Our Mare Lines
The basis of the Holsteiner breed
The mare lines or stems are of particular importance in the Holsteiner studbook. The first studbook published in 1897 was compiled by Georg Ahsbahs who traced back the mare families to the beginning of the 19th century, assigning stem numbers to each of them.
This system is still used today and the envy of many other breed societies.
Already at that time the mares were evaluated and received scores on six traits, bloodline, height, colour, elegance, movement, and bone structure. These days, evaluation has been much improved, but is still based on that method.
By the late 1980s, Holstein had developed a system to evaluate performance in young mares, the so called mare tests, a yardstick for all European sport horse stud books.
Own performance and conformation
Already last century, a clear idea of Holsteiner type had been formed.
This important breed criterion has been preserved and is being maintained by the breeders in the land between the seas with pride: Holsteiners are one of the few original warmblood breeds and thus considered very special all over the world.
In addition to breed type, a correct conformation, first and foremost of the topline and the legs are among the most important traits closely assessed by the Holsteiner breeders.
400 mares per year
Other than the evaluation of type, the inspection of the mares focuses on the three basic gaits.
Every year, some 400 mares are entered into the studbook for mares (central studbook) according to this strict standard.
The scores they receive determine the designation:
- mares receiving 47 points or above for type, topline, front legs, hind legs, walk, trot, and canter are awarded District Premium status.
- those scoring 52 or above Verband Premium status. After having successfully passed the mare performance test (min. average mark 7.0), a Verband Premium mare is awarded the designation “State Premium mare”, a title much coveted by the breeders.
The title "State Premium mare” only obtained by some 50 mares of every age group.
Eigenleistung und Exterieur
Bereits im vorigen Jahrhundert hatte man feste Vorstellungen vom Typ des Holsteiner Pferdes
Dieses wichtige Rassemerkmal ist bis heute erhalten geblieben und wird mit Stolz von den Züchtern zwischen den Meeren weiter gepflegt: Holsteiner sind eine der wenigen Ursprungsrassen im Warmblutzuchtgeschehen und gelten daher als etwas ganz Besonderes auf der ganzen Welt.
Neben dem Rassetyp gehört natürlich die Korrektheit im Körperbau, vor allem Oberlinie und Fundament, zu den wichtigen Merkmalen, bei deren Beurteilung die Holsteiner Züchter streng, aber kompromissbereit vorgehen.
