Competition Tests in Germany

 Basic and Further Tests for Young Horses

Young Horse TestsThese trials are exclusively intended for 3-4 year old riding horses and ponies. They will be judged on the quality of the basic gaits trot-canter-walk, type and quality of conformation and the overall impression of the horse / pony.
Suitability TestsTests in which the horse, undergoing a wide-ranging assessment and right at the beginning of its training, is tested to identify the disciplines in which it can be used immediately. Small jumping courses, a rideability test and possibly a small cross-country trial must be passed.
Dressage Tests for Young HorsesThe judging committee assesses the horse according to the criteria of rideability, basic gaits, overall impression, action, conformation, impression, suppleness and elasticity of movements.
Show Jumping Tests for Young HorsesThe judge wants to see a fluid, harmonious clearance of the course. Aspects assessed include rideability and jumping action, basic speed and flexibility of the horse.

Dressage Tests

ClassGaits, Tempi & Transitions Movements
E - Preliminary TestMedium walk (min. 40 m consecutive), working trot, working canterTo go large, circles, change through the whole arena
A - Novice TestIn addition to Class E: medium trot, medium canterIn addition to Class E: voltes (10 m), serpentines, leg yielding, rein back
L - Elementary TestIn addition to Class A: collected trot, collected canterIn addition to Class A: counter canter, walk pirouette, volte in canter, simple change
M - Medium TestIn addition to Class L: extended walk, extended trot, extended canter, collected walkIn addition to Class L: shoulder-in, half pass, rein-back, flying change
S - Advanced Test As in Class MIn addition to Class M: canter pirouettes, tempi changes every 2, 3 and 4 strides
S - Intermediaire/ Grand PrixAs in Class MIn addition: piaffe, passage, tempi change every stride

Show Jumping Classes

ClassHeight / SpreadMax water ditch spread
E - Preliminary Test0.85 m (2'9'')/
A* - Novice Test0.95 m (3'1'')/
A** - Novice Test1.05 m (3'1'')2.50 m (8'2'')
L - Elementary Test1.15 m (3'9'') 3.00 m (9'9'')
M* - Medium Test 1.25 m (4'1'')3.50 m (11'5'')
M** - Medium Test 1.35 m (4'5'')4.00 m (13'1'')
S* - Advanced Test 1.40 m (4'7'')4.10 m (13'5'')
S** - Advanced Test 1.45 m (4'9'')4.30 m (14'1'')
S*** - Advanced Test 1.50 m (4'11'')4.50 m (14'8'')
S**** - Advanced Test 1.55 m (5'1'')4.50 m (14'8'')

Deviations of up to +/- 5 cm (2'') in height and -10 (4'') /+20 cm (8'') in width are permitted (any width is permitted as of advanced class). 

 Eventing: Cross-Country Trials

ClassCourse length in meters (approx.) Max jump height

Upper / lower jump spread

Max ditch spread Drop jump
VE, VE/A1,000 - 2,0000.90 m
(2'11'')
1.00 m/1.50 m (3'3'')/(4'11'') 0.80 m
(2'7'')
0.90 m (2'11'')
VA, VA/L1,500 - 3,0001.00 m
(3'3'')
1.20 m/1.80 m (3'11'')/(5'9'') 2.00 m
(6'6'')
1.20 m (3'11'')
VL, VL/M2,400 - 3,2001.10 m
(3'7'')
1.40 m/2.10 m (4''7'')/(6'11'') 2.80 m
(9'2'')
1.60 m (5'3'')
GVL3,640 - 4,6801.10 m
(3'7'')
1.40 m/2.10 m (4''7'')/(6'11'') 2.80 m
(9'2'')
1.60 m (5'3'')
VM, VM/S2,800 - 3,6001.15 m
(3'9'')
1.60 m/2.40 m (5'3'')/(7'11'') 3.20 m
(10'6'')
1.80 m (5'9'')
GVM4,400 - 5,5001.15 m
(3'9'')
1.60 m/2.40 m (5'3'')/(7'11'') 3.20 m
(10'6'')
1.80 m (5'9'')
VS3,200 - 4,0001.20 m
(3'11'')
1.80 m/2.70 m (5'9'')/(11'10'') 3.60 m
(11'10'')
2.00 m (6'6'')
GVS5,700 - 6,8401.20 m
(3'11'')
1.80 m/2.70 m (5'9'')/(8'10'') 3.60 m
(11'10'')
2.00 m (6'6'')

 

As in the other tests, E stands for Preliminary Test, A for Novice Test, L for Elementary Test, M for Medium Test, S for Advanced Test. The V stands for Eventing and G for Large Eventing Trial. The speed varies between 450 m/min in Class E to 570 m/min in Class S. There are a maximum of 15 jumps in Class E to a maximum of 40 jumps in Class S.

 

Heights are taken from the German FN LPO, with conversions to feet from the RuleBook 2009 Website USEF.org

All descriptions are given as a guide only. The German Horse Center accepts no liability for content or completeness.

Trainer Qualifications

The professional training provided by the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN) 

Pferdewirt A 3 year training focusing on riding or breeding & stable management. Holders of the Pferdewirt: “Riding” can break in and train young horses, exercise and work older horses and present them in competitions. They are also qualified trainers for novices and more advanced riders.
Pferdewirtschafts- meister The highest level of training in Germany. Holders of the Pferdewirtschaftsmeister can run a riding business, train others for the Pferdewirt qualification, ride in dressage and show jumping competitions to at least Level M and train horses and riders to at least Level M.

 

Additional Qualifications

Diplomtrainer-Reiten Selected holders of the Pferdewirtschaftsmeister: “Riding” can take a further course towards the “Diplomtrainer” qualification with the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN) and the Trainer Academy of the Deutsche Olympia Sportbund. This combines equestrian sports with content that spans across sports types.
Bewegungstrainer EM Eckhardt Meyners is an internationally recognized expert on kinematics in riding. His gymnastic exercises can improve and balance out weaknesses. Holders of the "Bewegungstrainer EM" are qualified to school riders in this type of gymnastics.

 

Awards

Stensbeck-/Graf v. Lehndorff-Award Pferdewirt and Pferdewirtschaftsmeister holders who passed the examination with a particularly high grade receive this award. Stensbeck: Riding; Graf von Lehndorff: Breeding & Stable Management
Goldenes Reitabzeichen Competitive riders are honored by the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN) with the Goldene Reitabzeichen when they achieve 10 victories in Advanced Class (S) tests in one discipline (Dressage, Show Jumping, Eventing).
Reitmeister A very special title from the Deutsche Reiterliche Vereinigung (FN). This is awarded to individuals who have, for example, trained 50 or more horses to international Grand Prix successes or who have made a very special contribution to equestrian sports.

All descriptions are given as a guide only. The German Horse Center accepts no liability for content or completeness.