The procedure of evaluating young horses looks different in different parts of the world. In some countries, the main focus is on ridden tests, while other countries’ evaluations center more on free movement and free jumping. Some tests are also more closely linked to young horse competitions than others.

Typically, young horse tests include professional assessments of a young horse’s exterior form, movements, free jumping, and rideability. These tests are usually for horses around three to five years of age.

Examples of young horse tests in different countries

🇫🇷 France: Testage des Jeunes Chevaux
🇩🇪 Germany: Stutenleistungsprüfung and Hengstleistungsprüfung
🇬🇧 Great Britain: BEF Futurity
🇸🇪 Sweden: Unghästtest
🇳🇱 The Netherlands: Eigen Prestatie Test Merries and Instelling Bruikbaarheidsonderzoek Paarden
🇺🇸 United States: USDF Young Horse Tests, USEA Future Event Horse Program and Young Event Horse Program


But what is the purpose of evaluating a young horse this way, and how do you prepare yourself and your horse for a young horse test? We asked Ebba Johansson, Swedish horse trainer based in Germany, and MD athlete. In this article, she shares some tips you’ll want to know before evaluation day.

Ebba, what is the purpose of a young horse test?

– According to me, the purpose is to get help assessing the horse from third-party professionals. It’s helpful for the breeder, owner, and potential clients to understand the horse from different perspectives. You can get insights on what’s been done right this far in the horse’s education, and advice on what to consider moving forward. Concerning stallions, it’s good for breeders to see the stallion’s characteristics and potential disadvantages – which would have to be balanced by the mare when breeding. Furthermore, it’s good for each national association to have a yearly overview concerning the general direction of breeding in the country.

What is most important to keep in mind during the different parts of the test?

– What’s most important is to stay calm and try to follow the procedure the horse is used to. Even if something unexpected happens during the test, the horse should not be ruled out because of it. It is perfectly normal for young horses to react in certain circumstances, and the judges should be professional enough to have an understanding of this. The horse should be judged based on what is possible to achieve at its age.

“The most important thing is that you keep calm in all situations, even if something goes wrong.”

– Ebba Johansson

What is most important to keep in mind during the different parts of the test?

– What’s most important is to stay calm and try to follow the procedure the horse is used to. Even if something unexpected happens during the test, the horse should not be ruled out because of it. It is perfectly normal for young horses to react in certain circumstances, and the judges should be professional enough to have an understanding of this. The horse should be judged based on what is possible to achieve at its age.

How do you prepare yourself before a young horse test?

• You can mentally prepare for the fact that not everything will go according to plan. And that is completely fine.

• Be sure to pack in time to minimize the risk of forgetting something. Only use equipment you know fits your horse and that the horse is comfortable with.

• Arrive at the venue in time to give the horse a chance to get used to the new environment before it is due to perform.

 
How do you prepare your horse for a young horse test?

– It’s important to know what is expected of your horse. Start to work on that long beforehand. Don’t try to change or stress anything last minute, this can worry and confuse the horse.

When should you start with your preparations?

• Find out what is expected of the age group of your horse at least six months before the test. Then start to work on this, one step at a time.

• Make sure the horse is properly vaccinated beforehand, to prevent having to vaccinate shortly before the test.

• Plan a visit from the farrier about two weeks before the test to make sure the hoofs are in good condition. Having to make changes closer to the test may risk nail bind.

 
Is there anything that tends to be especially challenging for young horses when they’re about to go through a test?

– Some horses get stressed when introduced to a new environment if they’re not used to it.

Is there anything else that can be good to keep in mind before a young horse test?

– The most important thing is that you keep calm in all situations, even if something goes wrong. Try to act the way you usually do, stick to your routines. Try not to be affected by others and what they choose to do. Of course, you can have a look around and see what you can learn from others but do not change your routine at the last minute.

💡 Note

Tests for young horses are arranged differently in different parts of the world.