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SPORTS PONY STUDBOOK SOCIETY A DEFRA approved Passport Issuing Organisation Studbook Office: The Last House, Keysoe Row West, Keysoe, Bedfordshire MK44 2JJ Tel: 07703 566066 Email: |
| Note that the SPSS Office relocated in April 2014 and the contact details at the top of the page should now be used for all contact with the SPSS | ||||
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GRADING, MARE PERFORMANCE TESTING & YOUNGSTOCK EVALUATION |
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Glenview Shadow 2023 Stallion Grading Supreme Champion Photo by kind permission of Qorum Photos
Summer Solstice 2022 Stallion Grading Champion Photo by kind permission of Tanja Davis Photography
Godrics Dionysus 2021 Stallion Grading Champion Photo by kind permission of British Breeding Futurity
Carnakilly Pom Pom Supreme Champion Stallion 2019 By kind permission of Qorum Photos
Wolken Von Blitz MPS Supreme Champion Stallion 2018 By kind permission of owner
 Longhalves Renoir Supreme Champion Stallion 2017 By kind permission of Qorum Photos
Josie Jump Supreme Champion Stallion 2016 By kind permission of Qorum Photos
Ardbear Spirit Champion Stallion 2015 By kind permission of
Taraco Fabrizio Champion Stallion 2014 By kind permission of
Woodlander Wales Champion Stallion 2013 By kind permission of
Bernwode Golden Delicious Champion Mare 2013 By kind permission of
WFS Top Red Champion Stallion 2012 By kind permission of
Wadacre Super Trouper Champion Stallion 2011 By kind permission of
Bernwode Broadway Champion Stallion 2010
Bathleyhills Sea Spray Champion Mare 2010 By kind permission of
Desarbre Falcon Champion Stallion 2009
Erwfforch Dewin Direudus Champion Stallion 2007
Arnie de Burgh Champion Stallion 2006
Grey Palace Champion Stallion 2004 and Graded SPSS Elite
Rosettes and Sashes waiting to be presented at the 2018 SPSS AGM and Awards Presentation
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Grading is the assessment of SPSS Registered ponies and small horses (up to 158cm) to see if they meet the standards for acceptance into the SPSS Studbooks. At least one Grading is held each year, normally in October. Progeny of SPSS graded parents can be registered with the SPSS and given either blue (2 graded parents) or cream (one graded parent) papers/passport. Ponies must be at least 2 years old to be presented for grading; there is no upper age limit. Owners must be SPSS Members.
More details for 2024 events are available here
All events will be subject to & fully compliant with all COVID restrictions in place at the time plus any venue requirements (eg equine flu vaccinations and/or equine health declarations).
British Breeding Futurity are running youngstock evaluations at some of the venues. SPSS Premiums will be awarded to SPSS passported or overstamped youngstock alongside the Futurity Premiums at all Futurity events. Where we are not running in association with the Futurity, SPSS Youngstock Evaluations will take place - for SPSS passported or overstamped youngstock only.
Click here to read about past gradings (including results)
If you have any questions or queries, please call the SPSS Studbook Office on 07703 566066
Please see below for more information on fees and past gradings; see the Information & FAQ page for FAQs on Grading and the In-Hand Show - including on turnout and what will happen on the day.
If you require any more information or have any questions, please contact the SPSS Studbook Office (details at top of page)
Note that mares in foal or with a foal at foot are not required to loose jump or be ridden. In addition, for stallions & mares, competition results are taken into account as well as performance on the day.
Myspires Triple Perfection - 2023 Supreme Champion Mare Photo by kind permission of Andrea Irvine Photography
MM Lady Marmalade - 2022 Supreme Champion Mare Photo by kind permission of Lenzon Images
Sophie - 2021 Supreme Champion Mare
Mademoiselle - 2009 Champion Mare Photo by kind permission of Rebecca Hoare
Y Matilda - 2007 Champion Mare
Wurlibird - 2006 Champion Mare |
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Stallion Grading Fees
Only stallions and colts already registered / recorded with SPSS are eligible to enter SPSS Stallion Grading - click here for Registration Guidelines, Forms and Fees
Entry fee for Stallion Grading: £250.00
for stallions with SPSS passports or already registered/overstamped by
the SPSS
Stabling at stallion grading (if required) (if required) should be organised directly with the venue (including payment)
Veterinary requirements
All graded stallions need to be DNA parentage tested at the owner’s expense (£50.00) or provide evidence of an existing DNA test before any of their progeny can be issued with an SPSS passport. Stallion owners are also required to provide a veterinary certificate of freedom from hereditary disease/defects and must also sign & return the annual SPSS Declaration of Observance form to confirm that they have read and will observe and abide by the relevant Horserace Betting Levy Board Codes of Practise.
Mare Grading Fees
Only mares and fillies already registered /recorded with SPSS are eligible to enter SPSS Mare Grading - click here for Registration Guidelines, Forms and Fees
Entry fee for Mare Grading:
£80.00 for mares with SPSS
passports or already registered/overstamped by the SPSS
Stabling at mare grading (if required) should be organised directly with the venue (including payment).
If successfully graded, mares will need to provide a DNA sample and this will normally be taken from her mane by one of the SPSS team at the grading. The SPSS reserves the right to test the DNA sample at the owners expense (£50.00)
Mare Performance Testing Fee
Only mares and fillies already graded by SPSS are eligible to enter SPSS Mare Grading - it will be possible to present a mare for grading on the same day as Performance Testing. Mares that were accepted as graded by the SPSS on the basis of their graded status with another studbook may also enter for Mare Performance Testing
Entry fee for Mare Performance Testing:
£50.00 Stabling at mare performance testing (if required) should be organised directly with the venue (including payment)
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STALLION GRADING PATHWAY (see latest Information Sheet for more about grading a stallion with the SPSS) |
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Eligibility & Post-Grading We accept entries to our grading for any breed of stallion provided they: have a full 3 generation pedigree in their passport (exceptions to this are dealt with on a case by case basis); are no more (and don't mature above) 158cm; and are at least 2 years old. With all sizes of pony/horse, as well as assessing the conformation, paces and temperament, the judges also look at suitability as a sire of sports ponies and, along with a pass mark of 75%, this does make the assessment quite stringent and not all candidate stallions are accepted but each one is judged on his own merits.
If he is accepted at our grading and fulfils the post grading requirements (ie vetting & DNA see below), then he can stand as a SPSS stallion from 2022 and we would also issue passports to any progeny born from 2021. Note that the SPSS does not issue passports to any foals that are eligible for registration as a pure-bred pony with any Mountain and Moorland (indigenous pony breed) studbook listed with DEFRA. Other than this, the SPSS will issue passports to any progeny of an SPSS graded/licensed stallion (including part-bred Mountain & Moorland).
Note that stallions for which evidence of their own and/or their progeny’s performance under saddle (the level required will depend on age of stallion/progeny) and of the quality of their youngstock is not available will generally be given an initial 3 year license to allow time for them to prove themselves. Note that when reviewing youngstock quality particular weight being given to SPSS evaluation results but BEF Futurity results and, for pure-bred native ponies, breed society approvals/results/medals/etc will also be considered. At the end of the initial license period, the stallion’s owner is invited to provide evidence to see if he can be elevated to Permanent Approved status or if his license should be extended to allow him more time to prove himself.
At the Grading At the grading, each stallion is assessed in hand for confirmation, then in hand and loose for paces and loose down a jumping lane (normally 3 fences). Then, in general:
All entrants are seen in-hand/loose before any are seen ridden. For more information on aspects such as turnout and presentation, please see our latest information sheet and the “Information & FAQ” page.
After the Grading Post Grading Requirements. If he passes the in-person Grading then you will need to have him vetted (we have a specific form) or supply a recent vet’s certificate (that equates to our form and specifically includes freedom from hereditary disease and defects). A DNA hair sample has also to be supplied for testing (current testing cost is £50), unless he has already had a DNA profile done that either you can supply or we can access.
Stallions on or near our height limit of 158cm may have to provide proof of height before or after attending the grading and, if successful, a JMB height certificate once at mature height (normally age 7) and before a permanent licence is issued. Should a stallion prove to be over the height limit at any time after grading then SPSS graded status will be withdrawn and the entry and other fees will not be refunded. |
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MARE GRADING PATHWAY (see latest Information Sheet for more about grading a mare with the SPSS) |
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2020 Meeting the challenge of 2020, SPSS gradings and evaluations this year were all “virtual” events with our judges assessing videos which covered all the normal aspects of our gradings, except for loose jumping.
Stallions were presented for a prE-grading virtual “eAssessment” which allowed those accepted to cover as SPSS stallions in 2020/2021, before being presented at a full SPSS stallion grading in Autumn 2021. Overall, a total of 9 stallions successfully completed the eAssessment process and so achieved provisional SPSS graded status. These stallions are listed here.
Mares could be presented for SPSS “eGrading” in 2020 which gave successful mares permanent graded status and we are delighted that 12 mares were accepted into the studbook via this route. The 2020 Regional Champions and Reserve Champions, Supreme Champion and Reserve Supreme Champion and other mares are listed here.
Once again SPSS passported or overstamped youngstock which were evaluated through the British Breeding “Virtual Futurity” were also eligible for an SPSS Premium, based on their Futurity Evaluation score. The scores of all eligible youngstock went forward to the SPSS end of year awards and we are delighted to announce the results here.
2019 In late June 2019, due to the worsening situation with equine influenza, the SPSS Directors reluctantly made the decision to cancel the planned 2019 SPSS Grading & Evaluation Tour (which was to include Mare Grading & Performance Testing as well as Youngstock Evaluations) and instead just offer Stallion Grading at 3 public venues. This difficult decision was taken after seeking expert advice and much deliberation.
However, we were delighted that the British Breeding Futurity kindly agreed to allow SPSS Mare Grading at all their 2019 evaluation events. This opportunity was open to barren and in-foal mares (of any age) as well as mares with foals entered for the Futurity. All mares had to meet the Futurity equine influenza vaccination requirements.
In addition, SPSS Premiums were awarded to SPSS passported or overstamped youngstock alongside the Futurity Premiums and even if a foal was not passported with the SPSS until after their Futurity Evaluation, the appropriate SPSS Premium was still be awarded in retrospect. We also fully supported the Elite Foals Registration Tour.
Overall, 12 stallions were presented and 11 accepted; 6 mares were graded; and 17 SPSS Gold Premiums & 11 SPSS Premiums were awarded - which considering the very short notice for entering a mare for grading at a Futurity even was a good result. The full results can be found here.
2018 In 2018, the SPSS Tour took in 5 public venues which were combined into Regions for the purposes of declaring Regional Stallion & Mare Champions. The grading judges were Hans-Heinrich Brüning (an international judge & breeder of Hanoverian dressage and jumping horses) and SPSS Chairman & Director, Jacke Mathieson (a dressage rider, stallion owner and breeder of competition horses and ponies).
13 stallions were presented and they were split into 3 regions for Championships (Southern, Central & Northern (which included Scotland). Nine stallions were accepted and have completed the post-grading requirements. The 2018 SPSS Supreme Champion Stallion title was awarded to the Northern Grading Champion, Emily Cuthill’s lovely home-bred 3 year old, Wolken Von Blitz MPS (Stanley Grange Regal Heights x Wolkentanz). The Reserve Supreme Champion Stallion title went to the Central Stallion Champion, the smart 7 year old WPCS Sec D Deufor Spellbound who was bred by his owner Carys Taylor. Both stallions impressed the judges and scored over 80%. The Southern Regional Champion was Delaroche Black Gold (Hilkens Gold Card x Hilkens Black Delight), an SPSS passported 3 year old British-bred by Lucy Sheldrake and owned by Bennie Seymour. There is more information about these stallions and the others currently standing with the SPSS on the Stallion page
On the 2018 Tour, a total of 30 mares were assessed by judges Hans-Heinrich Brüning and Jacke Mathieson and a further mare was viewed when with her foal on the Elite Foals Registration Tour. All the mares graded with 9 achieving a Head Studbook score of 80% or more. Like the stallions, mares were grouped into regions for Championships then the highest scorer overall became the Supreme Champion. The 2018 Supreme Champion Mare title went to the SPSS passported 4 year old Bathleyhills Little Miss Sunshine (known as “Poppy”) who was British-bred by Emma-Jane Middlehurst then bought by Penny Walster of Bathleyhills Stud who had bred her dam, SPSS graded Bathleyhills Touch of Lustre (Thistledown Copper Lustre x Valiant). Poppy’s sire is the SPSS Elite graded Deutsches Reitpony Classic’s Charmeur who has competed internationally for GB in FEI Pony Dressage and Poppy was graded into the SPSS Head Studbook. The Reserve Supreme Champion Mare title also went to another Head Studbook mare bred for dressage, Jennifer Gilchrist’s home-bred 2 year old Romanno Pretty Lady who is by her own SPSS Elite graded stallion Boss Junior out of SPSS Elite graded Pretty-Women (Black Boy x Kompass).
New for 2018, the SPSS held Mare Performance Tests where mares were viewed under saddle, ridden by both their regular rider and by a test rider. The Mare Performance Test Champion was another great result for Penny Walster when Bathleyhills Sea Breeze (Casino Royale K x Gigman Jacana), who Penny bred, was capably ridden by Daisy Powell then impressed test rider Anna Brown. The Reserve Champion was the part-bred Connemara Rudgeway Royal Occasion (Pro-Set x Olsin) who is the dam of the 2017 Futurity Champion Sports Pony Foal, Britannia’s Royal Blue (by Britannia’s Mail). British-bred by J Warr, Royal Occasion is owned by Jemma Colbourne and ridden by Issy Colbourne.
More information about the events is given here.
SPSS Judges Hans-Heinrich Brüning & Jacke Mathieson in action in 2018
2017 In 2018, a record 22 stallions were presented and 18 were accepted. They were seen at 7 public venues which were combined into 3 regions for Championships (Southern, Central (which included Wales) & Northern (which included Scotland). The grading judges at all venues were Hans-Heinrich Brüning (an international judge & breeder of Hanoverian dressage and jumping horses) and SPSS Chairman & Director, Jacke Mathieson (a dressage rider, stallion owner and breeder of competition horses and ponies).
The 2017 SPSS Supreme Champion Stallion title was awarded to the Southern Grading Champion, Jo Filmer’s lovely home-bred WPCS Sec B Longhalves Renoir (Lemonshill Falcon x Eyarth Harlequin). Renoir’s sire, who is also owned by Jo, achieved SPSS graded status himself and was the sire of the Youngstock Supreme Champion. The Reserve Supreme Champion Stallion title went to the Northern Stallion Champion WPCS Sec A Butleigh Silver Flyer who was bred by Mr R G Jones is owned by Andrea Harley & Molly Barclay. Both stallions impressed the judges and scored over 80%, as did a further 5 of the stallions, BS Mr President, Expat’s Regimental Colours, Sugar House Targaryen, Derrylough Rocky & Farleaze Lord Prenwyn. All stallions have to achieve 75% in order to pass the assessment and to have 7 stallions achieving more than the 80% threshold shows the quality presented.
Seen on all days and at all venues, a total of 60 mares were assessed by judges Hans-Heinrich Brüning and Jacke Mathieson. All the mares graded with 13 achieving a Head Studbook score of 80% or more. Like the stallions, mares were grouped into regions for Championships then the highest scorer overall became the Supreme Champion. The 2017 SPSS Supreme Champion Mare was Carolyne Allen’s Silken Creme, a 7 year old part-bred Trakehner by Masurenfuerst out of a mare believed to be Connemara. Bred by Ballinteggart Stud in Northern Ireland and ridden by Melissa Joannides, Silken Creme has won 8 BE events (from BE90 to BE100) in 2 seasons and has never been out of the top 10. They have also been successful in British Dressage competitions, consistently winning and scoring over 70%. The 2017 SPSS Reserve Supreme Champion Mare was Jacqueline Vincent’s German-bred Catherine of Valois (Concetto x Corlando), who was the South & South West Champion mare.
More information about the events is given here.
2016 2016 saw the SPSS repeat 2015’s successful initiative of taking our judges to our members, rather than expecting our members to come to us as in previous years - and we also held 2 stallion grading days for the first time in 8 years. . So, Hans-Heinrich Brüning (an international judge & breeder of Hanoverian dressage and jumping horses) flew in from Germany to join SPSS Chairman & Director, Jacke Mathieson (a dressage rider, stallion owner and breeder of competition horses and ponies) and together they judged more than 100 gradings and evaluations over 7 days at locations from South England to West Wales to South Scotland. We were delighted that 10 lovely stallions (out of 13 presented) were licensed and over 40 magnificent mares were accepted into one of the SPSS Mare Studbooks with twelve of them scoring 80% or more to go into the Head Studbook. As in 2015, British breeders again presented some truly outstanding youngstock, with 18 of them impressing the judges with their athleticism, elastic gaits and modern sports type so that they scored 80% or higher and were awarded a coveted SPSS GOLD premium. More information about the events is given here.
2015 In 2015, a total of 10 new stallions (out of 12 presented) and an amazing 62 mares graded into the SPSS studbook via our main grading at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, Bedfordshire on the 16th & 17th October and our earlier Tour which started in Cornwall on Monday 21st September and finished in Scotland on the Friday. The mare grading judges at all venues were Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mrs Jacke Mathieson and they were joined by Mr Geoff Glazzard for the Stallion Grading. More information about the events is given here.
2014 In 2014, a total of 5 new stallions (out of 15 presented) and 8 new mares graded into the SPSS studbook via our main grading at The College Equestrian Centre, Keysoe, Bedfordshire on the 10th & 11th October. The grading judges were Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mr Geoff Glazzard assisted by Miss Teri England and Mrs Jacke Mathieson.
The SPSS 2014 Stallion Champion was the 2 year old, WPCS Section D, Taraco Fabrizio. Bred by Miss T J Coppins of Taraco Stud, Fabrizio was bought by his owner, Claire Wyatt, as a weanling. Fabrizio is by Danaway Flash Jack and has classic names like Pentre Eiddwen Comet, Nebo Black Magic and Nebo Brenin in his pedigree. Reserve Champion was the 4 year old, Delaroche Brillanz. Another British-bred pony, SPSS passported "Brill" was bred by Lucy Sheldrake of Delaroche Stud in Wales and is still part owned by her. Brill is by the established SPSS Elite graded sire Bernwode Brokat and his dam, Evelina-S (Prins Alfred x Merrie Moscan) was also imported to the UK by Bernwode Stud. Brill is now part owned by 11 year old Amelia (known as Milly) Struel who backed him last year when he was 3 and she was 10.
All 8 mares forward graded into one of the SPSS Studbooks depending on grading score, performance record and completeness of pedigree. As at the previous day's stallion grading, the judges were Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mr Geoff Glazzard assisted by Miss Teri England and Mrs Jacke Mathieson. The Mare Champion was the 5 year old British bred Ella who was presented by Kelly Oxtoby for her owner/breeder, Julie Lockley of Bramley Stud. Ella, who is by SPSS Elite graded Caesar 171 out of the KWPN mare Ballarena FH (Santano x Democrat), gained a Futurity Elite score of 9.04 as a foal and also had a foal herself 2 years ago by FS Don't Worry. The Reserve Champion mare, Wolkendance, was bred by Tina Patchcott (as Tina Burton) out of Bella Rose, who Tina believes to be by a Dales stallion out of a black cob mare. Wolkendance has had Futurity First Premiums as a Foal, Yearling and Two Year Old (when she was the 2nd highest scoring nationally).
More information about the successful ponies is given here.
2013 In 2013, a total of 8 new stallions and 5 new mares graded into the SPSS studbook. In addition, a number of stallions graded by European sports pony studbooks were also accepted as SPSS Stallions. The main 2013 grading took place at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre on the 12th October. Eight stallions passed the assessment at the Main Grading and were either given permanent graded status or awarded a license for an initial period. Licensed stallions have their performance and/or progeny monitored by the SPSS. Fourteen stallions were presented on the day and the grading judges were Mrs Celia Clarke, Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mr Geoff Glazzard.
The Stallion Champion was the 2 year old, Woodlander Wales. Wales was bred in Britain by Lynne Crowden and is by the graded Hannoverian, Woodlander Wavavoom (Weltregent H x Longchamp). Wales's dam, Drysiog Helen is a SPSS graded WPCS Sec C by Talon Teifion. As a foal, Wales was the 2011 SPSS In-Hand Show Champion and was awarded an Elite premium (with a score of 9.25) at his futurity evaluation and was the highest scoring pony that year. Wales was also presented at the 2013 Futurity Evaluation, where he was equally successful, scoring 9.30 for another Elite and again being the highest scoring pony. Reserve Champion was the 3 year old, Higherspen Show Time. Another British-bred pony, Show Time was bred by Jane Dewhurst. Show Time is by the Dutch part bred Welsh (NWPCS Sec K) and SPSS graded stallion Eindershof Jamai out of the SPSS graded NRPS mare Shannaya Bayloveny (Bayloveny x Casper).
At the main grading, all 5 mares forward graded into one of the SPSS Studbooks depending on grading score, performance record and completeness of pedigree. The judges were Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mrs Celia Clarke. The Mare Champion was the 4 year old British bred Bernwode Golden Delicious, who was bred by Sarah Steggall and she is the second SPSS Mare Champion by the SPSS Elite stallion, Bernwode Brokat (Brillant x Diamant II). The Reserve Champion mare, Escley Trump Card, is a 6 year old Welsh Mountain Pony (WPCS Sec A) and she was bred by Mrs R C Hunter and is owned by Kerensa Cobbledick of Trevoulter Barton Stud.
More information about all the successful ponies is given here.
2012 The main 2012 grading took place at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre on the 29th September. Two stallions passed assessment and were awarded a license for an initial period of 3 years by the grading judges Mrs Jennie Loriston-Clarke, Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mr Geoff Glazzard. The Stallion Champion was the 4 year old, WFS Top Red. Bred in Britain by Yvonne Wood and Sarah Steggall, Top Red is by the SPSS Elite graded stallion Top Yellow (DRP, Till The Champ (DRP) x Kirby Cane Bugler (Welsh Sec B)) out of the SPSS graded mare Bernwode Poppy Red (SPSS, Pilgrims Red (DRP) x Viktoria's Chirac (DRP)). Both Top Red's sire and damsire are past German Bundeschampions and Top Yellow also competed Internationally at Dressage. Reserve Champion was the 3 year old, Rosewater Mr Darcy. Another British-bred pony, Mr Darcy is by the German sire FS Don't Worry (DRP, Dacapo Doro (DRP) x Golden Dancer (DRP)) out of the SPSS graded Rosewater Manakin (SPSS, Manitu N x Baledon Commanchero).
At the main grading, all 13 mares forward graded into one of the SPSS Studbooks depending on grading score, performance record and completeness of pedigree. The judges were Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening and Mrs Celia Clarke. The Mare Champion was the proven International dressage pony Madam's Miss Maria (NWPCS, Woldhoeve's Silco x Wester Aikema's Norbert). The Reserve Champion mare, Bernwode Celeste, also scored well over 85% and went into the Head Studbook. British-bred by Sarah Steggall, Celeste is by the SPSS Elite sire Caesar 171 (DRP; Condor x Askan) who was a member of the British Pony Dressage Team that won silver and bronze Pony European Championships medals. Celeste's damsire, Bernwode Brokat (DRP; Brillant x Diamant II) is another Elite SPSS sire as he too has represented GB internationally as well as being the Futurity Leading Sire of Sports Ponies for 3 consecutive years. A Mare-only Grading was also held in April 2012, judged by Celia Clarke and Gemma Robinson. Six mares were presented and three graded into the Head Studbook while the remaining three went into the Main Studbook. The highest scoring mare with 82% was Sue Halliday's 150cm KWPN, Carbon Copy (Mooiman x Brelades Ocean Starlight). More information about the successful ponies is given here.
2011 The 2011 stallion and mare gradings took place at Bury Farm Equestrian Centre in their lovely new indoor complex on Saturday 1st October. We were delighted that all 15 mares presented mares passed the assessment with German Judge, Hans-Heinrich Bruening commenting on their quality overall. In addition, of the 16 stallions presented, 7 passed the assessment and subject to them completing the final requirements (eg vets certificate and DNA) they will be licensed by the SPSS for an initial period to allow their performance and progeny to be assessed. The full results are given here with links to each pony's breeding. The 2011 Stallion Champion was Jeanette Matthews-Griffiths's home-bred, WBS-UK registered 2 year old, Wadacre Super Trooper and the Mare Champion was the 11 year old, 2011 double Pony European Jumping Gold medal winner, Allyson Blagg's Falaza (SHB(GB) registered and bred by Jane Fowles). At the additional Mare Grading in December, 6 more mares were graded into the SPSS Mare Studbooks by judges Celia Clarke and Teri England. The highest scoring mare was SPSS registered Ruby Rouge. By the top eventing sire, Mill Law, Ruby Rouge is the first foal from SPSS Elite graded mare Sapphire Blue who was herself Mare Grading Champion in 2005 when she retired to stud after a successful career as an Event and Working Hunter Pony - including winning Team Bronze at the 1996 European Pony Eventing Championships. Ruby Rouge had a foal in 2011 by the Selle Francais jumping pony, Jimmerdor de Florys and was bred by her owner, Anne Bosanquet. More information about the successful ponies is given here. 2010 The main 2010 grading took place at Heart of England Equestrian Centre (16th & 17th October 2010) by kind permission of the Ballantyne family. A total of 7 new stallions and 8 new mares have graded into the SPSS studbook. The full results are given here with links to each pony's breeding. For the first time since the inaugural grading, a German judge, Herr Hans-Heinrich Bruening of the Hannoveraner Verband - Vorstand, officiated at the Gradings. Herr Bruening is a respected German breeder who is a frequent judge of mares foals and young horses at both German National and Regional Shows for both the Hannoverian Verband and for other Warmblood societies or organisations. The 2010 Stallion Champion was the 146cm SPSS pony Bernwode Broadway, by Bernwode Brokat and the Mare Champion was the 148cm Bathleyhills Sea Spray by Chateau de Brion. More information about the successful ponies is given here. There were 25 ponies forward at the In-Hand Show, with the yearling colt, Bathleyhills Monet, by Casino Royale K, being awarded the Championship. The full show results are given here with links to each pony's breeding. 2009 The main 2009 grading took place at: Heart of England Equestrian Centre (10th & 11th October 2009) by kind permission of the Ballantyne family. A total of 6 new stallions and 8 new mares have graded into the SPSS studbook. The full results are given here with links to each pony's breeding. The stallion champion was the 128cm Welsh Section B pony Desabre Falcon and the mare champion was the 148cm SPSS pony Mademoiselle, by Bernwode Brokat. There were 27 ponies forward at the In-Hand Show, with the 9 week old foal, Godrics Campeggio, by SPSS Elite sire Caesar 171, being awarded the Championship. The show results are given here with links to each pony's breeding. 2008 The main 2008 grading took place at Heart of England Equestrian Centre (18th & 19th October 2008) by kind permission of the Ballantyne family. An earlier mare grading was held at Trevaulter Barton Stud in Devon by kind permission of Kerensa Pluess-Cobbledick. The combined results of all 2008 SPSS Mare and Stallion Gradings are available here. Overall, a total of 8 new stallions and 29 new mares were graded into the SPSS studbook in 2008. In addition, a further 2 stallions were awarded licences for 2 or 3 years based on their grading results from other studbooks. Again, alongside the main Grading at Heart of England there was an In-Hand Premium Show and the results are are available here 2007 The 2007 SPSS Mare & Stallion Gradings were held over the weekend of the 13th & 14th October at Heart of England Equestrian, Staffordshire, by kind permission of Claire Ballantyne. Click here for results. After the Mare Grading, on Saturday 13th Oct, there was an In-hand Premium Show with classes for Mares and Youngstock (foals to three year olds). This was a chance to have for members and non-members to have their ponies assessed and for temporarily licensed stallions to show their progeny. 2006 The 2006 Stallion and Mare Gradings were held at Heart of England Equestrian on the 21st and 22nd October. Of the 7 stallions forward, 5 passed and have been accepted into the studbook. The highest scoring stallion was the 4 year old Thoroughbred, Arnie de Burgh, who was racing successfully on the flat until a few weeks earlier and was viewed by the judges as a good stallion for producing event ponies. The other successful stallions were Salvador AP, Acado, Rughavens Jackpot and Magic Gold GF. All 13 of the mares who attended the Mare Grading were accepted into the SPSS studbook and the judges commented on the excellent standard of mares forward. The highest scoring mare overall was the 2 year old Wurlitzer filly, Wurlibird. Unfortunately, as her dam is of unknown breeding, Wurlibird goes into the Preliminary studbook. The next highest scoring mare was the 12 year old, former Dutch Team Show Jumping pony, Oude Tempels Micky who was graded into the Head Studbook and also awarded Elite status in recognition of her outstanding competition career to date. 2005 At the 2005 Grading, 8 stallions passed even though the mark required was raised to 75% - this shows the quality of stallions forward. In addition, 9 mares graded including the European Eventing Team Bronze medallist in 1996, Sapphire Blue, who was awarded Elite status in recognition of her outstanding competition record. This lovely mare is now in foal to Mill Law. 2004 At the Spring 2004 Grading one stallion and 2 mares were graded. At the Autumn Gradings, a further 7 stallions were graded or licensed including the 134cm BSJA pony Grey Palace who was awarded SPSS Elite Status in recognition of his outstanding jumping career. Click here for article about the Heart of England 2004 Grading - including tips on how to prepare your pony for grading. 2003 In 2003 a total of 6 stallions and 16 mares were graded into the SPSS studbooks.
Full results from each year including breeding: For 2020 Grading results click here For 2019 Grading results click here For 2018 Grading results click here For 2017 Grading results click here For 2016 Grading results click here For 2015 Grading results click here For 2014 Grading results click here For 2013 Grading results click here For 2012 Grading results click here For 2011 Grading results click here For 2010 grading results click here For 2009 grading results click here For 2008 grading results click here For 2007 grading results click here For 2006 grading results click here For 2005 grading results click here For 2004 grading results click here |
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From left to right: Binghams Celebration - winner of Grading at New Priory Stud 2001. Westbrink Classic - winner of Grading at Heart of England 2001. Maelor Midora - winner of Grading at Heart of England 2001, now an Elite SPSS mare having represented GB. The 2001 Heart of England Grading was judged by Herr Timo Coldewey and Mrs Celia Clarke. |
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The Sports Pony Studbook Society Studbook Office: The Last House, Keysoe Row West, Keysoe, Bedfordshire MK44 2JJ Tel: 07703 566066 Email: |
