Registration for the selection process for the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses has opened. The first observation rounds will take place on April 21 and 23 in Ermelo, and in the months that follow, it will be determined which combinations will represent the Netherlands in Verden from August 4 up to and including August 9.

The FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses is the ultimate event where sport and breeding come together. The best five-, six-, and seven-year-old dressage horses compete in Verden for the world titles.

Participation
Combinations can register via Equicompetition until April 14 for the first selection moments on April 21 and 23 in Ermelo, with the possibility of late entry up to and including April 17. During this selection, the FEI Preliminary Dressage Test will be ridden for each respective age group. This will be assessed by the selection committee for the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, consisting of Johan Hamminga, Janine van Twist and Alex van Silfhout. Horses participating in the selection process must have been registered as a foal with a studbook that is recognized and based in the Netherlands and is also affiliated with the WBFSH. As of April 1, 2026, combinations must be eligible to compete at the following levels:

Five-year-olds: L2+10 / eligible at M level
Six-year-olds: M2+10 / eligible at Z level
Seven-year-olds: eligible at ZZ-Zwaar level

Further selection process
After the first selection, approximately twenty horses per age group will be invited for the second observation in Delft on May 27 and 28. The combinations selected in Ermelo will again present the Preliminary Test. This observation will also be the entry moment for the wildcards, who will present the Final Test. On June 22, the best twelve horses per age group will return to Ermelo. There, the Final Test will serve as the final selection moment. After this, the Dutch delegation for the World Championships will be announced.

Schematic overview Selections
Selection criteria

Source: MvE for KWPN
Photo: KWPN