Stallions and mares can be graded, although grading is optional. Grading tools are available through the Breeding Center’s broodmare and stallion management areas.
A grade represents a horse’s Breeding Ability, or BA. Breeding Ability is separate from racing ability and is inherited at foaling. Males inherit BA from their sire, while females inherit from both sire and dam. A foal’s BA may be slightly higher or moderately lower than its parents.
Breeding Ability does not guarantee success or failure as a producer. It is one factor in a complex breeding system, so lower-graded horses should not automatically be overlooked.