The 4D Competition is the ultimate competition for riders who want to do things differently! It's all about teamwork, harmony, riding technique, and personal growth together with your horse.

Our competition is specifically designed to challenge every participant at their own level. Thanks to various categories, everyone can participate, from beginners to advanced. It's not just about winning; it's about improving your skills, discovering new challenges, and celebrating great achievements.

Join in and experience the fun of competitive riding!

Cooperation

Driving technique

Harmony

Pleasure

To enrol

Update! The contest is full!

You can register for the waiting list via info@karinleibbrandt.com

You can register as a visitor! Come watch the competition and interesting demos!

Practical information:

• When: November 1, 2025
• Where: Outdoor Sports Center De Spreng, Priesnitzlaan 17 Laag-Soeren
• Time: 09.30 - 16.30
• Categories: Beginners, Intermediate, Advanced, Expert
• Costs: €15 per combination, open day is free.

After registering, each participant will receive a confirmation with further details about the trial. You can also indicate at which level you would like to participate.

The 4D Competition is also an open day where you can learn more about our approach to working with horses. There are interesting demonstrations between competitions. Admission is free.

The 4D Competition is structured differently than you are used to from regular competitions.

There are four levels you can register for. Register at the level you think best suits you and your horse.

The following general components will be judged in all tests:

• Correctness of head and neck posture
• Correctness of body posture
• Quality of the connection
• Pace and quality of the gait
• Pace and quality of the trot
• Pace and quality of the gallop
• Harmony and communication
• Degree of "standing on one's own two feet" and abandonment
• Rider's posture and seat
• Problem-solving skills of the rider
• Appearance and confidence of the horse
• Structure of the test

The rider's problem-solving skills: the rider is able to help a horse when it builds up tension. The rider can release this tension and help the horse grow in trust in the rider, its environment, and itself. If an exercise isn't going (completely) well, the rider is able to help the horse, and repeating the exercise (at levels 1, 2, and 3) will lead to improvement. Throughout the entire test, the rider is able to help the horse find and maintain balance.

Test structure: All tests consist of a number of elements that the rider can arrange in a specific order and connect using specific lines. A protocol is available for this purpose. The focus is on whether the rider chooses lines that suit the horse and whether the test structure contributes to highlighting the horse's strengths.

The protocols are completed by the teams. Only the mandatory components need to be included in the protocol in the correct order. You can choose your own lines, such as circles or diagonals, to connect the components. These are not included in the protocol. The general components are already filled in at the end of the protocol.

The protocol must be submitted to the secretariat no later than the day of registration. Make sure you have your entire test on paper. You can ride it from memory or have it read aloud.

You will receive the test components by email after registration. After registration, you will receive all the information and you can also indicate at which level you want to participate.

Level 1 Basic; gaining confidence and experience

Each level is given time to explore the arena and show the horse the exciting parts of the arena.

The elements of Level 1 are simple and specifically designed for young or inexperienced horses. The goal is to give the horse time to build trust and have a positive experience. The most important thing is for the rider to make as many good decisions as possible to build the horse's trust and, where possible, to support the horse in finding and maintaining balance.

In level 1 you get 3 jokers that you can use to calm a horse that is building up tension or to redo an exercise that has not gone well.

Level 2 Basic plus; balance, trust and communication

Building trust is also the most important point in level 2, but slightly more is expected regarding riding technique. The exercises are a bit more challenging, involving shorter turns and a slight step yield. If the horse is sufficiently confident and therefore relaxed, communication will be possible in a pleasant and gentle manner.

In level 2 you get 2 jokers that you can use to calm down a horse that is building up tension or to redo an exercise that has not gone well.

Level 3 Challenge light; Stability, response and coordination

The elements of this test require more stability from the horse based on balance. To perform the elements, it's important that communication between rider and horse is easy and fast. The horse responds quickly to light aids because its balance and coordination allow it. In level 3, you receive one joker that you can use to calm a horse that's building up tension or to redo an exercise that didn't go well.

Level 4 Challenge; Behaviour, switching and coordination plus

At this level, it's assumed the horse can handle an unfamiliar environment. At level 4, the combination is allowed to explore the arena before starting the test.

The test components require a horse with sufficient self-confidence to perform the more complex exercises with harmony and gentleness. Correctness, harmony, and effortlessness are more important than spectacularity. The horse must be able to remain stable and gentle during transitions, lateral movements, and short turns.

You will receive the test components by email after registration. After registration, you will receive all the information and you can also indicate at which level you want to participate.

Open day during the 4D Competition

For us, equestrian sports aren't just about winning. They're about responsible, healthy, and respectful training and competition, always prioritizing the horse's well-being.

Our philosophy is simple: a happy horse performs better. By focusing on natural movement, proper training techniques, and a balanced partnership between rider and horse, we ensure that horse and rider grow together. This means that every participant—from recreational to experienced—can participate in a way that is safe, educational, and enjoyable.

Competitions don't have to be stressful. On the contrary: they can be an opportunity to learn, challenge yourself, and enjoy interacting with your horse.

At our 4D Competition, we encourage a positive experience: respect for the animal, clear rules, and an environment where everyone feels welcome.

Between competitions, there are interesting demonstrations to watch from experts in the fields of hooves, posture & seat, ESDR, saddles, correct horse posture and more.

Do you have any questions?