The first 2023 station test for mares came to a close today with the final test. With nine horses, it was a rather small but “high-quality field”, as judge Heino Kracht summarised. Together with fellow judge Dierk Groth, he assessed the mares, which had been prepared at the station over the past 14 days by test director Alexandra Bitter and her team. “The mares performed very well and were extremely easy to ride,” said breeding director Stephan Haarhoff, summing up the event.
Four of the nine mares achieved an overall mark of 8.0 or higher. A daughter of Keaton out of a Casall dam (Manfred Birchler, Bilten), line 104A, finished the test with an overall score of 9.10, the highest mark. The mare was awarded a 10.0 for free jumping during training. On the day of the test, the judges awarded her a 9.5 for free jumping. The bay mare also received a 9.5 for willingness to perform.
Full details of the results for those mares that achieved a score of 8.0 or higher:
Which mares can be entered for the station test and what is assessed?
For a station test, the mares are stabled for 14 days in Elmshorn on the grounds 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 – summarised as the mark for the characteristic ‘willingness to perform and handling’ – is also part of the test.
The next final examination, following the two-week station test, will take place on Tuesday 2 May 2023 in Elmshorn.
