Performance Test

When a stallion is selected for the performance test, the final phase towards possible approval begins. During this test, stallions are evaluated over a continuous period on their natural aptitude for sport, their attitude, and their character. The assessment is carried out with a view to their potential role as a sire within the future KWPN population.

Jumping and Dressage Stallions

The performance test for jumping and dressage stallions at the KWPN consists of a testing period of 21 days. This test is preceded by an under-saddle presentation, during which the stallion is evaluated under saddle by his own rider. Based on this presentation, the stallion selection committee may decide to admit the stallion to the performance test, reject him, or refer him to a later testing moment.

Three-Year-Old Stallions

For three-year-old stallions, the performance test takes place exclusively in autumn. They are no longer presented for a separate spring test, but instead follow the route via the under-saddle presentation and the subsequent autumn test.

Four-Year-Old Stallions

For older stallions (four years and older), the performance test is available at multiple moments, namely both the spring and autumn tests. This allows stallions to be presented at a later stage in their development or sport training.

Assessment

During the performance test, stallions are evaluated on talent, rideability, attitude, and character, with attention to both physical capabilities and mental qualities and trainability. If a stallion proves insufficiently developed, unfit, or becomes injured during the test, the stallion selection committee may at any time decide to exclude the stallion from further participation or refer him to a later testing moment.

This structure takes into account differences in age, development, and workload capacity of stallions, while maintaining the performance test as an important instrument within the KWPN stallion selection process.

The evaluation under saddle prior to the test is referred to as the under-saddle presentation. This presentation provides the stallion selection committee with insight into the stallion’s development, trainability, and capacity for workload, and forms an important part of the decision-making process regarding admission to the performance test.

During the under-saddle inspection, young stallions that have not previously been presented, or that were not previously selected within the stallion selection process, may also be presented. Stallions are first assessed on conformation and are then presented under saddle by their own rider. The stallion selection committee may then select these stallions for the performance test, after which (if selected) they follow the same process, including participation in subsequent under-saddle presentations.

Gelder horse stallions, once selected as three-year-olds, may participate in the 21-day autumn performance test. The owner chooses whether the stallion is tested as a riding horse or as a harness horse. After successful completion, two one-day tests follow in the discipline for which the stallion did not complete an aptitude test.

For harness horse stallions, the duration of the performance test is approximately 28 days. This applies to stallions aged three, four, and five years. During the test, the focus is on talent, attitude, character, and usability within the harness horse breeding direction.

The performance test is an aptitude test in which the natural qualities of stallions are assessed under uniform conditions. Care and training take place under the responsibility of the KWPN and are carried out by experienced stable staff, riders, and drivers under the supervision of the training manager.

Stallions are trained several times a week. Riding horse stallions are worked under saddle, both indoors and outdoors. Harness horse stallions are trained in harness, on the lunge, or on long reins. In addition, stallions use the horse walker and are given the opportunity for free movement in safe paddocks. Training is adapted to the age and development of the young horses.

Upon arrival and departure, the stallions undergo extensive examination by the veterinarian associated with the performance test. Veterinary checks are also carried out during the test whenever necessary. The health and welfare of the stallions remain central throughout the entire process.

During the performance test, the stallion selection committee evaluates the stallions at multiple moments. The impressions of the regular riders and drivers, as well as those of specialized training riders, are taken into account. Stable behaviour, training behaviour, and any stable vices are also included in the evaluation.

If a stallion successfully completes the performance test with a positive result, he is approved by the KWPN. All findings are recorded in a comprehensive performance report, which is available via the KWPN Database.