At the end of each year all horses registered
domestically are entered in the ECHR, (European Curly Horse Registry) which
keeps track of pedigrees and the breeder. Owner changes, stallion reports,
etc., are kept in their own country. In this way ECHR will include all Curly
Horses legally bred in Europe. A European Registrar will take care of ECHR
business so papers will not have to be sent back and forth over the Atlantic.
Horses bred in Europe are required to register in the ECHR if eligible and
will not be included in the NACHR (unless they are exported to North America).
When a horse has been inspected and approved at regional or national level,
it may be entered in the International Curly Approved Mare & Stallions
studbook (ICAMS).
ICAMS meets
ICHO doctrine
To anyone
concerned that ICAMS is not consistent with the original intent of ICHO,
please
look at the original list on ICHO's vision statement. In the middle is
"to encourage selective breeding to develop the
highest quality Curly Horses." Right from the beginning all the
founding members had in mind that there had to be a fair and open way to
encourage breeders without closing registry books and regimenting breeders
to something that someone else thought was the ideal curly.
There have been many ways of looking at this concept,
and ICAMS seems the most useful and least threatening. A breed studbook that
is sponsored by an international breed registry is also understood &
necessary in Europe. It is also the universally accepted method in the scientific
/ genetic community, used to responsibly develop world recognized breeds
of horses / livestock. All curly horse breeders in North America will always
be able to register any horse they produce in ICHO/NACHR, whether by outcrossing
or breeding curly to curly as long as one parent is curly coated. There is
no desire to ever touch that concept. If a breeder has a dream and wishes
to follow it through, then ICHO/NACHR will register the offspring. Period.
From that, should any horse prove to also be exceptional
in the more generally recognized types and disciplines, then ICAMS will be
an internationally recognized and approved way of tracking the generations
of that type of breeding.
While inspections are hardly perfect, they do provide
an outside opinion that is supposed to be educated and unbiased. Since they
are done by humans, that may not always prove to be as accurate as we might
like, but there is no better way.
Many curly horse people are new to horses in general.
Many horses have been advertised as being 16 hands who are actually 15 hands,
for example. Many have been advertised as being exceptional sporthorse prospects
who are unable to overtrack, and the owners have no clue what that statement
means, nor why it might be important.
By developing some kind of a totally voluntary (with
no intention of ever changing that, because to restrict the open registry
in any way whatever would seriously weaken our base of potential new, high
quality blood) we wish to provide our members with a way their stock can
be critically evaluated and give the members the education that they will
need to enhance their breeding programs in developing goals and directions.
One thing I have noted over the several years I have
participated on the chat lines is that new owners start with excitement over
finding a super curly horse, then start to become educated in things that
horses can do. Many end up changing directions several times and spend a
lot of time searching for useful information. This process ICAMS program
is intended to simplify the process of owners researching options, without
in any way limiting their options.
There is also, very seriously, the sales concept. Most
horse registries provide some kind of official recognition/s of various
achievements which purchasers can use in determining which horses will best
fit their needs. If someone wishes to buy a young performance prospect, then
their best option is to find one with several generations of proven success
in that field, behind the individual who appears to have the correct
conformation/temperament. Importing purchasers find it much easier to gain
credibility if there is some way of ‘proving’ quality independently.
In short, there have been efforts working diligently
from before ICHO was incorporated to figure out how to achieve the goals
ICAMS is addressing without ever putting any restrictions on ICHO members.
With ICAMS functioning quite separately in most ways from ICHO, this method
seems the best of all options considered. Originally the associations were
supposed to do the job, but that approach proved too unwieldy.
I hope this answers some questions and helps members
realize ICAMS is no threat to their approach, no matter what that approach
is, and that it will be there to provide information and support to any member
at any time that member becomes interested – without demanding in any
way that any member ever become interested. It is a method of achieving our
vision – "to encourage selective breeding to
develop the highest quality Curly Horses" – without legislating
that anyone has to use ICAMS to achieve that or embrace that concept, at
any time, either now or in the future.
Andrea Schaap, DVM (Genesis Committee member & Chair,
ICHO research committee)
ICAMS
a tool that you are welcome to use if it benefits
you
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