By Stacy Swenson Copyright 2007A CONVERSATION WITH GENE LACROIX
His life turns in a new direction
When anyone in the Arabian horse industry hears the name LaCroix, it brings to the surface a picture of a man and a horse, both equally respected world-wide. Gene LaCroix and *Bask++ brought about a revolution few could ever match.
The LaCroix influence did not end with Bask. It was, however, a catalytic event in the experience of a man who would dedicate his life to the Arabian horse. Dr. Gene LaCroix, Gene's father, had a vision 50 years ago. That vision was of a horse that looked artistic and had a certain type of athleticism and articulation. *Bask was the horse who would bring his vision to fruition.
Few trainers or owners today have the living history, the knowledge, or the experience to make changes in an industry, which tries to honor the heritage of the noble Arabian horse. Gene LaCroix has been sharing his passion and ideas for years. He has paved the way for the next generation of horse owners to continue his mission. Putting the horse first and taking Gene's lead, we must be willing to try new things. As Gene says, "America would never have been discovered if somebody had not tried something new."
Gene's focus is far reaching. It includes being a key person in the establishment of the National Show Horse Registry and twenty years later the Renai Horse Registry. Both were developed to work toward enhancing the Arabian breed.
Mr. LaCroix took time out of his busy schedule to give me answers to a few of my questions.
What are the differences between English horses 30 years ago and today?
"In regards to the changes in the English pleasure horses of thirty years ago, as compared to today, the most obvious are that the English Pleasure horses in the eyes of many have become more exciting to watch and to show. They are trained, shown and ridden more aggressively, pushed and shod to the maximum for motion and are judged and pinned accordingly."
"The best English horses of thirty years ago, were much more balanced, light in the bridle, and riders were reserved in their presentation of the pleasure horse. More emphasis was on the poise of both horse and rider. Those who rode their English Pleasure horses as Park horses faced automatic elimination. Today, to win an English Pleasure class, it seems to me one must ride it like a Park Horse."
"Another difference is that thirty years ago, we did not have the Half-Arabian division, or if so, it was just getting started. Today, the Half-Arabian, most of which are half American Saddlebreds, are naturally more gifted with their foreleg with long upright necks, so the excitement factor allows these best Half-Arabians to exceed the Purebred in both popularity and market demand."
Looking back, what are your thoughts about your family's lifetime achievements toward enhancing the Arabian horse?
"I am extremely proud of my efforts, along with that of my family, to enhance the popularity of the Arabian horse. During Lasma's domination in the show ring and the marketplace, Arabian popularity soared to number two and it was climbing."
"Personally, I'm proud to have introduced a way of training Arabian English horses, to allow them to properly collect, elevate and balance. Today, many fine trainers are ably training in this way. If only they wouldn't over ride them, saving this energy for the Park class!"
"I was the key player in organizing the National Show Horse Registry and twenty years later the Renai Horse Registry. Both were developed to work to enhance the Arabian horse by setting good examples."
"With the National Show Horse Registry we wanted to establish a new market place for the Arabian in producing a crossbred with the American Saddlebred. We wanted to pioneer the concepts of semen transportation, a prize money system and more appropriate shoeing for the English horses. The National Show Horse Registry was extremely successful in implementing the above-mentioned positive changes to the Arabian Horse Industry."
"With the Renai Horse Registry, probably the best but most misunderstood concept I ever developed, the goal was to bring all the Saddle Seat oriented breeds together by allowing breeders to breed for this very specific performance, without limitation to breed purity."
"The Renai Horse Registry established a very clearly defined Standard of Excellence and a much more objective judging system that allowed no deviation from the Standard. The ability of the horse was emphasized much more than the ability of the trainer and/or rider."
"I know that the Renai Horse Registry, while struggling for independence, has been a catalyst for positive change in the Arabian and Half-Arabian industry. For example, it allowed a showcase for the Dutch Harness Horse, inspiring breeders to crossbreed for the ultimate in English performance. Just this year, a Half-Arabian being 50% Arabian, 37.5% Dutch Harness Horse and 12.5% American Saddlebred, who has twice been unanimous U.S. National Champion, sold for, I believe, a record price of $350,000. There will be more of these to come because of the Renai Horse Registry."
"Maybe even more germane to the enhancement of the purebred Arabian, is that the new Purebred Arabian English Pleasure Futurity awarded $100,000 at its first show in Scottsdale '07. I dare say, the idea of this Futurity came from the Renai. Not only did the Renai Horse Registry precede this futurity, but also the first round of the competition was judged on individual presentation, which was directly from Renai. The judging system used was also a modification of the Renai judging system. By setting good examples positive things have evolved."
What advice would you give to those attempting to make positive changes in the Arabian horse industry? Especially the small breeders and owners?
"All of these type of projects are definitely good. Not all attempts to try or explore new ideas will be successful, but so what! America would never have been discovered if somebody hadn't tried something new."
"I encourage everyone dedicated to the Arabian horse to try new things, advance new ideas and support those of others. Without daring people with creative minds no progress can be made. Providing the best interest of our horses is always foremost. I strongly encourage people to be open-minded and make every effort available to them to advance the breed through new ideas. I do feel my efforts to improve the popularity of the Arabian horse have been worthwhile, something I am immensely proud of."
Tell me about your future plans?
"Stacy, I appreciate the chance to explain to the Arabian horse public my unofficial retirement from the business of showing horses, or taking horses as a trainer for Amateurs to the shows."
"I've always wanted to train Thoroughbred racehorses. It's been my goal since my early twenties. As most of you know, I'm extremely goal oriented. I thrive on exciting challenges, and don't do well, when there is not one on the near horizon."
"Fortunately, because of the opportunities offered me by the Arabian and my adventuresome ways, Erin and I are in a position to make "A Run For The Roses." Regardless of our success in this endeavor, we'll always be involved with the Arabian horse. We'll keep a few broodmares, raise some foals, train a select few show horses and at times be available for consultation or coaching."
"Most importantly, we want everyone to know that the Arabian is a very very special horse and will always have our greatest respect and admiration. I've been so fortunate to have fulfilled my wildest dreams with respect to the Arabian horse, and there is no other breed of horse, that could have ever offered me the opportunities and experiences that I enjoyed. Hopefully, it will continue to provide wonderful experiences and opportunities for the youth of the future."
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