First, you must declare your willingness to participate in the FEIF Youth Cup by clicking on "Mein IPZV". To be considered for the German team, you must participate in at least one of our qualifying tournaments.
The following tournaments are qualifying tournaments for the FEIF Youth Cup:
Once all tournaments have been completed, a ranking will be determined as described in the FYC qualification mode, after which the eight participants for Team Germany will be selected.
On the first day, international teams are formed in which the young people train together under the supervision of a team leader. All teams train with all coaches in a wide variety of test types to find out which horse-rider combination will compete for their team in the respective test on the last two days of the tournament.
We are delighted to be able to provide the young people with five experienced trainers. All of them have many years of experience in Icelandic horse sports, some of them have already participated in previous FEIF Youth Cups, and they are highly committed and experienced in working with young people. They know exactly what is important and are already looking forward to a great time together. But now let's let them introduce themselves:
Svenja Braun:
"My name is Svenja Braun and I am delighted to be working as a trainer at the FEIF YouthCup again! I had an unforgettable time myself many, many years ago when I participated as a competitor. And now I love being able to come full circle for the second time in my role as a trainer. Just like the content of the FEIF Youth Cup, I stand for versatility, communication and joy in my work with horses. I can hardly wait and look forward to getting to know you all!"
Reinhard Loidl:
"I have been living and working with Icelandic horses since 1989. At first, I had a strong urge to be the best. I still feel that urge within me, but over the years I have come to realise that it is impossible to achieve this goal. At the same time, however, I also believe that this striving for excellence is necessary in order to learn, progress and improve. Meticulous and self-critical, but above all critical of what happens in "big" equestrian sports, I was always searching for answers. I had the privilege of finding a mentor in Michael Laussegger, former rider at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna and author. He taught me values both on horseback and, above all, off horseback, which I now try to pass on. It is the feeling, but also the absolute honesty that horses can give us, that reveal our weaknesses and excuses. I was very fortunate to have been friends with several Icelandic riders who naturally embodied this feeling. These include Thomas Ragnarsson and Albert Jónsson, among others. They didn't explain it, but you could sense "it" if you wanted to. My sporting successes were good for my ego and provided valuable memories. I always learned and expanded my knowledge from the defeats I encountered along the way. Passing on my knowledge, working with those who trust me, approaching a problem and trying to understand and solve it – this was and is my motivation for teaching."
Lena Maxheimer:
"Working with young riders is particularly close to my heart – which is precisely why I am delighted to be coaching at this year's FEIF Youth Cup. The Youth Cup is not only about sporting achievement, but above all about community, fairness and the joy of Icelandic horse riding. I am thrilled to accompany young talents on their journey, to support them professionally and at the same time to instil in them self-confidence, motivation and enjoyment of riding. Especially in an international environment such as the FEIF Youth Cup, participants learn to surpass themselves, gain new experiences and make valuable contacts. As a trainer, I see my role as promoting the individual strengths of each horse-rider combination and providing the best possible support in training and competition. For me, being part of this special event means, on the one hand, making an active contribution to promoting young talent in the sport and, on the other hand, I find it exciting to get to know Rieden better as a venue for the 2027 World Championships. I am very much looking forward to spending time together and exchanging ideas at the Feif Youth Cup, as its international character, the team spirit it demands and the versatility required in the competitions make it a very special event for young riders."
Bea Rusterholz:
"My first riding lesson took place in 1986 on Icelandic horses. My parents chose the stable because the horses have such thick manes to hold on to. Today, together with my husband Martin, I run this very Icelandic horse stud farm, Niederfeld, with 100 horses. We still have a large riding school, offering everything from children's lessons to trainer A courses. I took my first trainer exam in 1998 and fulfilled all the requirements to become an instructor in 2015. I rode quite actively in competitions for a while, but as the children got older, they always got the best horses in the stable and my focus shifted significantly more to teaching and coaching riders of all ages. The long-term enjoyment of working with horses is a high priority for me in my lessons. I believe that solid foundation work by both rider and horse is essential for all performances. That's why I looked beyond the Icelandic horse scene right from the start and regularly continued my training in dressage riding."
Lisa Schürger:
"I am delighted to be joining FYC in Rieden as a trainer in 2026 and to be able to accompany the young riders during what is sure to be an unforgettable week. I myself took part in St. Radegund in 2006 with my first horse, Pukra vom Aischtal, and have been a big fan of this fantastic event ever since, which I am happy to support!"
Below, we have summarised the most important information from the FEIF invitation.
Registration and more information
Dear all,
On behalf of FEIF and IPZV e.V, we would like to invite you to Germany for the 15th FEIF YouthCup (FYCup) at https://www.gut-matheshof.de.
Eligible riders are young riders who will TURN 14, 15, 16 or 17 years of age in the year of the FYCup. All participating horses have to be registered in WorldFengur.
Please find included information and forms needed for riders, and helpers. The FYCup will be organized in accordance with the FEIF Rules and Regulations 2026 (published on April, 1st). The description of the tests of the FYCup are presented in the sport rules and can be downloaded from the website:
https://www.feif.org/sport-dept/documents / (R&R 2026 will be valid for the FYCup)
The total cost for the participants is €1015 (includes 950€ participant fee plus trainers’ and judges’ fee of €65). Country Leaders (CL) and other officials pay €500.- this includes lodging and all meals. Team Leaders (TL) will receive free food and accommodation (no participation fee).
Eligible riders
Eligible riders are all youngsters who will TURN 14, 15, 16 or 17 years of age in the year of the FYCup. A proof of age is required; a copy of valid ID, such as a passport or similar, is to be sent to office@feif.org
National youth leaders are responsible for selecting only eligible riders.
All participants must be part of a group cared for by a nominated Country Leader (CL). It is possible for a CL to look after participants from more than one nation. We highly recommend that one Country Leader max. looks after 7 participants or is accompanied by a second one as the team is larger than 7 participants. Arrangements of this kind must be confirmed to the FEIF Office in writing.
Horses
The FYCup is an international competition. All participating horses (including rented horses for participants) need to provide a valid passport and be registered in WorldFengur. The data on the horses’ registration paper will be checked against data in WorldFengur. All horses have to be shod according to FEIF Sport Rules and have the correct vaccinations – see chapter 4. FEIF and FEI vaccination rules.
FEIF and FEI vaccination rules - Important!
The complete information on the required vaccination is available on: https://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/veterinarians/biosecurity-movements/vaccinations
Horses that are not correctly vaccinated will not be allowed to participate. Be sure to check the vaccination papers in due time (in case of doubt, ask your veterinarian for help).
Proper documentation of the vaccination history must be provided when the horse arrives at the venue. Any horses arriving without a complete vaccination history shall be denied entry to the venue.
Insurance
All participants MUST have a valid personal insurance, covering health, accident and third-party liability. Arrangements for horse insurance are the responsibility of the rider/owner together with the CL. All riders and volunteers take part in the FYCup totally at their own risk.
The type of insurance policy taken up must be carefully considered by each participant, and reflect particular circumstances such as medical condition, whether the participant comes with their own horse and equipment, or is renting a horse and equipment, etc. CL may also want to take out a suitable insurance policy, particularly covering their third-party responsibilities.
FEIF and the host organizers do not accept any responsibility for injuries and accidents to participants or volunteers or horses.
Riders having to use a rental horse must make sure that the horse is adequately insured, either by existing insurance arrangements of the owner, or a particular insurance policy for the event, arranged in agreement with the owner in advance of the FYCup. All arrangements are strictly between the owner of the horses and those renting the horse. FEIF and the OC will not get involved in any of these arrangements.
Liabilities
Rider: Riders declare that participation in this event, and accommodation and keep of the horses, occur at their own risk.
All participants are required to fill out and sign a liability form. This also needs to be signed by the parents or a responsible person. A scanned copy of the form should be sent to office@feif.org, and CL needs to bring the hardcopy paper original to the FYCup.
Horse: For the duration of the event, each participating horse must have a valid liability insurance. As an owner / rider you remain responsible for any damages. Neither FEIF, nor the event organization or IPZV e.V. accept any liability. Neither the organisers nor IPZV e.V., nor the land-owner may be made responsible for damage to humans, animals and / or equipment. The rider declares that the horse is healthy, comes from a healthy stock and is vaccinated according to FEI rules.
Please note that for all international horse travel TRACES regulations apply.
Note for parents
Parents, friends and relatives are most welcome to attend the competition part of FYCup as spectators. However, parents, and personal trainers and other supporters are asked to respect the rule that they are not allowed on FYCup grounds during the training part of the event without explicit permission.
During the competition parents are kindly requested to remain within the area designated to spectators. Parents are not allowed to assist the riders during the competition.
FEIF YouthCup tests and rules 2026
The tests offered at the FYC 2024 are listed below.
|
Test offered |
Trophy sponsored by: |
|
T3 (Tölt) |
IS |
|
T4 (Tölt) |
FI |
|
T7 (tölt class) |
IT |
|
V2 (four-gait) |
AT |
|
V5 (easy four-gait) |
FO |
|
F2 (five-gait) |
DE |
|
P2 (SpeedPass) |
DK |
|
PP2 (basic pace test) |
NL |
|
FR1 (flag race) |
US |
|
Dressage |
SE/ GB |
|
TR1 (trail) |
CH |
|
Theory Test 7/ Team Trophies |
NO |
Rules:
Valid rules are FEIF General and Sport Rules 2026. Additional information will be given in a number of online meetings in the spring of 2026.
Participants of the FYCup are not allowed AT ANY TIME to consume nicotine or alcohol and use any other recreational drugs. Breaches of this rule may result in the participant being sent home at their own cost.
Information for Country Leaders (CL)
CL will be at least 25 years of age. It is very important that CLs speak good English, are able to work in a team, and have the ability to assert themselves. The CL should inform, and if necessary, remind their group in advance about the ideals and the rationale of the FYCup, and the importance of the international spirit of co-operation. All CLs must participate in daily CL meetings. The main task for CLs is to liaise with the parents of their participants, to be responsible for their own national group, and their horses. This refers to the internal preparation of the FYCup, all communication with parents or legal guardians, communication with the OC (Organising Committee) and FEIF.
CLs are responsible for the travelling arrangements to and from the FYCup; they are expected to know the riding abilities of participants and the horses, and carry overall responsibility for the riding equipment (is the equipment safe? is it allowed under FEIF competition rules?); CLs sleep together with their group and are responsible for the general behaviour and co-operation of the youngsters in their charge.
CLs are responsible for the welfare of the horses of their country (health, keeping, food, and tidiness in the stable area).
The CL is responsible for bringing a new trophy, which the winner can keep (this is instead of the miniature of previous years). The new trophy needs to be robust and compact enough to fit into the (flight) luggage of the winners. (For more info, see point 15 below)
For the opening and closing ceremonies CL needs to bring TWO national flags with them. Size 150x90 cm (flag poles will be provided by the OC).
The CL will support their own group in putting together a programme for the Country Evening (max 7 min. per country). The show should say something about each country and culture. Please note that the OC cannot guarantee that there will be a speaker system for music, a beamer or any other such technical support. The aim of the Country Evening is to help the participants to get to know each other and learn something about the different countries represented on the FYCup.
Information for Team Leaders (TL)
Team Leaders will be at least 22 years of age. The TL speaks English fluently, has experience of competitions, and has good organizing skills. The task of the TL is to look after an international team of 6 riders, meaning that they are responsible for creating a positive team spirit, accompanying the team to all coaching sessions, sharing meals with the team, and overseeing the team tests. TLs will co-ordinate team entries for the competition, s/he must be familiar with FYCup rules, and the FEIF Rule Book.
TL are required to participate in the TL training event on Monday at the beginning of the FYCup, and all TL must take part in daily TL meetings.
The Teams
On the first evening, the organisers allocate all riders to international teams of 6 participants; during the training sessions as well as the competition, participants will work together within their international teams.
Riding: On Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday, all participants will undergo coaching by a range of qualified and experienced riding instructors. It is expected that all participants take part in the total programme of the event, and it is the responsibility of the CL to make sure all participants follow this rule.
Accommodation
The lodging for all involved in the FYCup is at Hans-Nowak-Ring 1, 92286 Rieden, Germany
Accommodation will be in apartments. CL will sleep with their country participants. TL will share separate accommodation on the site.
All participants need to bring
Horses and Stabling
The host country has big paddocks for the horses, so you need to bring your own fencing material to build your own small paddock. You also need your own tools for mucking out and keeping the paddocks clean. Wheelbarrows will be available. Remember to bring drinking buckets and feed bowls.
The trailers may be left in a designated parking lot on site. Bring a trailer lock and make sure nothing is kept in the trailer.
There will be room for your tack in the stable block. Bring your own saddle stand. During the whole event, each participating horse is accommodated in its own box. Do not forget to bring water buckets and feeding buckets as required by your horse, Participants on rental horses will need to inquire with the OC or the horse owner, how this is handled.
Costs
Payments should be made by the countries and not directly by the participants!
Arrival
The FYCup begins in the afternoon of Monday, 13th of July and ends on Sunday morning, 19th of July.
At the time of arrival, the horses’ passport and vaccination record will be checked, and whether the horse is free from obvious respiratory infections.
Preliminary programme
|
Monday |
Arrival |
|
|
Arrival vetcheck |
|
|
TL training (afternoon)
|
|
|
Welcome and announcement of teams
|
|
Tuesday to Thursday |
Training days, Country evenings, Competition briefing, Vet check: fit to compete |
|
Friday |
First classes of the Competition |
|
Saturday/Sunday |
Opening ceremony of the competition |
|
|
Competition day and prize giving
|
|
Sunday |
Departures |
Local information
Suitable Airports would be Nürnberg or Munich.
Address / Info for the navigation system: Ostbayernhalle, Hans-Nowak-Ring 1, 92286 Rieden