Studbook inspections

The KWPN holds its mare inspections every summer. The inspections are open to all mares, the year they turn age three. Also older mares may be presented. The inspections are open to all mares recorded in the Foal Book(Vb) or Register A of the KWPN, and mares that are – as a foal – registered with a KWPN-acknowledged studbook. Inspections provide breeders with a professional assessment of their mares and the opportunity to compare their horses with others of the same age. Mares are evaluated on conformation, movement, and jumping (if applicable) and are presented both in-hand and free movement/jumping. Deficiencies and/or abnormalities, if evident, are noted. This evaluation information is of particular interest to those planning to use their mares for breeding. The best mares qualify for the Central Inspection, which is held in all Dutch provinces. Judges also decide here which mares may advance to the ‘National Mare Championships’, an annual event held in conjunction with the KWPN Championships. KWPN also organizes studbook inspections abroad. Different rules may apply in other countries.