Sporthorse Sires: From Europe to America
Sporthorse breeding involves equal parts art and science.

<< continued

The Hanoverian bloodlines follow a system of initials, which generally indicate lineage tracing back to a foundation sire. Ludwig Christmann, Deputy Breeding Manager of the Hannoverian Verband, explains, “The system is good to keep an order, but there’s also a danger that you simplify too much, that you generalize about the characteristics of the F-line or the G-line. These characteristics change very much through the years. Always consider the individual characteristics of stallion and mare, no matter what the line.”
The names of three stallion ancestors describe the European sporthorse: the sire, the sire of the dam (damsire), and the sire of the dam’s dam. For example, the Holsteiner sire Manchester would be described as Marlon xx - Heidekrug - Nestor. (This stallion was also registered with the KWPN, under the name Kommandeur.) In a horse’s pedigree, xx behind a sire’s name labels the ancestor as a Thoroughbred. Warmblood associations rely on Thoroughbreds as improvement sires—these stallions refresh the gene pool by enhancing performance, durability, sensitivity and elegance.
The Hannoverian stallion Waterford, imported to California from the State Stud at Celle, is described as Wolkentanz II - Matcho AA - Pik König. (AA indicates the French breed, Anglo-Arabian, sometimes noted as x behind a sire’s name.)
Because European studbooks are open and breeding areas adjacent, breeds are more a source of regional pride than distinct types. Associations approve and register horses according to standards of quality and proof of pedigree. One horse can be registered in two or more studbooks. A stallion owner may choose to expand his horse’s potential by registering him with an additional studbook other than the one that originally granted him approval.

continued >>


More...
Learning Bloodlines | Breed Associations (chart)