AHR Breed Inspection and
Classification Program
This inspection and classification of breeding stock is an important
part of both breed improvement and breed records. The AHR program
was developed to offer the inspection and classification of Haflingers
in North America at the owner’s request. It is not a mandatory
step in the registration process, as is the custom in Europe and
in many other breeds here in North America, however is an important
tool available to all breeders and owners.
Horses of all ages may be presented for breed inspection
and classification. The inspection team consists of three Haflinger
experts, at least one of which is a judge of international stature,
and at least one must be a Senior AHR “C” Card judge.
The team grades the horse according to the Breeding Objectives
of the American Haflinger Registry, which were developed in accordance
with the Breeding Objectives of the World Haflinger Federation.
Horses age two and older are given a score of one to ten in each
of ten categories: Type, Head, Neck, Forehand, Midsection, Hindquarters,
Front Legs, Hind legs, Correctness of Movement and Overall Movement.
Young horses, i.e. weanlings and yearlings, are informally evaluated
by the team in the first nine of the above ten categories, and
are scored “Very Good”, “Good” or “Needs
Monitoring Through Maturity” in each of the nine sections.
Mature horses (2 and over) are awarded ribbons according to their
scores: A Gold ribbon is awarded to horses scoring 81 points
or above (this is very rare, only 1-2% of Haflingers achieve
the “Gold” status), a Silver ribbon is awarded to
horses scoring 75-80 points, a purple ribbon is given to horses
scoring 71-74 points and a white ribbon is given to horses scoring
69 or 70 points. Mares scoring 68 points or less are not recommended
for breeding. Stallions scoring 74 points or less are not recommended
for breeding.
Inspected stallions and mares are also awarded
certain distinct honors based on the scores of their offspring,
as the offspring mature and are inspected. Stallions may achieve
the “Proven” status by presenting a cross section
of their offspring for evaluation. In addition, Stallions and
Mares are awarded the “ Star”, “Elite” or “Supreme” status
through the scoring of their offspring at inspections.
At the end of each inspection, the owner is provided
with a copy of the score sheet, complete with the judges’ commentary,
which will aid in choosing the right breeding match up for that
particular horse. Through the records produced by the inspection
and classification of breeding stock, breeders have access to
information that aids in good decision making for future breeding.
Undesirable traits as well as desirable traits may be identified
and tracked. Traits thrown by certain stallions, mares or bloodlines
are also recorded.
Breed Inspection and Classification is offered
once a year through the AHR, usually in the late summer or early
fall. Registration forms are available through the AHR office
and are published late spring in the AHR magazine.
I&C Data Spreadsheets through 2007
View spreadsheet sorted by horse's name - composite score - Sire - Year of Inspection
See the Registration form below for dates and locations. A minimum of 20 horses per site is requried. All dates and locations are tentative until the minimum is met.
