Junior Breeders

For the next generation

Our junior breeders are young people and young adults up to the age of 25 who are interested in horses, horse breeding and the handling of these noble animals. They do not need to be members of a breeding association or already breed horses themselves. What really matters is a passion for horses and horse breeding.

The Westphalian junior breeders are organized in various districts and compete every year in a regional championship. This is where the best junior breeders are selected to represent the Westphalian team at the National Junior Breeders' Competition, which brings together all German horse breeding associations.

Participants are judged in three age groups: 9–13, 14–18 and 19–25 years. The national competition also includes a team ranking.

In the junior breeders' competitions, participants – divided into age groups – demonstrate their skills and knowledge in four disciplines: in-hand presentation, theory, conformation judging and free jumping assessment.

The focus is on sharing ideas and community spirit!

The conformation judging is all about recognizing the strengths and weaknesses of a horse's conformation. Anyone who understands freedom of the gaits, how the head neck connection is set on and the angulation of the limbs is unlikely to buy an unsuitable horse.

Presenting a horse correctly is a skill you need again and again in everyday life – whether at a vet appointment, a horse inspection, when buying a horse or at a mare and foal show. Anyone who can present a horse perfectly in hand at walk and trot is at a clear advantage.