In Germany, a State Premium Mare title is awarded by the individual German states upon application by the mare's owner to mares of any breed. The different states have different requirements for this award. In some states it is connected with a written promise not to sell the mare but to use her for breeding for at least so many years. Many mare owners apply for this award and then sell the mare when she is awarded the title. In that case they have to refund the money that came with it, but they usually gladly do so because the title enhanced the mare's value more than the money they got for it.
A more significant award is the title of "Premium Mare" which the Trakehner Verband awards only to mares that have proven themselves in competition or have taken one of the standardized mare performance tests, run similarly to the stallion performance tests, the only difference being that the stallions are tested for 100 days and the mares only for 30 days. There is also a "field" test which takes only one day but is harder. It is kind of like a horse trial at the Novice level here. To receive the "Premium Mare" award, a mare must have received a score of at least 6.5 (out of a possible 10.0) and, at her inspection for stud book registration, must have received an average of at least 7.7.
The "Elite Mare" title is a little different. At her stud book registration inspection the mare must have received an average mark of at least 7.0 AND must have done the following:
- produced at least 2 live foals;
- have received at least 3 placings in shows at the M level or in full three-day events at the L level (Preliminary);
OR
- have produced at least 3 offspring that either were approved stallions and completed their performance test successfully
- and/or received a Verband premium;
- and/or received at least 3 placings in shows at the M level or in full three-day events at the L level (Preliminary).
This is a title that can also be awarded posthumously. The Premium title is only for mares that are still alive.
Helen K. Gibble
ATA Board Member |
