In September 2018, SPIEGEL reported on several cases of alcohol abuse and sexual assault in the youth field of the German show jumpers. At that time, the German Equestrian Federation (FN) announced that it was going to "intervene" - now, as part of the annual conference in Hamburg, "a number of changes have been made to the statutes and sporting regulations". The association announced in a message on its website.

The aim of the reform is therefore to be able to react in the future "both preventatively and in the event of a breach" accordingly. It goes besides the top and the general tournament sports. In the announcement, chairman of the FN Presidential Commission, Harald Hohmann, said all clubs and horse farms should be safe haven for horse riders and provide protection against violence and discrimination.

❗️FN adopts measures against #Alcohol abuse and sexual violence: "Every club and horse farm must be a safe haven for equestrians who offer them #protection and make them strong against any form of #law violence and #discrimination" ➡️https: // t.co/j41QLqRuSi pic.twitter.com/A1wPNZwPxm

- FN eV (@FN_eV) May 8, 2019

Specifically, the changes in the performance test regulations (LPÖ) mean that the association can temporarily or completely withdraw a rider from the annual tournament license, "if there is a violation of the sporty or fair attitude and equestrian discipline". In addition to offenses against sexual self-determination, these include crimes under the Animal Welfare Act.

In addition, the terms of participation for tournament were tightened. In the case of "greatly reduced ability to drink due to excessive alcohol consumption", participants would not be admitted or disqualified in the future. The limit here is 0.5 per thousand - but it is up to each organizer free to tighten the requirements.