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Dressage Breeding Program

This program encourages and rewards breeding of mares with health, soundness and temperament that have proven themselves in sport and have proven offspring in sport. Breeders can use Breeding Program and star designations (for example DBP***) to enhance the prestige of their stud and value of offspring.

No pedigree requirements are in place. Mares can be either passported Hanoverian/Rhineland or another WFBSH studbook. However, the mares must be classified into the Hanoverian or Rhineland studbook or main studbook- noting direct studbook entry mares would not qualify without classification.

Mares can earn and apply for prestigious star award designations to be added to the DBP symbol based on their own performance and performance of their offspring. This designation will be visible on her pedigree and pedigree documents for her offspring. A label will also be provided for her passport. See explanation below:


All offspring used for competition records for computation of three-stars must be registered with an approved WBFSH studbook.

Designation with one star (DBP*) is awarded on the basis of the mare’s own performance in the mare performance test or similar dressage performance. One of the following must be achieved:

  • In the mare performance test, the average for basic gaits must be at least 7.67 and the average for rideability at least 7.75
  • Placing 1-10 at a EA recognised Official Competitive Preliminary level class with a minimum score of 70% as a 4 or 5yo.

Designation with two stars (DBP**) is awarded on the basis of own performance in Dressage sport. One of the following must be achieved:

  • Three placings 1-10 in medium level (or higher) official competitive EA dressage events with three scores of 65% or higher
  • Winning the respective Young Horse State Championships in either the 4, 5, 6 or 7 year old championships with a score of at least 70%.
  • Placing of 1-10 in the first or second round of the Australian Young Horse Championships DWTS in either the 4, 5, 6 or 7 year old championships with a score of at least 70%
  • Qualification for the Bundeschampionat or World Championships for young horses

Designation with three-stars (DBP***) is awarded on the basis of offspring success in sport. Two offspring with one of the following successes each are required:

  • An offspring with placing 1-10 in the first or second round at the Australian Young Horse Championships DJWTS in either the 4, 5, 6 or 7 year old championships with a score of at least 70%
  • An offspring winning the respective Young Horse state championships in either the 4, 5, 6 or 7 year old championships with a score of at least 70%
  • An offspring with a placing in at least one PSG test or higher achieving 65% or
    more
  • An offspring with a qualification for the Bundeschampionat or World Championships for young horses

If the mare achieves the one* requirements during the HHSA tour’s MPT, no application is necessary.
Otherwise, there is an introductory application fee of $35 which covers verifying results, modifying pedigree in our database, and preparing and sending a label sticker for the mare’s passport. Their names will be affixed with the according Star* designation, which will then appear in any offspring’s pedigree.

Breeding Program Application

FAQ:

Q: Does my mare have to earn the stars in succession?
A: No, even if your mare was not under saddle herself, she can still directly earn the DBP*** designation if she has demonstrated to be an exceptional producer by the results of her offspring.

Q: How does this program differ from Premium Mare and/or Performance Mare?
A: While the BP* requirements are similar to Premium Mare, a performance alternative is available to mares that did not or were not able to attend a MPT. Performance Mare has slightly more performance requirements than BP** (though at the same level), as it should for a specialised performance award. This also means that Performance mares should qualify for BP**. The BP*** rating recognises the mare’s exemplary production record of successful offspring, a very important quality for mares used in Hanoverian breeding programs. The other titles do not recognise offspring achievement.

Q: What is the value of having my mares in the Breeding Program?
A: The HHSA believes there are several benefits. Displaying the prestigious star awards is an easy way for the public to tell that this mare has sport achievements herself, and/or has produced successful offspring. Distinguishing mares that have been under saddle themselves and/or have good production records is becoming increasingly important to buyers of foals and riding horses and should therefore increase her value and the value of her offspring. Stallion owners may also find value in these decorated mares and offer approval or discounted service fees to Breeding Program mares.