Grading of Stallions in Denmark
GRADING OF STALLIONS IN DANSK VARMBLOD
The cornerstone in Dansk Varmblod's breeding plan is a severe selection. The selection is based on an evaluation of the stallions’ physical and riding qualities, judged at different ages and contexts.
The system consists of the sections described below which secures that the stallion collection available is improved continuously.
Pre-selection
Every year in November, approx. 150 2-year-old stallions have their conformation and functionality evaluated by Dansk Varmblod's selection committee. First, the stallions are judged shown loose in an in-door school and in free jumping. Then the best stallions are shown in-hand on hard ground. On beforehand, the stallions' pedigree has been approved, including a check-up on performances in the mare lineage. Approx. 25% of the 150 stallions at the pre-selection are selected to come forward for grading at the National Stallion Show.
Stallion Grading
At the selection in Herning (visit The Nationa Stallion Show) the now 3-year-old stallions are presented for Dansk Varmblod's selection committee, separated in divisions for jumpers and dressage stallions. The stallions are shown on hard ground on Thursday and Friday the jumpers are shown in free jumping and dressage stallion loose in arena. Both sections are shown in lungeing reins as well. Saturday the stallions are shown in-hand before the final selection takes place. Sunday the stallions are ranked and the "Premium Stallions" and the "Best Dressage- and Jumping Stallion of the Year" are selected. Approximately 30 stallions, i.e. 50%, are selected and will now have to come forward for testing under saddle so that their riding qualities can be judged before they are given covering permission. Before entering the stallion list a vet control on fertility and DNA is obligatory as well.
Testing under saddle and final grading
In order to show consideration for the physical and mental development of the young stallions Dansk Varmblod has recently changed the stallion performance test system so that the stallions are tested at shorter tests over a period of a few years.
In 2006, the traditional 70-day-test was replaced by a voluntary 10-day-test and an obligatory 35-day-test along with the possibility to use championships and competition results as final test admitting the stallion to the final grading.
When a stallion has completed one of the test systems, he can be put forward for final grading. Here the stallion will be evaluated based on his conformation, physical development, and performance.
10-day-observation test
Immediately after the selection at the National Stallion Show, 3- and 4-year-old stallions can be enrolled at a 10-day-observation test at Vilhelmsborg, the National Equestrian Centre at Aarhus. If the stallion passes, he gets a covering permission for the current year. At the 10-day-observation test the stallion will be very lightly ridden, regarding the principles of educating young horses. No scores are given and the judgment is based on running observation, as the prime goal of this test is to filter the stallions with bad temper or other for stallions unwished characters. The 10-day-test is thus an extension of the stallion selection in Herning allowing the selection committee to see the stallions ridden. The selection committee and the station test manager decide in unanimity which stallions are finally approved.
35-days-test
In the autumn, 3-, 4-, and 5-year-old stallions can report for a 35-day-test in the discipline in which they were originally pre-selected to Herning. The jumpers are judged in free jumping, jumping and rideability under station rider and test rider. The dressage stallions are tested in gaits and rideability under station rider and test rider. A test passed with a minimum of 800 points in either dressage- or jumping disciplines allows the stallion to come forward to its final grading the following year.
Among the stallions that pass the test with a final result of 700-800 points in either dressage or jumping the selection committee reserves the right to select a few individuals that get covering permission for the following year. These stallions must then pass another 35 day test, before they can come forward to achieve their final approval at the National Stallion Show.
Danish Warmblood Young Horse Championships and Danish Equestrian Federation Championships for Young Horses
Stallions that have passed their first 35-day-test with an end result of 700-800 points can, instead of taking another 35-day-test, choose to have their performance ability tested either through the Young Horse Championship in Herning or through the Danish Equestrian Federation Championships for 5- and 6-year-olds. If the stallion is tested at the Young Horse Championships it must as a minimum attain the same scores as the last horse placed to be able to come forward for final grading. If the stallion is tested at the Danish Equestrian Federation Championships for young horses it must be placed between the top three in the final in order to be put forward for final grading. The breeding committee reserves the right to extend the number of approvals.
Competition classes
Older stallions can be put forward for final grading if they have attained five placings as 1st, 2nd or 3rd in International competitions at S-level.
Digby by Donnerhall and Nathalie zu Sayn-Wittgenstein at the OG 2008 - their performance contributed highly to the Danish Team's bronze medal
