Studbook inspections

Studbook divisions

For entry into the Main Studbook or the Studbook, there are certain conditions when it comes to pedigree, conformation and basic gaits. There are three different divisions of the studbook:

• Main Studbook (symbol H)
  Evidence for four generations of approved ancestors has to be provided to enter a mare into this division of the studbook (Hannoveraner Studbook). The dam of the mare has to be registered in the Main Studbook or in the Studbook. The mares have to achieve an overall score of at least 6.0 for conformation and gaits and each of the partial scores that are essential for the registration, have to be at least 5.0 and better.

• Studbook (symbol S)
  Evidence for three approved generations of approved ancestors has to be provided to enter a mare into this division of the studbook, and the dam must have been either a Main Studbook, Studbook or a Annex mare. The mare has to achieve an overall score of at least 5.0 at the studbook inspection. She has to achieve at a score of 4.0 for each of the six partial scores.
• Annex (symbol A)
  For the entry in the appendix, a pedigree certificate or a certificate of birth must be available. The mare has to achieve an overall score of at least 5.0 at studbook inspection. She has to achieve at a score of 4.0 for each of the six partial scores.

For the entry in one of the three divisions (Main Studbook, Studbook, Annex) in the studbook of the Rhineland Horse, partly lower requirements apply regarding the pedigree. In addition, a Pre-Book is kept in the Rhineland Horse Studbook. There, mares can be entered that do not meet the pedigree requirements for one of the other studbooks, but are of the German Riding Horse type.

Schedule of a Studbook inspection at a mare show

The mares are presented to the judges in-hand while standing (conformation evaluation), on the triangle in trot (evaluation of trot and correctness of the gait) and in a small group while walking (evaluation of the walk). After the walk presentation, the inspection result will be announced. Here are our recommendations for a smooth performance: We suggest practicing standing for the conformation evaluation and presenting the mare in trot and walk beforehand. In order to allow the mare to show her qualities in both gaits in the best possible way, she should move as independently as possible from the handler, who sometimes has to run fast next to her. It goes without saying that the mare has to be in a perfect feeding condition with shiny coat which reveals an excellent general condition and state of health, as well as well-maintained hooves. It is also a common practice to have the mare’s mane plaited. Before the mare is presented, please contact the officials at the inspection location who are responsible for the schedule.

Scores

The Studbook Inspection Commission awards scores from 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent). Only whole scores are given. The total score is based on the individual scores for the conformation.

The following criteria are evaluated:

• Head
• Neck
• Saddle position
• Frame
• Forelegs
• Hind legs

These criteria are combined in a score "quality conformation". However, this does not have to be the arithmetical mean of the individual scores mentioned above, as the individual criteria can be weighted differently.

From the scores for

• breed and sex type
• quality of conformation
• correctness of gaits
• impulsion and elasticity (trot)    
• overall impression and development

The scores for breed and sex type result in the "total score", which is the average of these scores and rounded up or down to a whole score. The exhibitor receives the individual scores following the studbook inspection when he receives the horse passport.