It ensures equal opportunities, safety for both horse and rider, and fairness in show jumping: The performance class (LKl.) on the annual tournament license determines which tests from E to S the rider or rider-in-training may compete in at a tournament. By dividing participants into different performance classes, equally strong competitors are supposed to compete against each other in the competition, rather than beginners against professionals.
Anyone who applies for an FN annual tournament license for the first time receives performance level 6. In the following years, the respective performance level is determined by the achievements in the current and previous season. The invitations to participate in a tournament specify exactly which performance level you must have in order to be allowed to participate in a competition.
However, active tournament riders can also be classified into the various performance categories based on specific badges, training as a horse master, a focus on horseback riding, and, for example, a qualification as an amateur instructor. Detailed information can be found in the Performance Examination Regulations (LPO).
Eligibility for admission and grading criteria
| Eligibility to start in examination classes | Automatic classification based on achievements | Possible upon request under the following conditions | |
| S7 E, WB according to WBO | Possession of an FN beginner’s license | ||
| S6 E, A | Ownership FN- Annual Tournament License LKl 6 | DRA IV or RA5 | |
| S5 A, L | Ownership FN- Annual Tournament License LKl 5 | DRAIII or RA4 o. RA3 | |
| S4 A, L, M | 1 x Class M or 3 x Class L | Horse Riding Instructor, Trainer, A o. DRA II or RA2 (Jumping) | |
| S3 A to S | 1 x Kl S or 3 x Kl M | Master of Equestrian Management o. DRAI or RA1 | |
| S2 A to S | 8 x Kl S or 17 x Kl M** plus 3 x Kl S | DRA in Gold or RA in Gold | |
| S1 A (only build tests) to S | 25 x Kl S**, Kl. S***, Kl. S**** or 3 x in a Grand Prix at CSI3*, CSI4*, CSI5* | ||