Stallion Performance Test

Stallions selected at the last viewing in ‘s-Hertogenbosch qualify for the final phase on the path to KWPN approval: the Stallion Performance Testing. This test yields a wealth of information about each stallion. In the performance test, stallions are evaluated on both natural sport talent and temperament. Ultimately, they are selected for their potential as breeding stallions for the future KWPN population.

Duration and participation

Jumper- and dressage stallions
The spring performance test for three-year-old stallions will be discontinued as of 2025. Offspring from selected stallions resulting from the stallion’s first breeding season will be registered in register A, provided the stallion meets the veterinary requirements and examinations and has submitted them to the KWPN before April 1st of the year of selection. The stallions must then be approved in one of the two subsequent performance tests. If approved, the offspring will be entered into the foal book. Otherwise, offspring from the second breeding season will be registered in register B. If a stallion is approved during the breeding year by a WBFSH-recognized studbook and has met the corresponding requirements, his offspring will (as is currently the case) be entered into register A.

The autumn performance test lasts 21 days and is preceded, approximately three weeks earlier, by an under-saddle evaluation by the stallion’s own rider, known as the saddle presentation. After this evaluation, the stallion selection committee may reject stallions from further participation or provide advice regarding training leading up to the delivery date. At the time of delivery, the stallions are again presented under saddle by their own rider, and the stallion selection committee then decides whether the stallion may participate in the test, is rejected, or is referred to the next test.

Gelder stallions
For Gelder stallions applies; they can be offered after being appointed as a three-year old and immediately start the spring test of 28 days, the following autumn test of 28 days or the following year in spring for 28 days. The owner may choose to have the stallion tested during the test as a riding horse or as an in-harness horse. After successfully completing the performance test, a one-day test will follow twice in the discipline in which the stallion has not undergone a test.

Harness horse stallions
The performance test for Harness Horse stallions takes place in the autumn. The 28-day test for Harness Horse stallions includes a varied program of in-harness work (indoors and outdoors) and lunging. In addition, stallions work in the horse exerciser and receive turn-out time. In all aspects of the program, the horses are given special consideration for their young age.

Training

The performance test program includes daily under-saddle work, both indoors and outdoors. In addition, stallions regularly work in the horse exerciser and are turned out in safe paddocks. In all aspects of care and training, the horses are given special consideration for their young age. The primary goal of training is optimum preparation of all stallions so that the selection committee can obtain a good assessment of their natural talent by the end of the performance test.
 

Evaluation

The selection committee evaluates stallions in the performance test at regular intervals. They may be presented by their usual training rider or guest riders, who are professionals with ample experience training young horses to become world-class competitors. After working a stallion, the rider gives the committee oral and written reports on the horse’s potential.

At any point in the performance test, the committee has the right to excuse a stallion from further participation or refer him to a subsequent following test. This right may be exercised if a horse is deemed too immature or if an injury is evident.

The performance test also includes evaluations of stable and training behavior. An extensive training report is published upon conclusion of the test. Stallions that pass the performance test are granted KWPN approval.
 

Older stallions

Many older stallions participate in the performance test. In principle, they are registered for spring testing for a minimum of 21 days. In exceptional cases, the stallion selection committee may reduce testing to five days if a stallion has demonstrated excellence in sport or if he is an outstanding sire of performance horses. The committee has the right to alter the testing period at any time in exceptional cases.