Earning Merit Reproducer (★★★★★) Status
Executive Summary
The APSL Merit Reproducer (★★★★★) designation aligns with Section 4 of Appendix IV of the APSL Lusitano Studbook Regulation and recognizes APSL-registered Studhorses and Broodmares whose offspring demonstrate superior functional achievement.
Merit (★★★★★) status reflects the proven transmission of above-average qualities to descendants. It is based not on the individual performance of the parent, but on the documented functional results of its offspring.
Overview
All Studhorses and Broodmares (whether Recommended or not) may qualify for Merit (★★★★★) status if their offspring achieve results demonstrating that the progenitor has transmitted higher than average qualities.
The designation shall be marked ★★★★★ followed by the initials of the discipline(s) in which this status has been attributed based on the performance of its offspring (e.g., ★★★★★ CD, ★★★★★ ET).
4.1 – General Access Conditions
- Application must be submitted by the owner or breeder. If the horse is deceased, the breeder or last owner may apply with proof that requirements are met.
- The horse must be at least 9 years old.
- The horse must have descendants registered in the Studhorse Category.
The following elements are taken into consideration:
- Consanguinity
- Genealogy
- Descendants’ results
- Results of functional activity
4.1.1 – Male Horses (Studhorses)
- Must have produced at least 12 offspring (male or female) registered in the Lusitano Breed Studbook in three different years.
- Must have at least six offspring (male or female) registered in the Studhorse Category.
4.1.2 – Female Horses (Broodmares)
- Must have at least four offspring (male or female) registered in the Lusitano Breed Studbook.
- Must have at least two offspring (male or female) registered in the Studhorse Category.
4.2 – Specific Conditions
4.2.1 – Male Horses
a) If the Studhorse is a Recommended Studhorse (★★★★)
- Must have at least three offspring with Recommended Studhorse (★★★★) status, or which have achieved the functional conditions enabling Recommended (★★★★) status to be attributed (including female or castrated offspring).
- These three offspring must result from pairings with at least two different mares.
b) If the Studhorse is NOT a Recommended Studhorse (★★★★)
- Must have at least four offspring with Recommended Studhorse (★★★★) status, or which have achieved the functional conditions enabling Recommended (★★★★) status to be attributed (including female or castrated offspring).
- These four offspring must result from pairings with at least three different mares.
4.2.2 – Female Horses
a) If the Broodmare is a Recommended Broodmare (★★★★)
- Must have at least two offspring with Recommended Studhorse (★★★★) status, or which have achieved the functional conditions enabling Recommended (★★★★) status to be attributed (including female or castrated offspring).
- These two offspring must result from pairings with at least two different stallions.
b) If the Broodmare is NOT a Recommended Broodmare (★★★★)
- Must have at least three offspring with Recommended Studhorse (★★★★) status, or which have achieved the functional conditions enabling Recommended (★★★★) status to be attributed (including female or castrated offspring).
- These three offspring must result from pairings with at least two different stallions.
Concluding Remark
In conformity with the resolution of the General Meeting of 31/10/97, the application of Article 18 remains suspended.
USLA’s Role
USLA assists breeders in tracking offspring results, verifying eligibility, and preparing documentation for submission to APSL for Merit (★★★★★) consideration.