Principal component analysis of performance test traits in Hungarian Sporthorse mares

The analysis utilized data on performance traits recorded between 1993 and 2004 on 3- and 4-year-old Hungarian Sporthorse mares. Traits were categorized in three groups, chosen to describe conformation, free jumping and movement. Low to moderate correlations were found among traits within each of those groups. There were high correlations between type and frame for both ages; and within free jumping performance traits, jumping style and jumping ability were highly correlated as well. In principal component analyses of test results for 3- and 4-year-old mares, 9 factors (ratio of variance = 80.935) and 7 factors (ratio of variance = 74.115) were identified, respectively. Dendograms based upon cluster analysis verified the separation of trait groups. The trait of "impulsion in elasticity of movement" could be assigned to movement traits in 3-year-old; but as a probable consequence of training, it could be assigned to conformation traits, especially to overall impression, when horses were 4-year-old.