Mare performance tests have become an important measure in the Hanoverian breed and most newly registered mares have passed it. The mare performance test does not only indicate the mare’s own disposition but is also a valuable source of information on the sires of the mares taking part.

How do I enter my mare?

Please ask for the dates of mare performance tests at the American Hanoverian Society or at the Breeding Clubs of Eastern and Western Canada respectively. The entry fee in Canada is CAN$ 50.00 and has to be paid on the day of the test. Please send your entry form to the responsible breeding club. The pedigree paper of your mare has to be submitted on the day of the test so please bring it along with you for the test.

Requirements

Eligible are three-year-old and older mares which are entered into a section of the studbook or if they have not yet been entered, are eligible for main studbook with regard to their pedigrees.

After the test the mare’s participation is noted down on its pedigree paper. The mare performance test can be repeated once.

Which criteria are judged?

In the mare performance test the basic gaits, jumping talent in free jumping as well as the mare’s rideability (by a test rider) are judged. This is either done in the course of a station test (26 days, only in Verden and Dillenburg) or in a so-called field test (one day).

Assessment

For the assessment of the individual criteria scores covering the marks from 0 (=not performed) to 10 (=excellent) are given. The final certificate contains an overall final score as well as subscores which result from the individual scores for the basic gaits, rideability and juping talent.

After passing the test each participant receives a stall plaque and a test certificate. The mares are not placed. The performance of each mare is commented on by a judge. If a mare has not yet been presented for studbook inspection before passing her mare performance test then her result is not valid until she has been entered into a section of the stud-book of the Verband.

Judges

The judges commission consists of a representative of the Verband as Judges well as a judge of horse shows. Additionally there is a test rider who gives the scores for rideability.