NZWA Horse Classification

NZWA Classification

What is Classification?

At three years of age registered mares and colts can undergo Classification Inspection and if they pass may be entered into the NZWA Studbook. This is an impartial and expert review of your horse's conformation and movement, and in the case of stallions, it's jumping technique. The results and feedback identify your horse's strengths and weaknesses and whether or not they are of suitable typ enad conformation to become breeding stock.

Classification elevates a horse from the NZWA Register into the NZWA Studbook. It also approves horses from other Warmblood Stubooks into the NZWB Studbook for breeding to produce New Zealand Warmblood foals. 

Classification also approves TB, Arab and Anglo Arab breeding stock into the NZWA Studbook as Foundation horses. 

ALL HORSES PUT FORWARD FOR CLASSIFICATION MUST FIRST BE REGISTERED WITH THEIR STUDBOOK OF BIRTH (Eg NZWB, NZTB, ARAB OR OTHER WARMBLOOD STUDBOOK).

2024 Classification Tour 

with German Assessor Matthias Werner 

2nd - 10th February 2024

The Classification Tour includes foals across all four of the NZWB Registries and also Mares for the Mare Stud Book, Foundation Stud Book and Pre Stud Book. Stallions will also be Licensed at this time 

Why get your horse Classified?

In addition to finding out how your breeding program compares with Europe's best, the NZWA normally runs the Classification Tour as a competition to find the best mares, foals and  young stallions that New Zealand has to offer.  

Due to the Covid pandemic the 2021 tour will be held virtually with the German Assessor Matthias Werner judging the horses via video footage.  Let us know if you have mares to be classified, foals to be inspected or if you have a stallion you would like to put forward for licensing.

Classification is a valuable tool for breeders

After a Classification, the feedback we get from many members is how great it is to discuss the merits of their horse with an overseas expert. Visiting assessors are able to provide an unbiased judgement and international comparison of the breeding stock in New Zealand to our members. The inspection feedback will be an invaluable tool in deciding the future direction of your breeding program.  

In addition, a high pass award of Merit (78-79.9%) or Excellence (80+%) may be awarded for exceptional animals.  Merit and Excellence horses are awarded Rosettes and all marks are recorded on the horse's Passport