| The breeding index is an attempt to estimate the genetic aptitude to pass down a desired trait, apart from environmental influences
(training, rider, health care, etc). The KWPN calculates breeding
indexes for the characteristics of jumping, dressage and also certain
aspects of conformation and movement.
To calculate the index, three different sets of information are
used: data from the parents of the horse (including their other
offspring), the horse itself, and the horses total number of offspring.
The measurements used are are achievements in dressage at the highest
level and achievements in performance tests (5-week test for mares,
or the 70-Day test for stallions). From this information, an index,
plus a percentage of reliability will be issued--the percentage
of reliability is an estimation of how accurate the information
is likely to be, based on the the amount of data available from
which it was calculated. For example, a young horse that has few
offspring but that comes from very high performing bloodlines might
have a relatively high dressage breeding index but a low reliability
percentage. The KWPN only uses European-based offspring in their
calculations.
The average breeding value has been set at 100 points, and the
range has been set so that 2/3 of all horses will fall between
80 and 120 points. Therefore, horses whose breeding indexes fall
between 80-120 can be designated of average potential as sires
for that particular trait. Breeding values above 120 points are
'above average' and those above 140 points are 'high.' Breeding
values above 180 are truly exceptional--placing Facet in the Top
FIVE of KWPN Stallions. Click
here to see the listings/ratings
of the top 20 KWPN Stallions for 2004.
Click here to
return to the stallion main page (and index to Facet's other pages).
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