The American Hanoverian Society (AHS) 2005 Inspection Tour itinerary includes visits to 31 sites throughout the United States and the Canadian province of Ontario. Two inspection teams, consisting of members from both the AHS Mare and Stallion Committee and representatives of the German Hanoverian Verband, will make their way across the country inspecting eligible mares and stallions for inclusion in the Hanoverian breeding program, as well as registering and evaluating this year's foal crop. The annual tour, which consists of a summer and abbreviated fall segment, will commence this year on July 29 at High Point Hanoverians in Chestertown, MD, and will conclude on October 29 with a visit to Hedgeland Equestrian Center in Waterford, VA. In 2004, a total of 262 mares were inspected, 90 mares undertook the Mare Performance Test, 18 stallions were presented for licensing and approximately 550 foals were registered.

To participate in the breeding program, registered mares three years of age and older must be inspected and entered into a section of the studbook before their foals can be eligible for AHS papers. Mares eligible for inspection include all mares registered with the AHS or German Hanoverian Verband (VhW), Jockey Club-registered Thoroughbreds, as well as registered Arabians and Anglo-Arabians. Non-Hanoverian Warmblood mares may be accepted on a case-by-case basis. Hanoverian mares that score an overall 7 upon inspection and meet certain other requirements are eligible for Elite Mare status, which requires a successful completion of the Mare Performance Test (MPT), consisting of a further evaluation of gaits both in-hand and under saddle, as well as a score for rideability and a free jumping test. The final requirement for Elite Mare status is the production of an AHS-registered foal within three years. Participation in the MPT is strongly encouraged for all mares entering the Hanoverian breeding program as an important assessment of a mare's innate talents, strengths and weaknesses.

Stallion licensing will be conducted at two inspection sites on this year's schedule. The East Coast Stallion Licensing will be held on July 30 at Hilltop Farm in Colora, MD, and the West Coast Stallion Licensing will take place on August 6-7 at Starr Vaughn Equestrian Center in Elk Grove, CA. Eligible stallions undergo a veterinary inspection and are evaluated in free jumping, conformation, gaits, presence and masculinity in a process similar to the Mare Performance Test. Licensed stallions are then required to either successfully complete a 100-Day Stallion Testing within two years or meet certain other performance requirements before gaining full breeding approval.

A complete schedule for this year's tour, as well as specific inspection site information may be found on the society's web site at www.hanoverian.org. Inspection sites are open to the public and provide an excellent educational opportunity for persons interested in sport horse breeding and evaluation, as well as a wonderful occasion for buyers to see a large number of sales prospects presented together at one location.

For further information, please contact the AHS Office at (859) 255-4141 or via e-mail at [email protected].


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