The Canadian Warmblood Horse Breeders Association (CWHBA) will be hosting a cross-Canada stallion licensing tour. Successful stallions will receive a two-year breeding license and will be eligible for participation in the Canadian Stallion Performance Test (SPT).

The licensing inspections will take place in Quebec on August 27, Ontario on August 29, Alberta on August 31 and British Columbia on September 5.

The stallions who meet the licensing requirements may go on to participate in the SPT, which alternates between an eastern and western location every year. This year it will take place in Olds, Alberta, at the Olds Agricultural Facility, August 28 to September 4.

The SPT is based on the Swedish model short test, but modified to suit Canadian conditions. The test is designed to “ask questions” to stallions age three and over, with the purpose of gathering a broad range of information about the horse. Judges look for temperament, character, willingness and constitution, the quality, regularity and potential of their gaits, the scope and technique of their jump, as well as their rideability.

“As a stallion owner it is very important to me to have my stallion tested at a young age to know that a committee has viewed his potential and found him acceptable to pass his traits onto his offspring,” said Jennette Coote, Canadian Warmblood Stud Book Committee Member. “I don't need to produce a number of foals only to find that they are not market acceptable. This test allows me an early evaluation at a realistic price that helps me to know the breeding program is still on the right track.”

The test features jumping both through the chute and under saddle. Chute jumping is set according to the capability of each individual, and riding courses are kept at age appropriate heights. Rideability is evaluated based on observations of the stallion’s own rider and by highly qualified performance test riders. Designing the test for young horses ensures the judges are not seeing finished horses, but horses that are still exhibiting their natural gaits and ability. This in turn provides the best estimate of their performance potential and therefore their ability to pass on these qualities to their offspring.

“The SPT, which is the third and final test, tells you whether you want that type of horse in your breeding program. We have ascertained the pedigree and the looks and now we want to see whether he wants to work, where his talents are and if he has the stamina and resilience to succeed in sport. Test riders, an international ground tribunal and veterinarians are the final judges determining the admission to the studbook,” explained Eve Mainwaring, Senior Canadian Warmblood Inspector.

This years’ judging team will include European guest judges Hakken Wahlen, dressage trainer and president of the Finnish Warmblood Society, and Johan Hamminga, former KWPN stallion test manager and head instructor at the Equestrian Center in Ermelo. Senior Canadian Warmblood Inspector and respected judge, coach and horse developer, Eve Mainwaring, as well as Colleen Embree-Jay, member of the CWHBA Stud Book Committee, and President of the Ontario Chapter round out the judging team.

“We are so fortunate to have the support of our European friends, with their wealth of knowledge,” noted Embree-Jay. “These judges come to Canada and volunteer their services, to assist us in keeping our standards current with those around the world."

It is important for stallion owners participating in the SPT to prepare their horses early. Once they arrive, there is a 3 day warm-up period with a test master who works with the stallion and owner to finalize the preparation for viewing by the judges

“As a member of CWHBA,  the test helps me in selecting a stallion that compliments my mare, with the knowledge that this system is tried and has been found to be a credible way to evaluate a stallion and make fast progress in breeding programs, as proven by the years of success in Europe,” said Coote.

The SPT is open to owners of all breeds who wish to evaluate the breeding potential of a stallion. For more information contact the Canadian Warmblood National Office at (306) 373-6620. A video of previous years’ Stallion Performance Tests is available. Viewers are welcome.