TCR Grading Rules
TCR Grading Rules
Authored By
The Traditional Cob Registry
TCR Grading
10 May 2026
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5-Star Grading
(Live grading)
TCR Senior 5-Star Grading
4-year-old and over stallions, mares, and geldings that are awarded a TCR 5-Star grading at a TCR live grading will hold a TCR Senior 5-Star grading. A Senior TCR 5-Star grading is a permanent TCR grading. However, where a 4-year-old or over stallion, mare or gelding does not achieve a TCR 5-Star grading at a TCR grading, it can be presented again at a future TCR 5-Star grading.
TCR Junior 5-Star Grading
1, 2 and 3-year-old colts, fillies, and geldings that are awarded a TCR 5-Star grading at a TCR live grading will hold a TCR Junior 5-Star grading. A Junior TCR 5-Star grading is a temporary TCR grading. Where a 1-year-old colt, filly, or gelding is awarded a TCR 5-Star grading, the grading is only applicable during the time it is a 1-year-old. Where a 2-year-old colt, filly, or gelding is awarded a TCR 5-Star grading, the grading is only applicable during the time it is a 2-year-old. Where a 3-year-old colt, filly, or gelding is awarded a TCR 5-Star grading, the grading is only applicable during the time it is a 3-year-old.
Premium Grading
(Grading by progeny)
Because TCR Premium grading is a breeding status grading, a TCR Premium grading can only be achieved if proven to have produced TCR 5-Star graded (show quality) progeny. To achieve a TCR Premium grading, a TCR-registered stallion or mare must therefore be recorded by TCR as having produced at least two TCR-registered progeny that have been awarded a TCR 5-Star Grading. Because TCR Premium grading is a ‘grading by progeny’, a TCR-registered stallion or mare does not have to be graded to achieve a TCR Premium grading.
Virtual Assessment
(Assessment by video)
TCR virtual assessment is available for TCR-registered colts (2 to 4 y/o) and for TCR-registered stallions (5 y/o and over). TCR-registered colts (2 to 4 y/o) and TCR-registered stallions (5 y/o and over) that are virtually assessed are rated according to a TCR Bronze, Silver, or Gold level system.
The value of TCR’s virtual assessment lies in providing the owner with the opportunity to showcase—on the TCR global platform—how well TCR rates their colt or stallion as a representative of its breed or type. Virtual assessment is of particular value to colt and stallion owners who are unable to bring their colts or stallions to a live TCR 5-Star Grading.
The assessment video
When applying online for a virtual colt or stallion assessment, the owner is required to submit a colt/stallion assessment video produced in accordance with the TCR Colt/Stallion Assessment Video Instructions.
The Traditional Cob Registry
The worldwide registration platform for Irish Cobs and Gypsy Cobs.