Stallion Gradings

STALLION GRADING

The AES has a proud history of recognising talent from a young age. We were the first studbook to license some of today’s absolute legends, such as Big Star and Painted Black. We are proud of a grading system that rewards quality and is designed with horse welfare in mind. It is our philosophy to work with the breeders and the riders to ensure that our breeding programmes deliver for the sport. 

 

STALLION GRADING LEVELS

Stallions are graded at 4 different levels depending on age, ability, competition level, offspring production and offspring competition levels. 

Registered

This is the basic level of grading and many young stallions attending their first 

grading would enter at this level if graded. The ‘Registered Stallion’ status is awarded to 

stallions showing good promise for the future, but not mature enough yet to show their

full ability. 

Registered Grade stallions can cover up to 10 of their owner's mares per annum.

Stallions awarded ‘registered’ status are encouraged to be re-presented at a later stage, 

so the evaluators can assess their progress and upgrade them, if appropriate.

Licensed

This level is awarded to young stallions who have not yet obtained a competition record,

but who are already showing much maturity and ability.

Licensed stallions can cover up to 30 mares per annum.

Stallions awarded ‘licensed’ status are encouraged to be re-presented at a later stage, 

to enable the evaluators to assess their progress and award ‘approved’ status, if 

appropriate.

Approved

This level is awarded to stallions who have proved themselves in the sport and/or in 

Breeding. Approved level is awarded on the following criteria:

Competition record
Quality of Offspring
Presentation under saddle

Award of ‘Approved’ level is at the discretion of the evaluators. 

Approved Grade stallions can cover an unlimited number of mares.

Elite

Stallions are given Elite status subject to the judges' discretion and based on proven 

competition and/or offspring success at Grand Prix (or equivalent) level.

Stallions unable to travel can be presented at an initial private grading if no other suitable option is available. However, privately graded stallions will only be given registered status and are strongly encouraged to attend a public grading at the earliest opportunity, and can only gain 'Licensed' or  ‘approved’ status if presented to the judges’ panel.

A stallion’s status is continually reviewed based on performance record and quality of offspring. Stallions can be downgraded, as well as upgraded, if the judges feel that this is appropriate.

STALLION GRADING PREPARATION AND PROCEDURES

To become a graded stallion with the AES the stallion must undergo a 5 stage vetting, including x-rays. For details of our x-ray requirements, please contact the office. 

Stallion shows are generally held in April and November each year. We hold these in the UK, in Holland, France, Germany, Ireland, North America, Poland and Italy. In the USA we have a yearly grading in February-March during the season in Wellington , Florida "the winter capital of the equestrian sports" of North America.  Dates are posted on this website over 1 month prior to the event. If you want to enquire about the next stallion grading near you, please do not hesitate to contact the office or phone Dr Eva-Maria Broomer on 07834194821.

For each stallion presented, the following information must be provided:

- passport, including full confirmed pedigree (a photograph or photocopy are acceptable if the evaluators have been shown the original)
- full competition record, if available

On the day of the show you should bring your passport with the original 5-stage vetting to one of the studbook representatives. Please note that exact timings at gradings vary according to the number of entries and types of stallion presented. We will contact you before the grading with estimated timings. The results of the grading and judges’ comments will be given at the end of the grading. Stallions will receive a detailed linear score feedback. For UK stallions licensed and approved from November 2017, we will publish linear scores on the stallion’s database entry.

Every stallion grading will contain the following elements:

Walk, trot and standing up on hard ground to assess conformation, correctness and soundness.

Loose presentation in trot and canter. 

According to age and discipline:

- loose jumping presentation
- presentation under saddle
- ridden jumping presentation
- ridden dressage presentation

You should arrive in good time for your trot up. Smart attire is optional.

Loose-jumping is carried out in a jumping lane with the jump being raised according to age.

4 Year old stallions jump a short course approximately 1.1m rising with each age group.

Ridden dressage stallions should perform a short dressage test showing the level of schooling/competition.

Results will be announced after the loose jumping for young stallions and after the ridden classes for older stalions. We produce linear score sheets for each stallion, giving detailed feedback on conformation, gaits, and technique. 

If your stallion has graded, after the show you will receive an invoice for stallion registration and DNA test (£750+vat) upon payment of this you will receive a welcoming letter, grading certificate, covering certificates and a grading sticker for your passport, you will also be asked to supply the necessary X-Rays and Vetting within 8 weeks of the grading.

Annual stallion contributions are required by every registered stallion and this is £ 190 ex. VAT payable at the beginning of each year. Upon payment each year you will receive a grading certificate and covering certificates. If your stallion has been sold or gelded it is important for you to contact us with this information.