SHB(GB) Mare, Foal & Stallion Grading Programme 2026

    2 Mar 2026   

As the breeding season starts in earnest it is time consider and plan you breeding options.

All stallions will need to have been through a rigorous grading system in order to be offered at public stud and have Breed Society covering certificates issued. Different societies will have different criteria and so you will want to ascertain which society the stallion is graded with and the criteria he had to meet to be accepted into their respective stud books.

Sport Horse Breeding (GB) insist on all stallions are inspected at an agreed venue by an experienced team of graders/assessors, both in hand under saddle and loose jumped. A pre grading vetting must also be carried out – full details available from the SHB(GB) office. Thoroughbred stallions with an acceptable time form rating from their racing careers are accepted into the stud book subject to a physical assessment to ensure correct conformation.

In addition, Sport Horse Breeding (GB) have actively encouraged breeders to have their mares graded and more recently we have introduced a foal grading scheme which has proved a popular initiative. These have been very kindly sponsored by Baileys Horse Feeds and the top graded mares and foals each win a cash prize. In addition, for all other mares gaining Head Stud Book status there are vouchers towards a free foal registration (including DNA), foals to be progeny of SHB(GB) stallion.

The gradings are very informal and are held at venues around the UK throughout the year. We will always endeavour to hold a grading to fit in with where there is a need and requirement. The mares are seen stood on a hard surface before walking and trotting in hand. This enables the graders/assessors to see the body and limb conformation, and the straightness of movement from in front and behind. They are then seen loose to view their free movement and natural balance and cadence. Exactly the same format is used for the foal assessments/gradings.

Additional points are added to the mares score if she has verified affiliated competition points in her chosen discipline or other eligible performance.

Without exception the grading programmes are beneficial to all involved; the graders/assessors have the opportunity to see some of the very best of our British mares and foals and have time to interact with their breeders/owners. In addition, the mares gain recognition for their career achievements and their breeding ability, and the foals start off with a proven status for correct conformation and movement.

The 2026 gradings start in Scotland on the 28^th and 29^th of March. In addition, on 29^th March there is an incredible opportunity to visit at the yard of renowned racehorse trainer Lucinda Russell, together with a conformation clinic/discussion.

 Stallion, mare and foal gradings will take place throughout the year and will be advertised on the SHB(GB) website and Facebook page. We look forward to being a part of your breeding plans.

Another not to be missed date for the diary is the SHB(GB) annual stallion parade, sponsored by Tattersalls, which once again we are delighted to announce will take place at the Mars Badminton Horse Trials on Friday 8^th May, in the main arena immediately after the conclusion of the dressage. We look forward to seeing many of our members and supporters at this prestigious parade and we would like to take this opportunity to thank Badminton for hosting the parade for us once again.