The FEI/WBFSH World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses is an event where sport and breeding come together. In Verden, the best five-, six-, and seven-year-old dressage horses compete for the world titles. Combinations can register for the selection process from the end of March.

Participation
To be considered for selection for the World Championships, combinations can register for the first selection moments that will take place on Tuesday, April 21, and Thursday, April 23, 2026. During these observations, the FEI Preliminary Dressage Test will be ridden for each age group.The tests will be evaluated by the selection committee for the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, consisting of Johan Hamminga, Janine van Twist, and Alex van Silfhout. Registration is possible via MijnKNHS. Horses participating in the selection process must have been registered as a foal with a studbook recognized and established in the Netherlands that is also affiliated with the WBFSH. Riders must be members of the KNHS, and the combination must hold a valid competition card.

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