Ponyforum will not sponsor any competitions at the Bundeschampionat in 2026

There will no longer be a test with an outside rider for four-year-olds, who will instead compete in a Class A dressage pony or dressage horse class; no more pre-inspections, no more separate conformation scores—these are some of the changes the FN has announced as a “pilot project” for this year’s Bundeschampionat. The elimination of conformation scores, in particular, has sparked debate, and Dr. Carsten Munk, chairman of the German Judges’ Association (DRV), has spoken out vehemently against this measure in an interview with EQUI PAGES.

In the meantime, the FN has made a slight change in its approach. The evaluation of the building is now scheduled to take place before the start of the riding competitions. The exact procedure has not been announced. When asked whether the conformation evaluation would be part of the schedule, we received no response. However, it was explained that the evaluation would be open to the public.

For many years, Ponyforum GmbH has supported the riding pony competitions at the Bundeschampionat. Today, a statement was released indicating that this year’s showcase of German riding horse and riding pony breeding will have to do without this major marketplace for ponies and small horses. The reason: the changes mentioned above.

Statement from Ponyforum

Today, June 21, 2026, the Ponyforum issued the following statement:

In 2026, for the first time in nearly 20 years, Ponyforum GmbH will not be a sponsor of the

are available for the National Championships.

This was not an easy decision for us to make. The National Championship was and is for

German pony and horse breeding is an event of particular importance. Especially

That is why we would like to explain our reasons transparently.

In our view, the basis for any sponsorship should always be that one identifies with the

Event concept, the exam formats, and the underlying

can identify evaluation criteria.

In light of the changes planned for 2026—particularly regarding riding competitions for three- and four-year-old ponies and horses—we do not currently meet these requirements to a sufficient degree.

According to announcements by the German Equestrian Federation, as part of a

The so-called pilot project introduced significant changes both in the conduct of the exams and in

be made in accordance with the evaluation criteria. We generally believe that event formats evolve over time and that adjustments may be necessary,

That’s right. However, changes should be professionally sound, transparent, and effective.

In our view, this is precisely where there are significant doubts.

For many years, the National Championships were regarded as the flagship event of German pony and horse breeding. The previous competition format was well-established, professionally recognized, and widely accepted by riders, breeders, and owners, as well as by spectators.

The concept of animal welfare is now, quite rightly, taking on ever greater importance in our society. This applies to equestrian sports just as much as it does to agriculture as a whole. This development is to be wholeheartedly welcomed and has already led to significant—and in some cases long-overdue—changes in recent years.

Topic: Building Rating

In our view, however, the recently adopted adjustments do not meet this requirement to the necessary extent.

Under the new testing format, the assessment of physical build will no longer be a standalone evaluation criterion, but will instead be included as a subscore in the evaluation of the

Take the overall impression into account.

At the same time, the assessment of the horse’s conformation will no longer take place after the presentation under the rider, as has been the case in the past, but will instead be conducted separately on the day before the actual test.

We cannot understand how isolating a single evaluation criterion and moving it to the previous day is supposed to contribute to improving animal welfare. On the contrary: For the participating ponies and horses, this regularly means arriving earlier. It also places additional organizational and financial burdens on owners and riders.

Transparency in Question

In this context, we view as particularly problematic the announcement that the conformation evaluation following the presentation under saddle will be supplemented by an additional conformation score the following day.

This raises questions about the transparency and traceability of the grading process. There is a risk that the assessment of physique will no longer be perceived as an independent quality criterion, but will in fact become a corrective factor applied retroactively to the overall grade.

Suitable for young horses or ponies?

The changes for four-year-old horses and ponies appear even more significant. In the

In the future, the final test will be a Class A dressage test; the performance will take place individually.

Here, too, we must ask whether this format of the reform and whether it represents the appropriate solution for young horses and ponies in this context.

Inconsistent Qualification Modes

It is also worth noting that it is left up to the breeding associations—which are responsible for nominating the competitors—to decide whether the qualifying trials leading up to the championship will be conducted according to the previous format or already according to the modified format of the pilot project. In our view, this also raises questions regarding comparability, consistency, and equal opportunity.

If one follows the publications of the German Equestrian Federation on this

With regard to this topic, it should be noted that following the adoption of the changes in the spring,

There have already been several revisions.

This, too, reinforces our view that the proposed changes, taken as a whole, do not yet appear to have been sufficiently thought through.

Conclusion

Our conclusion is therefore:

We strongly believe that the approach of placing an even greater emphasis on animal welfare is

That’s right. This goal deserves respect and support. The developments of the past

Over the years, progress has been made in the right direction in many areas.

However, we view the latest changes to the 2026 National Championship with skepticism. In our view, it is questionable whether such a pilot project should be carried out within the framework of the National Championship of all places should be based. This is all the more true given that it can be applied to equestrian competitions It currently seems highly unlikely that the general tournament season will take place.

In light of this, we have decided not to sponsor the 2026 National Championship.

Eckhard Scharf

Ponyforum GmbH

We have asked the FN for a statement.