The 'Breeders' Quality Mark' (BQM) was launched in October 2004 after two years of careful testing. It recognises British studs which are working to the highest standards of practice and record keeping. The BQM enables breeders to promote their skill, add validity to breeding data produced by these breeders, boost the confidence of the horse buying public and increase the marketability of the horses and ponies produced. The aim is to improve the quality and integrity of the information recorded by studs and artificial insemination centres in Great Britain, and allow national comparison.
In order to do this the BQM encourages breeders to adopt best practice in the recording of information relevant to their breeding programmes and establish systems to ensure that nationally comparable information has integrity and is statistically sound. The scheme is not concerned with the quality of the animals on the stud as this is the province of the Breed Societies and Stud Books. Both studs and artificial insemination centres will be eligible for the award, and will be assessed not only on the integrity and statistical soundness of the information recorded relevant to their breeding programmes but also on the establishments compliance with legislation, regulation, biosecurity and best practice.
The BQM is under review at the moment as to how it can meet breeders' needs more closely and have a better fit wiith BEF Strategy, for details of this review, contact Jan
- Further information on the BQM - see here
- To apply for the BQM, email here
- BQM's sponsor is StableMate Systems Ltd. Click here to find out more
- EVA testing of mares visiting BQM studs is now MANDATORY in line with Horserace Betting Levy Board Codes of Practice
- Click here to read the Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) briefing note
- BEF, British Equine Veterinary Association and the Horserace Betting Levy Board recommend the use a new form to accompany all UK shipped semen for AI, get the form here
BQM Accredited Studs 2010
Catherston Stud, Hampshire www.catherstonstud.net
Coady Bay Stud, Bucks 01525 240094
Coombe Cross Stud, Somerset 01963 370418
Country Farm Stud, Lancashire www.countryfarmstud.co.uk
Etheridge Farm and Stud, Dorset 01258 860037
Glenwood Stud, Northumberland www.glenwoodstud.co.uk
Holden Fold Stud www.holdenfolddressage.com
Meadow Stud, Gloucestershire www.meadowstud.com
Mendip Stud, Somerset www.themendipstud.com
Quainton Stud, Buckinghamshire www.quaintonstud.co.uk
Stallion AI Services, Shropshire www.stallionai.com
Summerhill Stud, South Lanarkshire www.summerhillstud.co.uk
Trevoulter Barton Stud (Natural Service only) www.grahampluess.co.uk
West Kington Stud, Wiltshire www.westkingtonstud.co.uk
BQM Accreditation pending
Ravendale Farm Stud, North Lincolnshire www.ravendalestud.com
Rosewater Sports Ponies, Hampshire 01264 811526
Westoak Hanoverians, Derbyshire 01246 855624
BQM Studs' inter-stud service scheme
All BQM Studs have been very kindly offered 10% discount off Graham Pluess products and machinery, subject to conditions. Please see www.grahampluess.co.uk or contact Kerensa Pluess Cobbledick at Trevoulter Barton Stud on 07977 480870
