EEF Academy for National Dressage Judges Returns for Second Edition

EEF

The European Equestrian Federation (EEF) is hosting the second edition of the EEF Academy for National Dressage Judges, a program dedicated to advancing judging expertise and supporting the development of officials across Europe.

The second edition includes five online sessions after which a group of approximately 35 to 40 judges gets invited to an in-person seminar.

Gateway to Growth

This year, the Academy brings together 150 participants from over 22 National Federations, creating an unprecedented opportunity for judges from both large and smaller federations to access top-level education, international networking, and hands-on experience at an international show.

For many National Federations and their officials, this program is a rare gateway to professional growth and global insight. It provides a unique platform to gain high-level education, hands-on experience and the opportunity to exchange insights with peers from across Europe. Returning participants from the first edition continue their development, while new modules enrich the curriculum, ensuring continuous learning and professional growth.

Five-Star Judges

Danish 5* judge Hans-Christian Matthiesen

Guided by Course Directors Katrina Wüst (GER), Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN), and Maarten van der Heijden (NED), participants follow a dynamic curriculum combining online lessons with live judging practice. The course begins with an online learning phase, where judges deepen their expertise in key areas including the scale of training, judging standards, welfare, and harmony. This is followed by an evaluation, and those who perform best are invited to an in-person seminar, where they gain hands-on experience judging at an international competition setting.

“The EEF Academy for National Dressage Judges is essential to ensure fairness, consistency, and a shared language in how we evaluate dressage. The sport is evolving quickly, and this course provides judges with the necessary updates to stay at the forefront of these developments”, said Katrina Wüst, Course Director.

Horse Welfare

“In this edition, we have added a new module on horse welfare, placing this vital topic at the heart of judging. This is especially important for federations that do not yet have a clear pathway for officials, as it offers them the structure, knowledge, and confidence to build strong judging systems at home. At the same time, the course is an opportunity for continuous development for officials from NFs with a more advanced education program — building on last year’s edition and enabling judges to keep expanding their knowledge. In this way, we not only raise the technical standards of dressage but also underline our responsibility to the horse, ensuring that welfare is a guiding principle in every decision made in the arena”.

"Knowledge and Consistency of our Judges"

In its press release, the EEF stated that "since its inception, the Academy has established itself as a continuity-driven platform for continuous learning, ensuring that every edition enhances judging standards, fosters international collaboration, and supports the sustainable growth of dressage across all federations."

Quentin Simonet., EEF president, explained that, “dressage thrives not only on the talent of riders and horses but on the knowledge and consistency of our judges. The EEF Academy enables a more productive learning process for building a connected, skilled, and seasoned community of judges across Europe. By offering continuity from one edition to the next, we support NFs in their efforts to ensure the judging community is evolving, better equipped to uphold the highest standards in our sport, and able to support the sustainable growth, performance and welfare of dressage across the continent.”