BWP Elite Mare Program
In the BWP there are several things that must be done to obtain elite status for a mare. The mare must receive a conformation (E) label, a veterinary (G) label, a performance (P) label and she must have produced at least one offspring. After completing all four steps she is awarded
elite status.

For the conformation label, the mare must be presented to the Belgian jury twice between 3 and 6 years of age. The mare must be ecommended by the keuring jury for an E-label (exterior) both years. If the mare is not presented two times between the ages of 3 and 6, she must have completed the rest of the elite mare requirements before she may be presented for her E-label.

For the veterinary label, the mare must submit to a thorough veterinary exam. This exam includes a physical exam, breeding soundness exam, and x-rays. The radiographs needed are of the fore feet, hocks, and stifles. The physical exam findings must be sent to the BWP Secretary. The radiographs must be sent to a North American Veterinary school for evaluation with the radiograph findings then being sent to the BWP
Secretary. If the physical exam, breeding exam, and radiographs are normal the G-label is awarded.

For the performance label a mare must complete 2 years worth of performance requirements at the same age/level as the stallions. At that time the BWP/NAD board should
be informed. There must be proof of the performance either as reported by USEF, USDF or signed reports from the individual show secretaries. The BWP/NAD board will then inform the BWP office and the performance label will be awarded.

If all three labels are attained elite status will be granted after the mare produces a BWP registered foal.

BWP Select Mare Program

The Select Mare program provides E-label mares with the opportunity to take a performance test instead of completing performance requirements.

Objective:  An optional recognition program for mares receiving their first E-label.  Designed for E-label mares that will not be pursuing the Elite Mare program requirements. 

Criteria:  Mares must have received their first E-label between 3 and 6 years old.  The Select Mare program may be completed by mares older than 6 as long as they received their first E-Label before 6.  Mares may be BWP or other breeds but E-label selection is made by the judges during the keuring tour.  Mares scoring 75 and above are typically selected for their first E-label but the Belgian judges grant the award and document it on the score sheet.  The second E-label inspection, which may or may not include the Select Mare performance test, is typically done the year following the mares first E-Label award.

NOTE:  Mares do not have to complete the performance test to get their second E-Label.  The E-Label is a conformation label - not performance.   This second inspection can occur by presenting in hand at an inspection site or by video (conformation, walk and trot on the triangle)

Test:
1)  Under saddle.  Mares will complete the USEF 4 yr old dressage test (essentially a first level test). 
http://www.usef.org/documents/international/dressage/youngHorse/USEF4yroldtest.pdf

2)  Free jumping.  Mares will free jump through a jump chute (4 yr old jumping requirements - 110 cm or 3'9")  Judges may adjust the height to accommodate the skill level of the mare.

Scoring:  Scores are documented for both sections of the test.  As this program is still new the lowest acceptable score has not been determined.  Mares that successfully complete the test to the judges satisfaction are awarded their Select Mare label.

Not all sites are set up for dressage and free jumping.  Please contact your keuring hosts to confirm.