Here you will find all the important information about the riding badges of the German Equestrian Federation (FN).
Prerequisites are membership of an FN-affiliated club, the riding badge 3 and a preparatory course. Test horses must be at least five years old, or six years old for the discipline-specific variant.
With the riding badge 2, riders prove their ability at a high level and continue to develop – an important step for ambitious riders.
1st dressage test
Individually ridden elementary class dressage test on curb bit according to the task booklet.
2nd jumping test
Elementary class style jumping test with standard requirements.
The cross-country test can take place independently, but does not replace the jumping test. It is based on an elementary class cross-country test.
3rd station examinations
Station 1: Examination discussion on own practical examinations, riding theory (class L), scale of training
Station 2: Recognizing and assigning equipment (e.g. bit/curb bit)
Station 3: Training theory, functional anatomy, conformation theory
Passing grade
An average of at least 6.0 from all partial examinations is required to pass, whereby no individual grade may be below 5.0. The station examinations are graded as “passed” or “failed”. A retake is possible after three months at the earliest.
Riding badge 3 is an important milestone for riders who want to further improve their skills. It can be taken without age restrictions and can be taken in dressage, show jumping or cross-country. The prerequisite for the test is the possession of riding badge 4 and participation in a preparation course. In addition, the horses used must be at least 5 years old, in discipline-specific tests even 6 years old.
Riding badge 4 is open to riders of all ages and can be taken in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping or cross-country. The prerequisite is possession of riding badge 5 and participation in a preparation course. In addition, the horses used must be at least 5 years old and appropriately trained.
Riding badge 5 is open to riders of all ages and can be taken in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping or cross-country. Upon successful completion, riders receive the annual competition license for performance class 6 and can compete in classes E and A.
Prerequisite is the horse driving license handling or the riding badges 7 and 6 as well as participation in a preparation course. The horse used must be at least 5 years old and appropriately trained.
1st dressage
Dressage test at E level, ridden individually or in pairs
Auxiliary reins permitted
Riding without stirrups in all gaits
2. jumping or cross-country
Jumping competition: Style jumping class E, judged on seat, action and overall impression
Additionally possible: cross-country riding (cross-country competition/class E style cross-country riding), no substitute for show jumping
3. station tests
Examination interview for your own exam & riding theory (class E)
Basics of show jumping & cross-country riding
Accident prevention
Demonstration on the triangular course & pole training (e.g. holding over the pole, pole maze, desensitization)
Passing rule
Average grade: min. 5,5, no individual grade below 5.0
Station tests: “passed” or “failed”
Repetition: after three months at the earliest
Cross-country riding: only counts if it replaces jumping
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Riding badge 6 – First jumps and more knowledge about horses
The program for riding badge 6 includes the first small jumps and an E-level dressage test. The station tests cover the basics of horse keeping, feeding and health. The knowledge is supplemented by ground work and a simple triangle performance.
Anyone of any age can take part after a suitable preparatory course.
Riding badge 7 deepens the basic knowledge of riding and safe handling of the horse. Riding in a light seat and over ground tricks is a new addition. In dressage, a task is ridden according to instructions – the focus is on riding in a section, mastering the gaits and hoof beats.
Anyone of any age who has completed a preparatory course can take part. The riding badge 7 also places particular emphasis on ethical principles and responsibility towards the horse.
More safety in the saddle and in handling
Riding in an easy seat is tested for the first time in riding badge 8. In addition to the basics of ground work, participants also demonstrate their knowledge of horse breeds, colors, markings and conformation. The content is rounded off with seat forms, hoof beats and track rules.
The test is open to all riders without age restrictions – after taking part in a preparation course.
What do you need to be able to do?
1st dressage
Riding a simple task (class E-approximate) according to the instructor’s instructions – preferably outdoors, also without stirrups at a walk.
2. seat training & light seat
Riding with shortened stirrups in different variations of the light seat – including skill test over poles and ground tricks. Optional: cross-country test in light seat over uneven terrain.
3. station tests
Station 1: Horse breeds, colors, markings, conformation
Station 2: Seat forms, hoof beat figures, track order
Station 3: Ground work: safe leading, tethering, slalom, gait changes
Rating
Knowledge, handling and a balanced seat are tested. The test is not graded – the result is “pass” or “fail”. A retake is possible at any time.
Independent riding and safe handling
For riding badge 9, participants ride without a lunge or lead reins for the first time. In addition to safe riding, the focus is also on knowledge of horse care, correct leading and horse behavior.
Anyone of any age can take part after an appropriate preparatory course.
The first step into riding life
Riding badge 10 is aimed at beginners and is ideal for beginners. Riding is done on the lunge or lead rein, supplemented by the basics of horse care, saddling and bridling.
Anyone of any age can take part after a suitable preparatory course.
