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EPTM

The EPTM (Mare Performance Test) is an ability test for young horses. Commonly referred to as the “Mare Test,” the purpose of the EPTM is to gain insight into an inexperienced horse’s natural talent for dressage or jumping. The EPTM is also open to geldings. The KWPN offers multiple EPTM options, depending on a horse’s level of training. The regular EPTM-test has a duration of five weeks. The KWPN also offers the possibilty to have the horses at the KWPN Center in Ermelo two weeks prior to the regular test to get saddle broken. Training and daily care takes place in the hands of professional training managers, who are assisted by a skilled group of riders and grooms.

The EPTM starts with the jury inspecting the horses on arrival. In addition, a clinical inspection is performed to ensure that they are healthy and free of diseases which could put other horses at risk. The jury consists of three members, including the training manager, whose subsequent experience with the development of the horses in the training program is considered in the final evaluation.

Training Progression
Training for dressage horses in the EPTM focuses on demonstrating basic gaits, while training for jumpers aims at properly jumping several obstacles. In both cases, the goal is to train horses so that the jury can get a good impression of their talent. The training manager is responsible for adjusting the training program to the level of the horses in the test. Horses are trained five days a week and given a day of rest in the weekend. Initially, the training program consists of walking, trotting, and cantering in both directions. After a week or two, the jumpers are introduced to obstacles, which are slowly made more challenging. For example, the horses are trotted over a ground pole, and then introduced to a small cross-rail, then a vertical, and finally an oxer.

Evaluation Process
Horses entered in the five-week test are evaluated by the jury five times, with the first evaluation used to determine if each horse is ready to participate in the EPTM. In the concluding evaluation, a final score is determined, in which scores from prior evaluations are taken into consideration.
The jury conducts the first true evaluation at the end of the second week. At this point, horses are evaluated on their basic gaits under saddle, free-movement, and if applicable, free-jumping ability. The following week the horses are evaluated under saddle only. The final three weeks include three evaluation days so that registered parties can see the progress of their horses. After the third evaluation, registered parties may discuss the progress of their horse with the jury.

The maximum score possible is 100 points. A passing score is 75 points, which is sufficient to earn the EPTM predicate in dressage or jumping.

Scoring beam EPTM dressage:

Dressage

TOTAL

Walk 2x

Trot 2x

Canter 2x

Suppleness

Self carriage and balance

Rideability/workability

Talent for dressage

               

Scoring beam EPTM jumping:

       

Jumping

TOTAL

Walk

Trot

Self carriage and balance

 

Canter 2x

Reflexes 2x

Technique 2x

Scope

Attitude

Rideability/workability

Talent for jumping

                       

Participation Requirements
Horses must be at least 32 months old to participate in the EPTM, which is held at the KWPN Center in Ermelo. It is important that registered parties understand the guidelines and rules concerning the test. Please see the list of rates for an overview of associated charges.

€ 124.75 per year

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About the KWPN

The KWPN (Studbook of the Royal Dutch Sport Horse) is a Netherlands-based organization specializing in the breeding of jumpers, dressage horses, harness horses, and Gelder horses.

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