Weltmeyer Example

Using Weltmeyer as an Example in
our Pedigree Study

We mentioned Weltmeyer as an example of a pre-potent hereditary transmitter on the previous Pedigree Study page. When a horse is a standout performer, and then builds a reputation as an elite sire, like Weltmeyer- this is the type of horse we want to study.

So, now I would like to use the Weltmeyer example to help us understand genetic power through his pedigree. I often use Thoroughbreds as examples; they have a long history of selective breeding, and are an important part of sport horse success, but let's see if the same breeding principles that work in Thoroughbreds apply in Warmbloods.

Remember, the pedigree is the map of the genetics. First there are 2 sons of the mare Alexine 4x4- this is a colt factor. Abendsport is found 4x4x6x5, and through 3 different daughters and a son- this is another fabulous colt factor and made stronger by its complexity (four seperate siblings). Colt factors are essential for performance horses, especially males. Then there are the 2 daughters of Fobuza, which makes 2 of the Abendsport daughters 3/4 siblings- a very strong filly factor. Even stronger filly factors are the 2 Frustra II daughters on both bottom lines 4x4. Filly factors are essential for a stallion's success. There is also a son and daughter of Dolman, and a sister of Alkoven, the sire of Abendsport. This is an incredible pedigree, especially to find in a Warmblood. His ancestral legacy speaks to the performance and breeding excellence he possessed, and I believe with this powerful genetic blueprint, his name will linger on for generations in the sport horse industry.

As we saw in Discovery's lineage, 3/4 and full siblings are almost a guarantee for the transmission of genetic power. Weltmeyer's sire, World Cup (along with his 4 full brothers) have established a dynasty of performance excellence in Hanover. The real punch in their pedigree is provided by the full siblings (sex balanced) Alonia/Alkoven, in multiples in the 5th generation. See World Cup I-V Page

Weltmeyer's dam, Anka, is not as powerfully bred as World Cup, but she has connected to and complemented his full sibling power by bringing in another line of both Alexine and Abendsport.

How can this apply to the small breeder? If you have a mare that is nice, but not a world beater (like Anka), learn her pedigree. And then choose a very good stallion that has a pedigree where your mare engages his power background. This is a recipe for success.

When you breed to a pre-potent stallion (remember not all of them are pre-potent!) you will always get some of the genetic excellence in the foal- that is what prepotency means. But if you breed to a pre-potent sire that your mare's lineage actually connects to and enlarges his genetic power, then you will see much more of the ability in the foal. So, even if your mare is not a premium mare, she has the potential to produce a winner if you learn her pedigree and pick a stallion she connects to.

When you are contemplating a breeding, make yourself a test pedigree, so you can view what the strengths will be. (We can also provide this service for you See The Quickie if you prefer). You will want to improve on your horse's genetics if possible, and at the very least complement what you have- otherwise your foal will be a lesser horse than both its parents.

Back to Pedigree Study
Back to Siblings