Model is an FPS rating given to Star mares of exceptional quality. The Model Mare is much like the Studbook Stallion, having to meet many criteria and undergo evaluations before the title may be applied. To become a model mare, the horse must first be eligible for Provisional Model. Provisional Model requires that the horse be a Star Mare, at least 1.58 meters (15.2 1/4 hands), and be proven fertile by having borne and nursed a foal. The mare must demonstrate to judges that she is among the very best of Star Mares, having the ideal conformation and movements for a Friesian horse. A mare may be evaluated for Provisional Model at any of the annual FPS inspections. Once a mare has been designated Provisional Model, she must pass an IBOP performance test within the next calendar year, receiving at least a B designation of 77 or more points, or an equivalent test if determined by the FPS; shown either under saddle or driving. The Model mare is among the best of her breed and very few receive this prestigious rating.
All posts by K.S. Evans
Microchips
Every Friesian horse entered into the FPS Foal Book since 1997 has received an electronic identification code, or microchip. This chip is injected into the upper left neck, approximately mid way between the withers and the poll, usually when the horse is a foal, and has just been inspected and accepted into the Foal Book. (This has recently changed in the US, so that Foals are microchipped by a private vet before the Inspection.) This electronic ID code is recorded on the horse’s registration certificate. The implanted chip can be read by certain microchip readers,available through most veterinarians and the FHANA office, though a different reader is needed for European and North American microchips. These chips ensure the correct identity of each horse, especially useful in a breed which display very similar coloration and other physical characteristics.
Linear Scores
Adult Friesians entering the Studbook are evaluated using a linear score sheet. This lists various aspects of conformation, breed characteristics and movement, with horses being scored on each point based on their positive or negative deviation from the average breed standard. The linear score sheet is used to obtain data on a stallions influence on his offspring, as well as to inform the owner on the strong and weak points to their horse. The linear score sheet is sent to the owner with that horse’s new Studbook registration papers.
[Click here to view FHANA’s english translation of a Linear Score Sheet]
D-book
The D-book is a subsidiary registry, or sub-category within the KFPS studbook. Like the B-books, the D-book was created for horses whose breeding or lineage does not conform with KFPS policies, but are still purebred Friesians. A more recent creation than the B-books, the D-book was created to comply with European Union regulations concerning the recognition of breed registries. In short since only one European KFPS affiliate executes its own registration and breeding program independently of the KFPS, the D-book deals specifically with the offspring of horses registered with the German studbook FPZV.Horses are eligible for the D-book if the dam is registered in either the KFPS main studbook or the KFPS D-book, and the sire has completed and passed all the current requirements for the FPZV Stallion Book I.
Horses are not eligible for the D-book if:
- the dam is in the KFPS B-Book
- the sire is a stallion who has only partially met the approval requirements with the current FPZV testing
- the sire is a stallion within the FPZV which was previously approved by the KFPS then disapproved on offspring (ex: Adel 357, Jelke 367, etc). Horses sired by disapproved KFPS stallions do not qualify for the D-book on the grounds that the KFPS has previously found undesirable qualities in their offspring.
Offspring with a sire as described above are eligible for KFPS B-book II.
FHANA
The Friesian Horse Association of North America is the sole representative of the Friesch Paarden-Stamboek (FPS), on the North American continent. It acts as a working studbook for its North American members, though all rules and regulations concerning the breed are adopted from the parent studbook and all registration processes for the Friesian horses are overseen by the FPS.
For more on FHANA visit their website: Friesian Horse Association of North America. [See also: FPS]
FPS
The Royal Association, Het Friesch Paarden-Stamboek, or the ‘FPS’/’KFPS’, is one of the oldest studbooks in the Netherlands, and is the original studbook for the Friesian horse. It was founded in 1879 by a group of dedicated individuals intent on saving the threatened breed from being crossbred into extinction. The objective of the studbook was to gather what true blooded colts and stallions of acceptable type were left and use them to rejuvenate the failing breed. Twice in its history, the number of purebred Friesians has dipped dangerously low, but with the help of the FPS and the Frisian people, the breed pulled through and is now flourishing under its international popularity. Since the studbook’s founding, the FPS has been devoted to improving and maintaining the quality, beauty and versatility of the Friesian horse without resorting to the dilution of its bloodlines. By using a series of strict guidelines, regulating the breed’s conformation, movement, color and temperament, and by having each horse individually assessed to ensure that they meet these guidelines, the studbook has preserved the qualities of the original Friesian horse. As the popularity of the breed has increased, so has the FPS, with affiliate organizations adopting the studbook breeding policies in countries across the globe.
For more on the FPS, visit their website: Friesch Paarden-Stamboek. [See also: FHANA, Inspections, and Approval]
Foal Book
The Foal Book is the basic registry for horses whose lineage would qualify them for entry in the Studbook at adulthood. Unlike the primary Studbook, there are no restrictions based on physical appearance or soundness. Some adult horses are not eligible for registration in the Studbook and may remain in the Foal Book. Reasons for permanent Foal Book status may include unacceptable white markings or soundness and conformational issues. Stallions who do not qualify for Approval may remain in the Foal Book permanently. The purebred offspring of Foal Book Mares, are eligible for Foal Book and later Studbook inclusion. However, any colts born of a Foal Book Mare may not be eligible for Studbook (approved) Stallion status.
Crown
The Crown or “Kroon” predicate was introduced recently an intermediary between Ster status and Model status for mares. The judging process for Crown mares encompasses both exterior quality and sport ability.
According to FHANA Rules and Regulations Section 3.3.3.2, requirements include:
- Minimum age is three years old
- Mare must have received a minimum of two (2) first premiums
- For Permanent Crown status the mare must complete an IBOP or ABFP test with a minimum score of 77.0 points and an average of 7 for walk and trot. If the Sport predicate is earned within that time frame that will also convert the preliminary-Crown status into permanent Crown status.
- Minimum height at the wither 1.58 Meters (15.2 Hands)
In the United States, a mare who was previously judged a first premie (for instance, at her 3 year old keur), may then return the next year in the Repeat for Premie category (thus achieving two 1st premies), then enter the preliminary Crown category. Once the mare has passed her IBOP in front of the judges (either that year, or within a year), then she will be awarded the full Crown status.
Branding
The branding of Friesian horses had been discontinued, but horses may still be seen with an FPS brand on the upper left side of their neck. Although it is often difficult to see a brand, due to a long coat, etc., the brand, if there is one, will be noted on the horse’s registration certificate. A single letter ‘F’ on the neck indicates an adult FPS mare, gelding or Approved Stallion who has been entered into the main Studbook or B-Book I. A ‘FS’ on the neck indicates a Studbook or B-Book I, mare or gelding who has been given the designation of Star. A ‘FSM’ is a Studbook Star mare who has been awarded the designation of Model. A crown on the neck indicates a mare or Approved Stallion who has been designated Preferent. An ‘/ \’ marking indicates a mare in the Auxiliary Studbook.
B-Book II
B-Book II is the second Subsidiary Registry within the FPS. Horses who were born prior to 1995, sired by a Foal Book stallion without breeding approval and produced by an FPS registered mare, may be registered in B-Book II. Also those horses sired by a stallion with limited breeding approval and produced by a B-Book II mare would be entered into the second B-Book. B-Book II horses receive identification codes from the FPS but are not eligible for star or any increase in status. North America has closed its B-Book registration to horses born after 1994, although it does recognize imported horses with B-Book II papers.
[See also: B-Book I]