4.                             INDIVIDUAL TESTING

A stallion can begin its individual testing at the age of three providing it fulfills the eligibility requirements described above.

Individual testing is composed of several levels:

Level 1.                                            Conformation evaluation and veterinary inspection

Level 2.                              Performance evaluation with performance test for 3-year-old stallion.

 An approved performance test results in a breeding license valid for one year. Further evaluation needs to take place at the age of four or older before stallion can be approved again. 

Level 2b.                             Performance evaluation with performance test for 4 and 5-year old stallions.  Approved performance results in a breeding license valid for 6 years providing the stallion’s fertility is satisfactory and that no animal welfare/contagious disease restrictions are present.

Level 3.                              Performance evaluation based on proven competition performance. This level provides the basis for the last part of the individual testing. This level is mandatory for stallions 6 years and older who have not at the age of 4 or 5 participated in and passed a performance test and been granted a temporary breeding license. Upon approval a breeding license is granted that is valid for the same duration and under the same conditions as described in Level 2b. 

Thoroughbred stallions with proven race merits may be approved on a case-by-case basis regarding age, merits and level of training.

4.1                             Quality grading/Merit class (assessed through individual testing) 

Through individual testing a stallion is graded and can be awarded any of the following breeding classifications:

B –                              A stallion that is currently under examination with approved results from the performance test but has not yet completed the individual testing.

AB -                              A stallion that has completed and passed the performance test, or is approved based on his own performance, is normally approved for breeding for a 6-year period.

EJ -                              A stallion that has completed its individual testing either in Sweden or abroad without reaching an approval according to ASVH Service AB’s quality assessment; health wise, in the performance test or through proven competition performance. Such a stallion is permitted to be used for breeding, producing an offspring eligible for registration in the Swedish Warmblood Studbook chapter IV (grey papers). This offspring has limited ability to partake in events and tests organized through ASVH Service AB, ASVH and affiliated member organizations.

Kass –                              A stallion that does not fulfill the requirements according to Swedish Animal Welfare regulations (DFS 2004:22). Any stallion that has a defect or that is a carrier of a certain genetic defect, that has a certain weakness of the conformation, a lowered fertility rate or presents the risk of infectious disease, is not permitted to breed in Sweden. Such a stallion is given the merit class kass and cannot produce offspring eligible for registration. In special cases a suspected carrier of a genetic defect may be evaluated through its offspring or through DNA in order to establish freedom of genetic defect.

INT –                              An INT classification (interim license) is awarded to stallions that have been imported after the specified time for original breeding evaluation and that would normally have been awarded breeding value B or AB. This classification is valid until the next official breeding evaluation takes place.

Upon awarding breeding value B, AB, EJ or INT a written report on the stallion’s conformation and performance attributes shall be presented by the Inspection Committee and be incorporated into the official certificate of breeding evaluation. Conformation scores are not mandatory for stallions approved for semen import that have a maximum of 6 year old performance test results or older stallions with a solid offspring evaluation. 

A stallion that has been awarded EJ or Kass shall receive a written commentary from the Inspection Committee.

Stallions that are awarded breeding value B or AB are entered into the Swedish Warmblood studbook by ASVH Service AB; section for approved stallions. The Inspection Committee will submit a written referral regarding suitable use for each and every new stallion.   

4.2                             Health evaluation (veterinary inspection)

Veterinarian approval indicates that the stallion has passed an inspection by a veterinarian approved by the Inspection Committee.  Furthermore, the stallion, at the earliest age of 2 ½ (per 7/1), must have the mandatory x-ray examination according to specific instructions and has been found free of osteochondrosis in hocks and stifles. The stallion is identified and chip marked when x-rayed. All x-ray pictures are to be marked with the stallion’s registration number. The pictures or the x-ray evaluation are to be sent to ASVH Service AB to be evaluated by appointed veterinarian. In case a result is contested the x-ray pictures will be sent to and evaluated by the Board of Veterinary Medical Consultants at the department of radiology (Swedish University of Agricultural Sciences). Only stallions with veterinary approval earn the right to move on to level 2 in the individual testing process. A stallion that is not approved health wise according to Swedish Animal Welfare regulations (DFS 2004:22), or cannot be proven as free of a genetic defect will forever lose its permit to breed (kass).

4.3                             Conformation Inspection

The stallion is measured at the height of the withers and the circumference of the cannon bone. The conformation evaluation is based on the following five categories:

Type (breed-, sport-, and gender)

Head, neck and body

Legs and correctness of movement

Mechanics of the walk

Mechanics of the trot

Each category is scored on a scale from 1-10.  A stallion must receive a minimum of 23 points for the first three categories with no individual score below seven in order to be approved via level 2a and 2b of the breeding evaluation process.

4.4                             Performance test for 3-year old stallions

The initial test categories are free jumping, gaits under saddle and pedigree evaluation. Following final inspection, a dressage index and a jumping index is calculated for each stallion. Approval in at least one discipline results in the breeding classification B that is valid for one year.  The individual evaluation process is not finished regardless of the outcome of the performance test.

3-year-old stallions

Maximum Points

Dressage Minimum

Jumping Minimum

Conformation (E3)

50

23*/40

23*/38

Free jumping (LH3)

10

5

8.5

Gaits, under saddle (G3)

10

   8,0 **

     5 ***

Pedigree and suitability for breeding (H)

2

1

1

* See section 4.3

**   Minimum of 7 points required in each individual category as described in G3 below.

*** Minimum of 5 points in each individual category as described in G3 below.

Conformation (E3) =                              type + head, neck, body + legs + walk + trot

Jumping (LH3) =                              (technique and ability (LTF) + temperament and general impression (LTA)): 2

Gaits (G3) =                                     (walk + trot + canter + temperament and potential for development): 4

Pedigree and suitability for breeding (Hd or Hh in dressage and jumping respectively) = 1 point awarded for the documented value of the pedigree in regards to each discipline. 1 point is awarded for the stallion’s suitability for breeding depending on certain traits valuable to each discipline or if the pedigree contributes to increasing the gene pool. A maximum of 2 points can be awarded.

Dressage index (3) =                              (E3-40): 2 + G3 + Hd                             Minimum index for approval: 10

Jumping index (3) =                                                        LH3 + (G3g*-7): 2 + Hh                             Minimum index for approval: 10

*G3g = canter score in the evaluation of gaits

Free jumping

Stallions 3 years of age:                                               maximum height                                   maximum width

                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                                     1.30 m                                                                                                               Oxer 1.20 m

4.5                             Performance test for 4-and 5-year old stallions

Level 1 is carried out in the same fashion as for the 3-year-olds and with the same requirements described in section 4.3 to move on to level 2b.

Level 2b is carried out after which the individual testing is considered final for stallions that are awarded the breeding value of AB. Remaining stallions continue the individual testing at Level 3. A stallion that is not approved as a 4-year-old may participate in the performance test again as a 5-year-old.

In Phase I 4-year old stallions are tested in jumping and gaits under own rider (preliminary grade). The test in jumping is either free jumping or jumping under rider. A stallion that is to be shown in jumping in Phase II must be shown under rider in Phase I. A stallion that is to be shown in gaits in Phase II may choose between free jumping and jumping under rider in Phase I. In Phase II the stallion may be judged in regards to gaits (dressage) or jumping or in both disciplines. “Dressage stallions” participate in a test of gaits under saddle with a private rider (final grade). Rideability is judged under specially appointed test riders in regards to suitability for dressage. “Jumping stallions” are tested in jumping under saddle with private rider (final grade) and a test rider (jumper) for evaluation of rideability and canter action. A stallion that is judged in both disciplines has the judging of gaits under private rider substituted with a final adjustment of the grades in gaits in regards to the performance under test rider.

Five-year-old stallions are judged on the same five categories as the 4-year-olds with the exception of the free jumping test for dressage stallions in Phase I.  It is substituted with a jumping test under saddle with private rider. The initial scores are preliminary and the final scores for jumping and gaits under saddle are awarded after the second test in Phase II.

A dressage index and a jumping index are calculated which are the basis for a possible approval for breeding.

4-year-old stallions

Max points

Dressage (min)

Jumping  (min)

Conformation E (4)

50

23*/38

23*

Free jumping

LH (4) = (LTF + LTA): 2

10

5 (3 and 1)

                  _

Jumping under saddle

UH(4) = (2xHTF + HTA + RH):4

10

5 (3 and 1)

8**

Gaits (G) (4)***

10

8 (8,5 and 9)**

5****

Pedigree and suitability for breeding Hd and Hh

2

1

1

Conformation E (4) =                              type + head, neck, body + legs + walk + trot

Free jumping LH (4) =                              (technique and ability (LTF) + temperament and general impression (LTA)): 2

Jumping under saddle UH (4) = (2x technique and ability (HTF) + temperament and general impression (HTA) + rideability (RH)):4

G (4) =                              (walk + trot + canter under own rider + rideability under test rider): 4

RH =                              Rideability and canter action under saddle by a test rider.

Jumping under saddle is graded on a scale from 1-10 points. A separate grade is awarded for technique and ability (HTF) and for temperament/general impression (HTA).

Pedigree and suitability for breeding (Hd or Hh in dressage and jumping respectively) = 1 point awarded for the documented value of the pedigree in regards to each discipline. 1 point is awarded for the stallion’s suitability for breeding depending on certain traits valuable to each discipline or if the pedigree contributes to increasing the gene pool. A maximum of 2 points can be awarded.

Dressage index (4) =                                                  (E -38): 2 + G x 2 + Hd                                                     minimum index for approval: 18

Jumping index (4) =                                                         UH x 2 + Hh                                                                                                                            minimum index for approval: 18

5 year old stallions

Max points

Dressage (min)

Jumping (min)

Conformation                             E(5)

50

23*/38

23*

Jumping under saddle UH (5)=(2xHTF+HTA +RH):4

10

5(3 and 1)

8**

Gaits G (5)***

10

8 (8,5 and  9)**

5****

Pedigree (Hd and Hh)

2

1

1

Conformation E (5) =                              type + head, neck, body + legs + walk + trot

Jumping under saddle UH (5) = (2x technique and ability (HTF) + temperament and general impression (HTA) + rideability (RH)):4

Jumping under saddle is graded on a scale from 1-10 points. A separate grade is awarded for technique and ability (HTF) and for temperament/general impression (HTA).

RH =                              Rideability and canter action under saddle by a test rider.

G (5) =                              (walk + trot + canter under own rider + rideability under test rider): 4

Pedigree and suitability for breeding (Hd or Hh in dressage and jumping respectively) = 1 point awarded for the documented value of the pedigree in regards to each discipline. 1 point is awarded for the stallion’s suitability for breeding depending on certain traits valuable to each discipline or if the pedigree contributes to increasing the gene pool. A maximum of 2 points can be awarded.

Dressage index (5) =                                                  (E -38): 2 + G x 2 + Hd                                                     minimum index for approval: 18

Jumping index (5) =                                                        (UH) x 2 + Hh                                                                                             minimum index for approval: 18

The following apply to both age groups (4 -and 5-year olds):

*                                                        See 4.3

**                                                     No partial score under 7.

***                              “Special talents” with a minimum score of 8,5 or 9,0 in gaits need to achieve a minimum score of 3 or 1 point in free jumping or jumping under rider.

****   No partial score under 5.

Jumping under saddle

Four-year-old stallions:                             Course with fences with wings, with at least one double fence. Water mat may be present.

Five-year-old stallions:                              Course with at least one double fence. Water mat may be present.

Height and length of fences

Maximum Height

Maximum Width

4-year-old stallions

1.10 m

triple bars 1.50 m        other fences 1.30 m

5-year-old stallions

1.20 m

triple bars 1.60 m        other fences 1.40 m

The fences shall be jumped in succession according to the judge’s instructions. The judge may also have the rider jump the horse over additional fences. The maximum height and length of fences may be exceeded with the rider’s consent. The first course under rider (Phase I) is slightly easier than the following and final jumping test (Phase II).

4.6                             6-year old and older stallions with merits

Level 1 is the same as described above. However, a jumper stallion needs to achieve a conformation score of 37 at a minimum and a dressage stallion needs to achieve a minimum score of 38 for conformation. Stallions ten years and older will not be scored on conformation, but evaluated along the same norms as other stallions in the same discipline.

Through proven performance at level 3 the final individual breeding evaluation takes place for stallions that have not yet been approved through performance tests. Upon request by the Inspection Committee, the stallion is shown and evaluated in the appropriate discipline in conjunction with the regular performance tests. Upon approval, the stallion is awarded the breeding classification AB.  Stallions that are not approved are awarded the breeding classification EJ.  Class EJ stallions may be evaluated again in the future based on new competition results.

The minimum requirements for a stallion to be eligible for a breeding evaluation based on official show results in jumping are as follows:

6 years: Completed final round at designated championship shows for 5-year olds.

7 years: Completed final round at designated championship shows for 6-year olds

8 years: Placed five times in 1, 40 m or higher at national shows as a 7 yr old

9 years: Placed five times in 1, 45 m or higher at national shows as a 8 yr old

10 years: Placed three times in 1, 50 m or higher at international shows as 8-9 yr old

11 years and older: Placed three times in 1, 60 m at international shows

The minimum requirements for a stallion to be eligible for a breeding evaluation based on official show results in dressage are as follows:

6 years: Completed final round at designated championship shows for 5-year olds

7 years: Completed final round at designated championship shows for 6 –year olds

8 years: A minimum score of 70 % in Prix St Georg or MSv A as a 7 year old

9 years: A minimum score of 70 % in Intermediare I as an 8 year old

10 years and older: A minimum score of 67 % in Int II or Svår B1 as a nine year old

11 years and older: a minimum score of 67 % in Grand Prix

Note that the requirements for dressage stallions have to be fulfilled at least twice (two shows) with the exception of the young horse shows.

4.7                              Stallions evaluated by a studbook recognized by the ASVH; appendix 1

4.7.1                             Import of stallions

The eligibility requirements for foreign stallions regarding inspection, eligibility and breeding classifications are the same as those for Swedish stallions in the same age group. However, a foreign stallion may be exempt from participating in the performance test for 4 - and 5-year olds if the stallion finished in the top 10% in performance tests conducted in its country of origin. This applies providing the test is similar to the Swedish test in either of the two disciplines, dressage or jumping. A three year old stallion tested in Germany can only be approved based on the results from the German 30-day test.  Said stallion shall have finished in the top 10 % or have reached a final score of  8, 5 in either discipline. These results are valid for one year whereas all other final performance test results are valid for six years.

Stallions that do not qualify for the requirements stated above can be tested in the Swedish Stallion Performance test. Otherwise the merit class EJ will be awarded.

Whether the stallion is tested through the Swedish - or foreign performance test the stallions can, at the owner’s discretion, be shown in either dressage or jumping in conjunction with the regular performance test.

 It is the owner’s responsibility to provide official documentation of the results from the foreign breeding evaluation when applying for entry into the Swedish breeding evaluation program. In the event an import occurs after the deadline for the regular official evaluation, a temporary breeding class  (INT) may be issued that is valid until the next scheduled official evaluation.

For a fee, the licensing committee can perform an on-site inspection and provide a binding report summarizing the results of the evaluation prior to import.

Import of semen 

Stallions that are eligible for evaluation as described in section 3 and approved for breeding in any of the Swedish Warmblood Association approved studbooks (appendix 1) can be evaluated for import of semen without a conformation or veterinary inspection providing the following: no more than six years have passed since the original approval, the stallion has an attractive pedigree, it fulfills the requirements stated in section 4.7.1or that the stallion has participated in the National Young Horse finals. A stallion 7-8-years old must have participated at 5 years of age minimum or competed successfully in MA class (1, 45 m or Prix St: Georges).  For stallions 9-10 years old, excellent results in international S class; 1, 50 m in jumping or Intermediaire II in dressage are required. Stallions 11 years or older that are not evaluated on the basis of offspring must have excellent results in international S class; 1, 60 m in jumping or international Grand Prix in dressage.

Information on the health status including x-ray information of the stallion signed by an official veterinarian as well as information on the stallion’s fertility previous year regarding the current method of breeding, shall be included in the entry to the breeding evaluation program for Swedish Warmbloods. It is the importer’s duty to provide this documentation to ASVH Service AB. 

A stallion that fulfills any of these requirements can be awarded breeding classification B, AB or INT. A stallion that does not qualify adheres to the same regulations as with an imported stallion regarding inspection.  Awarded breeding classification is good for 6 years after final original performance test. Thereafter competition results and offspring evaluation are the foundation for breeding evaluation in Sweden.  

Stallions that do not fulfill the requirements stated above, with or without an inspection will be awarded the breeding value EJ when registering possible offspring.

4.8                             Exemption

The Licensing Committee may exempt a stallion from the requirements described above if the committee finds that the stallion is ‘exceptionally interesting’ from a genetic/breeding standpoint. The breeding value B or INT can be awarded and the stallion will be issued temporary approval.

Appendix 1.

Studbooks Recognized by the Swedish Warmblood Association

Warmblood

Belgium

BWP

Denmark

Dansk Varmblod

France

SF (Selle Francais)

Holland

KWPN (sec. RP)

Poland

Kwlkp

Sweden

ASVH

Germany

Baden-Württemberg

Bayern

Berlin-Brandenburg

Hannover

Holstein

Oldenburg

Rheinisches Pferdestammbuch

Rheinland-Pfalz-Saar

Sachsen-Thüringen

Trakehner/Ostpreussian warmblood

Westfalen

Thoroughbred

General Studbook

Arabian

WAHO

Anglo-arabian thoroughbred

CIAA

Pedigree requirements for section 1 in the General Studbook have to be fulfilled. Warmblood horses from other studbooks may be registered after special application.