The 'Breeders' Quality Mark' (BQM) was launched in October 2004 after two years of careful piloting. It recognises British breeders who 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 respect of 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 and best practice.
- Further information on the BQM - see here
- To apply for the BQM, email janrogersequine@aol.com
- Click here to read the latest BQM Newsletter
- Clickhere to read the EVA briefing note
- BQM Equine Viral Arteritis (EVA) mare questionnaire. Whilst the compulsory testing of mares for EVA is under review, we ask all mare owners to complete this questionnaire before taking their mare to stud
BQM Accredited Studs 2007
Balcormo Stud Farm, Fife 01333 360287
Cae Rhyd ar Wen, Carmarthenshire www.darkvalleysporthorsestud.com
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
End House Stud, Lancashire www.endhousestud.co.uk
Etheridge Farm and Stud, Dorset 01258 860037
Glenwood Stud, Northumberland www.glenwoodstud.co.uk
Holden Fold Stud www.holdenfolddressage.com
Ingliston House Stud, Renfrewshire www.inglistonhousestud.com
Meadow Stud, Gloucestershire www.meadowstud.com
Mendip Stud, Somerset www.themendipstud.com
New Hill Farm Stud, Lancashire www.newhillfarmstud.co.uk
Quainton Stud, Buckinghamshire www.quaintonstud.co.uk
Summerhill Stud, South Lanarkshire www.summerhillstud.co.uk
Trevoulter Barton Stud (Natural Service only) www.grahampluess.co.uk
Twemlows Stud, Shropshire www.twemlows.co.uk
West Kington Stud, Wiltshire www.westkingtonstud.co.uk
BQM's sponsor is StableMate Systems Ltd. Click here to find out more
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
All BQM Suds have also been offered 10% discount off courses at The Mendip Stud listed here in 2008! They include human and equine first aid, nutrition and foaling courses.