Warendorf (fn-press). The German horse breeding associations have decided by a large majority to provisionally enter stallions in the German Riding Horse Stud Book I for 2021 without the evidence of the stallion performance tests that would normally be required. This decision follows the cancellation by the German Equestrian Federation (FN), in consultation with the relevant sports and breeding associations, of all competition and training events organised by the regional associations involving stabling and overnight stays, as well as all stallion performance tests, until 11 April. “The stallion performance tests are organised by the FN as the umbrella organisation and are comparable to multi-day competitions; in this respect, the breeding sector has advocated acting responsibly in collaboration with the sporting sector. With the special resolution for 2021, mare owners now have sufficient planning certainty for the current breeding season when selecting stallions, following the cancellation of the two aptitude tests and the sport test for stallions in Elmshorn,” says Dr Klaus Miesner, Managing Director of the Breeding Division of the German Equestrian Federation (FN).

In practical terms, this means that both the sport test for stallions in Elmshorn, scheduled for 6 to 8 April, and the two 14-day aptitude tests in Adelheidsdorf (7 to 20 April) and Neustadt/Dosse (9 to 22 April) have been cancelled. All subsequent dates will take place as planned (see www.hengstleistungspruefung.de/pruefungen/zukuenftige-pruefungen).

This renewed suspension of the ZVO regulations regarding provisional entry into Stallion Book I was decided by a majority of the FN member breeding associations that run a breeding programme for the German Riding Horse during an online conference. However, this does not mean that stallions will be generally exempt from the tests in 2021 either. For provisional or final entry into Stallion Book I in 2022, all necessary proof of performance must therefore be provided in accordance with the Breeding Association Regulations (ZVO).

In summary, this means that three- and four-year-old approved stallions can be provisionally entered in Stallion Book I for the 2021 breeding season even if they have not yet taken part in a stallion performance test. Five- and six-year-old approved stallions must be able to provide at least one result from a 14-day aptitude test in order to be provisionally entered in Stallion Book I for 2021. There is no special provision for seven-year-old stallions.

For provisional or final entry into Stallion Book I for the 2022 breeding season, stallions must provide the following performance records.

Three-year-old approved stallions (born in 2018):

• Results from a 50-day stallion performance test in 2021 or a 14-day aptitude test in 2021/2022, as well as a Sport Test for Stallions Part I in spring 2022

Four-year-old licensed stallions (born in 2017):

• Results of a 14-day aptitude test (2020/2021) and the sport tests for stallions (Part I in 2021 and Part II in 2022) or a 50-day stallion performance test in 2021

Five- and six-year-old licensed stallions (born in 2015/2016) with results from a 14-day aptitude test:

• A result from Part II of a sport test for stallions in 2021 (a single pass is also sufficient) or qualification for the National Championships during 2021, or a result from a 50-day stallion performance test in autumn 2021.

For ponies, miniature horses and other breeds, any stallion performance test scheduled before 11 April is also cancelled. There is no special resolution for these breeds.