In the breeding program for the Friesian horse the breeding goal comprises conformation, sport aptitude, character and health. These are composite traits which consists of different judged or measured traits.
The assessment of the conformation plays a major role in the breeding of Friesian horses. The conformation is judged in all age categories, from foals to older horses. Conformation assessment is the basis of the studbook registration of mares, is decisive for the priming and awarding of registers and predicates, and is an important part of the stallion selection. Judging and selecting for conformation serves the following components in the breeding goal:
Breed characteristics: the assessment of a horse's breed characteristics takes place during the inspection of the conformation.
Sport aptitude: conformation characteristics provide information about a horse's sport aptitude. The basic gaits, assessed at the inspection of the conformation, are important for a sport horse. In addition, a horse is assessed for (with regard to the sport) functional characteristics, especially the construction of the skeleton.
Durability: various conformation characteristics (skeleton and legs in particular) provide information about a horse's durability. The conformation assessment consists of the description of 22 linear characteristics and rating 5 main characteristics. The evaluation of the 5 main characteristics (breed type, conformation, legs, walk and trot) determines the ranking of a horse in one of the existing registers.
The character can be broadly divided into two aspects:
Working aptitude: this is related to commitment, perseverance and willingness to carry out what is requested.
Ease of use: this is related to honesty, reliability, etc. of the horse.
Collecting and selecting for health characteristics is developing rapidly. In the coming years, health characteristics will play a greater role in the breeding policy.
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