At Hippomundo we aim to give breeders, riders and horse enthusiasts the most valuable insights into both the pedigree and performance of sport horses. Two popular tools on our platform are the Performance Pedigree and the Black Type Pedigree. But what exactly is the difference between them? In this article we explain it clearly.
Performance Pedigree – More than just a family tree
The Performance Pedigree goes beyond a traditional pedigree display. This tool not only shows who a horse's ancestors are, but, more importantly, what those horses actually achieved in sport.
For each horse in the pedigree you will find:
- International results
- Prize money
- Level of competition
- Important information like approved sons or good family members
The Performance Pedigree thus provides a broad insight into the sporting value of a bloodline. It is an indispensable tool for those who want to breed specifically for performance, or who are looking for a promising sport horse.
Black Type Pedigree – Focus on the elite
The Black Type Pedigree follows a more traditional format and is especially known from racing and stud catalogs. In this view only the most successful ancestors are shown in bold – the so-called black type horses.
These are horses that:
| Criteria | Description |
|---|---|
| Have achieved major international victories | Success at the highest level |
| Performed at elite level | Such as World Cup competitions, Olympic Games, or 1.60m Grand Prix events |
| Proven their breeding value | Through outstanding offspring |
The result is a compact and clear pedigree in which you can see at a glance whether a horse comes from a proven performance line.
An additional difference: auction prices and full family context
Another important distinction between the two tools lies in how family members are presented.
With the Performance Pedigree, you not only see the sporting achievements of the family, but also the auction prices achieved by relatives at official sales. In addition, both the successful and the less successful horses within the bloodline are included, providing a complete and objective view of the family behind a horse.
This makes the Performance Pedigree particularly valuable for potential buyers. When purchasing a horse, it is important not only to see the standout performers, but also to understand how consistently the family performs as a whole.
The Black Type Pedigree, on the other hand, focuses exclusively on the elite performers within the family. Only the most successful sport horses, approved stallions, and proven breeding animals are highlighted. Auction prices are not included in this format.
As a result, the Black Type Pedigree is often used as a marketing tool when selling horses: it showcases the strongest assets of a bloodline at a glance, while the Performance Pedigree provides a more complete picture of the family as a whole.
Summary: Two tools, two purposes
| Aspect | Performance Pedigree | Black Type Pedigree |
|---|---|---|
| Focus | Detailed performance data of the horse and its family | Top performances within the bloodline |
| Layout | Informative and comprehensive | Compact with elite horses highlighted in bold |
| Ideal for | Breeders and riders making detailed comparisons | Quick visual assessment of quality |
Both tools complement each other: where the Black Type Pedigree gives a first view of top quality, the Performance Pedigree provides the deeper layer to truly support a breeding decision or purchase.
Tip from the team
Use the Performance Pedigree when you:
- Want to analyze the full sporting background of a horse
- Want to view the results of siblings or offspring
Use the Black Type Pedigree when you:
- Want to quickly see whether proven sport genes exist in a line
- Are working on a catalog or advertisement where compactness matters
Want to know more?
Want to learn more about these tools or need help interpreting a pedigree? Visit Hippomundo.com or contact us – our team is ready to help you get the most out of our data.
