Describing his studbook as “educational” and “broad”, Minderman set strict standards regarding the quality of youngstock, stallions and mares entered into the registration process. The AES has a vision of the three best types for the three leading equestrian disciplines, but beyond that, it is an open book, not specific to a breed or breeds. Rideability, sporting ability and temperament are the key factors for an AES registered horse. Whatever the discipline, they are recognisable by the development of the top line and the length and strength of their limbs. The AES is a leading horse passport provider for sports horses. It has been recognised by the World Federation for Breeding Sport Horses (WFBSH) since 1993, becoming a full member of this international organisation’s authorised studbooks in 2000.

When Minderman moved on to other projects, the new director of the AES became fellow Dutchman and internationally recognised breeder of sports horses, Kees van den Oetelaar. With a proven record of identifying top stallions, including Lord Z, Spartacus, Verdi, Marius Claudius and Cannabis Z, among many other prominent names, van den Oetelaar had been a stallion judge for many years for the AES before becoming its director. He noted that one fundamental difference between Dutch and British sports horse culture was that in the Netherlands, people discussed horses and breeding, while in Britain people talked about riders. This is perhaps not surprising, since from the 1950s to the 1980s, the sport of show jumping was a popular spectator sport that frequently drew large TV audiences. Fans followed the riders and their horses, who became household names. The horses were an eclectic mixture without a unifying registry. Today, at the international level, the focus is much more on the selection, conformation and testing of horses. It is as good a development for the small-scale breeder of sports horses as it is for larger studs since it offers them an equal opportunity to apply for the testing and registration procedure.

Anglo European Studbook horses in Equestrianism

It might be argued that the AES “came of age” in 2010 when the AES was twice recognised in the top 10 rankings of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH). The testing and grading procedure is available across Europe and the UK, with specific tests for stallions carried out at various ages and four levels of licensing: Registered, licensed, approved and elite. For youngstock and broodmares, the AES has a star-rated grading system based on key qualities.