Progeny Evaluation

After approval for KWPN breeding, a stallion remains under evaluation for several years. At fixed intervals, his breeding results are assessed, focusing on the extent to which the stallion contributes to the KWPN breeding objective. These evaluations together form the basis for continuation or possible rejection.

There is no longer a traditional selection moment based on foals. Instead, available data on a stallion’s offspring, such as conformation and movement information, sport results, and inspection data, are collected and recorded in the KWPN database once sufficient reliable information is available.

This information provides insight into the stallion’s hereditary influence based on current data from inspections, aptitude tests, and sport performances of his offspring, thereby replacing the former progeny inspection as a source of information for breeders.

If a stallion is maintained after the foal evaluation, the next selection moment takes place when the oldest offspring reach the age of four. For the jumping and dressage breeding directions, at least ten offspring must have been assessed during studbook inspections or first inspections. Based on breeding values for conformation and movement, it is evaluated whether the stallion passes on desirable traits.

The number of predicates achieved by the offspring is also taken into account, as well as the stallion’s own sport performance. For the Gelder horse and Harness Horse breeding directions, this evaluation takes place when the offspring are three years old.

The next evaluation moment occurs when the offspring reach the age of seven. For harness horse stallions, this is the final selection moment. At this stage, the inheritance of sport performance is explicitly included in the evaluation, in addition to conformation and movement.

The assessment is based on available sport and conformation data recorded by the KWPN and relevant sport organizations. This provides a reliable picture of the stallion’s genetic influence in sport.

If a stallion clearly distinguishes himself positively within his cohort and breeding direction at this stage, he may be eligible for the keur predicate. For this predicate to be awarded, the stallion’s offspring must be at least seven years old and demonstrably possess sufficient sport quality. Conformation inheritance also plays an important role. Meeting the formal requirements does not automatically result in the keur predicate; the stallion must stand out within the population as a whole.

The final evaluation moment takes place when the offspring reach the age of eleven. At that point, it is decided whether the stallion is permanently approved for life or rejected. For harness horse stallions, this final evaluation takes place at the stage of seven-year-old offspring.

In the final evaluation, the key question is whether the stallion consistently and demonstrably contributes to achieving the breeding objective. Factors such as sport index, conformation inheritance, and durability of the offspring are taken into account.

If a stallion distinguishes himself exceptionally positively in this evaluation, he may be eligible for the preferent predicate. This is the highest distinction a KWPN-approved stallion can obtain. For this predicate to be awarded, the stallion must already have obtained the keur predicate and must demonstrably pass on strong conformation and movement traits. In addition, it is important that the stallion clearly transmits his qualities through the male line. The preferent predicate may also be awarded posthumously if applicable.