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Frequently Asked Questions
Below are answers to questions often asked about Hilken's Black Delight (HBD), using frozen semen and the German Riding Pony in general.
Breeding and Temperament:
Live Foals:
Using Frozen Semen:
German Riding Ponies and Sports Ponies:
If we've failed to cover a question you may have, please complete and submit the form below and we'll get back to you as quickly as possible.
Breeding and Temperament
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What is HBD's temperament like?
He is very sure of himself and rarely spooky. He has an “old head on young shoulders”. He is extremely rideable and likes to please – always asking first before taking a step. He laps up the attention at shows and loves being in the spotlight.
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He is very sure of himself and rarely spooky. He has an “old head on young shoulders”. He is extremely rideable and likes to please – always asking first before taking a step. He laps up the attention at shows and loves being in the spotlight.
<< Back to Questions
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Can I breed my horse mare to HBD?
Yes you can, but bear in mind that you will produce a “sports pony” or small horse, and not a GRP (German Riding Pony) and if you then breed from the progeny there will be a chance that they will throw big offspring as they will carry the horse-sized genes. << Back to Questions
Yes you can, but bear in mind that you will produce a “sports pony” or small horse, and not a GRP (German Riding Pony) and if you then breed from the progeny there will be a chance that they will throw big offspring as they will carry the horse-
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Do you restrict access to HBD's semen to approved mares?
Not at present, but we may do so in the future to ensure that he is only bred to quality mares. On the whole we find that only those who are knowledgeable about sport ponies, with well-bred mares, are approaching us, so there is no need to be restrictive. We will always ask you about your mare’s pedigree out of our own interest in breeding, and we do require copies of this for our records when you go ahead with your purchase. << Back to Questions
Not at present, but we may do so in the future to ensure that he is only bred to quality mares. On the whole we find that only those who are knowledgeable about sport ponies, with well-
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Is my maiden mare suitable?
Provided that she has not been in recent hard training, is not too old and has been examined by your vet for reproductive soundness, she should be a good candidate. Do be aware that there is no conception history so you may not want to try frozen semen unless you already have had experience of this and have a good vet/technician available that you trust.
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Provided that she has not been in recent hard training, is not too old and has been examined by your vet for reproductive soundness, she should be a good candidate. Do be aware that there is no conception history so you may not want to try frozen semen unless you already have had experience of this and have a good vet/technician available that you trust.
<< Back to Questions
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Should I breed on the foal heat?
Many clinics advise you not to breed on the foal heat because the rate of conception is already lessened, although there are clinics who have reported success using a different covering protocol. << Back to Questions
Many clinics advise you not to breed on the foal heat because the rate of conception is already lessened, although there are clinics who have reported success using a different covering protocol. << Back to Questions
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How important is the quality of the mare?
The mare is just as important as the stallion and should be chosen for her competition record, her temperament, her conformation and her bloodlines. You should never breed from a mare that has broken down through poor conformation or health, or a mare that has a poor temperament for riding or handling. << Back to Questions
The mare is just as important as the stallion and should be chosen for her competition record, her temperament, her conformation and her bloodlines. You should never breed from a mare that has broken down through poor conformation or health, or a mare that has a poor temperament for riding or handling. << Back to Questions
Live Foals
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Do you offer a live-foal guarantee?
Not at present. A live-foal guarantee cannot guarantee that you will ever achieve this, as some mares will never become pregnant. It purely allows you to keep trying. It is perfectly possible that you will achieve a pregnancy with one dose (as we have with our own mare) and this is far cheaper than paying for a live foal guarantee which generally means you are allocated three doses and pay for all of them even if you achieve a pregnancy with one. Frozen semen, given the right conditions - a fertile mare, a proficient vet/technician, good mare management - can achieve results comparable with live covering. Excellent advice on mare management is given on the SBS website. << Back to Questions
Not at present. A live-
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Can I get my money back if my mare does not conceive?
No, as the cost of producing the frozen semen, shipping it to the UK and supplying it to you is expensive. You should never be prepared to risk more than you are able to lose. The possibility of getting a live foal from such an exciting stallion as HBD should outweigh the risk in your mind. << Back to Questions
No, as the cost of producing the frozen semen, shipping it to the UK and supplying it to you is expensive. You should never be prepared to risk more than you are able to lose. The possibility of getting a live foal from such an exciting stallion as HBD should outweigh the risk in your mind. << Back to Questions
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If I buy two doses and my mare is in foal after one dose, can I use the other dose on another mare?
Yes, or you can store your dose for next year, or return it for a refund. << Back to Questions
Yes, or you can store your dose for next year, or return it for a refund. << Back to Questions
Using Frozen Semen
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I am thinking of putting my mare to HBD using frozen semen - which vet/clinic should I use?
There are lists of BEVA approved vets on the BEVA website and the BEF has a list of studs which are inspected and approved to high quality standards. It is important to be confident that whoever you use has the necessary experience and equipment to ensure your money is well spent. Ask them for their statistical success rates and their length of experience/professional qualifications. << Back to Questions
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How should I decide whether to breed my mare by frozen semen?
Make your decision based on your risk tolerance and have your mare examined by a good stud vet. << Back to Questions
Make your decision based on your risk tolerance and have your mare examined by a good stud vet. << Back to Questions
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What is an " insemination dose" ?
An “insemination dose” varies from stallion to stallion, but is often 8 straws. The aim is to provide 300 million motile post-thaw sperm. Some vets and technicians use half a dose before ovulation and half after. You will receive one covering certificate per dose purchased. << Back to Questions
An “insemination dose” varies from stallion to stallion, but is often 8 straws. The aim is to provide 300 million motile post-
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How many doses do I need?
We suggest at least two doses per mare, using one dose per cycle. Bear in mind the number of live-cover cycles you would try for. << Back to Questions
We suggest at least two doses per mare, using one dose per cycle. Bear in mind the number of live-
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A dose from some stallions contains 4 straws, whereas you supply 8 - can I split the dose?
Some vets routinely split doses and inseminate once before ovulation and once after. You are sold 8 straws per dose, which is normal practice for the industry. If you split a dose and achieve a pregnancy on one mare with the half dose, and then keep the remaining half dose for use on the same mare the following season or another mare this season, you will have to pay a full dosage price, otherwise you will be deemed to be in breach of contract and no covering certificate will be provided. This is to protect the interests of the owner of the stallion against unscrupulous and potentially fraudulent activity on the part of breeders. << Back to Questions
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What is the thawing protocol for the semen?
It is extremely important that this is followed, otherwise your money and the semen may be wasted. The recipient vet/clinic must ensure they handle the straws properly and not inadvertently start the thawing process in transferring the semen from the transit container to their own container. Please follow the link to the SBS website where there are very clear instructions. These are industry standard. << Back to Questions
It is extremely important that this is followed, otherwise your money and the semen may be wasted. The recipient vet/clinic must ensure they handle the straws properly and not inadvertently start the thawing process in transferring the semen from the transit container to their own container. Please follow the link to the SBS website where there are very clear instructions. These are industry standard. << Back to Questions
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Can you guarantee the quality of the semen?
The semen has been frozen by expert professionals inGermany at a state-of-the-art clinic. It is subject to the appropriate health and screening tests. In order to be imported into theUK,it has to satisfy DEFRA health requirements and be accompanied by the correct paperwork. The post-thaw motility of the semen must be at least 35% (this is the industry minimum). However, many stallions with lower post-thaw motility percentages have achieved good conception rates. Each batch of semen will vary according to local conditions at the time that it was collected and frozen. << Back to Questions
The semen has been frozen by expert professionals inGermany at a state-
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What factors can affect post-thaw motility?
Improper handling or thawing can drastically affect the semen. This is why it is imperative to follow the instructions provided by SBS. Once the semen leaves Stallion AI Services, it becomes your responsibility. << Back to Questions
Improper handling or thawing can drastically affect the semen. This is why it is imperative to follow the instructions provided by SBS. Once the semen leaves Stallion AI Services, it becomes your responsibility. << Back to Questions
German Riding Ponies and Sports Ponies
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How did the German Riding Pony (GRP) evolve?
In 1965 German pony breeding associations saw the need to develop a breed of large pony that would be suitable for national and international competition for children. The goal was to maintain the pony character, type and willingness to perform along with the competitive athleticism of a riding horse. Breeders' first attempts were what they thought would be the easy solution: to cross thoroughbred and Arabian stallions with Fjord and Haflinger ponies. These cross-breeding attempts to produce a sportpony in one generation did not lead to success. Some German breeders began to import British pony breeds, primarily Welsh, which were bred to one another and also selectively crossed with local horses, infusing Arabian, Anglo-Arabian, thoroughbred and some warmblood blood, and by 1975 a German riding pony type developed. These first ponies of the riding pony type showed their superb abilities at local, national and international competitions. Several important and prepotent stallions emerged that were used to further develop the breed goal. Soon these stallions, and later the high quality mares, began to be tested and approved for breeding to further control and improve the type. In the 1990's attempts were made to further improve the breed through the infusion of Trakehner, Hanoverian andHolsteiner stallion blood and again this infusion of horse blood was unsuccessful: the pony type and qualities were often lost. Today's German Riding Pony breeders use specific bloodlines to reliably create German Riding Ponies that fulfill the goal of a pony type who competes with the athleticism of a small warmblood. << Back to Questions
In 1965 German pony breeding associations saw the need to develop a breed of large pony that would be suitable for national and international competition for children. The goal was to maintain the pony character, type and willingness to perform along with the competitive athleticism of a riding horse. Breeders' first attempts were what they thought would be the easy solution: to cross thoroughbred and Arabian stallions with Fjord and Haflinger ponies. These cross-
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What is the difference between a German Riding Pony and a British Riding Pony (BRP)?
This is a rather academic debate, but our understanding is that the GRP is bred for sport and it has taken the best elements from many breeds to produce the current model, which has become a recognised breed in its own right. A GRP combines the gaits and jumping abilities of a Warmblood with the heart and mind of a Thoroughbred, the pretty heads of the Arabian with the friendly character of the Mountain and Moorland. It is bred to be an all-rounder, and is expected to have ability in jumping and dressage. Its temperament as a mount suitable for a child is of paramount importance. The BRP (which started life in the early years of the20th century) was originally bred to be a miniature version of the thoroughbred show hack, bred for its looks and movement and manners. As such, its use for sport is limited by the vision of its original purpose, which, in mimicking the thoroughbred hack, does not allow it to compete with the warmblood-type movement bred for in the GRP. << Back to Questions
This is a rather academic debate, but our understanding is that the GRP is bred for sport and it has taken the best elements from many breeds to produce the current model, which has become a recognised breed in its own right. A GRP combines the gaits and jumping abilities of a Warmblood with the heart and mind of a Thoroughbred, the pretty heads of the Arabian with the friendly character of the Mountain and Moorland. It is bred to be an all-
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What is the difference between a Sports Pony and a Riding Pony?
Again this is a matter of present debate, but I understand that a Sports Pony is one step removed from the Riding Pony and often includes the Welsh Section B in its close parentage. It may be produced by a combination of horse genes and pony genes in its parentage, and therefore not truly be a pony. However, inBritain, we would probably consider the GRP to be the ultimate Sports Pony, as its success in FEI level dressage is second to none and its rise in FEI eventing continues as the Germans turn their attentions to this discipline. << Back to Questions
Again this is a matter of present debate, but I understand that a Sports Pony is one step removed from the Riding Pony and often includes the Welsh Section B in its close parentage. It may be produced by a combination of horse genes and pony genes in its parentage, and therefore not truly be a pony. However, inBritain, we would probably consider the GRP to be the ultimate Sports Pony, as its success in FEI level dressage is second to none and its rise in FEI eventing continues as the Germans turn their attentions to this discipline. << Back to Questions
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Why breed GRPs in Britain when we have all the original breeds available here?
Why re-invent the wheel? The GRP has evolved over 40 years into the pony it is today, a breed in its own right with controlled standards of excellence and competitive proofing. The Germans complimented British breeding by taking the best of the Welsh, theDartmoorand other native breeds and combining them with Arabs and Warmbloods to create this wonderful animal. We can now benefit from that painstaking work and expertise and breed our own, hopefully without re-visiting the mistakes that were made in the interim. << Back to Questions
Why re-
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What is the breed standard for a German Riding Pony?
The breed standard for the German Riding Pony is for a pony preferably between 138 cm and 148 cm or approximately 13.2 hands to 14.2 hands. The athletic and refined qualities of a riding horse which exhibits the pony type is essential. The type includes a small head, large and lively eyes with little ears, a clean throatlatch, a long, well-set neck, pronounced withers and long croup. Movement should be correct, rhythmic, spacious and elastic with distinct impulsion from the hindquarters. The pony's disposition should be unpretentious and benign, with a willingness to perform, showing courage and evenness of temperament. << Back to Questions
The breed standard for the German Riding Pony is for a pony preferably between 138 cm and 148 cm or approximately 13.2 hands to 14.2 hands. The athletic and refined qualities of a riding horse which exhibits the pony type is essential. The type includes a small head, large and lively eyes with little ears, a clean throatlatch, a long, well-
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What is the Bundeschampionat?
The Bundeschampionat is the annual German national championships for youngstock from 3 - 6 years old. For breeders it is the equivalent of the Olympic Games. The main registries have between 250 and 450 registered broodmares (just GRP), so between 200 and 400 foals are born in each registry per year. There are 14 registries that traditionally have ponies. Potentially, therefore, there are a few thousand ponies vying for top honours! The 3 and 4-year-olds must qualify at the relevant state championships and are selected by their registries based on those show results. Each registry has a limited amount of ponies they can send, based pro rata to the number of registered broodmares, i.e. small registry = few ponies to the Bundeschampionat, large registry = many ponies to the Bundeschampionat. The 5 and 6-year-olds have more chances to qualify. There is a number of shows where they can compete and they need a score of 7.0 and more to qualify, whereas the 3 and 4-year-olds have only one chance. Stallions, mares and geldings at each age from 3 to 6 years old compete under saddle in show jumping, dressage, eventing and driving. This is a proven method of producing top sporting animals, as the success of Bundeschampionat competitors in FEI competitions in later life bears witness. << Back to Questions
The Bundeschampionat is the annual German national championships for youngstock from 3 -
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What approvals do the top breeding ponies in Germany go through?
Approvals take place for both stallions and mares. Stallions may be presented for licensing for breeding in the autumn of their 3rd year and then must attend a 30-day performance test when they are 4 for final approval and acceptance into a studbook. Mares may be entered into a studbook or main studbook and mares of exceptional quality may attend a performance test where they can achieve the State Premium Mare designation. State Premium status is highly prized by breeders and is more difficult to earn than a breeding licence for a stallion. Each year, records show the approved German Riding Pony stallions, their 30-day performance test score, their licensed progeny and their own and their progeny's earnings. << Back to Questions
Approvals take place for both stallions and mares. Stallions may be presented for licensing for breeding in the autumn of their 3rd year and then must attend a 30-