British breeding refers to the breeding of horses for sport in Britain. It has gained in popularity and interest in recent years, with more and more British-bred sport horses proving their quality and gaining recognition.
To be classed as British-bred, a horse must have either been foaled in Britain, or foaled abroad to a dam who usually lives in Britain. It does not matter in which country a foal’s sire is based, nor the country of issue of the passport.
Britain has five World Breeding Federation (WBFSH) approved studbooks; the Warmblood Breeders Studbook-UK (WBS), Scottish Sports Horse (SSH), Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHB), the Anglo European Studbook (AES) and the British Hanoverian Horse Society (BHHS).
British Breeding is the organisation that is working with the Olympic disciplines’ governing bodies to promote British breeding in sport.
Some of the best and most successful examples of British breeding in recent years include the following horses:
“The best thing about him was every time you walked on the yard his head was straight over the stable door. He was a horse who used to make eye contact with you, he had an ability to make a connection with people”
Matthew, who was open about his mental health struggles, died last month, and was well known in breeding circles as he stood three stallions at his Caunton Manor Stud, in partnership with his wife Victoria
If you're planning to swerve the top names and use a younger, upcoming stallion to breed from this year, take a look at our selection of some of the most exciting stallions under eight years old, all of whom have plenty to offer breeders in 2020
Stallion AI Services’ Tullis Matson on famous stallions and his fascinating work with rare breeds and species – including elephants
Three Chilli Morning clones, copies of the stellar eventing stallion, are growing up in West Sussex and set to make their mark in breeding and competition
“The foals were both gorgeous and I’d love to have taken both home!”
‘The Shire temprament has definitely stuck through the generations, too. They’re such placid and trainable horses...’
Breeders will be able to see a number of licensed and graded stallions
The mare has had a significant impact on the breed, in the UK and abroad
I‘ thought I could show them all how it’s done!’
This chestnut filly who is just three weeks old has an incredible claim to fame...
