“These developments follow a series of discussions between key stakeholders across the sport, initiated in response to increasing focus on age-appropriate demands, horse welfare, and the need for greater clarity and consistency in young horse competition pathways,” said the WBFSH via press release.
Introduction of Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs)
For the first time, Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) will be introduced for participation in the Championships. MERs already exist for the Dressage World Breeding Championships.
To be eligible, horses must achieve the following Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs):
- 5-year-old horses – 3 clear rounds in competitions of at least 115 cm
- 6-year-old horses – 3 clear rounds in competitions of at least 125 cm
- 7-year-old horses – 3 clear rounds in competitions of at least 135 cm
The required results must be achieved at CSIYH competitions or within a National Selection Procedure organised by the NF. Results must be obtained during the calendar year of the Championship and no later than the date of definite entries.
According to the WBFSH, these MERs are designed to:
- Ensure that horses arrive at the Championships with an appropriate level of preparation,
- Support a consistent and transparent qualification pathway, and
- Contribute to the long-term welfare and development of young jumping horses.
The MERs will be communicated to all National Federations (NFs), as entries to the Championships must be submitted by the respective NF.
As before, the selection of horses remains the responsibility of each NF, in close cooperation with the WBFSH member studbook(s) within their country.
Adjustment to competition format – 5-year-old horses
An important update has also been made to the competition format for 5-year-old horses.
At the Championships, 5-year-old classes will now be judged against an optimum time rather than against the clock. This adjustment is intended to:
- Place greater emphasis on correct and educational riding,
- Reduce time pressure in competition, and
- Better support the developmental stage of younger horses.
Looking ahead
“These changes reflect a shared commitment by the WBFSH and the FEI to safeguard the future of the sport by aligning competition structures with the needs of young horses, while maintaining the high sporting standards of the Championships.
“The full guidelines, including details of the MERs, will be published on the FEI and WBFSH websites. The updated Championship schedule will follow later this year, ahead of the opening of entries.”
Source: WBFSH press release edited by Equestrian Life
