Equestrian is not only a sport in Germany, but also an art rooted in history and culture. From the medieval cavalry tradition to the pinnacle of modern Olympic competition, Germany has become a benchmark in the global equestrian field with its rigorous breeding system, world-class riders, and comprehensive training mechanisms. Whether it's the elegant strides of Hanowei horses, the precise control of dressage steps, or the thrilling scene of the Aachen World Equestrian Festival, German equestrianism always represents excellence and heritage. Here, every leap on horseback tells the ultimate pursuit of this ancient skill.

The equestrian tradition in Germany has a long and rich history, which can be traced back to the medieval knight culture. At that time, cavalry training and horseback combat skills became the core literacy of the aristocratic class. In the 16th century, with the rise of European equestrian schools, Germany began to systematically develop equestrianism, combining military needs with equestrian art. In the 18th and 19th centuries, under the influence of Prussian military reforms, equestrianism was further standardized, and natural horse training methods emphasizing harmony between horse and horse emerged, laying the foundation for modern equestrianism. In 1826, the Wallendorf State Equestrian School in Westphalia was established, marking the beginning of the systematization of equestrian education in Germany. The school is still the cradle of world-class riders today. At the end of the 19th century, with the arrival of the industrial age, equestrianism gradually shifted from the military field to competition and leisure, and equestrian clubs were established like mushrooms after rain in various places. At the beginning of the 20th century, the establishment of the German Equestrian Association (FN) unified breeding, training, and competition standards, and the dominant performance of German riders in international competitions after World War II further shaped "German Equestrian" as a synonym for precision, elegance, and innovation. Today, from the traditional horseback riding festival in the Black Forest region to the frequent raising of the German flag at the Olympic Games, this millennia old tradition of horseback riding continues to thrive in the symphony of hooves and sand.

German equestrianism has long dominated the world competitive stage, and its outstanding performance can be regarded as the gold standard of equestrian sports. Since the first equestrian event was established at the 1912 Stockholm Olympics, the German team has won 28 Olympic gold medals (as of 2023), a record far surpassing other countries, particularly in the areas of dressage and triathlon, demonstrating a near monopoly advantage. The success of German riders is by no means accidental - it is backed by a rigorous "pyramid" training system: more than 7600 equestrian clubs at the grassroots level send new talents every year, national training bases such as the Wallendorf Equestrian School provide scientific training, and the 12 level rider assessment system developed by the German Equestrian Association (FN) ensures the rigor of talent selection. Legendary rider Isabel Waite became the most successful athlete in equestrian history with 7 Olympic gold medals. Her perfect combination with the warhorse "Bella Ross" elevated the precision of German dressage to an artistic level; In the field of track obstacle racing, the "German style" jumping technique pioneered by famous athletes such as Rudge Bilbaum is still a model for riders worldwide to emulate. What's even more amazing is the team stability of the German team: at the 2021 Tokyo Olympics, Germany won both individual and team gold medals in dressage, and the CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival, known as the "Equestrian Wimbledon," attracts top riders from around the world to compete here every year. This sustained excellence stems not only from the excellent athletic genes of German warm blooded horses, but also from the training philosophy of "unity of horse and horse" - here, each participating horse enjoys a personalized training plan, and each rider is well versed in modern competitive intelligence of biomechanics and horse psychology.

German horse breeding is renowned for its scientific rigor and pursuit of excellence. For hundreds of years, it has cultivated multiple globally renowned warm blooded horse breeds, becoming the "champion bloodline" of international equestrian events. As the most representative sports horse in Germany, the Hannoveraner combines strength and elegance, leading the way in the field of dressage; Holsteiner, on the other hand, has long dominated field obstacle racing with astonishing explosive power and outstanding jumping ability; And Trakehner, with outstanding endurance and agility, has become the first choice for triathlete riders. The German Equestrian Association (FN) has established the strictest breeding system in the world: each stallion must undergo a performance test lasting up to 100 days to evaluate its athletic ability, personality, and health status, and only individuals in the top 5% of the overall score can obtain breeding permits. The unique "bloodline passport" system tracks the genealogy of each horse for five generations, combined with modern genetic technology to optimize genetic selection. This almost stringent standard has created the three major traits of "intelligence, stability, and high performance" in German warm blooded horses -75% of the medal winning horses at the 2022 World Equestrian Games have German ancestry. From the century old racecourse in Lower Saxony to the national horse auction in Westphalia, Germany has always interpreted the ultimate philosophy of "cultivating champion horses" with the spirit of craftsmanship.

Germany has built the most complete equestrian ecosystem in the world, perfectly integrating competitive sports, public participation, and industrial operation. With the German Equestrian Association (FN) as the core, more than 7600 certified equestrian clubs across the country have formed a training network covering urban and rural areas, with a membership of over 1.7 million. From the "Little Horse Rider" course for 5-year-old children to elite training for professional athletes, seamless connection has been achieved. The unique "German Equestrian Badge" 12 level certification system provides clear progression paths for riders at every level through theoretical exams, equestrian tests, and stable management assessments. The competition system presents a pyramid structure: grassroots club leagues, regional "Equestrian Champions Cup", and top-level international events (such as CHIO Aachen World Equestrian Festival) are organically linked, with over 20000 events of various levels held annually. The supporting industries are also developed - from the harness craftsmen's workshops in Lower Saxony to the Cologne International Equestrian Expo, forming a complete industrial chain. Of particular note is its' Equestrian Safety Gold Standard ': all venues must pass the FN safety certification, riders are required to purchase professional insurance, and the accident rate remains at the lowest level in the world throughout the year. This mature model of "national equestrian" enables Germany to continue producing Olympic champions while allowing ordinary families to enjoy equestrian fun at a reasonable cost, truly achieving a perfect balance between competitiveness and popularity.

German equestrian culture is deeply rooted in its historical traditions and modern life, forming a unique 'national identity on horseback'. From the ancient equestrian festivals in the Bavarian countryside to the crowded streets of the Aachen World Equestrian Festival, equestrianism is both a cultural heritage and a national carnival. This culture has given rise to a vast equestrian economic ecosystem: Germany has the largest number of equestrian tourism routes in Europe, attracting over 3 million tourists annually to experience "horseback vacations"; The annual output value of the horse industry has exceeded 6.7 billion euros, covering a complete industry chain from top-level racecourses to innovative horse equipment research and development. The combination of cultural landmarks such as the Munich Equestrian Museum and modern event economy has enabled Germany to successfully transform tradition into a model of sustainable value-added "green economy". Equestrian is not only a sport, but also a cultural calling card and economic engine for Germany.

German equestrianism, with its long history, world-class competitive level, scientific breeding system, and perfect training mechanism, has become a model for the development of global equestrianism. From Olympic gold medals to nationwide participation, from rigorous breeding to industrial prosperity, Germany has successfully made equestrianism a national calling card. Its unique "horse horse unity" concept and systematic operation mode not only continue the spirit of chivalry, but also promote equestrian sports to constantly reach new heights.