Within the KWPN, inspections, performance tests and participation in sport are entirely focused on a fair, safe and welfare-oriented evaluation process. In line with the Good Practice Guide, this approach is based on respect for the intrinsic value of the horse, the promotion of positive experiences and the prevention of unnecessary strain or stress.

Welfare-Oriented Participation in Inspections

Inspections encourage owners to present their horses in optimal physical and mental condition. Horses are properly cared for, vaccinated in time and appropriately trimmed or shod. Clear welfare rules apply regarding appearance and preparation:

  • Sensory hairs around the mouth and eyes must not be removed. These hairs are essential to the horse’s sensory perception. Their removal limits the horse’s ability to perceive its surroundings and is therefore not permitted.
  • Hair inside the ear must not be clipped. It protects the ear canal and plays an important role in preventing irritation and infection.
  • Fully clipped foals are excluded from participation. Clipping disrupts the natural shedding process and increases the risk of skin damage and infections.
  • Functional trimming of excessively long hair or the hair on the legs and tail of adult horses is permitted.

Supervisors actively monitor compliance with these rules. Horses that are not presented in accordance with these regulations may not participate.

Presentation Based on Calmness, Respect and Welfare

The KWPN prefers to evaluate horses in a manner that aligns as closely as possible with their natural behaviour. Stimuli that cause stress or unnatural excitement, such as rattling cans or excessive use of the whip, are discouraged. Horses that become overly tense, overstimulated or move unnaturally as a result will not be assessed. Excessive use of the whip is prohibited and may lead to exclusion. In this way, the KWPN promotes preparation and presentation based on calmness, respect and welfare.

Performance Tests

The EPTM tests for mares and the performance test for stallions take place under equal and controlled conditions, ensuring that each horse’s natural ability can be assessed fairly and without overloading. Before the start of the test, each horse undergoes a clinical examination.

Only healthy horses free from medication are admitted. During the test period:

  • injuries are followed by rest or adjusted training;
  • recovery always takes precedence over progress;
  • horses with long-term interruptions are transferred to a later test.

Science and Societal Debate

The KWPN follows both scientific developments and societal debate: respecting the physical and mental development of young horses remains a guiding principle. In line with previous adjustments, including the discontinuation of the spring performance test for three-year-old stallions and the rescheduling of selection moments to better match the development of young horses , the entire selection framework is periodically evaluated and adjusted where necessary based on new insights.

Sport Classes

During young horse competitions and sport classes, the general regulations of the KNHS or VERT and, where applicable, the welfare codes of the respective sport federations apply. These rules safeguard fair and safe competition and support the welfare of the horse.

  • Horses are subject to random testing for prohibited substances. A positive result leads to the exclusion of the combination.
  • The judging panel may suspend the assessment if a horse is lame, irregular or mentally overstimulated, or when circumstances do not allow for a safe evaluation.
  • Officials supervise correct riding practices in the warm-up arena. Immediate action is taken in the event of unacceptable conduct.

The KWPN encourages sport federations to further strengthen enforcement and invests in education and training for judges and officials to ensure the consistent application of welfare regulations.