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Stallion Licensing and Horse Purchase: What Breeding Value, Registration, and Papers Tell You

In Germany, a licensed riding horse stallion is not yet definitively approved for breeding. Here's how to understand licensing, studbook registration, performance tests, breeding certificates, and breeding value when buying a stallion.

Equidara editorial team · 17 October 2026 · 4 min read

Stallion licensing as a topic for horse purchase: breeding value, registration, and papers — AI-generated image

When purchasing a stallion, a licensing provides insight into its breeding status. However, it doesn't replace the need to examine its registration, performance test results, and papers. For riding horse stallions in Germany, the German Equestrian Federation (FN) states that a stallion performance test is a prerequisite for final breeding approval after licensing. Therefore, if you're looking to buy a stallion for breeding, you should review these steps individually. The breeding value is also distinct from the licensing judgment. The sources in this article are from German associations. Rules may differ in other countries. In Germany, the Breeding Association Regulations (ZVO) of the FN set the framework, with specifics detailed in the breed-specific breeding programs. These rules can change, so always refer to the current version from your breeding association.

What You Learn from a Licensing

The German Equestrian Federation (FN) describes licensing in German horse breeding as the mandatory start of a stallion's breeding career if it's intended for breeding. The respective breeding associations are responsible, and their admission requirements vary.

The FN lists a minimum age of two years and participation in a stallion pre-selection as general requirements. The pre-selection determines whether the stallion is admitted to the licensing. Furthermore, it must not have any health defects that would impair its breeding value. This is clarified during the licensing examination.

What is assessed during licensing is illustrated by the example of the Baden-Württemberg Horse Breeding Association. In its Heavy Draft, Pony, and Special Breeds section, the stallion is identified and evaluated based on type, conformation, bone structure, correctness, and basic gaits. Free jumping is added if the breeding program requires it. The minimum age for licensing in this section is 30 months. Thus, the general age specified by the FN does not apply to every licensing.

Distinguishing Between Licensing, Performance Test, and Registration

For a riding horse stallion, licensing is not the final step, according to the FN. A stallion performance test follows for final breeding approval. For ponies, however, it depends on the breed whether a performance test is mandatory or voluntary for entry into the highest studbook.

It's also worth taking a close look at the studbook. According to the FN, the main section of a studbook comprises Stallion Book I, Stallion Book II, and the Appendix. In this context, the FN mentions registration from three years of age, depending on pedigree, quality, and own performance. Registration is a separate step after licensing, so it doesn't contradict licensing from two years of age. The specific age limit for each studbook is regulated by the breeding program of the respective breed. For ponies, registration depends on the breed, evaluation, and breeding method of the respective breed.

The Baden-Württemberg Horse Breeding Association specifies a concrete consequence: In its Heavy Draft, Pony, and Special Breeds section, licensing and studbook registration are prerequisites for breeding approval and foal registration. This applies to this association's area, not to every stallion.

What Information You'll Find in the Papers

According to the FN, the breeding certificate is a document from a recognized breeding association detailing the pedigree and performance of a breeding horse. It can be issued as a pedigree certificate or a birth certificate if the parents are registered in the breed's studbook.

According to the FN, neither licensing nor studbook registration is possible for a stallion without a breeding certificate. You must present the certificate for registration. When reviewing the documents, these points will also help you:

The association registration is noted on the breeding certificate.
Participation in a performance test is also recorded there.
You can inquire about results from stallion performance tests or competitions at the breeding association.

What documents belong to a licensing is again shown by the example of Baden-Württemberg. In the Heavy Draft, Pony, and Special Breeds section, the following papers must be available on the day of licensing: the result of the pedigree verification for sire and dam, the examination documents according to the breeding program, and the horse passport with the animal breeding certificate.

What the Breeding Value Additionally States

The Holsteiner Verband explains breeding value as a horse's genetic predisposition. You cannot directly infer this predisposition from the performance you observe. Therefore, demonstrated performance and breeding value are not the same.

Breeding value estimation separates environmental influences from genetic predisposition. According to the association, these include the horse's age and the quality of the rider and training. The accuracy of a breeding value estimation describes how reliable the breeding value is, and it is given as a percentage.

When purchasing, you should therefore look at these details side-by-side: The licensing judgment comes from the licensing, test results document performance, and the breeding value estimation refers to the genetic predisposition. None of these pieces of information replaces the others.

What to Consider When Ownership Changes

For an already registered stallion, according to the FN, it depends on whether you are a member of its breeding association. If you are a member of the same association, you only need to apply for a change of ownership. If you are not, the FN recommends registering the stallion for a licensing or pre-selection date with the breeding association and presenting it there. You can see which association this is by the association registration on the breeding certificate.

Common questions

Is a licensed riding horse stallion already definitively approved for breeding?

No. According to the FN, in German horse breeding, a stallion performance test is a prerequisite for the final breeding approval of a riding horse stallion after licensing.

Can a stallion be licensed without a breeding certificate?

According to the FN, neither licensing nor studbook registration is possible for a stallion without a breeding certificate in Germany. The certificate must be presented for registration.

Does every pony stallion have to complete a performance test?

According to the FN, in German pony breeding, this depends on the breed. For entry into the highest studbook, the performance test is mandatory for some breeds, but voluntary for others.

Is breeding value the same as demonstrated performance?

No. According to the Holsteiner Verband, breeding value describes the genetic predisposition. Breeding value estimation separates environmental influences such as the horse's age and the quality of the rider and training from this.

Sources

Written by Equidara editorial team. Last checked: 17 October 2026.