Looking ahead to stallion selection 2024: what will change with the new regulations

The regulations for the Friesian Horses Stallion Selection have been adjusted this spring and this means that some changes will occur during the first viewing where more than 340 stallions will present themselves. Star, but not through to the second viewing or not Star and through to the second viewing? Yes, it is possible. Here is the text and explanation.

Well, don’t star through

New this year in the stallion selection regulations is the option to refer a stallion to the second viewing but not (yet) to be declared Ster. It is also possible to declare a stallion Star, but not invite it to Leeuwarden. See below how it is stated in the updated regulations:

7.2 Assessment and Procedure

During the first viewing, the stallions are assessed on conformation (breed type, conformation and legs) and movement (three basic gaits). This is done through an assessment on the street and then in the cage. Only stallions with adequate conformation and movement are referred to the cage. During the first viewing, the stallion is scored linearly. Four outcomes are possible during the first viewing:

1. The stallion receives the Star predicate and is referred to the second viewing.
2. The stallion receives the Star predicate and is not referred to the second viewing.
3. The stallion does not receive the Star predicate and is referred to the second viewing.
4. The stallion does not receive the Star predicate and is not referred to the Second Viewing.

To be eligible for referral, the stallion must meet minimum requirements for conformation, movement, and height. For young stallions (who are or have already turned three years old) a height of at least 1.58 m applies; for stallions four years old and older, the height must be at least 1.60 m.

Referral

To be eligible for referral to the second viewing, in addition to conformation, movement and height, the pedigree and degree of relationship to the population are also taken into account. This can be considered positively if the stallion does not meet the Star predicate, but can also be a reason not to refer the stallion that has received a Star predicate.

Example: a stallion is not yet so convincing in his movement in the cage that the HKC can make the stallion Star, but finds the horse so interesting in terms of conformation and pedigree that the stallion is allowed to go to the second viewing.

Example 2: A stallion receives just enough points to be declared a Star, but is not convincing enough in movement, conformation, or legs and has a pedigree that cannot make a positive contribution to the population. The stallion is Ster but not invited to the second viewing.

No star, but for the drive-up days

There is also the possibility from the second viewing that a stallion may proceed to the preliminary riding days but has not yet been declared Star. This may be very exceptional, but the stallion inspection committee may still refer interesting stallions that do not yet meet the requirements for the Star predicate to the preliminary riding days. During the first day of riding, these stallions are re-evaluated by the stallion inspection committee and the exterior and basic gaits must be Star-worthy, otherwise the stallions will not be able to continue in the process.

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