Westfalen NA inspections, or keurings, are held in the late summer and early fall of each year at host sites throughout North America. Inspections are judged by qualified representatives of the German parent registry, the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch e.V.) The same judges inspect German and North American foals to ensure consistency, resulting in fair and ethical keurings. The Westfalen NA follows the same rules and regulations as our parent organization in Germany. As in Europe, approved mares and stallions are entered directly into the Mare Book and Stud Book and foals are given a registration number at birth. This number follows the foal's show results, location, and breeding records, if applicable. Microchipping and DNA testing is required for registration.
2018 Online Inspection Reservation Form
Westfalen Mare/Stallion Book and Registration Rules (Download a PDF)
The registration process begins in advance of the inspection day, when the breeder fills out an Inspection Reservation Form, pays a $100 deposit, and sends in a copy of the foal's breeding certificate and for new mares, a copy of her registration papers. This information is entered into the database and the foal's life number is generated. On inspection day, the paperwork is reviewed, original mare papers are inspected. and payment is collected. Next, depending on the host site's schedule, mares and mares with foals will be presented, with mares being shown in the bridle and foals beside their dams on a leadline. After the evaluation of conformation, measurement, and drawing of markings, mares and foals (turned loose without the halter) will be presented at walk in a straight line toward and away from the judge, and then on the triangle. Finally, trot and canter will also be judged at liberty. Following the mares and foals, stallion candidates will be presented in bridle, at liberty, and free jumping.
Mares must be at least three years of age to be inspected into a Mare Book, whereas stallions aged two and older may be presented for approval. Scores ranging from 1-10 will be given in the following categories:
- Breed and Sex Type
- Quality of Conformation
- Correctness of Conformation and Elasticity of Gaits
- Walk
- Trot
- Canter
- Free Jumping (for stallions)
- Overall Impression and Development
Stallions eligible for Stud Book I must have an average score of 7.0 or above, with no partial score lower than 6.0. Stallion candidates must also meet Pedigree Requirements. All stallions must fulfill Performance Requirements as well, to complete their licensing. Stallions may be placed into Stud Book II if the Pedigree Requirements for a higher stud book have not been met, if they have an average score of less than 6.0 at their inspection, or if performance requirements are not met.
To be eligible for the Main Mare Book, a mare must have an average score of 6.0 or above, with no single score lower than 5.0. She must also meet Pedigree Requirements. Mares entered into Pre Mare Book must have an average score of at least 5.0, with no single score lower than 4.0, and meet the appropriate Pedigree Requirements.
Foals will be given five scores: 1). Breed & Sex Type 2). Conformation & Development 3). Correctness 4). Swing and Elasticity in Movement 5). Overall Impression. The foal's total score will be the arithmetic median, with one point behind the decimal. Premiums will be awarded as follows: Foal Premium for overall scores of 8.0 and above at the judge's discretion. Mare Premium for Mare Book 1 candidates with an average score of 7.3 and above, at the judge's discretion. Mare Performance Tests may be offered at certain Inspection Sites. The Westfalen NA will also accept the results of other approved registries' MPT’s.