Icelandic horse action in Saarwellingen: gala, tölt & party atmosphere!

Icelandic horse action in Saarwellingen: gala, tölt & party atmosphere!

The prestigious Icelandic horse tournament “OSI Saarwellingen 2025 (WR) – World Championship Qualification” will take place from June 12th to 15th, 2025. This event takes place at the Riding and Driving Club Saarwellingen e. V. took place on Schwarzenholzer Straße, “Auf der Höh”. The patron of the event is District Administrator Patrik Lauer, who underlines the importance and commitment to the equestrian community. Up to 200 riders and their horses are expected to compete in various tests.

The tournament offers a variety of competitions that focus on the particularly valued gaits of Icelandic horses. The main tests include tölt, four- and five-speed as well as pass races. There will also be a leading rein class in which children will show off their skills with the Icelandic horses. A highlight of the event is the “Midnight Tölt”, which takes place on Saturday evening at around 9.30 p.m. Here the riders are presented in imaginative costumes.

Tournament structure and ratings

Icelandic horse tournaments, like the one in Saarwellingen, are specifically geared towards the tölt and pacing gaits that are characteristic of this breed. These tournaments are not organized like classic dressage or jumping tournaments, but rather as gait tournaments. The participants are divided into performance groups and evaluated by 3-5 judges, with grades from 1 to 10 being awarded. The tests consist of basic gaits and the special gaits and are divided by age group, so that children, youth, juniors and adults each have their own competitions, as RidersDeal explains.

To take part in a tournament, riders must be a member of a local chapter of the IPZV (International Equestrian Center for Icelandic Horses) and have a FEIF ID that is assigned to their horse in the Worldfengur central register. The participation requirements are also clearly defined: Riders must be at least 6 years old and wear special clothing, including white trousers, a jacket and boots.

Entertainment and leisure

However, the tournament is not just a place for competition. It also provides plenty of entertainment for participants and spectators. On Friday evening from 7 p.m. there will be a riding party in the marquee with DJ music. On Saturday evening from 8 p.m. there will be a big party with DJ Daniel Hinsberger, giving visitors the opportunity to relax and end the day.

Entry to this exciting event is free. The event starts on Thursday at 2 p.m. and on the following days from 8:30 a.m. This combination of sporting performance, exciting competitions and social gatherings makes the Icelandic horse tournament in Saarwellingen an absolute must for horse lovers. Further information can be found on the association's website: www.rufvs.de.