The Stud
Every horse has a story that begins long before it is born
Quinta do Pilar, Aveiras de Baixo. Photo: ABR Fotografia
Our horses reflect our taste and our passion, but we never lose sight of rigorous selection based on proven scientific methods.
In our breeding programme, the mares are of primary importance.
Every mare is backed and rigorously assessed, and has her own linear profile, drawn up according to the criteria used in sport horse breeding programmes. This in-depth knowledge of our mares gives us more information when choosing the right stallion for each one.
Broodmares
The foundation of everything we breed
Mares play a vital role in our breeding programme. That is why they have our full attention.
Before joining the herd
We know every mare in detail
Backing
All our mares are backed and ridden.
Assessment
We assess how they present and respond under saddle, together with their conformation and paces, testing their sporting ability in a competition environment.
Linear profile
We carefully draw up each mare's linear profile, trait by trait.
Joining the herd
Only after all this work does a mare join the broodmare herd.
Choosing the stallion
All this information is analysed in detail to choose the right stallion for each mare.
The linear profile
Reading the mare to choose the stallion
The linear profile describes each of the mare's traits on a nine-point scale between two extremes, without judging them as good or bad. It shows us precisely what she is like: her conformation, trait by trait, and her paces.
When we choose a stallion, we compare the mare's profile with his. We look for a stallion that reinforces her best qualities and complements what we want to improve in the next generation.
Conformation
Paces
Also assessed
Scores for paces and conformation · walk, trot, canter, jump and conformation, loose and under saddle.
Free jumping · canter, reflexes, back technique, scope and attitude.
Rideability
Records · coat colour, cannon bone circumference and weight.
Illustration of the method. The values do not correspond to an actual mare or stallion.