KNHS driving competition: how to handle your registration

Which licence do you need?

Before you can enter any competition, you need a valid KNHS licence. For driving competitions, a combination licence applies: one for yourself as the driver and one for each horse or pony you compete with. A basic licence costs around €30 per year and can be applied for via MijnKNHS. If you compete at a higher level, such as national or international, additional requirements apply. Also check that your horse has a current UELN number and a valid passport — without those documents you are not permitted to start.

Requirements for your horse at a glance

• Valid horse passport with up-to-date vaccinations (equine influenza mandatory, some competitions also require tetanus)
• Registered UELN number, correctly linked to your account in MijnKNHS
• Horse is registered in your name or you hold an authorisation from the owner
• Confirmed minimum age: in most classes at least 4 years old
• For a four-in-hand: all four horses are registered as part of the turnout

Step-by-step registration via MijnKNHS

Registration is done exclusively via MijnKNHS on knhs.nl. Find the competition using the competition calendar, filter by discipline 'driving' and click 'Register'. You select the class and the turnout with which you will compete. You then choose a start time if the organiser offers that option. Entry fees are paid directly via iDEAL; an invoice is automatically sent to you by email. Please note: many competitions close registration as early as 10 to 14 days before the event.

• Log in to MijnKNHS with your personal account
• Go to 'Competitions' → 'Find competition' and filter by driving
• Select the competition and click 'Register'
• Choose class, turnout and start time if applicable
• Pay via iDEAL and save the confirmation email

Classes and levels: what suits you?

The KNHS driving programme includes classes ranging from M through to ZZ, as well as special classes for ponies and for four-in-hand. Beginners typically start in class M, where the dressage test is relatively straightforward and the marathon courses are shorter. As you progress to Z or ZZ, the A-obstacles become more complex and the time limits are tighter. Want to know which class you are currently ranked in? Open the horse profile in EquiSight: there you'll find an overview of results achieved per competition and you can track progress at each level.

Equipment assessed by the judges

• Carriage or vehicle must meet FEI/KNHS dimension requirements for the chosen class
• Brakes mandatory on vehicles for pairs and four-in-hand
• Passenger (groom) mandatory for pairs and four-in-hand, and must be correctly dressed
• Whip must be present but does not need to be actively used
• Safety vest for the driver is strongly recommended and is mandatory with some organisers

Use EquiSight to prepare

With the calendar in EquiSight you can plan training blocks and conditioning days directly around the competition date. Save your training goals in the horse profile so you know exactly which elements still need attention. Unsure about how to structure your preparation or the timing of your last heavy training session? Ask EquiCoach — it will give you a personalised schedule based on the competition and the level you have entered.

Withdrawing or making changes: what are the rules?

Do you unexpectedly need to withdraw? Notify the organiser as early as possible via MijnKNHS, as many organisers apply a cancellation period of 5 to 7 days for a full refund. If you withdraw after the closing time, the entry fee is forfeited in most cases. A horse substitution — for example due to injury — is sometimes possible up to 48 hours before the start, but this varies by organiser. If in doubt, contact the competition organisation directly using the contact details in the KNHS calendar.