Horses 101: What is a keuring?

FPS Approved Friesian Stallion,Simon,
of Standing Stone Farm
Photo:  Equestrian Images

"Keuring" is a Dutch word meaning judging. 

In the Friesian community, the keuring is an annual inspection of horses by officials of the Dutch Friesian Studbook in the Netherlands.  Representatives visit select locations in the United States, as well as locations around the world, to inspect horses and declare their fitness for admission to the Studbook based on movement and conformation. 

Friesians are first inspected as weanlings and then, typically again as three year olds, although they can be judged at any time.  A special inspection is available for the very best mares in the world at the age of seven. 

Foals, mares and geldings are awarded "premie", Dutch for premium or ratings.  Ratings of 1st, 2nd and 3rd premie are given. 

Mares, three years or old, who receive 1st and 2nd premie, may also receive the "ster" (Star)designation.  Those achieving 3rd premium are also placed in the Studbook and have full breeding rights.  Geldings achieving the 1st and 2nd premie status, like mares, are given "ster" status. Those rated "ster" are considered the excellent representatives of their breed.

At age seven, first premie mares may be judged not only for movement and conformation but also performance (dressage, driving, riding).   A two-year examination, these mares, held to the highest movement and conformation standards are awarded the status of "Model Mare" if they demonstrate they can produce and nurse a foal.  There are less than a dozen model mares in the United States. 

The preferent rating is based on the production of high quality offspring.  If a mare produces at least four ster rated foals, she is declared preferent.  This very presigious rating can be obtained by a mare who is not ster herself. 

Stallions must be "approved" for breeding.  Acheiving approved status is very difficult.  There are less than 100 approved stallions in the Dutch Friesian Studbook worldwide and fewer than 20 in the United States.  To be "approved", a stallion must first obtain "conditional approval", then produce highly rated offspring.  Should his offspring not be highly rated, his "conditional approval" will be revoked.  On average, only one in a thousand stallions is approved for breeding. 

For more information on the keuring process, visit the Freisch Paarden-Stamboek (FPS) website (available in English). 

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