COMPETITIONS & TOURNAMENTS

THE PATH TO THE TOP

The international Aquapony competition calendar encompasses a structured system of national qualifications, continental championships, and global title events. For the German Aquapony National Team, each season begins with national cups that serve as qualification for international competitions.

The European Championship and World Championship are the highlights of every season. Here, the world's best athletes compete in three disciplines: individual competition, team competition, and freestyle. Since the federation's founding in 2015, Germany has established itself as one of the dominant nations – with three EC titles and an Olympic gold medal.

The competition system follows the Olympic model: each athlete must qualify through the national ranking and international qualification tournaments for the major championships. Judging is performed by an international FEI jury using a scoring system that considers technique (40%), harmony between rider and pony (30%), creativity (20%), and overall impression (10%).

Since the Olympic debut in Paris 2024, interest in Aquapony competitions has grown exponentially. Over 40 nations now actively participate in international competition. Spectator numbers at major tournaments have tripled since 2022, and TV broadcasting rights are now sold in over 80 countries.

For the German team, the 2025 season is all about title defense. After Marcel Christen's historic gold in Paris, the team aims to prove itself again at the World Championship in Melbourne. In parallel, preparations are underway for the 2028 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where Aquapony will again feature as a demonstration sport.

Competition arenas are built to FEI standards: rectangular water basins measuring 30×20 meters with a depth of 1.0 to 1.5 meters. Each competition day includes warm-up, technical equipment inspection, veterinary checks for the ponies, and the actual events. Fairness and animal welfare always come first.