Inspections: Mares

Regional Contacts:
Maritimes: Shawna Rinzler-Johnston – 506-875-6729 / carmazstables@mail.com   
Quebec: Charlotte Nagy – 613-390-1153 / charlotte.nagy@xplornet.ca
Ontario: Marj O’Donnell – 905-715-0052 / marj.o’donnell@sympatico.ca
BC, AB, SK, MB: Lisa Murphy -403-422-3277 / lisajlawler@gmail.com  

CRITERIA & GUIDELINES FOR MARE INSPECTION: 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.

EVALUATION PROCEDURE:

  •  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 evaluated on conformation and movement.  The handler will present the mare to the panel for conformation assessment.  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.
  • 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.
  • For Tips on preparing and presenting your mare –  Presenting Your Mare For Inspection

 APPLICATION PROCEDURES:  Before a horse is brought before the inspection panel, the following MUST be received by the National Office 10 business days prior to inspection date:

  • Inspection and Membership Application completed and signed
  • 2024 Membership New & Renewal
  • Mare Inspection Application SH_2022
  • Mare Insp Application SP 2022
  • 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 – May be waived if markings confirmed by inspector.
  • Not required if horse is registered and copy of markings is included and confirmed by inspector.
  • A completely filled out DNA test form.  The hair samples will then be taken with inspection personnel during the inspection process. If DNA report is available from other registries (external) – please provide contact information. Please note that if a second sample is required due to insufficient DNA, a second payment is also required.
  • DNA WFFS form_2022
  • Proof of Insurance or if member of Provincial Equestrian Federation; Please provide a copy of current membership card Not required for private inspections
  • Applicable Fees – payable to CSHA
  • 2024 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 from date of inspection.  DNA sample must be included for the offspring.

VIDEO INSPECTIONS

  • Please refer to the instruction PDF
  • One video incorporating all required views and movement of mare
  • Video Mare Inspection
  • Inspection application and forms as above

SIGHT UNSEEN BREEDING APPROVAL The CSHA will consider MARES for approval a case by case basis. Mares entered in to the Main Mare Book of acceptable registries or with a performance record equal to or exceeding the requirements for Bronze Level may also apply for Sight Unseen approval. Please contact the office to confirm if your mare qualifies.