CLASSIFICATION > COLTS > MARES/GELDINGS > FAQ

CLASSIFICATION OF MARES AND GELDINGS
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Once you have applied to have your horse Classified the Federal registrar will inform your state branch of your application. Your branch who organises the day will then inform you of your classification time.

PRESENTATION OF HORSE AND HANDLER

This is important for two reasons :
A) A well presented partnership immediately creates an impression that the horse is of a standard worthy of classification and is of good quality.
B) It is a mark of respect to the classifiers and organisers of the day which indicates the high standard of the HHAANZ.

So it is nice to see a horse and handler presented as if they are going to compete in a led class at a show.
There will also be an award for the best presented horse on the day. On the day itself if you are having a mare or gelding classified then you have the following criteria and options to put your horse through on the day.
1. Height measurement.
2. Inspection of markings.
3. Static assessment - horse judged standing,
4. Gaits -movement in hand at walk and trot, and free movement at walk, trot and canter.
5. Free Jumping - this is optional for geldings and mares but if your mare is eligible for the Premier stud book then she must pass the free jumping stage.
6. Ridden display - this is optional, but if you think that you horse will show itself off better under saddle then you are most welcome to undertake this section.

CATEGORIES OF CLASSIFICATION

1. Type (Overall)
2. Topline (Head, Neck, Back & Rump)
3. Front Legs
4. Hind Legs
5. Walk
6. Trot
7. Canter

Your horse will be examined by three Association classifiers who will mark your horse independently over the seven areas listed above. The three marks for each section are then averaged to give your horse a mark for a particular section.

ON THE DAY

Please arrive well before your allotted time and report your attendance to the secretary for the day. At this point you also need to present to the classifiers secretary the originals of your horses paperwork.eg your horses registration form/birth certificate and check the timetable for the day.

YOUR TURN

Each horse is inspected individually by the Classifiers:

1. Inspection of Markings.
It is necessary for the head classifier to inspect the horse to ensure that markings and brands correspond to those indicated of the official classification forms. At this point the handler will be directed to bring the horse into the arena and stand the horse up for the classifiers to inspect. Same as you would to present a horse to a judge in a show class.
2. Static Assessment.
Once the head classifier is satisfied that all markings and brands correspond, the handler will be asked to once again to stand the horse up in a square position that ensures that the horses conformation is shown off to its best advantage. In this position each classifier will inspect the horse's conformation and type, then evaluate it as a Holsteiner or as a horse suitable to breed Holsteiners.
3. Movement in Hand.
Markers will be indicated around the arena that will represent a triangle, the centre tip being where the classifiers stand. The distance to the first marker will be around 20-30m away.
The handler should be sure to utilise the area to its fullest by encouraging the horse to move forward and as freely as possible. It is important that each side of the triangle is straight as the classifiers will need to assess the horses rear, side and front view whilst moving first in the walk and then the trot. With the handler on the near side the horse should be led in a clockwise direction around the triangle. The classifiers may also ask for an exercise to be repeated. Don't be discouraged by this as they may simply wish to make a longer or more detailed study of a particular pace.
4. Free Movement.
It is preferable that at the classification venue there is suitable facilities to cater for horses to be shown free moving. The lead rein only needs to be removed and the horse guided by the handler/s. Classifiers will again indicate the pace required and shall include the canter.
5. Ridden Assessment.
This assessment can be made in addition to or instead of the free movement assessment. As with the led assessment, the horses best movement needs to be encouraged. You will be given a short warm up time and then you will be asked to give a free workout which will include walk, trot, canter & medium trot and canter and also free walk.
6. Free Jumping.
A grid will be set up down the long side of the Arena. Approach is to be made at the canter. Three fences in total - Vertical to a Vertical to an Oxer. A place rail will be 3.6m/12 foot from the first fence. 6.6-7.2m/22 to 24 feet to the second fence (Depending on the height of the fence), 10.2-10.8m/34 to 36 ft to the third fence (Depending on the height of the fence) All horse will be expected to start with cross rails and work up to a height of 90cm/3 ft with a spread of 90cm/3 ft. The order in which the sections above are run on the day will be set by the organising State branch and the program on the day will set out approximate times.
7. Results.
At a set time during the day you will be asked to meet with the classifiers and discuss your horses results. You will be told your horses sectional scores, total mark and into which stud book your horse will go. You will have the opportunity to ask questions of the classifiers about your horse and its performance on the day