The mare families are of special importance in Holstein. Georg Ahsbahs, the editor of the fi rst stud-book published in 1897, followed the mare families up to the beginning of the 19th century and gave every family its number (Stamm). A system that is still valid today, and of which many other breeding associations are envious.

At that time already, the mares got bonits for the following 6 characteristics: parentage, height, colour, elegance, gaits and conformation. The ancient method still is the basis for graduation, but has considerably been refi ned. More than 20 years ago, a system to check the performance disposition of young mares was developed in Holstein, the so-called mare tests, a standard for all sport horse breeds in Europe.

At the Hof Eibens for holstein horse breeding you will find mare of the famous holstein blood lines: 569, 671, 5964, 1223, 8858, 5302, 8777, 5401, 4779, 7369, 750, 730B, 18 A2, 776