Criteria and Guidelines for Mares

The Canadian Sport Horse Association has been inspecting horses for breed improvement since its incorporation in 1933. Canadian Sport Horse breeders, through the use of Thoroughbreds and warmbloods from other sport horse registries, along with established Canadian Sport Horse lines, strive to produce sound, sensible, athletic performers. Horses should be of sport horse type; defined as a horse that is built to succeed in the hunter, jumper, dressage or eventing disciplines. They are preferably between 16.0 and 17.0 hands high at maturity with a minimum of 8” cannon bone circumference and 72” heart girth. Smaller horses will be considered if other attributes are above average; e.g.: movement, quality, substance or verifiable performance record. Qualities looked for are good body depth and substance and a well-defined head with large, expressive eyes. Joints should be strong and clean with knees and hocks low to the ground and pasterns well angled with appropriate length. The neck should be well set on with suitable length, withers well defined with a long, sloping shoulder and a smooth, strong top-line. Hindquarters should be strong and well rounded and able to provide balance and impulsion. The movement in all gaits is very important and should be sequentially correct, straight, balanced, ground covering and have impulsion. Rounding out the ideal sport horse mare is a horse with good character, intelligence, and courage, and a feminine and athletic presence that leaves a good impression on the observer. Undesirable qualities include cribbing, weaving, bone spavin, ring bone, side bone, curbs, wind sucking, parrot mouth, navicular or predisposition to navicular, or any such unsoundness which would be detrimental to a breeding program. In cases where a question arises regarding the presence of a heritable unsoundness, an independent veterinary examination may be requested at the owner’s expense.

INSPECTION PROCEDURES:

• Mares must be at least 2 years of age at time of inspection. (Unweaned foals may accompany broodmares.
• Tack – plain bridle with a snaffle bit and reins that are easily detachable. 
• Grooming – horses should be presented in “good condition”, braiding is recommended and feet should be recently trimmed.
• Measurements of height at withers, heart girth and cannon bone are recorded. Teeth, eyes, feet and joints will be closely examined. Colour and markings are verified.
• Presentation of horses in hand. Horses are then evaluated on conformation and movement. The handler will walk the horse into the arena and stand the horse up for the panel. The handler will be asked to walk and then trot the horse clockwise around the perimeter of the triangle. This should be practiced prior to the inspection in order that the horse leads properly and moves forward freely and straight. The handler will then be asked to detach the reins so that horse can be presented at liberty. Strength of movement in all gates will be evaluated at liberty.
• Conformation - 30%;Movement - 55%;Overall Impression, Development & Type -15%. Mares must achieve a minimum of 60% for approval.
• Once the horse is caught and stood up, final group assessment will be done by the inspectors. Overall impression to be assessed and final decision of panel will be made and announced.
• The horse must not be given any drugs whatsoever (including Bute) before or during inspection. If tranquilizers are required for shipping, the animal must arrive early enough for the drug to wear off by inspection time. 

APPLICATION PROCEDURES: Before a horse is brought before the inspection panel, the following MUST be received by the National Office 2 weeks in advance of inspection date: Inspection and Membership Application completed and signed. 

• Proof of ownership: bill of sale, copy of registration papers (front & back). Details of all owners are required. If the horse is a CSH include ORIGINAL certificate with application. Horses registered with another breed MUST include copies of the registration papers.
• Four colour photographs clearly showing all four sides.
• A completely filled out DNA test form. The hair samples will be taken by the inspection personnel. If DNA report is available from other registries (external) – please provide contact information.
• Applicable Fees – payable to CSHA - see fee schedule
• Once a horse is presented for inspection, inspection fee and membership are non-refundable.
• Registration of prior offspring of horses receiving approval can be made at the “foal rate” if the application for registration is made within 30 days of date of inspection. DNA sample must be included for the offspring.