Earning Recommended Reproducer (★★★★) Status
Executive Summary
The APSL Recommended Reproducer (★★★★) designation aligns with Appendix IV of the APSL Lusitano Studbook Regulation and recognizes APSL-registered stallions and broodmares that meet the criteria for Recommended Studhorse/Broodmare status (★★★★) under the international framework.
This recognition is based on the horse’s individual merit through either morphofunctional excellence (Model & Movements) or documented international sport performance.
General Eligibility
- Must be entered in the APSL Studbook Adult Section (Studhorse/Broodmare category).
- Must meet the requirements defined in Appendix IV of the APSL Studbook Regulation.
Method 1: Model & Movements
- Approved in the APSL Adult Section (*).
- Minimum of 72 points at Studhorse approval.
- Minimum height of 1.55 meters at the withers.
- Achievement of:
- Two medals (Gold or Silver) in two different years or different events, OR
- One Gold Medal
Method 2: International Sport Performance
Recommended (★★★★) status may be attributed based on sport performance as defined in Appendix IV, Section 3.2.2 of the APSL Studbook Regulation.
Public trials must be ratified by the governing federation overseeing the discipline (FEI, national federations, APSL, or APSL-recognized associations).
Dressage (CD)
- Classification on three occasions in the top five places at International FEI Trials for young horses with averages above 75%,
- OR classification at St. George or Grand Prix level at three different CDIs with averages above 70%.
Working Equitation (ET)
- Classification in the top quartile of the final classification of a European or World Championship, always with averages above 65%.
Three-Day Eventing (CCE)
- Classification in one of the top five places in a Combined Competition,
- OR classification in one of the top seven places in a Combined Competition,
- OR completion of a one-star Complete Competition.
Carriage Driving (CA)
- Classification in one of the top five places in two official overseas trials.
Show Jumping (CSO)
- Classification three times in the top third of the classification in 1.10m trials, provided the rounds are fault-free,
- OR classification twice in the top half of the classification at trials with a high level of difficulty, provided the rounds are fault-free.
Horse-Ball (HB)
- Member of a national team classified in one of the top three places at European Championships for at least two years.
Endurance (RE)
- Classification in one of the top five places in two intermediate level trials,
- OR classification in the top third of the table in trials of more than 80 kilometres in at least two trials with an identical level of difficulty.
Bullfighting (T)
- Having fought at least thirty bulls in official bullfights over a maximum period of five years,
- OR winning the prize as Best Bullfighting Horse in the Seasoned Horses category in a single year.
Equestrian Art (AE)
- Regular performance as a soloist or jumper across three seasons with a minimum of 15 events per year.
- Soloists in long reining or pas-de-deux must perform at least passage, piaffe, pirouette, or canter with approximate changes of hand.
Exceptional Cases
- Participation in World Cup competitions, Continental Championships, World Championships, Olympic Games, or trials of equivalent level (FEI or Working Equitation).
Designation
The designation of RECOMMENDED STUDHORSE (★★★★) shall be marked with four stars followed by the initials of the discipline(s) on the basis of whose performance this status has been attributed (e.g., ★★★★ CD, ★★★★ ET, ★★★★ CSO).
USLA’s Role
USLA supports breeders pursuing Recommended (★★★★) status by encouraging participation in qualifying competitions and assisting with documentation for APSL submission.