Breeding North American Stallion Sport Test
Serupgaards Cezanne and Nick of Diamond Top Scoring Stallions
The 2023 North American Stallion Sport Tests recently took place, and the top two scoring stallions were Serupgaards Cezanne and Nick of Diamond. These tests, supervised by the American Hanoverian Society (AHS), the Hanoverian Verband (HV), and the German Oldenburg Verband (GOV), provide stallion owners in North America with an opportunity to earn lifetime breeding approval for their stallions.
West Coast Testing
The West Coast testing was held at Pollyrich Farm in California from 6th to 8th October 2023. Six dressage-bred stallions participated, including two born and bred in the United States. The highest scoring stallion on the West Coast was Serupgaards Cezanne, a Danish warmblood bred horse by Torveslettens Sylvester. He received impressive scores of 8.5 for walk, 9 for trot, 8.5 for canter, 9 for rideability, and 8.5 for general impression, totaling 8.75 points. This outstanding performance made him the overall champion. Serupgaards Cezanne is owned by Richard and Linda Nickerson and trained by Willy Arts at DG Bar ranch. He is Oldenburg licensed and previously finished fourth at the 2023 U.S. Young Horse Championships for 4-year-olds.
The runner-up on the West Coast was the American-bred stallion Oscar HF, by Benicio out of Valeska DG. He scored 7.65 points, with 6 for walk, 8 for trot, 8.5 for canter, 8 for rideability, and 7.5 for general impression. Oscar HF is owned by the Dynasty Dressage Group and also based at DG Bar ranch.
East Coast Testing
The East Coast testing was held at Hilltop Farm in Maryland from 10th to 12th October 2023. Eight stallions participated, several of them bred in the United States. The highest scoring stallion on the East Coast was the KWPN stallion Nick of Diamond, by Toto Jr x Johnson. He earned an impressive score of 8.65 points, with 9 for walk, 8 for trot, 8.5 for canter, 9 for rideability, and 8.5 for general impression. Nick of Diamond is bred by Barbara Lichtendahl and Bertil Peper and owned by Roxanne Christenson.
The runner-up on the East Coast was the KWPN-bred stallion Orado, by Desperado x Johnson. He received a score of 8.45 points, with 9 for walk, 8.5 for trot and canter, 8 for rideability, and 8.5 for general impression. Orado is bred in The Netherlands by J. De Louw and owned by Alice Tarjan.
Philosophical Discussion: The Significance of Stallion Sport Tests
Stallion sport tests play a crucial role in the breeding industry by assessing stallions’ potential for sport and breeding purposes. These tests provide valuable information to both breeders and buyers, allowing them to make informed decisions about which stallions to use for breeding or which stallions to purchase for sport. The high scoring stallions in these tests often go on to have successful careers in both arenas.
The scores given in these tests assess various aspects of the stallions’ performance, including walk, trot, canter, rideability, and general impression. A high score in these tests indicates that the stallion possesses the qualities desired for success in dressage or other equestrian disciplines. Stallions that excel in these tests are highly sought after, not only for their athletic abilities but also for their potential to pass on these qualities to their offspring.
Editorial: The Future of North American Stallion Sport Testing
The North American Stallion Sport Test has become a significant event in the breeding industry, providing stallion owners with the opportunity to earn breeding approval for their stallions. However, there is room for improvement in the testing process.
One area that could be improved is the transparency and accessibility of the results. While the scores of the top performers are readily available, it would be beneficial to have a comprehensive breakdown of the scores for all participating stallions. This would allow breeders and buyers to have a more detailed understanding of each stallion’s strengths and weaknesses.
Additionally, it would be beneficial to expand the testing criteria to further evaluate the stallions’ potential for different equestrian disciplines. Currently, the focus is primarily on dressage, but including other disciplines such as show jumping or eventing would provide a more well-rounded evaluation of the stallions’ abilities.
Advice for Stallion Owners
For stallion owners looking to participate in the North American Stallion Sport Test, it is crucial to thoroughly prepare the stallion for the testing process. This includes ensuring that the stallion is in peak physical condition and well-trained in all the required movements for the test. Working with experienced trainers and riders can greatly enhance the stallion’s performance.
It is also important for stallion owners to research and understand the specific regulations and requirements of their chosen registry. Some registries may require stallions to complete the testing twice to fulfill the sport requirements for a lifetime license. Familiarizing oneself with these regulations and adhering to them will ensure a smooth journey through the testing process.
Lastly, stallion owners should consider the long-term goals and objectives for their stallions. Participating in the North American Stallion Sport Test is just one step towards proving the stallion’s abilities. Building a successful career in sport and producing quality offspring should be the ultimate aim. Careful consideration should be given to the suitability of the stallion for the selected mare population and the market demand for the stallion’s progeny.
In conclusion, the North American Stallion Sport Test provides a valuable platform for stallion owners in North America to showcase the talents of their stallions and earn lifetime breeding approval. By continuously striving for improvement and adapting to the needs of the industry, this testing process can further elevate the standards of breeding and equestrian sport in the region.
<< photo by Jusdevoyage >>
The image is for illustrative purposes only and does not depict the actual situation.