There are probably as many ways to breed a competition horse as there are breeding organizations with which to register them. Even so, a very high percentage of the horses competing internationally (particularly in show jumping and dressage) are warmbloods and there is one area of breeding policy that almost all official Warmblood stud books throughout the world have in common. This is the compulsory grading (inspection, approval and licensing) of all stallions and mares prior to entry into their breeding studbooks, to which only animals meeting the grading criteria of the society concerned are allowed entry and which takes place at 3yrs old.

Once a horse is graded, the offspring of these animals are then entitled to pedigree papers and a brand, provided that the other parents also graded in to the same studbook, thus ensuring the quality and the credentials of the horses concerned.

Role of the BHHS

The British Hanoverian Horse Society was established to provide the growing number of Hanoverian breeders in the UK with the range of services that they require to meet their needs, for example, foal branding, mare registration and stallion licensing, in a timely and easily accessible manner. It also provides a focal point for Hanoverian breeders in the UK.

The BHHS is governed by the rules of the Verband hannoverscher Warmblutzüchter e.V. in Germany. The evaluation committee for the mare performance tests and the stallion licensing include senior representatives from the Verband. Foal branding and mare grading is carried out by qualified members of the BHHS committee.

Objectives

To maintain the studbook of Hanoverian breeding in Great Britain, using the strict criteria for studbook entry laid down by the Verband hannoverscher Warmblutzüchter e.V. in Germany.

To provide Hanoverian breeders in the UK with a quality service in registering and branding foals, issuing passports, carrying out activities with regard to mare and stallion registration, licensing and performance testing, and handling effectively any queries regarding Hanoverian breeding and the maintenance of the studbook in the UK.

To provide a link between breeders, stallion owners and purchasers

To promote the use of Hanoverians as competition horses in Britain.

How?

By ensuring that:

• only foals by licensed and approved stallions out of mares that have been selected for the studbook are eligible for papers, are registered and branded
• mare gradings, mare performance tests, colt assessments and stallion licensing are run in accordance with the Verband’s criteria
• An appropriate number of testing days and shows, both centrally and throughout the regions are run each year to enable members to carry out foal, mare and stallion related activities
• Sufficient, quality information is available to members to meet their requirements

Why?

To continually improve the quality of performance horses and to reduce the 'gamble' of breeding and purchasing horses.