This year, for the first time FHANA is participating in ABFP testing for some of Sipke 450's offspring. Because we have the stallion testing facility in Hanford, where Willy Arts trains our stallions, it was suggested that we pull prospective young candidates from the central California area. That way we take advantage of the judges already scheduled visits.
ABFP testing is not as intense as the stallion testing, but it still seeks to evaluate a stallions offspring for suitability in riding and driving . Young mares,stallions and geldings are eligible for this testing and in the seven week time slot are worked in riding and driving and will be seen by the judges for the last two visits, in February and March and rated by them for riding and driving.
If this program of offspring testing works well, we may look to expand it to other areas of the country where there are concentrations of the offspring of unapproved stallions to test. The difficulty is finding a facility and a trainer qualified to do both riding and driving, in the manner acceptable to the KFPS, not an easy task. The stallion committee has reviewed the current KFPS regulations for this testing and made sure they translated well for our use. Be sure to stay tuned for ABFP testing updates as we go forward. Testing on the first candidates, four mares and a stallion starts January 27, 2014 with a preliminary vet check, and judges viewing them for the first time on February 14, 2014.
The purpose of the test is ABFP, is to determine, in an objective manner, the conformation and suitability as a dressage and/or driving horse. Work ethic and stable behavior are also assessed. The ABFP test is primarily intended for three-to five year old mares, geldings and stallions, so at a young age the talent for dressage and/or driving can be estimated the best possible way. Horses with sufficient results of the test, will be awarded a certification to the owner. The results of the test are published in the Phryso and on the website of the KFPS and FHANA. The total score is not listed on the registration papers.
An ABFP test score can be part of obtaining the star, crown or model designation, see registration rules of the KFPS.
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