Blue Hors Zackerey at the inspection for his 10-day observation test in 2017.

This test is held in the spring right after the National Stallion Show and is an observation test lasting 10 days. The test is open to young colts approved for testing and approved 4-year-olds that have not passed a performance test before.

In the test period the colts are exercised lightly in accordance with acknowledged principles of educating young riding horses.

The stallions are observed for stereotypics during handling and general management in the stable.
The exercise includes riding but not jumping under saddle.

No scores are given and there is no final test. The breeding commission and the station test manager decide in concert which colts have passed the test successfully. The breeding commission follows the colts at the day of arrival, a few of the days during the test and on the last day of the test.

After the test a description of each young breedsire prospect is written.

The purpose of the observation test is to filter the stallions with bad temper or other for breedsires undesirable characteristics. The young colts that have passed the 10-day observation test are given permission to cover within the same year.