Sport & Results

FN Competition License: Which License Do You Need to Compete?

You don't need a license for WBO competitions in Germany, but you do for LPO tests. Here's how the taster license and annual competition license differ, and what documents you'll need for your application.

Equidara editorial team · 20 October 2026 · 5 min read

FN Competition License: Which License Do You Need to Compete? — AI-generated image

The type of FN license you need for competing in Germany depends on whether you're entering competitions or tests. For WBO competitions, no license is required. For LPO performance tests, you'll need either a 'Schnupperlizenz' (taster license) or an annual competition license. The taster license is only valid for Class E. From Class A upwards, the annual competition license is mandatory. Additionally, for LPO tests, your horse must be registered as a competition horse. The information in this article reflects the FN website's status as of October 2026. Deadlines, fees, and classifications may change with revisions to the LPO.

Which License Suits Your Entry into Competition?

The German Equestrian Federation (FN) records your personal qualifications, such as riding badges and competition successes, in the annual competition license. This allows them to verify which tests you are eligible to enter. The license is therefore for you as a rider or driver. Registering your horse as a competition horse is a separate step.

WBO: No License Required, but Club Membership May Be Mandatory Depending on the State Association

According to the German Equestrian Federation (FN), no license is required for WBO competitions. Whether you need to be a member of a riding or driving club for these varies by state association in Germany. You can find out what applies in your region from your local state association.

Taster License: Class E Without a Riding Badge

The taster license corresponds to Performance Class 7. With it, you are only permitted to compete in Class E. You must be a member of a riding or driving club, but you don't need a riding badge.

The FN issues the taster license free of charge for the first year. After that, you can renew it as often as you like for a fee. If you have previously held an annual competition license, you cannot apply for a taster license.

Annual Competition License: Entry via Proficiency Test

With Riding or Driving Badge 5 and club membership, you receive the annual competition license with Performance Class 6. This allows you to compete in Classes E and A.

With Riding or Driving Badge 4, you receive the annual competition license with Performance Class 5. According to the FN, this permits entries in Classes A and L for riding, and Classes A and M for driving. For your initial application, your classification is based on the badge you submit.

Only from Performance Class 4 onwards can you be classified based on both badges and competition successes. Performance Classes 2 and 1 are achieved solely through competition successes. Your license will show your performance class, ranking points, and eligibility for open and restricted tests.

How to Prepare Your Initial Application

The documents you need for your initial application depend on whether you are applying for a taster license or an annual competition license with Performance Class 6.

For the taster license, you need:

primary membership in a riding or driving club affiliated with an FN state association,
a fully completed application form with a club stamp.

For your first annual competition license with Performance Class 6, you need:

primary membership in a riding or driving club affiliated with an FN state association,
a copy of your Riding or Driving Badge 5,
a fully completed application form with a club stamp.

By applying for an annual competition license and with each annual renewal, you acknowledge the rules and test specifications.

Nennung Online: Access and Competition Entry

According to the FN page „Turnier nennen“, you can only enter national riding and driving competitions in Germany with LPO performance tests via the FN portal Nennung Online. If you only wish to enter WBO competitions, you can use the WBO entry form.

For registration with Nennung Online, the FN's Competition Service outlines these steps:

Print the form from step 3 of the registration process.
Sign it and send it to the FN. Your consent to the procedure is only valid once your signature has been received there.
After activation, you will receive your username and password in separate emails.
After your first login, change your password under "My Account > Change Password".

Your horse must also be activated. After its initial registration as a competition horse or pony, it is automatically activated in Nennung Online for the current calendar year. After that, you must renew its activation for each competition season. To do this, after logging in, open the horse list and click on the arrow next to the horse that has not yet been renewed.

Renewing Your License or Reapplying After a Break

If you have an annual or taster license, you will receive an email at the end of the year. You can then renew your license via Nennung Online.

According to FN information as of October 2026: If your annual or taster license has not been renewed for more than three years, you must reapply for it. Your riding badge remains valid.

Guest License for Foreign Competitors

Foreign riders, drivers, and vaulters require a guest license for competing in national tournaments in Germany, according to the FN page „Gastlizenz für ausländische Turnierteilnehmer“. For this, you need a completed application form, the consent of your home equestrian federation, and the consent of the organizers of the competitions you wish to enter. If you, as a foreign rider, driver, or vaulter, reside in Germany, you can also apply for an FN annual competition license from the start of your stay. For this, you will need the written consent of your home federation.

As a rider or vaulter with a guest license, you will be classified according to your FN competition successes from previous years. If you have no such successes, you choose your performance class yourself when applying. If you renew your guest license in the same year, you retain your performance class. You can apply for an upgrade if the necessary successes are verifiable.

Common questions

Do I need a competition license for WBO competitions?

No. No license is required for WBO competitions in Germany. Whether you need to be a member of a riding or driving club for these varies by state association. You can find out from your local state association.

Can I get a taster license without a riding badge?

Yes. You need primary membership in a riding or driving club affiliated with an FN state association and a completed application form with a club stamp. The taster license only allows entries in Class E. If you have previously held an annual competition license, you cannot apply for it.

What do I need for my first annual competition license with Performance Class 6?

You need Riding or Driving Badge 5, primary membership in a riding or driving club affiliated with an FN state association, a copy of your badge, and a completed application form with a club stamp.

What applies after a longer break from competing?