THE PREDICATES
Horses are classified in registries based on their quality, assessed through predicates. These predicates are determined by the horse’s individual merit, the quality of its offspring, or both. They may also be supported by factors such as physical conformation, athletic performance, competition achievements, or a combination of these criteria.
PREDICATE STAR/STER
The Ster predicate is awarded to horses aged three years and older during inspections. To qualify, the horse must meet specific requirements regarding its physical conformation, movement (evaluated in-hand), and height at the withers: at least 1.56 meters for mares and 1.58 meters for stallions and geldings.
This distinction is available for mares registered in the Studbook, geldings listed in the Gelding Book, and stallions recorded in the Foal-Book. For mares and geldings, the Ster predicate may be granted simultaneously with their registration in the Studbook. Stallions in the Foal-Book that receive the Ster predicate and are subsequently gelded retain their Ster status. Additionally, Foal-Book stallions may earn this recognition during their first stallion inspection, conducted at two and a half years of age.
CROWN/KROON PREDICATE
The Kroon predicate is awarded based on strict criteria involving physical conformation and sports aptitude. Selection for the preliminary Kroon status takes place during the Central Mare Show (Centrale Keuring), focusing on mares that have earned a first premium at breeding days or Studbook inspections within the same year. For mares outside the Netherlands, this selection can also occur during international inspections.
*Requirements for Preliminary Kroon Status:*
- The mare must be at least three years old.
- To achieve permanent Kroon 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. Alternatively, earning the Sport Predicate will automatically convert preliminary Kroon status to permanent.
- The mare must have a minimum height of 1.58 meters (15.2 hands) at the withers.
MODEL PREDICATE
The Model predicate is a prestigious recognition reserved for the best mares, based on outstanding physical conformation and sports performance. Preliminary Model status is awarded during the Central Mare Show (Centrale Keuring) by selecting from Ster and Kroon mares that have received a first premium during breeding events in the same year. For mares outside the Netherlands, international inspections may serve as the selection platform.
*Requirements for Preliminary Model Status:*
- The mare must be at least seven years old.
- She must have foaled or be nursing a foal.
- To achieve permanent Model status, the mare must complete an IBOP or ABFP test before the end of the calendar year following the preliminary award, earning a minimum of 77.0 points with an average of 7 for walk and trot. Alternatively, earning the Sport Predicate within this timeframe will automatically secure permanent Model status.
- She must have a minimum height of 1.60 meters (15.3 hands) at the withers.
SPORT PREACHED
The Sport predicate recognizes mares, geldings, and stallions for outstanding achievements in sports competitions. This designation is based on scores recorded in events organized by the United States Equestrian Federation (USEF), United States Dressage Federation (USDF), Equestrian Canada (EC), American Driving Society (ADS), Spotlight Horse Shows (SHS), or the Koninklijke Nederlands Hippische Sportfederatie (KNHS), also known as the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation.
*Qualification Criteria:*
Dressage:
- Z1+5 level: Achieve five scores of 60% or higher at Third Level or above, judged by three different Dressage Registered (R) or higher-certified judges.
- Alternatively, Z1-level tests 23, 24, 25, or 26 with five scores of 60% or higher are acceptable. Scores obtained on the same day are valid.
- As of January 1, 2022, up to two scores may be obtained through video-recorded tests evaluated by Spotlight Horse Shows.
Driving (Dressage):
- Z+10 level: Accumulate ten points in any Advanced FEI test (40 x 80 m or 40 x 100 m) that includes at least one canter movement, judged by three different FEI or R-certified judges.
- Point System:
- 60%-65% = 1 point
- 66%-70% = 2 points
- 71% or higher = 3 points
- From January 1, 2022, up to two scores may be obtained via video-recorded tests evaluated by Spotlight Horse Shows.
Once the required points are accumulated, the horse will officially receive the Sport predicate.
PREDICATE SPORT ELITE
The Sport Elite predicate is awarded to horses that demonstrate exceptional performance by achieving five scores of at least 60% in Prix St. George or higher levels of dressage or Combined Driving. Alternatively, this predicate can be obtained by earning the Sport Predicate in three disciplines: Dressage, Show Jumping, and Eventing.
PREFERRED FOR MARES
Mares registered in the Foal-Book or the Studbook can earn Preferent status through the quality of their offspring. Applications for this designation must be submitted directly to KFPS. The request can be made by the mare's owner, the owner of her offspring, or posthumously. Preferent status is granted to mares that have produced at least four offspring of recognized quality:
- Ster or Model mares.
- Ster geldings.
- Ster stallions from the Foal-Book.
- Stallions registered in the Studbook.
- Stallions that have passed the second stallion inspection.
PREFERRED FOR STALLIONS
The Preferent predicate is a rare honor for stallions that have made a lasting and significant impact on the breed. This designation is based on the quality of their offspring, evaluated according to breeding objectives. A stallion's enduring influence is demonstrated by key offspring, including Preferent mares, dams of approved stallions, and approved sons.
PERFORMANCE DAM/PRESTATIEMODER PREDICATE
The Performance Dam/Prestatiemoeder predicate is awarded to mares that have produced three direct offspring who have achieved the Sport Predicate.
