“A study conducted in Germany shows a high correlation between the Mare Performance Test results and the ability to predict the talents of a mare’s offspring.”
the AHS offers a test at nearly every inspection location in the U.S. I’ve had tests that didn’t result in my three-year-old be- ing able to show herself at her best . . . but that didn’t mean I ditched the entire process. She repeated the test and was co- champion the next year. If you are in this for the long-term, you take your knocks when they come along and possibly learn how to present your horses better in the long run, or how to breed a better horse. ” she explains. Spectators at a MPT have an excellent opportunity to
Free jumping is always a highlight of the Mare Performance Test (MPT). Scoring perfect 10s for both scope and technique in the jumping component of her test, Radiance HVH (Rotspon-EM Whitney/Welser) scored an overall 8.78, the second highest score ever awarded in the U.S. during the MPT. She is owned and bred by High Valley Hanoverians, Georgia.
which may be influenced by her temperament. Mares must be able to show a lengthened stride in each gait, as well as such simple dressage movements as a three loop serpentine and free walk on a loose rein. Te rideability test is somewhat similar to USDF Training Level Test 3. However, accuracy of the required movements is only important to the extent that it reveals the mare’s rideability. Te jumping portion of the test is conducted in a jump-
ing chute without a rider. Most jump chutes are construct- ed on a 21 foot stride with a cross rail, followed by a smaller oxer or a vertical, then a larger oxer. As the test progresses, the height of the last element will be raised and widened to match the mare’s scope and ability. Tere are two scores given for the jump chute, one for scope and the other for technique. Te two scores are then averaged for a final jumping score. Tere are four main reasons for performance testing a
mare. One is to obtain a performance record to use as a tool in making breeding decisions; another is to identify the best con- formed and most athletic Hanoverian mares through the Elite Mare program. A third reason for testing is to enable certain mares to advance to the Main Studbook. Fourth, a mare with an eligible jumper pedigree that attains an overall score of eight or better on the jumping portion of the performance test may be entered into the AHS Jumper Breeding Program. Kris Schuler has performance tested many of her mares. “As a breeder who participates in the MPT, I appreciate that
62 March/April 2014 SPECIAL HANOVERIAN SECTION
In order to become an Elite Mare, a mare must be in the Main Stud- book and be out of a Main Studbook mare. She must have scored an absolute overall seven (7.0) upon inspection and then must pass the performance test. The final requirement for Elite Mare status is for the mare to produce an AHS-registered foal. EM Divine Dream MF (Don Principe-Feel the Dream/Falconet), shown above ridden by An- drea Hayden, had the 9th highest MPT score in the nation (7.52) dur- ing 2012. The elegant bay mare produced an AHS-registered foal in 2013, thus earning her Elite Mare status. She is owned by Alicia Frese and was bred by Maryanna Haymon, North Carolina.
learn how to evaluate jumping form and scope as well as gaits and rideability under saddle from the extensive commentary offered by the inspection judges. It also quickly becomes ap- parent how certain aspects of equine conformation translate (or not) into desirable gaits under saddle.
Elite Mare Status Te AHS identifies the best prospective breeding mares in its studbooks by designating them as Elite Mares. To be designated as an AHS Elite Mare, the mare must be
Alicia Frese
American Hanoverian Society Alicia Frese
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