ESTIMATION OF BREEDING VALUES OF RIDING HORSES ON THE BASIS OF COMPETITION RECORDS

Using the exact rank within a complete competition group leads to a co nsiderable increase of information compared with using earnings. The m odel to estimate genetic parameters and breeding values requires to co nsider the effects of age, sex and competition. Environmental similari ty of repeated performances of the same horse should be considered wit h the help of a random, permanent, environmental effect. The estimated genetic parameters are very low. The ranking traits have a clear high er heritability and repeatability than the logarithm of earnings. Ther e was no antagonism between show jumping and dressage but correlated g enetic progresses are also not to expect. A breeding program should us e breeding values on the basis of pedigree information, own performanc es and performances of offsprings.