INSPECTIONS

The Canadian Trakehner Horse Society inspects all breeding stock. Superior Trakehner colts are inspected at age 2 1/2 or older for Studbook approval. Trakehner fillies are inspected at age 3 or older. The CTHS uses a system based on that which is currently used in Germany. All horses for stud book consideration must, of course, meet pedigree requirements. In looking for stallion prospects, the marks at inspection of the DAM of the colt should be considered. Dams with low marks (5's or 6's) at inspection are not likely to produce colts of the quality CTHS is looking for in breeding stock.

The horses are measured: height, heart girth & cannon bone. Mares should be at least 15.1. Colts should be at least 15.3 at 2 1/2 years, to finish between 16 & 16.3 hands in height. Note re: Measurements ~ Measurements are taken at the inspection at age 2.5. All stallions grow after that. In many cases official adult measurements are not available.

The horses are stood up, and then evaluated at each gait. Marks from 1-10, 10 being highest (and rarest) are assigned for TYPE, 2 marks for EXTERIOR (top & foundation), WALK, TROT, CANTER. The final OVERALL mark includes the value of this horse for the breed as a whole.

A mark below 5 in any category means that the horse does not pass inspection, and thus does not have breeding approval. Colts that pass inspection may be neck branded, in addition to the flank brand.

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