SELECTIVE BREEDING
There is a major philosophical breeding difference between most American breeds
and European breeds. In America, the Quarter Horse, for instance, is able
to be fully registered if both the stallion and mare are registered with the
Quarter Horse Registry. In the Friesian breed and most other European breeds,
the primary difference is that the stallion must not only be registered, but
be approved to breed.
The approval process for Friesian stallions is that normally, when they are
about four years of age, they must go through a Keuring, i.e. inspection.
This inspection will judge their conformation and their movement. In addition,
full x-rays are submitted. If the stallion passes this inspection with high
enough grades, he is selected to take a performance test. It should be noted
that less than 10% of all stallions are selected to take the test. If the
stallion subsequently passes the performance test, then and only then, is
he approved for breeding. Only foals from registered Friesian mares and approved
stallions are eligible to be fully registered.
Proud Meadows of Waco, Texas has the distinct honor of being selected as an
authorized stallion testing facility by the
Federation Nationale (FN), Germany’s governing body on equine standards.
Proud Meadows calls the portion of their facility designed for this purpose
the International Friesian Testing Center, or IFT Center.
Since 1997 Proud Meadows has hosted the Stallion Performance Test for the
Friesenpferde-Zuchtverband e.V (FPZV), who also assisted Proud Meadows in
communicating with and adhering to the standards of the FN.
FPZV believes that the prosperity of the Friesian breed requires that stallions
be approved based on their demonstrated performance abilities as much as bloodlines.
Thus, the stallions are tested to give proof of their performance value.
The FPZV Stallion Test is fifty days in duration. Each stallion is judged
on temperament, manners, and trainability during the first part of this period.
At the end, the stallions must pass each of four parts of the Performance
Test with a minimum score of 5.0 in each and a minimum collective score of
6.5.
The
four parts of stallion testing include Ridden Dressage, which combines USEF
first and second level equivalents. The second part is Driven Dressage (preliminary
test equivalent) and Cone Obstacle Driving. The third part is Pulling; where
the horse pulls a heavy sled with driver over a 100-meter course. The fourth
and final part of the testing is Cross-Country Jumping to include 7 fixed
jumps and 1 water hazard.
The ridden and driven dressage tests are the primary focus during preparatory
training for the Stallion Test. During this time the stallions are frequently
ridden and driven by their respective trainers. But it is mandatory that “foreign”
riders and drivers (accomplished trainers who have never worked with the stallions)
also take the stallions through their paces to see how they respond. These
foreign riders and drivers are chosen by the IFT Center and approved by the
FN and the registry. During the last two weeks of the testing period they
arrive to record their independent evaluations of each stallion - these opinions
are based on the traditional standards of the disciplines.
In the final days of the test highly qualified and lettered judges who are
selected by the registry arrive at the IFT Center to score each stallion in
each test. They grade the horses by standards identical to the dressage and
driving competition standards of North America and the Federation Nationale.
In the final days of the Performance Test, owners usually come to the Center
to witness their stallions in front of the 
judges.
Because the IFT Center knows how important the Approval process is for owners,
Proud Meadows strives to create a pleasant environment for the event.
The indoor arena has a large viewing area for the dressage test, just outside
the clubhouse doors. The outdoor arena is well-situated for a large audience
to see the driving and sled tests. The gently rolling and partially forested
cross-country jumping course circles the outdoor arena location so that every
jump can be easily viewed.
Proud Meadows even provides a meeting room for the registry for business meetings
during the event and hosts a cocktail party in the barn on the final evening.
This is a good time for everyone to relax prior to the official Approval ceremony
and awards.
Proud Meadows
has also featured, during the awards night dinner, the newly tested stallions
in a musical quadrille. This was a great way for all to see the stallions
performing side-by-side, and was very well-received. Following the performance
is an exhibition of Proud Meadow’s stallions by their resident trainer
and staff, demonstrating high-level Freestyle and a variety of other equestrian
performances.
During the final ceremony, the Champion and Reserve Champion stallions are
named by the registry, and the overall scores of each stallion are announced.
Each owner is presented with his or her stallion at this time. The awards
are followed by a party and dancing.
JUDGING AND KEURING
In addition to overseeing the Stallion Test, officials from the FPZV return
to North America each Fall to judge foals and mares. This judging tour is
held at several locations, including the IFT Center, in order to be more convenient
for the owners.
Mares are judged at age three or four for preliminary qualification as Star
or Model mare status. Qualifying mares must then pass a riding and driving
test identical to the stallion test prior to earning Star or Model status.
Foals are judged so that they can be accepted into the Foal Book. They are
awarded Premium 1, 2, or 3 scores that then become part of their official
FPZV registration papers.
Stallions must be Keured (judged) to determine if they have the basic movement
and conformation to be eligible for Approval. They also undergo extensive
medical screening, including DNA testing. This is often done during the Fall
judging tour.
If a stallion passes this strict initial judging he should then be trained
in riding and driving for the Stallion Test prior to arriving for the 50-day
Performance Test. In rare cases some stallions are Keured at the same time
as the Performance Test, but the owner runs the risk of having a stallion
not pass the Keuring, rendering him ineligible for Approval after the test.
This is strongly discouraged.
The International Friesian Testing Center at Proud Meadows is dedicated to
upholding the highest standards of the breed and to providing owners and the
registry with an exceptional venue for the important task of approving stallions.
Proud Meadows will host the Friesian Horse Society Judging Tour on September 29, 2005 and the Back-to-Back Driving Trials October 15 and 16 with complete ADS recognized driving trials on each day. For more information call 972-938-8100 or visit Proud Meadows.
