WHAT IS A STUD-BOOK?

The stud-book, or breed registry, is an official record listing the horses of a given breed, along with their ancestry, identity, and sometimes their performance. It is the legal and technical reference used to ensure the genetic traceability of animals and their conformity to breed standards.

Each horse registered in a stud-book is uniquely identified with detailed information such as:

- its official name,

- registration number,

- sire and dam,

- date of birth,

- breeder,

- current owner,

- identification documents (microchip, certificates, etc.),

- and often competition results or evaluation scores.

Origins and History

The idea of recording horse ancestry dates back to antiquity, but modern stud-books began to appear in the 18th century, as breeding practices became more structured.

Notable early examples include:

- 1791: General Stud Book (England) for the Thoroughbred – still active today.

- 1886: French Stud-book for the Trotter

- 19th century: Many European stud-books emerged (Arabian, Lipizzan, Friesian, etc.)

Originally created for noble or military horses, stud-books evolved with sport selection, agricultural use, and later, leisure and heritage preservation.

Main Functions

A stud-book serves several essential roles:

1. Genetic authenticity

It verifies a horse’s origin and ensures its ancestors belong to the correct breed.

2. Selection tool

It defines the breeding approval criteria (stallions and mares), often based on:

- conformation inspections,

- behavior evaluations,

- and/or performance tests.

3. Breed preservation

By maintaining genetic consistency, the stud-book helps prevent:

- random crossbreeding,

- loss of genetic diversity,

- or excessive deviation from breed type.

4. Access to official recognition

Being stud-book registered allows:

- participation in model and gaits shows,

- eligibility for breeding subsidies,

- and international recognition (e.g., FEI, WBFSH).

Closed vs Open Stud-books

- Closed stud-book: Only horses born from parents already registered in the same stud-book are eligible (e.g., Thoroughbred, Arabian).

- Open stud-book: Accepts external horses under strict conditions, to enrich the breed (e.g., some sport or rustic breeds).

Who manages stud-books?

In France, stud-books are regulated by the Ministry of Agriculture and delegated to official bodies such as the IFCE, national breed associations (e.g., ANAA, ANSF), or sport federations.

Internationally, organizations like the Trakehner Verband or the AQHA (American Quarter Horse Association) manage their own stud-books and publish specific breeding regulations.

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The stud-book is much more than a simple registry: it is the core tool of rational horse breeding. It guides breeding practices, ensures identity, defines selection paths, and allows the transmission of breed qualities across generations. Whether you are a breeder, an enthusiast, or simply curious, understanding how a stud-book works is key to appreciating the challenges of maintaining equine diversity and quality.