Factors affecting performance test results in half-bred mares

Abstract

The aim of the study was to assess the influence of different factors on the results of performance tests in half-breed mares. Assessment of usability value is one of the most important
criteria of breeding selection in modern half-bred horses. Conditions of such tests are not uniform: apart from the genetic influence and breeding conditions, the final result of individual attempts is also determined by a series of other factors such as the test location. The present paper includes the results of stationary performance tests of 751 mares between 2007 and 2010. The following traits were assessed: character, temperament, training usability, loose jumping, walk, trot, canter and rideability. A gradual increase in the mean value of the final test scores was observed: in 2007 the mean was x = 56.40 pts and in 2010 it was x = 57.24 pts. The final result was also determinedby such factoas the breeder and breed of the mares. Half-bred mares obtained the highest numberrs of pts for character ( x = 8.30 pts) and training usability ( x = 6.93 pts); they also obtained the highest total ( x = 56.85); differences between the means are statistically significant.