The American Hanoverian Society (AHS) announced the establishment of a new Jumper Breeding Program. A cooperative effort between the AHS and the two regional Hanoverian breeding clubs in Canada, the Jumper Breeding Program is intended to promote the breeding of high-quality Hanoverian show jumping horses in North America. The Jumper Breeding Program is based in part on the successful experience of the Programm Hannoveraner Springpferdezucht (PHS) in Germany, which was created in 1993 by the Hanoverian Verband to recognize, promote and market the breeding of Hanoverian show jumpers. PHS offspring are showcased in a variety of ways. The Hanoverian Verband identifies PHS offspring in their auction catalogs, offers foal shows specifically for PHS offspring and hosts an annual free jumping competition for three- and four-year-old PHS offspring.

In the United States, a dedicated team of jumper breeders worked together over the past year to initiate a plan and develop a similar program in North America. At the AHS Annual Meeting in February 2005, the board of directors formed the Jumper Breeding Committee to implement and administer the program. The following committee members were appointed: Michael Boyd, Hanoverian Breeding Club of Eastern Canada; Dr. Ludwig Christmann, VhW representative; Patricia Donohue, AHS Registrar; John Gillien, AHS member; Judy Hedreen, AHS member; Edgar Schutte, AHS member and director; Rick Toering, AHS member; and Albert Kley, the Hanoverian Breeding Club of Western Canada. In addition, the AHS Mare and Stallion Committee appointed one of its members, Karin Himmelmayer, to act as a liaison to the Jumper Breeding Committee.

Mares and stallions are selected for participation in the program based on stringent pedigree and performance requirements. Mares in the Jumper Breeding Program are encouraged to be bred to stallions that have also been selected for the program. After combing through more than 6,000 records, the initial list of horses selected for the program includes approximately 90 mares and 25 approved stallions. The AHS will maintain a current listing of mares and stallions included in the program on the Society's web site at www.hanoverian.org.
For further information, please contact any of the members of the Jumper Breeding Committee or the AHS Office at (859) 255-4141 or via e-mail at [email protected].


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