Following a 14-day training period in Elmshorn, a total of 21 mares sat their station test on 2 May. Eight of them achieved a score of 8.0 or higher.
Dierk Groth and Peter Rauert served as judges, assessing the performances of the horses, which had been training on the association’s grounds under the guidance of Alexandra Bitter since 18 April. Harm David acted as guest rider for the final assessment.
The best result of the session was achieved by a daughter of Cascadello I (MV. Contender), bred and owned by Jens Böckenhauer (Boostedt). The judges awarded a score of 9.5 for canter, rideability and free jumping. With an overall score of 8.95, this mare came out on top of the field.
Here you can find the further results of 8.0 and above from the second station test for mares in 2023:
Which mares can be entered for the station test and what is assessed?
During a station test, the mares are stabled for 14 days in Elmshorn on the premises of the Holsteiner Verband. Until two years ago, only three-year-olds were eligible; since 2021, four-year-olds have also been allowed to enter. On the day of arrival, the mares must be presented to the test supervisor by their own rider. During the 14-day training period, the horses are further trained by a team of expert riders and trainers until their final test. In addition to the assessment of the basic gaits, rideability and free jumping, temperament traits – summarised as a mark for the characteristic ‘willingness to perform and handling’ – are also part of the test.
Further information on the broodmare test at the Holsteiner Verband can be found here.
Photo: Janne Bugtrup
