TheEquine |

TheEquine : "All Trakehner breeding stock have to undergo rigorous grading methods to maintain the high standards and only foals from graded parents on both sides are eligible for 'Pink Papers' and the Trakehner Brand. 3 year old mares and the top selected 2 year old colts are inspected by a panel of judges and given marks for Breed Type, body, limbs and feet, walk/trot/canter and overall impression. The standards required for stallions to grade are very high and from all colts born, only 1 - 4% are likely to succeed as ‘Graded Trakehner Stallions’ worldwide. In Germany, after a 2 year old colt had been accepted, he is required before the age of 4 to undergo a 100 day performance test, where he will have to achieve a minimum level in all disciplines. The performance testing is compulsory for Stallions and optional for mares. In the UK a similar grading process is carried out annually in September, when two representatives from the German Trakehner Verband join the judging panel. In the UK there are no stallion testing stations to carry out the 100 day performance testing, therefore it takes place over a two day assessment, following training and preparation at home. Points are awarded for different disciplines including Dressage, Jumping, Cross Country, Paces, other factors such as temperament, attitude and ability to perform are also taken into consideration. As the only Breed Society to have organised a Stallion Performance testing in UK, the TBF have now made this open to other breeds in order to test the performance ability of Stallions standing in the UK and it is now run by NASTA."