Many riders get it at some point: tournament fever—the desire to compete and measure themselves against others who share the same passion. However, it's not quite as simple as just jumping in. In competitive sports, you have to meet a few requirements before you can embark on your adventure as a rider-horse team. Depending on the type of riding or driving, there are various rules and regulations that must be observed. Below you will find the most important information for classic English riding.
In Germany, the German Equestrian Federation (FN) is the umbrella organization for all breeders, riders, drivers, and vaulters. The FN publishes the rules and regulations in which all the rules for competitive riding are precisely formulated. These are passed on to the associations and clubs. However, if you have any questions, you can also contact the FN directly.
You can manage your competition license and your horse(s) via the FN's online portal, FN Nennung Online. You can also use this system to submit your competition entries. You will need to register once with FN Nennung Online.
First, you need to find out where competitions are taking place for you and your horse. Which tests are you eligible to enter? All the details for each test are published in the competition notices. You can find these in the magazines or apps of the state associations and on FN Nennung Online.
There are basically two types of competitions: competitions (WB) and performance tests (LP). The barriers to entering a competition are relatively low. The most important points, such as the age of eligible riders, are specified in the competition announcement.
To take part in a performance test, riders and horses need to fulfill various formalities that document their eligibility to compete. Your horse must be registered with the FN as a competition horse. To do this, send the horse passport with the appropriate form to the FN. The horse's name, chip number, life number, and owner will be recorded there. As this can take a few weeks, you should take care of this in good time. In addition, you must register your horse as a competition horse for each year.
As a rider or driver, you need an annual competition license and must be a member of a riding club. You can also apply for your license from the FN. This must also be renewed every year. You will then be assigned to a performance class for each discipline (dressage, jumping, eventing, and driving). The performance class depends on the riding badges you have earned and, in higher classes, on your tournament successes. To start in performance class 7, you can apply for a free trial license for one year. This is possible without riding badges. However, it only entitles you to start in class E and in competitions.
In Germany, the FN stipulates that registered competition horses must be vaccinated against influenza every six months. All vaccinations must be properly documented in the equine passport. You must carry the equine passport with you at every competition and on all trips with your horse. Even in regional or rural competitions, organizers are required to carry out random checks of equine passports. In order to compete in international FEI (International Equestrian Federation) competitions, the influenza vaccinations, which are also required every six months, must be carried out by veterinarians registered with the FEI since February 3, 2025, and entered via the FEI HorseApp.
Another important aspect is doping, as checks are also carried out at tournaments. The rider, driver, vaulter, or owner of the horse is always responsible for ensuring that the horse competing is free of prohibited substances at the time of the competition. Lists of prohibited substances and methods, as well as withdrawal periods, are published by the FN.
As a tournament beginner, it is a good idea to seek support from an experienced tournament participant who is already familiar with the jungle of regulations.
Of course, there is also a dress code for tournaments. How could it be otherwise? It can also be found in the FN statutes. Basically, a tournament rider wears white riding breeches, riding boots, a jacket, and a protective helmet. For cross-country events, a Level 3 protective vest is also required. This basic equipment is now available in a wide variety of designs. There is something for every taste, whether classic, fashionably bold, or with sparkling rhinestones.
Similar to the dress code for riders, there are rules governing horse equipment. These depend on the class you are competing in and the exact requirements of the competition. There are general rules regarding the length of whips, the type of spurs, and bridles. When it comes to bits, there are significant differences depending on the class and discipline in terms of what is and is not permitted. Your horse's leg protection, the size of advertising on your saddle pad – everything that is permitted and what you should avoid can be found in the FN guidelines. The main aim of these guidelines is to create as level a playing field as possible for all rider-horse pairs.
With this in mind, we wish you every success!
The topic of deworming is a recurring discussion among horse owners. For anyone wondering whether it is necessary to deworm their horse, the answer is yes. Anyone who has ever seen how vast numbers of worms can completely block parts of the small or large intestine during colic surgery will no longer ask this question. Without treatment, worm infestation can become life-threatening for horses. Initially, a noticeable increase in tail rubbing may be an indication of this. As the infestation progresses, internal organs can be damaged and colic can occur. The horse loses weight despite being fed adequately. The parasites weaken the horse more and more. Regular deworming is necessary to reduce the infestation to a level that is tolerable for the horse's organism. It is almost impossible to completely rid the horse of worms, as new infections will always occur through the environment. There are two methods of deworming: strategic and selective deworming. You should avoid alternative deworming methods.
Endoscopy is an imaging, minimally invasive procedure in which body cavities and hollow organs can be viewed and examined using an endoscope. Endoscopes are either rigid or flexible and have a light source and a camera at the front that transmits the image directly to a screen.
Botulism is a serious neurological disease caused by the ingestion of botulinum toxin (a poison) from contaminated feed. Even the smallest amounts of this toxin can cause severe poisoning in horses, leading to death.
This term refers to a deforming disease of the spine. It occurs mainly in large dogs and involves spur-like or bridge-shaped bony growths on the underside, side, or, in rare cases, the top of the vertebral body.
Sticker's sarcoma is an infectious tumor of the external genital organs of male and female dogs. It is also known as transmissible venereal tumor or venereal sarcomatosis. The disease occurs worldwide, but is primarily found in tropical and subtropical countries (Mediterranean region, Africa, Eastern Europe, South America) where there is a large population of stray dogs.
Toxoplasmosis is an infectious disease that primarily affects cats but can also be transmitted to humans, which is why it is classified as a zoonosis. Humans are considered intermediate hosts, although clinical symptoms do not usually occur. It only becomes truly dangerous when pregnant women come into contact with toxoplasma for the first time and the pathogen infects the unborn child.
Megaesophagus (mega = large; esophagus = food pipe) describes a pathological enlargement of the esophagus. In the case of megaesophagus, the esophagus is not contracted by the muscles as usual, but is abnormally dilated and filled with air as a result of muscle paralysis.
This adrenal gland disorder, also known as Addison's disease, was first described in humans in 1855 by Thomas Addison (chief physician at a London hospital), after whom it was named. It causes adrenal insufficiency (also known as hypoadrenocorticism), which is the partial or total failure of hormone production in the adrenal cortex. It is much less common in dogs than adrenal hyperfunction (Cushing's disease), but can lead to life-threatening symptoms. It primarily affects middle-aged female dogs of large breeds.
Cryptorchidism refers to the failure of the testicles to descend from the abdominal cavity into the scrotum. Small male dogs are most commonly affected by cryptorchidism.
Every rider knows this feeling. The horse is somehow stiff, tense, and no longer moves smoothly. However, it is not lame, just less supple. When you touch different points on its back, neck, or hindquarters, the skin and tissue feel tight, too tight. This may be because the horse's muscles are tense. However, it is often due to the connective tissue, the fascia. When it is stuck together, tension arises.
An interesting question: Where is it better for a dog to live? In the city or in the country? There are good arguments for both.
A very special friendship can develop between children and dogs. However, it is important for parents and dog owners to observe a few basic rules. And it is also important to remember that some dog-child pairs are simply not meant for each other, and this must be recognized responsibly. The basis for a partnership with a dog is always respectful and loving interaction—and training with clear rules for human-dog communication.
