North America Stallion Sport Test

Warmblood registries are unique in that the bloodlines alone aren't the only criteria required to make "papered" babies. Stallions must obtain a breeding licenses to make approved offspring. In America it is a multi-step process and depending on the registry/breed they may have different details.

First stallions must get pedigree approval. Each breed has different specifications but generally they want 6 generations of approved breeding.

Secondly the potential stallion must pass health requirements. In which x-rays are submitted and an approved veterinarian examines the stallion to verify that no health deficiencies exists. DNA is taken to confirm parentage and identity.

Thirdly the evaluation begins. This normally takes place at an inspection. This is where each registry has its own vision of their breed. So the scoring process and the weight of importance of which traits may very. Universally however they are similar in that they are trying to make a world class riding sport horse for Dressage and Jumping. Some registries may have categories for other disciplines but I do not yet have experience in that.

In the evaluation they look at typiness, conformation, correctness/expression of gaits, freejumping, rideability and overall impression and development. They will be examining the stallions both in hand and undersaddle. After achieving minimum evaluation criteria scores they will also need performance requirements to gain their full approval to be used as a breeding stallion.

There are typically 2 paths to gaining the performance criteria. The longer more time consuming and maybe more costly is the "Performance in Sport" route where successful proformance careers in Dressage, Jumping, Eventing, Show Jumping and even racing will gain the requirements. But an average show record won't cut it! For example for the AHS dressage criteria a stallion must place in the top 3, five times by 3 different judges at FEI Prix St. Georges, or above, with minimum scores of 63% at USEF, FEI, or Equine Canada recognized shows.

Stallions at the earliest are 7 or older at that point when they have lost 4 breeding years already. So how has Europe stayed ahead of the curve...with proformance testing starting at the age of 3. This is where the North American Stallion Sport Test comes in.

The other path with NASST format emphasizes the assessment of young stallion's training progress and development at multiple points in their early career. This will allow stallion owners options for following a testing path or a wholly career performance-based approval method.

An example of how the licensing and sport testing process would work for a stallion would be as follows:

• Age 3: The stallion is presented for licensing. If accepted, he is granted a 1-year breeding permit to breed mares at age 4.

• Age 4: The stallion must attend a 3-day sport test. If he successfully passes (a score of 7.5 overall is required by the AHS, OHBS, HV), then he is granted another 1-year breeding license to breed mares at age 5.

• Age 5: The stallion attends his second 3-day sport test. If he successfully passes, then he receives his Lifetime approval. (Taken from the NASST website)

I attended my first stallion test and I found it very through with multiple top sport professionals in their fields, european professionals and incredible guest test riders giving feedback to the judges. Vet checks, x-rays and blood tests. I still have many questions on the criteria and how they base their scores and choose the officials. Since it is not held by USEF/FEI or any of the individual registries.

I recommend any mare owner looking to semen shop for the next up and coming stallion to try to attend one of these events. Or a breeder who has a colt they plan to make a future breeding stallion with. I would love to see the program grow in America to be big spectator event where we can be excited about attending a stallion show.

I was very impressed with Pollyrich Farms hospitality and inclusiveness to share their facilities and amenities with us. As well as the owners and riders joy to share their stallions with the public. It is rare to get to see them up close like that. It was a real treat to see such top notch athletes. The whole environment and format was very inviting.

Erin's Thoughts

North America Stallion Sport Test