The World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses (WBFSH), together with the Fédération Équestre Internationale (FEI), have announced significant updates to the regulations governing the Jumping World Breeding Championships for Young Horses.
These changes are the result of ongoing discussions among key stakeholders within the sport, prompted by growing attention to age-appropriate competition demands, equine welfare, and the importance of creating greater transparency and consistency within young horse development pathways.
Introduction of Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs)
For the first time, Minimum Eligibility Requirements (MERs) will be implemented for participation in the Championships. Similar MER systems are already in place for the Dressage and Eventing World Breeding Championships.
The purpose of these MERs are to:
• Ensure horses arrive at the Championships with a suitable level of preparation,
• Promote a clear, consistent and transparent qualification process, and
• Support the long-term development and welfare of young jumping horses.
The MER criteria can be found here.
As is currently the case, the responsibility for horse selection will remain with each NF, working in close collaboration with the WBFSH member studbook(s) in their respective country.
Adjustment to Competition Format – 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.
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. The selection criteria including expression of interest form for the championships will be published shortly.
We encourage riders, owners, breeders and studbooks to familiarise themselves with these updates in preparation for the upcoming edition of the Jumping World Breeding Championships.