A COMPLETE GUIDE TO STALLION LICENSING, APPROVAL, AND LIFETIME APPROVAL IN GERMANY:
Germany has some of the most structured and stringent rules when it comes to stallion licensing and approval. These processes are designed to maintain the highest standards in breeding, ensuring that only the best stallions contribute to the next generation. Below is an easy-to-follow guide explaining each step in the process, broken down into clear sections.
1. Stallion Licensing
Licensing is the first step for any young stallion to enter the breeding world. This process evaluates the stallion’s physical attributes, movement, and initial suitability for breeding.
A. Preselection
Young stallions are presented at official preselection events organized by breed associations.
Experts assess the stallion’s conformation (physical structure), gaits (walk, trot, canter), overall quality, and free jumping.
Only stallions meeting strict standards are invited to the next stage: the main licensing event (Körung).
B. Main Licensing (Körung)
The Körung is the primary licensing event where stallions undergo detailed evaluations, including:
Veterinary Examination: A thorough check to ensure the stallion is healthy and free from genetic defects.
Conformation Assessment: Experts evaluate the stallion’s physical correctness and build.
Gaits and Jumping Ability: The stallion’s movement and, if applicable, his free-jumping skills are judged.
If the stallion meets the breed association’s criteria, he is awarded a Temporary Breeding License (see Section 2).
2. Approval (Temporary Breeding License)
The temporary breeding license allows a young stallion to start breeding while completing further requirements for full approval.
A. What is a Temporary Breeding License?
A temporary breeding license is a provisional permit granted after successful main licensing.
It allows the stallion to be used for breeding under strict conditions while undergoing additional testing.
B. Requirements to Maintain Approval
To transition from a temporary breeding license to lifetime approval, stallion owners must complete the following steps:
Performance Testing:
Stallions must complete performance testing to prove their abilities in key areas such as rideability, temperament, and specific skills (e.g., dressage, jumping).
There are several options for performance testing:
14-Day Test: A basic evaluation focusing on fundamental traits.
50-Day Test: A more comprehensive assessment covering all aspects of performance.
Sports Performance: Competition results can sometimes be used as an alternative if allowed by the breed association.
Compliance with Breeding Requirements:
Stallions must meet additional criteria set by their breed association, including:
Pedigree verification to ensure suitable lineage.
Offspring evaluation: In some cases, the stallion’s first foal crop may be assessed for quality.
C. Consequences of Non-Compliance
If a stallion fails to meet performance or breeding requirements within the specified timeframe, his temporary breeding license will be revoked, and he will no longer be eligible for breeding, or for example, a stallion that was licensed, but does not meet the requirements for Stallion Book 1, will be moved down to Stallion Book 2 unil the stallion fulfills the requirements to be in Stallion Book 1.
3. Lifetime Approval
Lifetime approval is the final stage, granting the stallion full and permanent breeding rights.
A. Final Approval Process
To gain lifetime approval, the stallion must:
Successfully complete all required performance testing.
Fulfill all additional breed-specific criteria.
Once approved, the stallion is officially registered as a breeding stallion and can breed without restrictions.
B. Benefits of Lifetime Approval
Lifetime approval guarantees the stallion’s place in the studbooks of the respective breed association.
It ensures his offspring are eligible for registration and recognition.
Additional Notes for Stallion Owners
Each breed association in Germany may have slight variations in their requirements, so it is essential to consult the specific guidelines of your association.
The strict evaluation process ensures only the best stallions contribute to breeding, maintaining the high quality of German warmbloods and other breeds.
Staying informed and proactive about deadlines and requirements is crucial to avoid complications.
By following this structured process, stallion owners can navigate the licensing and approval system successfully, ensuring their stallion’s contribution to the future of equine excellence.
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