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About the Registry
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The Rheinland Pfalz-Saar International (RPSI) brings to North America a tradition of excellence in Warmblood breeding, as well as a dedicated, friendly, and approachable staff.
The RPSI is the official North American extension of the German Verband, the Pferdezuchterverband Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar e.V. RPSI (Zweibrücker) horses receive official passport-style registration papers from Germany, as well as a Life Number and brand, and are entered into the German database of sport horses (VIT).
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The territory of the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar developed in southern Germany along the Rhine River. During the Roman Empire the area was principally known as Rheinland Palatinate. In 1755 Duke Christian IV von Pfalz-Zweibrücken established a state stud. More than 100 stallions were traded with Trakehnen. During the Napoleonic wars many stallions were lost to the French. There is even a famous painting of Napoleon riding a grey Zweibrücken stallion named "Fayom". It is said that Napoleon was impressed by the beauty and stamina of the breed. The Pferdezuchterverband Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar e.V. was formed in 1977 and still maintains the registry today. The PRPS is one of the few German breed associations with its own riding/training facilities. Their equestrian center (Pferdezentrum) was built in Standebuhl/Sonnersbergkreis in 1992, and is the center of administration as well as offering sales and training.
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The brand for the Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar territory was created By Duke Christian. The symbol is the joining of two famous bridges found in the city of Zweibrücken. A replica of the Duke's Crown rests above the bridges. The literal translation of Zweibrücken is "two bridges".
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R.P.S.I. uses only the top educated and qualified representatives directly from the German Verband at its North American Inspections. Using the same representatives here and in Germany assures more correct and ethical Keurings. As in Europe, approved mares and stallions are entered directly into the Mare and Stud Books as they do in Germany, and foals are given a registration number at birth. This number follows the foal's show results, location, and breeding records, if applicable.
RPSI staff and judges travel across North America for 2 1/2 months each year on the annual inspection tour to see as many breeders/farms as possible. Stud Book Director Otto Schalter carries the computerized German sport horse database (V.I.T.) with him to ensure accuracy and up-to-the-minute information for breeders, as well as offering instant official temporary registration documents and score sheet printouts at the inspection site.
The main goal of the R.P.S.I. is to preserve and expand the quality of sport horses in all disciplines on the North American continent. There is dedication to offer service, advice and stability for both the breeders and those purchasing and competing on R.P.S.I horses. North America is producing some of the highest quality equine athletes in the world. It is our job at R.P.S.I. to ensure that the breeder receives the registration and promotion they deserve.
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Zweibrücken horses are bred for quality of movement, correctness of conformation and clear character for competition and reproduction. We believe that this foundation produces a superior athlete with high trainability and competitiveness.
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Many outstanding and internationally successful horses have come from the ranks of this breed. Such notables as Lucky Lord ridden by Margit Otto-Crepin in the 1996 Olympic Games, Romantico, a Zweibrücken gelding ridden by Robert Dover at the 1984 Olympic Games as well as Apricot D by Alexis, who is ranked as one of the top two most successful show jumpers of all time. His rider Hugo simon of Austria has achieved international success on two other Zweibrückers, Magnum and Amaretto D.
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