Unlike sports performance, which is influenced by the horse's age, training level, and rider's experience, basic performance tests for all mares take place at the same age and according to a unified methodology. This provides objective and mutually comparable information on the quality of young mares and represents a valuable data source for breeding and genetic evaluation of the population.
Which mares can complete the ZZVK?
Three-year-old mares can complete the Basic Performance Test if they are:
registered in the main section of the studbook,
whose breed affiliation is approved by the relevant breeding program.
Each mare can complete one basic performance test. In case of non-completion, one re-test can be taken.
The basic performance test usually takes place simultaneously with the mare's registration in the studbook. This allows the breeder to fulfill both important conditions for the mare's further breeding use in one day.
Why are basic performance tests important?
Basic performance tests represent the first standardized verification of young mares' utility traits. All mares are evaluated at the same age, according to a unified methodology, and under similar conditions, which allows for their objective mutual comparison.
The test results provide the breeder with an independent expert evaluation of the mare and simultaneously represent an important source of phenotypic data for the studbook. In conjunction with data on pedigree, conformation, sports performance, and offspring results, they contribute to the genetic evaluation of the population.
In addition to their importance for breeding, basic performance tests also provide valuable feedback for the breeder themselves. They offer an independent expert evaluation of a young mare before she is introduced to sport or breeding and can assist in deciding on her further use.
Individual parts of the test
The basic performance test consists of three parts, which together evaluate a young mare's natural predispositions for both sport and future breeding.
Free Jumping
The first part is free jumping in a test line. The mare progressively clears obstacles of 110, 120, and 130 cm. She can only attempt a higher height after faultlessly clearing the previous one. After three faults at the same height, the test is concluded.
The purpose of this part is not to assess the level of training, but to objectively evaluate innate jumping predispositions without rider influence. Jumping ability and style with jumping technique are primarily assessed. The evaluation also includes movement coordination, back usage, push-off power, and carefulness over the obstacle.
Movement Mechanics and Rideability Under Saddle
In the second part, the mare performs a prescribed task under saddle. Evaluators assess the quality of basic gaits, rideability, and the mare's manageability under saddle.
Evaluated are:
walk,
trot,
canter,
willingness to work and character.
Emphasis is placed on the regularity, spaciousness, elasticity, and balance of individual gaits. These qualities significantly influence the horse's future sports use and are also important selection criteria in breeding.
Willingness to Jump Under Saddle
Immediately after completing the task, the mare twice clears a cross-pole with a take-off barrier from trot.
The goal of this part is not to evaluate jumping technique, but primarily to verify the young horse's willingness to clear an obstacle under a rider, its concentration, character, and approach to work.
Evaluation
The final score is calculated as a weighted average of the evaluations of all members of the evaluation committee.
Criterion | Contribution to Result |
Walk | 15 % |
Trot | 15 % |
Canter | 15 % |
Jumping Ability | 20 % |
Jumping Style and Technique | 15 % |
Willingness to Work and Character | 20 % |
The greatest weight is given to jumping ability and willingness to work with character, which together account for 40% of the total evaluation. The final score represents a comprehensive assessment of the mare's predispositions for both sport and breeding use.
Subsidy Support for Breeders
Successful completion of the basic performance test is one of the conditions for obtaining a national subsidy within sub-program 2.A – Maintaining and Improving Genetic Potential. Another condition is the mare's registration in the main section of the studbook.
The maximum amount of the subsidy can be up to 16,000 CZK per mare, with the actual amount paid annually depending on the volume of financial resources allocated by the Ministry of Agriculture and the number of applications submitted.
The amount of support paid may vary according to the recognized breeding association that administers the subsidy.
The amount of support administratively provided by the Czech Sport Horse Breeders' Association is not dependent on the mare's breed affiliation.
For mares that completed the basic performance test in 2025, the Czech Sport Horse Breeders' Association in the Czech Republic paid approximately 11,000 CZK per mare in 2026, regardless of breed affiliation.
ASCHK ČR paid 12,000 CZK for Czech Warmblood mares and 8,000 CZK for mares of other breeds for the same period under the same subsidy program.
Furthermore, the Czech Sport Horse Breeders' Association in the Czech Republic annually awards the ten best-evaluated mares of the basic performance tests with an extraordinary contribution of 1,500 CZK per mare. The aim of this support is to motivate breeders to prepare quality young mares and to recognize the best results achieved in the basic performance tests.
For breeders of mares of other breeds, completing the basic performance test through the Czech Sport Horse Breeders' Association can be an interesting alternative. In addition to an objective assessment of the mare's qualities and fulfilling the conditions for studbook registration, they can receive the same amount of subsidy support as breeders of Czech Sport Horse mares.
Dates of Basic Performance Tests
In 2026, basic performance tests for mares will be organized at several locations in the Czech Republic. An overview of approved dates is listed below. The propositions for individual basic performance tests will be published continuously. Once available, you will find them in the table below.
Date | Location |
26. 8. 2026 | |
15. 9. 2026 | Újezd |
23. 9. 2026 | Tlumačov |
23. 9. 2026 | Suchá u Litomyšle |
28. 9. 2026 | Děpoltovice |
29. 9. 2026 | Svoboda nad Úpou |
Completing ZZVK with another recognized breeding association
The basic performance test can also be completed within the basic performance tests organized by the Czech Warmblood Studbook, and subsidy support can then be applied for through the Czech Sport Horse Breeders' Association in the Czech Republic.
The condition is that the mare must be registered in the main section of the Czech Sport Horse studbook no later than the day of the basic performance test.
In case of completing the basic performance test with the Czech Warmblood Studbook, the following documents must be submitted with the subsidy application:
a mare evaluation protocol from the basic performance test signed by the evaluation committee,
a duly completed application for subsidy.
This option provides breeders with greater flexibility in choosing the date and location of the basic performance test and simultaneously allows them to draw subsidy support through the Czech Sport Horse Breeders' Association in the Czech Republic.
Documents for download
The following documents are available for the basic performance test:
Application for subsidy
ZZVK Dressage Task
Free Jumping Scheme
Propositions for individual basic performance tests (will be continuously updated)
ZZVK Methodology