Mare Performance Test I
Cont inue d
For upgrading to the AHS Main Studbook, a registered Thoroughbred, Arabian or Anglo-Arabian mare entered into the AHS Studbook with an overall score of seven (7.0) with no subscore below five (5), including a subscore of seven (7) for impulsion and elasticity (the trot), must meet the AHS Mare Performance Test criteria as prescribed for Hanoverian Premium Mares. This means completing the MPT with an overall score of seven (7.0) or better (at least 21 points) or with an 8 and two 6s (20 points) or through provision of scores in competition as specified in the section titled Test Alternatives.
The Riding Test
PERFORMANCE ACHIEVEMENTS IN DRESSAGE, EVENTING, OR HUNTER/JUMPER SHOWS MAY BE CONSIDERED IN LIEU OF THE MARE PERFORMANCE TEST.
Above: HPMC Sonata EMF, owned and bred by Kristine Schuler of Fleetwood, PA, presented at the Mid Atlantic Hanoverian Breeders’ inspection.
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Performance Record All mare owners are encouraged to test their mares as proof of their rideability and athletic ability. It is also recommended that dams of all stallion prospects have taken the Mare Performance Test.
Hanoverian Premium Mare Status To attain Hanoverian Premium Mare (HPM) status the mare must be in the Main Studbook and be out of a Main Studbook mare. She must have scored an absolute overall seven (7.0) upon inspection. Once inspection scores have been verified, qualified mares must then pass the Mare Performance Test.
Studbook Admissions and Upgrade The Mare Performance Test is an avenue for Studbook acceptance of registered Thoroughbred, Arabian and AngloArabian mares that score an overall seven (7.0) or above on inspection but don’t receive a seven (7) or more for the trot. If these mares meet the AHS Mare Performance Test criteria as prescribed for Hanoverian Premium Mare status they are eligible for entry in the AHS Studbook.
T H E
A M E R I C A N
During the under saddle portion of the Mare Performance Test, the mare is judged on rideability, temperament, and character. The under saddle phase is not a dressage test. However, the mare must be trained to perform the following movements when instructed:
H A N O V E R I A N
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Halt Free walk on long rein Working walk Lengthen walk Working trot rising
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Lengthen trot Working canter Lengthen canter Three loop serpentine Change rein 20 meter circle
The rider will be asked to walk, trot, and canter the mare up to 1500 meters so that her rideability can be evaluated separate from her gaits. This phase is to enable the commission to see the best gaits and way of going. The mare should be ridden well forward – it is not being judged as if in a dressage test.
Free Jumping All jumping in the Mare Performance Test is conducted through a chute without a rider. Most jumping chutes are set up on a 21-foot distance with a crossrail followed by a vertical and then an oxer. As the test progresses, the height of the last element is raised to test the mare’s scope and ability. Two excellent articles on free jumping are available from the AHS office: “Free Jumping: Technique, Ability and More,” by the HV’s Ludwig
S O C I E T Y
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Christmann, and “Some Thoughts on Free Jumping,” by AHS Mare and Stallion Committee member Volker Ehlers.
Test Alternatives Regarding Hanoverian Premium Mare status and studbook upgrade, performance achievements in dressage, eventing, or hunter and jumper shows may be considered in lieu of the Mare Performance Test. As a basis for judging the performance of mares, the AHS may accept an alternative competitive sport test, consisting of one of the following achievements: a. in dressage: must receive three (3) scores of at least 60% at Second Level, Test 3, or above by three (3) different judges at USEF or Equine Canada recognized shows, or b. in jumping: must place in the top six (6) at 1.15m, or above, in at least three competitions at USEF “A” rated or Equine Canada class “1” shows, or c. in eventing: must either: i) place in the top five (5) at least five times at Training Level, or above; or ii) complete at least five (5) horse trials at Preliminary Level, or above, without jump penalties (not to include time penalties), or d. in show hunters: must place in the top three (3) in an over-fences class of 10 or more entries, or in the top six (6) in an over fences class of 20 or more entries, in any rated division jumping 3’6”, or above, at five (5) different USEF “A” rated shows or Equine Canada class “1” shows. 2020 MARE PERFORMANCE TEST S TAT I S T I C S
Mares Tested.................................... 37 Hanoverian Premium and Hanoverian Premium Mare Candidates.............................. 22 Studbook Upgrades............................ 2 Performance Records...................... 14 Top Overall Score.......................... 7.83
