It’s that time of year, where breeders bring out their best foals, mares, young horses and stallions to be inspected by the judges of their breed registries. This is an exciting and tense time as many factors are involved and this ‘once a year’ opportunity can have a huge effect on the reputation of your horse or farm.

The judging committee usually goes to a host farm in a central area to hold the inspection. Most registries hold inspections at several farms during the fall. Often an official from the European affiliate or parent of the North American registry joins the panel. Host farms are always to be appreciated for providing the location and the staff for these events. Inspections can be as small as presenting a few horses or up to 100 candidates being shown over several days. Most inspections are open to the public and are a great opportunity to see some of the best horses in the area and learn from the judges what are the ideal qualities for that breed. It can be a fun and enlightening outing.

Depending on the breed, what status your horse is aspiring too, it’s age and gender, various types of tests may be required. KWPN-NA ‘keurings’ will include horses shown at liberty for conformation and movement, they may free jump – a practice that allows judges to view a horse taking a series of jumps at liberty to evaluate not only capability but enthusiasm and courage. Young horses may be shown under saddle in dressage and over fences and foals are presented with their dams in an open format to judge conformation and movement. Measuring, jogging, branding and microchip insertion are also common procedures. Each breed has it’s own set of criteria and goals for the ideal type to further the breed. All are looking toward international competition standards.

Receiving a top rating, 1st Premium is one example, means that the horse has the potential to be a top breeding and/or competitive horse. It has the desired conformation, movement and temperament at that particular moment in time. A horse may be presented again for higher standing, perhaps keur or star, based on breeding or performance accomplishments. One year your horse may receive a 2nd Premium rating and the next year 1st Premium, or vice versa. You can usually come back and try again.

Beckie LaSalle, Publisher of Savvy Equestrian, is also the owner of Energize.info, an Internet and video production company. Her deep roots in the equestrian community and expertise in web development make her uniquely qualified to lead the Savvy team. Beckie's equine client list is notable and spans more than 20 years.

Savvy Equestrian is a resource for people who love horses and the horse lifestyle. It’s a welcoming community for people who are involved with horses everyday and for those who dream of the possibility.

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