World Breeding Championships: Disciplines, Classes & Key Facts

What are the World Championships for Young Horses?

The World Championship for young dressage, show jumping and eventing horses is the most important event for the international next generation of equestrian sport. Year after year, the best five-, six- and seven-year-old horses compete against each other here—divided by discipline. It’s not only about sporting success, but also about breeding strategy, genetics and future prospects at top level.

The focus is on the close connection between breeding and sport: the events give breeding associations from around the world the opportunity to present their most talented young horses to an international specialist audience. For many breeders, riders and investors, these championships have long been regarded as a reliable indicator of tomorrow’s stars. Horses that impress here often appear just a few years later on the start lists of major championships or in the WBFSH world rankings.

The FEI and the WBFSH (World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses) organize these championships jointly. Only horses registered in a recognized WBFSH studbook are eligible to take part—another sign of the high breeding standards of this competition system.

Overview of eligible studbooks

This list includes a selection of leading studbooks known worldwide for their quality and their contribution to the development of top sport horses. In total, the WBFSH lists more than 80 member studbooks across five continents.

Germany

• Hanoverian Verband e.V. (HANN)
• Association of Breeders of the Holsteiner Horse e.V. (HOLST)
• Association of Breeders of the Oldenburg Horse e.V. (OLDBG)
• Westphalian Studbook Association e.V. (WESTF)
• Trakehner Verband (TRAK)
• Breeding Association for German Horses e.V. (ZfDP)

Netherlands

• Royal Warmblood Studbook of the Netherlands (KWPN)
• Dutch Riding Horse and Pony Studbook (NRPS)

Belgium

• Zangersheide Studbook (ZANG)
• Belgian Warmblood (BWP)
• SBS Studbook / Belgian Sport Horse (SBS)

France

• Selle Français Studbook (SF)
• National Anglo-Arab Association (ANAA)

United Kingdom

• Anglo European Studbook (AES)
• Sport Horse Breeding of Great Britain (SHBGB)

Ireland

• Irish Sport Horse Studbook (ISH)
• Warmblood Studbook of Ireland (WSI)

Denmark

• Danish Warmblood (DWB)

Sweden

• Swedish Warmblood Association (SWB)

Switzerland

• Swiss Sport Horse Breeding Association (ZVCH)

USA

• American Hanoverian Society (AHS)
• American Trakehner Association (ATA)
• KWPN of North America (KWPN-NA)

Australia & New Zealand

• Australian Warmblood Horse Association (AWHA)
• New Zealand Warmblood Association (NZWB)
• New Zealand Hanoverian Society (NZHS)

Disciplines at a glance

The World Championship for young dressage, show jumping and eventing horses is held in the three Olympic equestrian disciplines—dressage, show jumping and eventing. Each discipline has its own tradition, its own venue and very specific requirements for the young horses.

Dressage horses

‍In dressage, expression, looseness and development potential are the main focus. The horses are assessed on their basic gaits, suppleness/throughness and their prospects for the top level. Horses compete in the five-, six- and seven-year-old classes.
The history of this discipline is closely linked to Verden (GER): a pilot project took place there in 1997. The first official World Championships, however, were held in 1999 and 2000 in Arnhem (NED). From 2001 to 2015 the event returned to Verden, before moving to Ermelo (NED) from 2016 to 2019. After a pandemic-related break in 2020, the competition returned in 2021—and from 2025 Verden is once again the permanent venue. The town is not only home to the renowned Hanoverian Verband, but also a traditional hub for the training of young dressage horses.

Show jumping horses

‍The show jumping discipline is hosted in Lanaken, Belgium—on the grounds of the renowned Zangersheide Studbook. Since 1995, young horses aged five to seven have competed there over standardized courses. The event is considered a showcase for the future world elite in show jumping and has become a fixed date in the calendar of international breeders, riders and investors. The program also includes highlights such as the prestigious Sires of the World competitions, where proven stallions compete at 1.50 m level.

Eventing horses

‍The Eventing World Championship for young horses takes place in Le Lion d’Angers, France. Since 2000, the best six- and seven-year-old prospects from the international eventing scene have met there. The demands on these horses are particularly high: they must prove themselves in dressage, cross-country and show jumping—a real challenge for young horses with a future in Olympic eventing. The Haras National venue provides the perfect backdrop, with its spectacular cross-country course.

World Championship for Young Dressage Horses

The World Championship for Young Dressage Horses is a top-level competition for five- and six-year-old horses—and, since 2016, also seven-year-olds. Each year, the most talented young dressage horses in the world, selected by their respective breeding associations, compete in demanding tests. The judging includes, among other things, rhythm, suppleness, contact, impulsion and straightness—the classic criteria of the training scale—as well as the outlook for international Grand Prix sport.

The format typically consists of:

• Preliminary test (qualification): All competitors start in an initial round.
• Small final: For horses that do not qualify directly.
• Final: The best horses from the preliminary test plus those moving up from the small final compete head-to-head.

Special emphasis is placed on the so-called future perspective, which is assessed independently of the technical marks. It indicates whether a horse has the potential for international top sport—an essential element of the philosophy behind these World Championships.

Famous World Champions in Dressage

Sezuan
Year: 2014–2016 (5-, 6- and 7-year-old classes)
Rider: Dorothee Schneider (GER)
Studbook: DWB
Special note: Three-time world champion, exceptional basic gaits and genetics.

Fiontini
Year: 2015–2017 (5-, 6- and 7-year-old classes)
Rider: Severo Jurado Lopez / Andreas Helgstrand
Studbook: DWB
Special note: Three-time world champion mare, consistently high-performing.

Victoria’s Secret
Year: 2016 (5-year-old class)
Rider: Beatrice Buchwald (GER)
Studbook: Hanoverian
Special note: Over 93% in the final, huge talent potential.

Zucchero OLD
Year: 2018 (6-year-old class)
Rider: Frederic Wandres (GER)
Studbook: Oldenburg
Special note: Impressive ability to collect; later competed in the Louisdor Prize.

Secret
Year: 2019 (6-year-old class)
Rider: Jessica Lynn Thomas (SWE)
Studbook: DSP
Special note: Modern presence, highly sought-after sire.

Red Viper
Year: 2024 (5-year-old class)
Rider: Bart Veeze (NED)
Studbook: KWPN
Special note: Outstanding basic gaits, clear final winner.

Life Time FRH
Year: 2024 (7-year-old class)
Rider: Charlott-Maria Schürmann (GER)
Studbook: Hanoverian
Special note: Very secure in all movements, top-level potential.

World Championship for Young Show Jumping Horses

‍This discipline takes place every year in Lanaken, Belgium, organized by the Zangersheide Studbook. Eligible to compete are five-, six- and seven-year-old horses, which face each other under identical conditions in technically demanding courses. The jumping competitions usually consist of several rounds and a final, with penalties and time deciding the victory.

What makes it special: this is often where you can see early on which horses have the talent, bravery and scope for the very top level. Many later world-class horses such as Explosion W or London made their first international appearance right here.

Well-known World Champions in show jumping

HHS Mercedes
Year: 2024 (7-year-old class)
Rider: Michael Pender (IRL)
Studbook: Irish Sport Horse
Special note: Confident in the jump-off, top rideability under pressure.

Kumina Della Caccia
Year: 2023 (7-year-old class)
Rider: Harry Allen (IRL)
Studbook: Italian Warmblood Studbook
Special note: Outstanding in the jump-off, later international placings.

Zinius
Year: 2008 (6-year-old class)
Rider: Piet Raijmakers Jr. (NED)
Studbook: KWPN
Special note: Later successful internationally at 1.60 m level under Harrie Smolders.

Orange de Baugy
Year: 2024 (5-year-old class)
Rider: Niamh McEvoy (IRL)
Studbook: KWPN
Special note: Extremely fast and careful, impressed in the final.

Sascinora NRW
Year: 2024 (6-year-old class)
Rider: Katrin Eckermann (GER)
Studbook: Westphalian Studbook
Special note: Winner with a top classification, very good technique.

World Championship for Young Eventing Horses

‍In Le Lion d’Angers (FRA), the best six- and seven-year-old eventing horses in the world meet every year. The competitions consist—just like at an international CCI**—of dressage, cross-country and show jumping. The cross-country course is legendary for its creative yet demanding track design—ideal for testing a young horse’s potential.

The main focus here is on the horse’s all-round ability: only those with rideability, courage and stamina have long-term chances at the top level. Many later four-star horses and Olympic starters began their international careers right here.

Galan de Sauvagère
Year: 2000 (6-year-old class)
Rider: Nicolas Touzaint (FRA)
Studbook: Selle Français
Special note: Later European Champion and Olympic competitor.

Primmore’s Pride XX
Year: 2000 (7-year-old class)
Rider: Pippa Funnell (GBR)
Studbook: –
Special note: Later winner of the Rolex Grand Slam.

Killer Queen
Year: 2024 (6-year-old class)
Rider: Merel Blom-Hulsman (NED)
Studbook: Holsteiner
Special note: Outstanding cross-country round, huge potential.

Chilli Morning IV
Year: 2024 (7-year-old class)
Rider: Gemma Stevens (GBR)
Studbook: SHBGB
Special note: Clone of the famous original, strong both cross-country and in the arena.

FEI WBFSH World Breeding Championship 2025 – competition calendar & broadcast times
The World Championships for young dressage, show jumping and eventing horses are a fixed part of the international competition calendar. Every year they attract thousands of visitors, as well as breeders, riders and equestrian fans from around the world. In addition to the live experience on site, many classes can also be followed online or on TV.

Overview of venues

• Dressage: Verden (GER)
• Show jumping: Lanaken (BEL) – Domein Zangersheide
• Eventing: Le Lion d’Angers (FRA) – Haras National

Conclusion

‍The World Championship for young dressage, show jumping and eventing horses is far more than a young-horse competition. It is a stage for breeding quality, a showcase for tomorrow’s stars—and a meeting place for everyone who lives and breathes equestrian sport and horse breeding. Winning here means not only talent, but also real long-term potential. For riders, breeders and horse owners, the event is a fixed date in the calendar—with international reach, clear sporting criteria and a major influence on the development of the next generation of horses.

FAQ – Frequently Asked Questions

What is the WBFSH?

‍The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH) is the international umbrella organization for all sport-horse breeding associations. Only horses from WBFSH-recognized studbooks are allowed to compete in the World Championships.

Who is allowed to compete at the World Championships?

‍Only five-, six- and seven-year-old horses that belong to a WBFSH member studbook and have been nominated by that studbook are eligible.

What does “future perspective” mean in the dressage scoring?

‍In addition to the classic marks, an impression score is given for the horse’s prospects for Grand Prix sport. This score assesses how much potential the horse has for future top-level competition.

What is the UELN number?

‍The UELN (Universal Equine Life Number) is an international lifetime number that every sport horse receives for unique identification—also relevant for entry at international championships.

Where can I find the results?

‍Current results, start lists and livestreams can be found on ClipMyHorse.TV / FEI.TV, on the websites of the FEI and WBFSH, and via organizers such as Zangersheide, Verden or Le Lion d’Angers.