Studbook selection
If the foal's sire and dam are in the studbook, and he generally fits into the breeding goal, he receives his papers and a brand on the left thigh.
Foal inspections are also used to determine whether or not a stallion is producing offspring that fit the breeding goal.
Most registries would like to see colts at least 15.3 hands high at the withers, and fillies at least 15.2hh, with the expectation that they will grow a bit more.
Preferably, future breeding stock have at least 4 generations of approved sport horse pedigree.
Mares with less pedigree, or less than is desirable to her registry, may be entered into a "Pre-Mare Book", though she generally cannot produce stallion sons.
Horses are scored from 1 to 10 on a variety of traits, which may include any of the following: type, conformation, gaits, jumping, and overall impression.
Breed type varies widely between registries, but essentially refers to the attractiveness of the horse and its suitability for sport.
[1] This aesthetic is an important part of breeding marketable horses, though registries and their judges tend to be conscious of the danger of overweighing beauty.
Generally, all horses are ideally divisible into three equal parts: forehand, trunk, hindquarters.
The musculature and outline of the back and loin, called the topline, is important to most registries, as are large joints and hooves with "dry" legs.
The trot and canter are ideally energetic with obvious suspension (moment in which the horse is totally airborne) and an elastic quality.
Obvious behavioral tendencies or personality traits may be noted here, as is the physical maturity of the horse.
The veterinary exam may occur before, during, or after the Körung, and always rules out stallions with congenital defects of the genitalia or dentition.
It is mandatory for a stallion to prove himself in sport, and mares complete performance requirements to earn awards.
In a field test, the horse is scored on the basic gaits, free jumping ability, and rideability.
The training environment, usually held at one of the state-owned stud farms, is standardized to increase the reliability of the results.
The final test is run by visiting experts and guest riders, who also score the horses.
The results of the station test provide insight into the physical ability and the interior qualities that make a riding horse a good partner.
A horse with a good character is affable and people-oriented, and does not display defensive reactions such as ear-pinning during grooming, saddling, or everyday handling.
A horse with a good constitution is resilient physically and psychologically, not succumbing to pressure, and is healthy with a lot of stamina.
A highly rideable horse is comfortable and uncomplicated to ride, and does not require the rider to hold him or her up (self-carriage).
A stallion that attends the suitability test must perform at an age-appropriate level in open competition to complete his requirements.
Today, mares can earn the "States Premium" award by receiving above-average scores on her studbook inspection and completing the performance requirements.
