Mare Classification Handbook
Hanoverian Type
Limonit
Thoroughbred Type
Redoubts Choice xx
BREEDING AIM
The breeding aim is to achieve a willing, noble, well-proportioned and correct Warmblood Horse which, as a result of it’s natural talents, temperament and character, is particularly suitable both as a performance and leisure horse.
It shall be the Society’s aim to breed highly talented sport horses for the following disciplines:
dressage – jumping – eventing – driving
INCLUSION OF OTHER BREEDS (ORIGINS)
- Stallions
In addition to Hanoverian stallions, the limited use of Thoroughbred stallions is
possible.
These must, however, fulfill the requirements for the registration of stallions with regard to type and performance.
- Mares
In addition to Hanoverian mares, which have to gain an overall mark of 6, those
of the following breeds can be registered in the Main Studbook.
(a) Thoroughbred mares, with a minimum of four generations recognized by the
New Zealand Racing Conference, which gain an overall mark of 7 in the
Studbook inspection and do not have a mark in any section which is lower
than 5.
(b) The introduction of mares from Verband recognized populations may under special circumstances be considered for selection.
- Mares of non-Hanoverian breeding registered with the NZHS are to be paired with a stallion with a Hanoverian foal brand mark registered in the Stallion Book.
Registered mares from other populations with at least 50% Hanoverian blood
are on par with mares with the Hanoverian foal brand mark.
SELECTION CRITERIA
- Pedigree
(According to Clause 9 Registration of Stallions and Clause 10 Registration of
Mares)
- Evaluation of external appearance.
The evaluation of the mares and stallions takes place before registration in the studbook. The evaluation shall be carried out at collective events so that the animals presented may be compared with sufficiently large number of other horses also presented there, unless this should not be possible because it would inflict hardship or cause danger to health. The horses are evaluated according to the following points:
(a) Breed and sex type (b) quality of conformation
(c) Correctness of the gait (b1) head
(d) impulsion and elasticity (trot) (b2) neck
(e) walk (b3) saddle position
(f) general impression and (b4) frame
development (b5) fore limbs and feet
(g) overall evaluation (b6) hind limbs and feet
(b7) approximately 160 cms in height and over (although quality mares under 160cm can be considered – but no less than 155cm)
The horse’s canter when turned out loose as well as free jumping may be considered in addition as individual criteria when making the overall evaluation.
to (b)The mark for quality of conformation represents a summarized evaluation of the features (b1) to (b6). It is, however, not an arithmetical mean of these, as features (b1) to (b6) are subject to different criteria for the individual disciplines.
to (g) The overall evaluation of a horse concerning the features of the
external appearance results from the average of the marks (a) to (f)
as well as, if applicable, cantering when the horse is turned out
loose and the free jumping
. If the mark ‘0’ is given this factor shall not be taken into consideration.
The criteria in the different sections shall be assessed according to the following
marks:
10 = excellent 4 = deficient
9 = very good 3 = quite poor
8 = good 2 = poor
7 = quite good 1 = very poor 6 = satisfactory 0 = not evaluated
5 = sufficient
Main Studbook
Mares of three years and older shall be registered which;
(a) are out of dams which are registered in the Main Studbook or Studbook.
The sire as well as the sires of the dam, the grand dam and the great grand dam on the dam’s side either have to be registered in the Stallion Book of the NZHS
(4 generation pedigree) or fulfill similar conditions (e.g. regarding pedigree, conformation and performance) of a breeding population, the involvement of which is supportive to the achievement of the aims as laid down in the breeding programme and approved by the committee and the VHW.
(b) in the evaluation of the external appearance according to Clause 6. (2) for the criteria in each of the 6 sections achieve a mark of at least 5 and in the overall evaluation at least 7 points.
For Birth Branded Hanoverian Mares an overall evaluation of 6 points is sufficient.
Pre Studbook
Mares that are Hanoverian bred with two generations of Hanoverian
blood that are not birth branded but have verified birth certificate
papers from the Non Stud Book are eligible.
All the Mare Studbook conditions apply with the additional requirement that they have an overall pass mark of 7.
A White Pre Studbook Mare Certificate will be produced for these mares with their Life Number preceded by a P. (e.g. P020302994)
Mare Performance Test
Often the Mare Performance Test is conducted at the same time as the Studbook inspection
The minimum requirements for Elite Mare Status re as follows.
Basic Gaits Readability Jumping
- Dual talented 7.0 7.0 7.0
- Dressage talented 7.5 (ave of BG and R) 5.0
- Jumping Talented 6.0 7.25 (ave R and J)
Mare Studbook Status Appendix.
ELITE MARES
The Elite Mare status is recognition of exceptional mares – in the hope that they remain in the Breeding Programme. The Mare Studbook classification score is overall 7 and the Mare Performance Test scores are as above.
The Elite Mare status is awarded once the mare has delivered a live foal.
The Prefix EM appears in front of the mare’s name in the Studbook
Preparation of the mare
Before the Classification the mares should be trained in presentation and in handling in walk and trot. It is advantageous to lunge the mare regularly before the Classification in order to have the mare fit and well muscled. You should ensure that the mare is in good condition (not too fat, not too skinny), has a shiny coat which indicates a good general condition, and also well groomed hooves. It is the custom to plait the mares’ manes. It is imperative that you bring the pedigree paper of the mare with you because this paper must be handed to the Society’s representative. If the pedigree paper is not produced a mare cannot be registered. The representative compares the colour and markings noted on this paper, which then goes to the Studbook keeper where the studbook entry is filled in. The handler should also be fit enough in order to show the mare to her best potential. Clothing and shoes should also be chosen to allow the handler to run effectively. It is not a showing class – so trousers and sturdy shoes, boots or running shoes is recommended.
Presentation of the mare
Classification always takes place on a triangular course. The first step is the individual inspection. You place the mare at a distance of about 4 to 5 meters in front of the classifiers with near side facing the classifiers, The handler is to stand in front of the mare facing her – with a mare’s head lifted high to enable the classifiers to see the expression on the face and a clear view of the connection between the head and neck. This is among the many things that you can practice at home Here the so-called open position is obligatory. Now the classifiers give the individual marks for conformation.
Afterwards you are asked to walk away through the centre of the triangle and back again directly towards the classifiers. This is for judging the correctness of the gaits. Then you are asked trot one lap with the mare. The judges stay at the same place, and due to the triangular form of the course they are able first to inspect the mare from behind, then its action from the side, and finally its correctness from the front. For that reason it is, necessary to follow exactly the triangular course.
At the trot the mares should be given the chance to move as freely as possible. With very actively moving mares the exhibitor should be someone who is able to move well enough himself to be able to show this movement. When trotting your mare you take both the reins in your right hand (reins are undone at the buckle) giving the mare as much freedom of her head and neck as possible.
When a number of mares have been judged at a trot they are assembled in a large circle and judged at a walk. The walk should also be shown as freely as possible. Afterwards the judge will announce the result of the inspection.
Classification handbook triangle
https://www.uaex.edu/publications/pdf/FSA-3029.pdf
