The AHS I
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American Hanoverian Society, Inc. (AHS) was incorporated in 1978 to establish, maintain and operate a non-profit association of breeders, owners, and friends for the promotion and preservation of the warmblooded Hanoverian horse on the North American continent. It was established to maintain a public registry of Hanoverian horses; to brand approved stallions, mares, and foals with the society’s registered brand; to disseminate information to breeders, owners, and friends pertaining to the breeding and raising of Hanoverian horses. The Society works diligently to promote the performance of the Hanoverian horse in dressage, eventing, hunters, jumpers, and driving; and generally to do all things appropriate to encourage a public understanding of the Hanoverian horse, its breeding and performance. Although it is connected to the German Hannoveraner Verband, the AHS is an American-based, independent, non-profit corporation. Headquartered in Lexington, KY, at the Kentucky Horse Park, the AHS office employs a full-time, experienced staff dedicated to supporting the membership and others with all matters related to Hanoverians. It is governed by its own Board of Directors, elected by its U.S. membership and operating under by-laws voted upon by the membership. This self-governance is unique to European-affiliated registries. The AHS enjoys a strong bond and a mutually beneficial working relationship with the Hannoveranner Verband (HV), including full studbook reciprocity. The Verband endorses the AHS’ by-laws, breeding rules, and the manner in which the AHS conducts bloodstock inspections. The AHS has representation and a vote on the Verband Board through our membership in Hannoveraner International. he
and to develop a horse on the North American continent having the same or better characteristics.
Breeding Goal The aim is a noble, correctly built warmblood horse capable of superior performance, a horse with natural impulsion and space-gaining elastic movements – a horse that because of its temperament, character, and willingness is suited principally as an all-around riding horse.
Rewards of Membership Benefits of membership in the AHS are numerous, a list of which can be found on the AHS website (www.hanoverian.org), but a few of the most notable include: • The AHS annual inspection tour offers sites nationwide that include mare and foal inspection, mare performance tests, stallion licensing, education, futurities, and an opportunity to meet fellow breeders. Both American and German judges populate the tour, giving perspectives and advice to all in attendance. • The AHS Awards program is one of the
most comprehensive offered to sport horse breeders in America. Whether competing in futurities, in-hand, dressage, jumpers, hunters, or eventing, the AHS has an awards program for you. • The AHS produces an annual print copy of the AHS Breeder’s Guide and Stallion Directory that is mailed to every Active member or can be purchased for a nominal fee. • AHS members receive monthly registry and industry updates electronically via Hanoverian Happenings from the AHS office. • The AHS has a very active Young Breeder’s Program to encourage the next generation. In 2019, the AHS Young Breeders’ team qualified for and competed in the International championships. • The AHS conducts an annual membership meeting that is held at various locations throughout the US to allow the greatest number of members to participate. The three-day event holds educational seminars on a plethora of topics, outings to local equine attractions, and an awards banquet.
General Breeding Policy The American Hanoverian Society, Inc. is committed to adopting and adhering to the highly selective breeding standards as practiced since 1735 in the Hannover breeding area of Germany. The Society desires to encourage those standards
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WITH HIGHLY SELECTIVE BREEDING STANDARDS BORNE FROM THE HANNOVER AREA OF GERMANY, THE AMERICAN HANOVERIAN SOCIETY STRIVES TO ADHERE TO THOSE STANDARDS TO PRODUCE SUPERIOR WARMBLOOD HORSES. BOTH THE AHS AND THE GERMAN HANNOVERANER VERBAND ASSURE THE CONTINUED DEVELOPMENT OF THE BREED THROUGH STALLION APPROVALS, MARE INSPECTIONS, AND MARE PERFORMANCE TESTS. Above: New Hanoverian Premium Mare Candidate Delightfully Wicked, owned and
bred by Elizabeth Schneider of Maryland,was the Champion Hanoverian Mare of the Fox Lair inspection.
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