What does it mean for a mare to have a “model” or “preferent” rating?
The absolute top quality 1st premie mares, seven years and older, may be judged for not only movement and conformation, but for performance (driving, dressage, riding) as well. Should the mare pass these tests (which are covered over the course of two years) adequately, AND if she passes a stricter conformation/movement keuring test known as the “Provisional Model” keuring class, AND if she has proven that she can produce and nurse a foal, she will be awarded a “model” rating. Obviously, model mares are also star, but only the very very best star mares would be capable of achieving the strict model rating. There are less than a dozen model mares in the US; this is an extremely difficult rating to achieve. A mare may achieve preferent rating based on the quality of her offspring. If four of her babies receive a star rating, the mare then is declared preferent. Since this rating is only given to mares who have proven themselves, the rating is considered very prestigious – more prestigiou
