KWPN predicates explained: what ster, keur, PROK and sport mean for the value of your sport horse

You scroll through the sport horse listings and the same abbreviations crop up everywhere: ster, keur, PROK, sport, elite. But what do these KWPN predicates actually mean, and how much do they really tell you about a horse's quality, health and value? With the inspection season now in full swing and thousands of horses set to earn a predicate this summer, there is no better moment to get to grips with them.

In this guide we explain each predicate clearly. As a buyer, you will read a listing far more sharply afterwards; as a seller, you will know exactly which predicates raise the value of your horse and how to put them to work.

What exactly are KWPN predicates?

A predicate is a quality stamp awarded by the KWPN (Koninklijk Warmbloed Paardenstamboek Nederland) on the basis of inspections, conformation, health screening, sport performance and offspring. The KWPN predicate system is regarded as unique in the world: no other studbook distinguishes between the qualities of its horses in this way.

For you as a buyer or seller, that is worth its weight in gold. A predicate sums up in a single word what would otherwise take a lengthy explanation: this horse has passed an inspection and meets a set of defined standards.

A predicate is not a marketing term but an independent judgement from the studbook. That makes it one of the most reliable signals in any listing.

Please note: other studbooks, such as the KFPS (Friesians), BWP or Hanoverian, have their own systems. This guide is about the KWPN, the studbook behind most Dutch sport horses.

The key predicates at a glance

Conformation and aptitude predicates

These predicates say something about the build, movement and aptitude of the horse.

• Ster — The base qualification. A ster horse has correct, functional conformation and sufficient aptitude for dressage or a good jumping technique. Ster can be awarded to mares, geldings and stallions and is a good starting point when assessing a horse.
• Voorlopig keur — An interim step towards keur for mares that already meet the conformation requirements but have not yet satisfied all the additional criteria (such as an aptitude test or a sport result).
• Keur — Only ster mares can be upgraded to keur. The keur predicate replaces the ster predicate and points to a mare of even higher quality.
• Elite — The highest predicate a mare can achieve in terms of both conformation and health: a keur mare that also holds the PROK predicate and therefore meets the radiographic standards.
• Model — An honorary title for the absolute top among the mares, awarded to elite mares that excel in conformation at a special inspection.

Health predicates: PROK and D-OC

For buyers, these may well be the most important letters in a listing.

• PROK — stands for Project Röntgenologisch Onderzoek KWPN. A horse with PROK has been screened radiographically and meets the KWPN standards, including those for osteochondrosis (OC) in the hocks and fetlocks, among others.
• D-OC — a health predicate indicating that the horse scores favourably for osteochondrosis according to the KWPN standards, based in part on breeding-value information.

A health predicate never replaces your own pre-purchase exam, but it is a strong additional signal. Want to know how to read an inspection report yourself? Then read our guide on the pre-purchase exam and reading the inspection report.

The sport predicate: proven performance

The sport predicate is awarded to horses that have performed at a defined level in dressage, showjumping, eventing, driving or another discipline. So it says something not only about aptitude, but about what the horse has actually shown in the competition ring.

For buyers, "sport" is a valuable signal: the horse has proven competition experience and stability under pressure. For sellers, it is one of the most concrete ways to substantiate a horse's value.

Breeding predicates: preferent and prestatie

These predicates revolve around the offspring and are mainly relevant in breeding.

• Preferent — A mare becomes preferent when several of her offspring achieve the ster, keur or elite predicate, or are selected for the second viewing of the stallion inspection. It points to a mare that passes on her quality.
• Prestatie — This predicate indicates that the offspring of a mare are performing well in sport. It underscores the heritable sport aptitude of the dam line.

A mare with the preferent or prestatie predicate is of interest to breeders, and that often translates into a higher value for her foals. You can read more about this in our guide on foal inspections and tips for buyers.

What do predicates mean for the buyer?

Predicates help you choose faster and with greater confidence:

• Read the whole picture. Ster says something about conformation, sport about performance, PROK about health. Combine them rather than relying on a single abbreviation.
• Use PROK/D-OC as a starting point, not an end point. Always plan your own pre-purchase exam.
• Filter with intent. If you are after a broodmare, look out for keur, elite, preferent and prestatie. If you are after a competition horse, then sport and concrete results carry more weight.

What do predicates mean for the seller?

Predicates are one of the few ways to substantiate quality objectively.

• State every predicate explicitly in your listing, including the year and the discipline.
• Plan an inspection in good time. The inspection season largely runs in spring and autumn; a ster or sport predicate ahead of the sale can make your horse more appealing.
• Combine predicates with evidence: photographs from the inspection, the PROK report and competition results make your listing more credible.

Want to find out roughly what your horse is worth first? Then take a look at our guide what is my horse worth.

Important: the exact requirements can change

The precise criteria, such as minimum height at the withers, the number of winning points required for the sport predicate or the exact radiographic standards, can vary from year to year and from discipline to discipline. For the current requirements, always consult the official information from the KWPN. Use this guide as an explanation of what the predicates mean, not as legal or veterinary advice.

Frequently asked questions

What does ster mean for a horse?

At a KWPN inspection, a ster horse has shown that it has correct, functional conformation and sufficient aptitude for dressage or showjumping. It is the base qualification and a good starting point for assessment.

Is a horse with PROK healthy?

PROK means the horse has been screened radiographically and meets the KWPN standards, including those for osteochondrosis. It is a strong health signal, but does not replace your own pre-purchase exam.

Does a predicate raise the value of my horse?

Often, yes. Predicates such as sport, keur, elite and PROK substantiate quality and health objectively, which gives buyers more confidence and helps them decide faster.

Do all studbooks have the same predicates?

No. This guide is about the KWPN. Studbooks such as the KFPS, BWP or Hanoverian use their own qualifications and terminology.

Get started on SportHorses

Once you understand the predicates, you buy and sell more wisely. Browse the current range of KWPN dressage horses for sale or delve into KWPN breeding stallions.

Want to sell your own horse? Put your predicates in the spotlight and reach international buyers through SportHorses. Place your listing today and let the quality of your horse speak for itself.