Estimation of genetic parameters after reorganization of performance tests of stallions

After the reorganization of the performance test of stallions in 2016, key elements of the German horse breeding are the 14-days performance test, the stationary stallions performance test and the sport test. The aim of this study is the evaluation and analysis of traits measured within the performance tests of stallions. Analyses are based on records of 1161 stallions from 2016 until May 2020. All stallions were evaluated at multiple time points during the performance test. The comparison of first evaluation and final score revealed changes in the ranking of the stallions with longer testing periods. The analysis of repeated measurements of four- and five-year-old stallions within the sport test confirmed the need for testing at different ages and performance levels. Most of the traits showed a moderate to high heritability. To some extent, traits and trait complexes indicate positive and negative genetic correlations. Especially the trait gallop points out to different possibilities of breeding-based consideration. The reorganized test system, with its diverse and discipline-specific forms of performance tests, ensures to be able to address these factors properly.