British breeding
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:
- Hawtins Delicato (Diamond Hit x Regazzoni), Carl Hester‘s world silver medallist
- Super Nova II (De Niro x Weltmeyer), Spencer Wilton‘s Olympic silver medallist and championship stalwart
- Classic Moet (Classic x Bohemond), Jonelle Price‘s Badminton Horse Trials winner
- Billy Buckingham (Billy Congo x Clover Hill), William Funnell‘s Hickstead Derby-winning and 2018 World Equestrian Games (WEG) ride
- Hearts Destiny (Heart Throb x Rabino), Holly Smith‘s European Championship bronze medallist
-
-
Heartbreaking final farewell to prolific pony breeding stallion
“He was an integral part of the stud, not just as a breeding stallion but a member of the family”
-
Herd of future equine superstars born in eventing royalty baby boom
A host of top eventing mares have welcomed new foals this spring
-
‘I’m in love with this colt – his name is Dimaggio’: Alice Oppenheimer on how her family ‘fell’ into breeding
Alice Oppenheimer on breeding dressage horses and why it's so special to produce and train home-breds up to grand prix level
-
Joanna Thurman-Baker’s dressage blog: our ‘sassy and splendid’ foal is here – with a gin-inspired name
-
‘A wonderful legacy’: much-loved British stallion put down aged 21
“We still keep walking past his door, looking in and realising of course he’s not there. The response we’ve had from people has been amazing and the impact he’s made on people over the years”
-
Breeding and competition horses affected by new EU animal health law
-
Behind the scenes of a Shetland pony stud on the edge of Dartmoor
H&H spends some time at the home of breeders Julian Walters and David Hodge, who run the Sharptor, Halstock and Blacketor studs...
-
Concerns as European studbooks refused UK permission since Brexit
-
‘A great loss to British breeding’: much-loved stallion dies aged 19
“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”
-
British breeding comes together to support mental health in Matthew Wright’s memory
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
-
Eight young British stallions that breeders need to know about in 2021 *H&H Plus*
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
-
Breeding expert Tullis Matson on working with legendary stallions – and collecting semen from elephants
Stallion AI Services’ Tullis Matson on famous stallions and his fascinating work with rare breeds and species – including elephants
-
12 stallions standing in Britain that breeders need on their radar *H&H Plus*
Don’t miss this list of some of the best stallions standing in Britain at the moment
-
12 tips to help you choose the right stallion for your mare
Selecting a stallion for your mare can be one of the most exciting parts of the breeding process, so here is some expert advice to help you make the right choice
-
Best of British breeding is celebrated virtually *H&H Plus*
-
William Funnell: Highlighting British breeding via young horse series *H&H Plus*
-
Chilli Morning clones being prepped for competition and breeding: ‘It’s Chilli’s DNA’
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
-
Top-priced Bolesworth auction colt goes viral with ‘romantic’ gesture
“The foals were both gorgeous and I’d love to have taken both home!”
-
The Shire breeding line that has produced a champion riding horse and Burghley eventer...
‘The Shire temprament has definitely stuck through the generations, too. They’re such placid and trainable horses...’
