For the successful, "licensed", stallions the selection process is not yet over. They are only licensed on condition that they pass by the age of four a 70-day-test, a stallion performance test at a specially created testing centre like Adelheidsdorf, just outside Celle. The test itself is, in fact a form of "two day event" where the stallions are examined in dressage, show jumping and cross country performance as well as having their galloping paces carefully measured.

Three fundamentally different ways are offered to stallion owners to get a stallion licensed for breeding:

• the stallion performance test (70-day test) with or without the preliminary 30-day test
• the combination of a 30-day test followed by successful competition participation at lower level classes
• performance successes in dressage and jumper classes at the S-level or in three-day events at the M-level

However, the really vital aspect of the whole procedure is that, before the actual Performance Test, the private stallions have to remain at the Testing Centre for 70 days, stallions of the State Stud even for 11 month, during which time they undergo carefully controlled and standardised training by professional riders. This ensures that the test is a true and fair comparison of the stallions. The training and testing is backed by the highest standards of horsemanship and really does give a profound insight into the capabilities and potential of each stallion.