Recently, EPC Founders, Katie and Shelby Staib’s experience in the Netherlands offered a unique insight into the differences in equestrian culture, breeding, business, and horsemanship between Europe and the U.S. From their exposure to the highly structured, business-oriented approach to training and competition, to the excellence and quality amongst breeding practices, their time in the Netherlands provided incredible education and insight into the differences that lie between the U.S. and Europe’s equine industry.
1. Certification & Standardization
- Europe: Many riders enter structured educational programs and riding schools to gain experience and ultimately earn certification to enter the sport professionally. For example, to earn the Bereiter FN certification, riders must pass a combination of practical, theoretical, and teaching examinations. Riders are scored in each section of the exam from 0-10 reflecting their knowledge and ability.
- U.S.: The system is more independent, with fewer formalized pathways. Many riders train privately with different professionals and gain experience through working student positions rather than official certification. Becoming a “professional” remains a blurry line regarding collection of payment within the sport.
2. Breeding & Bloodlines
- Europe: Countries like Germany, the Netherlands, and Denmark have strong, organized generational breeding programs with strict evaluation systems. Warmblood registries (e.g., KWPN, Hanoverian, Oldenburg) have rigorous stallion approvals and performance testing. These standards of evaluation, acceptance, and approval allow each registry to carefully manage the development and future of the breed. In addition, breeding services are much more accessible and convenient due to the overall proximity of resources.
- U.S.: The breeding industry is growing but less centralized. Many top horses are imported from Europe rather than bred domestically. While quality has improved, there’s a great reliance on European bloodlines. The U.S.’s widespread geography limits the expansion and excellence within the breeding and competition sector.
3. Competition Structure
- Europe: More structured, frequent, and accessible competition system due to its established training programs, breeding industry, and sponsorship opportunities. Due to the close proximity of countries, as well as, more affordable prices, riders can more easily access and attend competitions.
- U.S.: High-level competitions are often spread out, with significant travel required. Shows are generally more expensive and inaccessible. Equestrian sport is less recognized and more niche across the country.
4. Sales & Business Approach
- Europe: Horse sales are highly professionalized, with many horses available for customers to see and try within the day. Sales and training barns emphasize structured and efficient business management practices to drive success.
- U.S.: More fragmented sales market; horses are often sold privately or through word-of-mouth. Some professional sales barns exist, but they are not as dominant as in Europe. Many professionals struggle with business organization and management further inhibiting their success.
5. Horsemanship & Culture
- Europe: There is often a more systematic, long-term approach to training and horse development. Similar to the U.S., equestrian sport is deeply ingrained as a lifestyle in European countries; however, there is a stronger emphasis on a business-oriented approach and mindset.
- U.S.: Has a strong and diverse equestrian community, tends to be less professionalized, more regionally focused and independent, and varied amongst horsemanship approaches. The focus in the U.S. is often on the individual rider’s progression, with fewer standardized structures or riding schools for supporting careers in the industry.
Overall, Europe’s equine industry benefits from a structured, well-supported system, while the U.S. offers more independent, entrepreneurial opportunities. However, the U.S. continues to develop as American breeders, trainers, and riders gain more access to European methods and resources.