Refers to the process of judging and testing of a stallion candidate for entry into the Studbook, and thus the right to breeding privileges. There are three rounds of testing a young stallion must go through before being granted a temporary breeding license.

The first round usually takes place at one of the annual Inspections that take place in the separate regions across the continent (N. America). Here the stallion is judged on conformation and movement, and is either passed on to the second round, being up to the standards of the FPS or denied, usually along with notes as to why and ways to improve upon him. The stallion may re-enter the next year. A stallion that has passed the first round will be qualified for consideration in the Central Stallion Proving.

In the second round, a video of the stallion will be reviewed by the FPS in the Netherlands. If they decide the candidate has met their standards so far, the stallion is passed on to the third round, invited to the Central Stallion Proving after passing a number of pre-evaluations. The stallion must have x-rays performed on the knee joints and pronounced sound; they must have a semen analysis performed and meet the minimum motility standard; and blood typing, to ensure the correct lineage must be performed upon the candidate and his dam.

The third round is the Central Stallion Proving. Stallions in this round will be tested and rated upon the walk, trot, canter, performance under saddle, performance as a driving horse (to demonstrate obedience), performance pulling a sledge, performance as a carriage show horse(to demonstrate action), character and temperament, stable manners and training manners.

If the stallion passes this round they are given a new name and number as well as temporary breeding approval, until their offspring have been tested. A stallion’s offspring are tested when they reach three years of age, then five years of age.

If, after the first offspring judging, the stallion has not shown to positively impact the breed, his breeding privileges will be removed. Breeding privileges may be re-granted if the offspring, as adults prove exceptional in equestrian sports. Those stallions with a pulled breeding license will remain in the Stallion Studbook, but will not be a recognized sire to any foals born after the license was removed.

Stallions who passed both Offspring judgings must be judged annually to retain their breeding privileges. If after a time it is found the offspring of an approved stallion to consistently have faults, his license may (again) be withdrawn.

[See also: Inspections]