Grades

What do the different grades mean? I know novice regional etc but what does it mean? do they place better? breed better? what?
Thanks

A higher grade means they have higher stats. It's a way of saying what range of stats they have. Like if I said I have a horse that's Local five, it would mean they have 550-599 stats. Higher grade, means higher stats, which means better statted foals. idk if that is what you're asking?

Yes it helps. Im new so this may seem like a dumb question but higher stats better in shows right?

Yes — but only stats within the discipline count, thus the value of low non specialty stats. The grades are a set range for horses of similar stats enter shows in. This is so a 2000 stat horse won’t be competing against a 100 stat horse.

Thank you so much

Not always. For good show placing are also important non-specialty stats, training lvl(?) and tack bonuses. Take a look at these horses, they both have fully upgraded tack, so the important difference lies between the stats:
-A -2050 total, but 64 non-specialty
-B -2098 total, but 90 non-specialty
In theory B is better by 48 stats, but practically he is better only by 22 stats! If they both had the same total, B would be worse than A by 26 stats! In shows that matters.

Grades are here so horses with f.e. 2000 stats didn't compete with brand new foundies (100 stats). The higher grade- the more difficult competition, but probably more exp (not sure about it tho).