Mares must be classified into the Stud Book of the Hanoverian Horse Society before their progeny by a licensed, performance tested Hanoverian stallion can be registered. Mares can be presented from the age of three onwards. They can be presented empty, in foal or with foal at foot.

Mares from the following origins can be classified into the Stud Books of the Society:-

• Birth registered Hanoverian mares;
• Thoroughbred mares registered with either the AJC or the ASB with a four generation pedigree;
• Mares with valid pedigree papers from another recognised warmblood breeders association (These mares are usually imported stock). NOTE: AWHA, ACE, AWSHA, Stud Book APH, Studbook Kinnordy and the like are not recognised by the Hanoverian Verband or by the Hanoverian Horse Society of Australia.)

Classification is usually held in February of each year with Verband representative/s officiating. To enable comparisons between horses and to efficiently utilise our classifier's time, mares are usually presented at a central venue, usually within close proximity of capital cities or large breeding areas.

Classification takes into account the following areas:-

1. Breed and Sex Type
2. Quality of the Conformation
   1. Head
   2. Neck
   3. Saddle Position
   4. Frame
   5. Forelegs
   6. Hindlegs
3. Correctness of the Gaits
4. Impulsion and Elasticity of the Trot
5. Walk
6. General Impression and Development
7. Overall Score

Marks are awarded out of ten on the following scale:

10 - Excellent 
9 - Very Good 
8 - Good 
7 - Fairly Good 
6 - Satisfactory 
5 - Sufficient
4 - Deficient 
3 - Quite Poor 
2 - Poor
1 - Very Poor
0 - Not Evaluated

There are four Stud Book sections, viz. Elite Stud Book, Main Stud Book, Stud Book and Pre-Stud Book (Vorbuch).