The Mare Performance Test (MPT) is a structured evaluation designed to assess a young mare’s rideability, trainability, temperament, gaits and jumping ability (for jumping and dual purpose mares). It provides breeders with unbiased, expert insight into a mare’s potential under saddle and as a future broodmare—and rewards mares who demonstrate exceptional quality.
The purpose of the Mare Performance Test is to assess the natural ability of the young horse, rather than expecting each task to be completed without fault and/or with perfect manners. It is a great opportunity for members to provide a suitable goal and learning experience for their young mares, while at the same time adding value and receiving professional feedback from internationally trained assessors.
The HHSA would like to encourage its members to consider starting their mares under saddle and participating in the MPT before breeding as this is a valuable feedback mechanism for the breeder. The MPT is a low stress atmosphere aiming to promote a positive experience for young horses.
The MPT is predominantly aimed at 3-4 year old mares, or 5 year old mares if they have had a foal, and only these age mares are eligible for Premium Mare Awards. However, the MPT is now open to mares over 4/5 YO that wish to complete the evaluation and receive feedback, though they will not be eligible for Premium Mare titles. Mare Performance Tests are available at central venues (depending on entry numbers) during the Annual Tour, normally held in February each year.
What does the MPT involve?
Depending on the mare’s type (dressage-bred or jumping-bred), the test includes:
✔ Under-Saddle Assessment
The mare’s usual rider demonstrates the mare in walk, trot and canter. There is a riding test that is available in the detailed document below and is called out for the rider(s). Judges, also considering her age, score her for movement quality, balance, suppleness, trainability, willingness and rider connection.
✔ Rideability Test by a Test Rider
A professional test rider employed by the HHSA rides the mare to assess temperament, willingness, rideability and overall “trainability” from a neutral perspective.
✔ Free-Jumping (for jumping-bred and dual purpose mares)
Mares are evaluated for technique, scope, attitude and athletic ability through a gymnastic free-jump chute. 𝗙𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗶𝘀 𝗡𝗢𝗧 𝗥𝗘𝗤𝗨𝗜𝗥𝗘𝗗 𝗳𝗼𝗿 𝗱𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗺𝗮𝗿𝗲𝘀, 𝘁𝗵𝗼𝘂𝗴𝗵 𝗶𝗳 𝘁𝗵𝗲𝘆 𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗼𝘀𝗲 𝘁𝗼 𝗳𝗿𝗲𝗲 𝗷𝘂𝗺𝗽, 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘀𝗰𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗺𝘂𝘀𝘁 𝗰𝗼𝘂𝗻𝘁.
✔ The mare can also complete her classification (in hand) at the MPT if she has not been previously
Mare Classification is required for all Hanoverian/Rhineland mares to enter the appropriate studbook in order for her offspring to be registered. Mares that have been classified as a 3yo can still complete the MPT as a 4yo (or older).
The individual points awarded for each section of the Performance Test range from 0/10 (did not
perform) to a possible 10/10 (excellent). Each section, including the gaits under saddle, rideability
and freejumping, will contribute towards the end result.
Why is it important?
A successful Mare Performance Test can earn mares that also receive a 7.5 or above in the Mare Classification her “Premium Mare Candidate” (PrMC) title and—if she produces a foal—the full Premium Mare (PrM) title.
Certain minimum scores in the MPT can also earn Breeding Program Mares a One Star* designation.
For breeders and owners aiming to elevate the value, experience, credibility and breeding potential of their mares, the Hanoverian Mare Performance Test (MPT) is one of the most important opportunities of the year.