2023 LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book Summary
In 2023, the PRE Stud Book (LG PRE ANCCE) registered 13,402 Purebred Spanish Horses (PRE) in its Birth Register (6,553 stallions and 6,849 mares), which is a 6.3% increase over the previous year. Likewise, 2,850 new stud farms were registered. Thus, as of December 31, 2023 the breed's census stands at 282,066 horses (139,273 mares and 142,793 stallions), belonging to 48,365 active stud farms in 67 countries PRE Horses represent 70% of all equines registered in Spain.
Of the recently registered stud farms, 43% are outside of Spain, mainly in the USA, Italy and Germany. The other 57% of the stud farms are located in Spain, with Andalusian leading the ranks (43%), followed by Catalonia and Castilla-Leon.
Likewise, 9,617 changes of ownership were processed. In terms of international changes, most were from the United States, Mexico, Italy and Germany. Also, 5,538 Basic Assessments for Breeding Stock were carried out. It is noteworthy that authorized LG PRE ANCCE veterinarians took 24 trips abroad for assessments (revisions) to 19 countries, including the United States, Mexico, Costa Rica, Ecuador, Panama, Sweden, Norway, Brazil, the Dominican Republic, among others. This fact alone proves that the efforts to promote Purebred Spanish Horses the world over are beginning to pay off.
Quality Certification
The quality of LG PRE ANCCE services is certified by UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 standards. Year after year, the indexes for quality, efficiency and reliability increase. This has earned the Stud Book office international recognition, thus making it a reference for other equine breeds, especially in Europe.
The ANCCE Molecular Genetics Laboratory has the latest in equipment and performs genetic parentage analyses on all PRE horses seeking registration, wherever they are located in the world. This laboratory is one of the few in Spain that has Quality Certification based on UNE-EN ISO 9001:2015 Standards, and with ENAC accreditation based on UNE-EN ISO/IEC 17025:2017 standards for “Genetic profile identification, identity and parentage verification using microsatellite analysis (Short tandem repeats or STRs) and AME marker by means of PCR and capillary electrophoresis” for equines. It is noteworthy that this is the first and only laboratory in Spain that is certified to “analyze the genetic markers involved in equine coat colors.” This ENAC-backed certification places the ANCCE analytical laboratory at the forefront of the business to guarantee that all services meet the highest standards. Not only does this endorse the excellence of the work carried out. It also results in greater efficiency and improved services for Purebred Spanish Horse (PRE) breeders the world over, in addition to other breeds and species. Moreover, the ANCCE laboratory is authorized by the Andalusian Regional Government and Spain’s Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food, with certification from by the International Society for Animal Genetics (ISAG). This body places the ANCCE laboratory in Ranking 1 for accuracy, with 100% of the samples coinciding in the external quality control tests carried out.
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Genetic Selection
From the standpoint of genetic selection, the LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book published the genetic values and indexes for all horses that were genetically assessed throughout 2023. Data was obtained at the registered performance tests (15,700 horses assessed for Dressage while 163,653 horses were assessed for Conformation using the Lineal Conformation Score). In terms of conformation aptitudes for Dressage, the genetic values for 37 different conformation traits and the Global Genetic Index (GGI) were also issued. In the case of Dressage, the genetic values for six (6) variables and the GGI for each horse were also published.
The 115 horses earning any one of the genetic categories included in the PRE Breeding Program are published in the 2023 PRE Breeding Stock Catalog: 71 horses earned the category as Young Recommended Breeding Stock, 24 horses were considered Improver Breeding Stock, while 20 horses earned the category as Elite Breeding Stock.
Genomics
ANCCE is currently involved in a genomic project that will facilitate an increase in the speed and magnitude of the genetic progress in PRE Horses. It also leads to the early detection and verification of inherited traits that entail considerable economic costs. This, in turn, facilitates matings that avoid future problems and economic losses, while providing breeders with economic benefits. Likewise, ANCCE will also implement a digital tool for breeder to integrate all of this easy-to-use information when anticipating selection or performance problems. This tool will allow them to make rational breeding decisions based on reliable data to avoid losses, reinforce resources, and attain faster and more efficient genetic progress to establish quality PRE standards on national and international markets.
Representation
Throughout 2023 LG PRE ANCCE Stud Book representatives participated in trade fairs, conventions, offered training courses for breeders and enthusiasts. Equally, a number of meetings were held with authorized veterinarians and collaborating international associations to review and discuss the most recent administrative procedures and legislative changes. A number of organizations, official bodies and institutions were contacted. These included the Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food (MAPA), Regional governments in Spain, ASAJA (Agribusiness Association for Young Farmers), the MERAGEM Research Group, among others. As members of several organizations (WBFSH (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses), WHIRDEC (World Horses Identification, Registration and Data Exchange Committee), FEAGAS (Spain’s Royal Federation of Select Livestock), FEACC (Spanish Federation of Horse Breeders’ Associations), COPA-COGECA (European Farmers-European Agi-cooperatives), PRE Stud Book representatives attended a number of meetings.
The PRE Stud Book office and the ANCCE Molecular Genetics Laboratory welcomed several national and international bodies. These guests were interested in having first-hand knowledge about the ANCCE management model to exchange knowledge and know-how; their goal was to discuss possible collaboration between institutions. During these visits, information was provided about the technical administration of each individual area. Among the many important agents were representatives from the equestrian sector in the Kingdom of Morocco (SOREC, Harax Nationaux, Breeder Associations, and the Tbourida National Equestrian Art Association) in addition to representatives from the equestrian sector in Chile. Other guests included trainers, influencers and equestrian journalists from the United States, Germany, The Netherlands, Russia and Kazakhstan, Spain’s National Police, Civil Guard, Ministry of Defense, Armed Forces (Army, Navy, and Air Force), major mass media in the region of Andalusia, etc.
