Riding badges in equestrian sport
Riding badges play a central role in equestrian sport and serve as recognized benchmarks for the professional qualifications and skills of riders. They are not only an expression of individual achievement, but also an important step on the way to continuous improvement and the fulfillment of personal goals in equestrian sport. In this article, we will provide a detailed insight into the world of riding badges - from their significance and history to the requirements, tests and preparation options.
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Whatare riding badges?
Riding badges are qualifications in equestrian sport that certify your riding skills and knowledge of horse management and care. They serve as a guide to your level of training and are often a prerequisite for participation in certain competitions or for pursuing further careers in equestrian sports. The badges are offered at different levels, from basic knowledge to advanced skills. To earn a riding badge, you usually have to pass a theoretical and practical test that evaluates your knowledge and practical riding skills.
History and development of riding badges
The history and development of riding badges reflects the changes in equestrian sport and the adaptation of training standards over the years. Originally, riding badges served as proof of riding skills, particularly in military contexts. Over time, however, they became an integral part of civilian equestrian training.
In Germany, the system of riding badges has been standardized by the German Equestrian Federation (FN) to ensure uniform training and assessment. The badges range from the basic horse knowledge pass to specific performance badges covering various disciplines and riding styles.
The continuous development of the riding badges ensures that they reflect current safety standards, ethical guidelines and scientific findings in horse keeping and training. They not only serve as proof of training, but also as a motivational aid and quality feature for riders and trainers.
However, the development of riding badges extends not only to the German Equestrian Federation (FN), but also to other associations, in particular the International Equestrian Federation (FEI) and the International Icelandic Horse Federation (FEIF), as well as national associations such as the German Icelandic Horse Riders and Breeders Association (IPZV) and the German Western Riders Association (EWU).
The FEI, as the governing body of international equestrian sport, has established its own guidelines and requirements for riders and their qualifications. These include various levels and categories of badges and licenses that enable riders to take part in international competitions and establish themselves as professional riders.
Similarly, the FEIF has developed specific guidelines and tests for riders in Icelandic horse sport. These also include different levels of badges that reflect the ability and experience in handling Icelandic horses.
In the area of western riding, the EWU has developed its own programs and badges based on the principles and techniques of western riding. These include various disciplines such as Western Horsemanship, Trail, Reining and Pleasure.
Discipline-specific badges are also offered in the disciplines of driving, vaulting, ground work, lunging and classical baroque horsemanship.
The development of riding badges in various associations reflects the diversity and specialization in equestrian sport and offers riders the opportunity to demonstrate and further develop their skills and knowledge in their respective disciplines.
What FN riding badges are there?
In Germany, riding badges are mainly awarded by the German Equestrian Federation (FN) and range from the basic horse knowledge pass and various riding badges to specialized badges such as the trail riding badge. These badges are divided into different performance classes, starting with class 10 riding badges for beginners through to class 1 for advanced riders. Each badge requires a successful examination, which includes theoretical knowledge, practical skills in handling the horse and riding skills. The higher badges require additional knowledge of horse keeping, feeding and health as well as training theory.
Riding badge 10
The requirements and content of the RA 10 are designed to give beginners and newcomers their first introduction to equestrian sport. As the most basic riding badge, the RA 10 is intended for riders who are still in the early stages of their riding training. The test is usually carried out on the lunge or lead rein, which gives participants the opportunity to concentrate on learning basic skills.
During the RA 10 test, participants are asked to demonstrate basic riding skills, including riding on the lunge at a walk and trot and riding one behind the other at a walk and trot. Optionally, an off-road riding unit can also take place, which tests the riders' skills in the outdoor arena on the lead rein.
The examination stations also cover various aspects of horse care and handling. These include grooming the horse with a currycomb and brush, hoof and tail care as well as saddling and bridling. In addition, basic ground work skills such as approaching and approaching the horse, leading and holding as well as tying up are tested.
The assessment of the test is based on the level of knowledge and skills in handling the horse as well as basic knowledge about horses. The rider's balance and looseness during the exercises are also assessed. The test is graded as "pass" or "fail", without detailed marks. If the test is not passed, it can be repeated at a later date.
Riding badge 9
The requirements and content of the RA 9 require riders to ride without the support of a lunge or lead reins. Graduates must have a solid understanding of horse care, be able to lead the horse safely and have knowledge of horse behavior.
Riders of any age who have completed a corresponding preparation course can take the test for riding badge 9. Riding badges 10 to 6 inclusive can be taken in any order and can also be repeated.
The required riding skills include riding in a group at a walk, trot (light trot and sitting out) and canter. An optional cross-country riding unit can also take place, in which the participants are tested in all basic gaits in the outdoor area.
The examination stations include preparing the horse for riding, including grooming, assisting with saddling and bridling and adjusting the stirrup gauge. Knowledge of the principles of horse behavior and ethical principles are also tested. In ground work, skills such as approaching and approaching the horse, leading and holding at a predetermined point and tying up are tested. In addition, leading exercises are carried out that include safety in the stable lane and passing other horses.
The assessment of the test is based on the level of knowledge and skills in handling the horse as well as basic knowledge about horses. The rider's balance and looseness during the exercises are also assessed. The test is graded as "pass" or "fail", without detailed marks. If the test is not passed, it can be repeated at a later date.
Riding badge 8
The requirements and content of RA 8 represent a new challenge, as riding in a light seat is added. In addition to ground work, which includes exercises in handling the horse such as leading, participants demonstrate their knowledge of horse breeds, colors, markings and conformation. They will also learn about seat forms, hoof beats and the rules of the arena.
Riders of any age who have completed an appropriate preparation course can take the test for riding badge 8. Riding badges 10 to 6 inclusive can be taken and repeated in any order.
The test consists of three sections. In the first part of the test, the dressage, the participants must present the horses/ponies according to the instructions of the trainer, similar to the E class. They should also ride at a walk without stirrups, preferably in the outdoor arena. In the second part of the test, seat training/riding with shortened stirrups, the participants complete a skill task involving riding in a light seat in various ways and over poles and ground tricks. An optional cross-country riding unit can also take place, which is tested in the outdoor area on uneven ground and in the light seat as well as when riding uphill and downhill.
The station tests cover knowledge of horse breeds, colors, markings and conformation (station 1), basic knowledge of seat forms, hoof beats and the track order (station 2) as well as further ground work exercises such as approaching and approaching the horse and leading in various situations (station 3).
The assessment is based on the level of knowledge and skills in handling the horse as well as riding ability. The result is "pass" or "fail", without detailed marks. If the test is not passed, it can be repeated at a later date.
Riding badge 7
The requirements and content of RA 7 include riding in a light seat and overcoming ground tricks. In dressage, a task is ridden according to the instructor's instructions. Graduates are able to ride in a section and are familiar with the hoof beat figures and the different gaits. In addition, they have an understanding of ethical principles and are aware of their special responsibility towards their four-legged partner. They also know how to avoid accidents when handling horses.
Riders of any age who have attended a corresponding preparation course can take the test for riding badge 7. Riding badges 10 to 6 inclusive can be taken and repeated in any order.
The test consists of three sections. In the first part of the test, dressage, the participants must present the horses/ponies (individually or in pairs) in a dressage test on the dressage arena and ride at least at the trot without stirrups. In the second part of the test, riding in a light seat and over ground tricks, the participants complete exercises in the outdoor arena on uneven ground and at different speeds while riding in a light seat. An optional cross-country riding unit can also take place.
The station tests cover knowledge of gaits, hoof beats and section riding (station 1), safety in handling and riding as well as ethical principles (station 2) and further ground work exercises such as approaching and approaching the horse and leading in various situations (station 3).
The assessment is based on the level of knowledge and skills in handling the horse as well as riding ability. The result is "pass" or "fail", without detailed marks. If the test is not passed, it can be repeated at a later date.
Riding badge 6
The requirements and content of the RA 6 include initial experience with low jumps and the completion of a dressage task based on the E class. The station tests test knowledge about horse keeping, feeding and the health of horses. Knowledge of ground work is supplemented by the performance of a triangle test.
Riders of any age who have completed an appropriate preparation course can take the test for riding badge 6. Riding badges 10 to 6 inclusive can be taken and repeated in any order.
The test consists of three parts. In the first part of the test, dressage, the participants must perform a dressage task based on the E class, either alone or in pairs, and ride in the three basic gaits without stirrups. In the second part of the test, riding in a light seat and over ground tricks, the participants complete exercises that are similar to the requirements of a cross-country competition. An optional cross-country riding unit can also take place.
The station tests cover knowledge about horse keeping, feeding and horse health (station 1) as well as various aspects of ground work such as approaching and approaching the horse, leading and holding in various situations, leading hoof beats and backing up (station 2). This station also includes a triangle demonstration and principles of safety when loading.
The assessment is based on the level of knowledge and skills in handling the horse as well as riding ability. The result is "pass" or "fail", without detailed marks. If the test is not passed, it can be repeated at a later date.
Riding badge 5
There is no age limit for participation in riding badge 5. There is the option of taking the riding badge 5 in different disciplines, namely dressage, show jumping or cross-country (RA 5 dressage, RA 5 show jumping, RA 5 cross-country). Riders who obtain the riding badge 5 receive the annual show license with performance class 6 and can take part in tournaments in classes E and A.
The requirements for riding badge 5 include membership of an equestrian sports club that is a member of a regional and/or affiliated association of the FN, possession of the horse driving license for handling/basic pass for horsemanship or riding badges 7 and 6 as well as participation in a preparation course. The horses presented must be at least 5 years old and be sufficiently advanced in their training to meet the requirements of the test.
The test consists of three parts. In the first part of the test, dressage, the participants must perform a dressage test based on class E, either alone or in pairs, whereby auxiliary reins are permitted and the horse is ridden without reins at all gaits. In the second part of the test, the jumping, the rider's light seat is tested and a class E style jumping test takes place, in which the seat and the rider's influence, the harmonious mastery of the tasks set and the overall impression are assessed. An optional cross-country riding unit can also take place.
The station tests include an examination discussion on the rider's own practical part(s) of the test and riding theory in accordance with the requirements of class E (station 1), knowledge of entry into competition sport and knowledge of riding behaviour in the field, on the road and in woods and fields (station 2), knowledge of accident prevention (station 3) and various exercises on the triangular course as well as training with poles and systematic desensitization (station 4).
In order to pass the riding badge 5, applicants must achieve an average grade of at least 5.5 from all partial tests, whereby no grades are awarded for the station tests. The examination result is "pass" or "fail". The individual grades of the other partial examinations must not be below 5.0. In the event of failure, the examination can be repeated after three months at the earliest. The cross-country test has no relevance for passing or failing the RA 5, unless it replaces the jumping test.
Riding badge 4
There is no age limit for riders who wish to take the riding badge 4. It is possible to take the riding badge 4 in different disciplines, namely dressage, show jumping or cross-country (RA 4 dressage, RA 4 show jumping, RA 4 cross-country).
The requirements for Riding Badge 4 include membership of an equestrian sports club that is a member of a regional and/or affiliated association of the FN, possession of Riding Badge 5 and participation in a preparation course. The horses presented must be at least 5 years old and be sufficiently advanced in their training to meet the requirements of the test.
The test consists of three parts. In the first test, dressage, the participants must perform a class A dressage test in accordance with the task booklet, either alone or in pairs, whereby auxiliary reins are not permitted. In the second part of the test, jumping, the rider's ability to ride in a light seat is tested and a class A* style jumping test with standard requirements is carried out. An optional cross-country unit can also take place.
The station tests comprise an examination interview on the rider's own practical test(s) and riding theory in accordance with the requirements of Class A and the training scale (Station 1), the rider's fitness (Station 2) and the basic equipment of a riding horse (Station 3).
In order to pass the riding badge 4, applicants must achieve an average grade of at least 5.5 from all partial tests, whereby no grades are awarded for the station tests. The examination result is "pass" or "fail". The individual grades of the other partial examinations must not be below 5.0. In the event of failure, the examination can be repeated after three months at the earliest. The cross-country test has no relevance for passing or failing RA 4, unless it replaces the jumping test.
Riding badge 3
There is no age limit for riders aiming to achieve the riding badge 3. It is possible to take the riding badge 3 in different disciplines, namely dressage, show jumping or cross-country (RA 3 dressage, RA 3 show jumping, RA 3 cross-country).
The requirements for riding badge 3 include membership of an equestrian sports club that is a member of a regional and/or affiliated association of the FN, possession of riding badge 4 and participation in a preparation course. The horses presented must be at least 5 years old and be sufficiently advanced in their training to meet the test requirements. For the discipline-specific version of the riding badge 3, the horses must be at least 6 years old.
The test consists of three parts. In the first part of the competition, dressage, the participants must perform an elementary class dressage test on a snaffle according to the task booklet, ridden individually. In the second part of the competition, the jumping, a class A** style jumping test with standard requirements is carried out. An optional cross-country unit can also take place.
The station examinations include an examination discussion on the rider's own practical part(s) of the examination and riding theory in accordance with the requirements of elementary class (station 1), code of conduct/code of honor in equestrian sport (station 2) and training theory (fitness, coordination) (station 3).
In order to pass the riding badge 3, applicants must achieve an average grade of at least 5.5 from all partial tests, whereby no grades are awarded for the station tests. The examination result is "pass" or "fail". The individual grades of the other partial examinations must not be below 5.0. In the event of failure, the examination can be repeated after three months at the earliest. The cross-country test has no relevance for passing or failing the RA 3, unless it replaces the jumping test.
Riding badge 2
There is no age limit for riders who wish to obtain the Riding Badge 2. It is possible to take the riding badge 2 in different disciplines, namely dressage and show jumping (RA 2 dressage, RA 2 show jumping), or to obtain it on the basis of competition success.
The requirements for Riding Badge 2 include membership of an equestrian sports club that is a member of a regional and/or affiliated association of the FN, possession of Riding Badge 3 and participation in a preparation course. The horses presented must be at least 5 years old and be sufficiently advanced in their training to meet the test requirements. For the discipline-specific version of the Riding Badge 2, the horses must be at least 6 years old.
The test consists of three parts. In the first part of the competition, dressage, the participants must perform an elementary class dressage test on curb bit according to the task booklet, ridden individually. In the second part of the test, the jumping test, a class L style jumping test with standard requirements is carried out. An optional cross-country unit can also take place.
The station examinations include an examination discussion on the rider's own practical test(s) and riding theory in accordance with the requirements for elementary class (station 1), the fitting of equipment, in particular the bit/curb (station 2) and training theory, functional anatomy, conformation theory (station 3).
To pass the riding badge 2, applicants must achieve an average grade of at least 6.0 from all partial tests. There are no grades for the station tests, the test result is "pass" or "fail". The individual grades of the other partial examinations must not be below 5.0. In the event of failure, the examination can be repeated after three months at the earliest.
Alternatively, the riding badge 2 can be acquired on the basis of competition successes. Successes at competitions (individual successes) at home and abroad (from 1.1.1973) are taken into account, whereby only results from international competitions abroad are recognized if the FN has made the nomination in accordance with Art. 121 RG. Various success criteria such as victories in elementary or medium class dressage or show jumping competitions and placings in higher classes are taken into account.
Riding badge 1
There is no age limit for those aiming for the Riding Badge 1. There is the option of either taking the riding badge 1 in specific disciplines (RA 1 dressage, RA 1 show jumping) or obtaining it on the basis of competition success.
The following requirements must be met in order to obtain Riding Badge 1: membership of an equestrian sports club that belongs to one of the regional and/or affiliated associations of the FN, possession of Riding Badge 2 and participation in a corresponding preparation course. The horses presented must be at least 6 years old and advanced enough in their training to meet the test requirements. For the discipline-specific version of the Riding Badge 1, the horses must be at least 7 years old.
The test consists of three parts. In the first test, the dressage test, a medium (M) level dressage test on curb bit is completed in accordance with the task booklet. The second part of the competition consists of a class M* style jumping test with standard requirements. The third part of the test consists of station tests, including an examination discussion on the rider's own practical tests and on riding theory in accordance with the requirements of the medium (M) class as well as a test on training theory (cause/effect).
To pass the riding badge 1, applicants must achieve an average of at least 6.0 from all partial tests. There are no grades for the station tests, the test result is either "pass" or "fail". The individual grades for the other partial examinations must not be below 5.0. In the event of failure, the examination can be repeated after three months at the earliest.
Alternatively, the riding badge 1 can be acquired on the basis of competition successes. Competition results (individual successes) at home and abroad are taken into account, whereby only results from international competitions abroad are recognized if the entry has been made by the FN in accordance with Art. 121 RG. Successes in various disciplines such as dressage or show jumping at medium (M) level or higher are taken into account.
Golden Riding Badge
Obtaining the Golden Riding Badge differs from other riding badges as it cannot be obtained through an examination, but exclusively through sporting success. The relevant criteria for this are set out in the Training Examination Regulations (APO).
To achieve the Golden Riding Badge, sporting success in the disciplines of dressage, show jumping or eventing is required. In dressage and show jumping, ten victories each at advanced (S) level must be achieved at at least five different competition venues. Dressage successes include ten wins in advanced (S) level dressage tests, including at least one win in tests with full pirouettes. For show jumping, it requires ten wins in advanced (S) level show jumping competitions, including at least one win in advanced (S**) level. Placings at a higher level can supplement or replace the requirements.
Specific criteria apply to eventing, such as a placing in a CCI5*-L or an FEI Championship or a victory in a CCI4*-L. Combinations of different disciplines can also lead to the Golden Riding Badge, for example five placings in medium (M**) level dressage competitions and five placings in medium (M)/category A show jumping competitions.
The Golden Riding Badge is awarded on application after the required successes in competition have been achieved. Applicants can submit the application to the national association or the national commission, and the FN will issue the certificate and the badge after checking the successes.
Preparation for the exams
Preparing for exams requires careful planning and time management. It is important that you start studying early and create a schedule that covers all exam topics. Prioritize topics according to difficulty and availability of resources. Create an environment conducive to learning where you can work undisturbed.
Effective learning strategies include creating summaries, making flashcards and carrying out self-tests. Group work can also be beneficial as it allows for the sharing of knowledge and discussion of problems. Preparation courses are often offered at stable communities to provide good preparation.
You can also prepare yourself independently before the respective course. Have a look at our articles for hoof beats or training plan creation.
Costs and registration for the riding badge
To register for a course or program, it is important to understand the associated costs. These are made up of the application fee, course fees and possible additional expenses, such as material costs or examination fees. The enrollment process itself usually involves filling out an application form, submitting required documents and paying the enrollment fee. Make sure you meet all deadlines to secure your place. Once you have successfully registered, you will receive confirmation and further information about the start of the course.
Tips for a successful exam
Comprehensive preparation is essential in order to pass an exam successfully. Start the study phase early in order to thoroughly cover the material. Create a realistic study plan that allows enough time for repetition and breaks. Use various learning methods such as flashcards, summaries and study groups to internalize the material.
Make sure you understand the exam formats and use old exams for practice if necessary. Make sure you eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep, as this helps your concentration and memory. Immediately before the exam, it is advisable to arrive at the exam venue early to avoid additional stress.
During the exam, it is important to stay calm and read the tasks carefully. Time management is crucial in order to have enough time for all tasks. After the exam, it is useful to reflect on the experience in order to learn for future exams.
Importance of riding badges for a riding career
Riding badges serve as proof of qualified riding skills and are of great importance for a riding career. They reflect the level of riding ability and are often a prerequisite for participation in competitions. With every badge you earn, you show your willingness to develop further and take on new challenges. The badges are also important for your professional career, for example if you want to become a trainer or open your own riding school. Structured learning and official recognition through riding badges contribute to safety in equestrian sports and promote a sense of responsibility towards the horse.