Mare Classification
In order to maintain a high standard of breeding stock in line with that of Europe, every mare that is to be used for breeding must be assessed and entered into the Hanoverian or Rhineland studbook.
During the Mare Classification, the walk, trot and conformation will be evaluated and recorded.
The Studbook Inspection (by a highly trained and qualified assessor) awards scores from 1 (very bad) to 10 (excellent). 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
As well as:
- 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.
Mare Classification can be completed at a main venue during the annual tour, on your farm, or by video recording. If your mare is already breed registered with another Warmblood association, she may be eligible to be classified into the Hanoverian studbook depending on her pedigree. If she qualifies and completes inspection, her foals will be eligible for Hanoverian breed registration.
In summary, all mares must be base/foal registered Hanoverian or Rhineland, or have another breed society base registration and qualify to be approved Hanoverian or Rhineland. Then at three years of age or older, all mares to be used for breeding must be inspected and approved into the appropriate Hanoverian/Rhineland Mare Books in order for their foals to qualify for Hanoverian registration.
Mare Performance Test
The Mare Performance Tests have a high priority for the Hanoverian Verband. The test provides an indication of the mare’s suitability as a riding horse, and offers valuable information about the bloodline. Mares that complete a MPT with good scores should be highly valued by riders, breeders, and owners.
Mare performance tests are done for mares age 3-6YO. In the test, the basic gaits under the rider and rideability of the mare are evaluated. As of 2024, free jumping is not required for dressage-bred mares, but is required for jumping and dual purpose mares.
The prestigious Premium Mare Award (see below) is granted to eligible Main Studbook mares who pass the MPT, have previously scored well for conformation and movement at their classification, and have produced a Hanoverian foal. The results of the MPT serve as a basis for the breeding value estimation of the Hannoveraner Verband.
Downloads
Hanoverian Horses
Downloads
Mare Awards
Premium Mare Award
Performance Mare Award
HHSA Mare Studbooks
Hanoverian: Main Studbook, Studbook
Rhineland: Main Studbook, Studbook, and Pre-Studbook
1. Main Studbook (Hauptstutbuch)
This is the highest level and the aim for most breeders.
- Requires a minimum of four generations of approved Warmblood, Thoroughbred, or Arabian pedigree, or for Rhineland this can include other listed breeds (such as PRE, Lipizzan)
- Mare must be presented for in-person classification and meet the minimum score requirements for conformation, movement, and type
- Mares in this book are eligible to produce fully registered Hanoverian or Rhineland foals (when bred to an approved stallion)
- Only Main Studbook mares classified by the HHSA are eligible for Premium Mare titles. This now includes mares base registered with other societies but classified into the HHSA main studbooks.
This is the standard for producing foals with full Hanoverian registration.
2. Studbook (Stutbuch)
A level below the Main Studbook.
- Must have three generations of approved pedigree
- May also include mares that did not meet the score thresholds for the Main Studbook at classification
- These mares can produce registered foals, but with more limited options or conditions for registration
Often used as a starting point to improve the mare line over generations.
3. Pre-Studbook (Rhineland only)
Designed for mares with gaps in the classification or licensing of ancestors.
- Must still meet certain pedigree and DNA requirements
- Must be classified
- Eligible to produce Rhineland foals in most cases
This book allows a pathway into the system, and with a qualifying pedigree may provide access to Rhineland and then Hanoverian registration after several generations of studbook Rhineland breeding
The studbook of your horse will be listed on the official passport. If you’re unsure where your mare fits, the HHSA offers pedigree pre-checks and hosts an annual Classification Tour with official inspectors from the Hannoveraner Verband.
Mare Family Presentation
Hanoverian breeders often think in generations – It is great to see the progression of a breeding program through its mares. During the HHSA Annual Tour, Mare Families can be presented and scored. The family is given a score based on the quality of three mares and improvements from generation to generation where applicable.
You must be a financial Breeder Member to present a mare family. All mares must be Hanoverian or Rhineland registered.
The following can qualify as mare families:
– Mother with two daughters
– Generation sequence (grandmother, mother, daughter)
– Three daughters of one mother
Header Photo by Emmy Nomikos Photography