Was your mare awarded the KEUR designation at the Central Inspection, and do you want to take the next step toward the KROON? If so, the IBOP is a great opportunity to have your pony’s potential and qualities evaluated.

This year, the IBOP is scheduled for:

Saturday, December 5, 2026
De Nieuwe Heuvel in Lunteren

Sluitingsdatum: 16 november

What is an IBOP?

IBOP stands for Individual Pony Suitability Test. It is an aptitude test that uses a relatively simple exercise to assess a pony’s qualities and aptitude for the sport.

The IBOP can be completed either under saddle or in harness.

During the riding test, the horse-and-rider pair performs a dressage test and also completes two short jumping courses. The judges evaluate, among other things, the walk, trot, and canter, as well as posture, suppleness, impulsion, and the rider’s attitude and care while jumping.

In the IBOP for ponies in harness, competitors must complete a driving test and a conformation test. The judges evaluate, among other things, the gaits, posture, willingness to work, agility, and aptitude as a pony in harness.

A maximum of 100 points can be earned for each section. A pony passes with a score of 70 points or higher.

From KEUR to KROON

For mares that have been designated for the KEUR predicate during the Central Inspection, participating in the IBOP may be particularly beneficial. A KEUR mare can earn the KROON predicate if she achieves at least a B-grade during the IBOP.

But the IBOP is certainly not just for KEUR mares! All ponies are eligible to participate, provided they meet the age requirements. The minimum age for participation in both the riding and driving classes is four years as of October 1.

The IBOP is therefore also a great opportunity to gain insight into your pony's potential and to achieve an official result.

Start training early

Would you like to participate? If so, don’t wait too long to start preparing. Riding a test in an unfamiliar environment can be quite nerve-wracking for a young or inexperienced pony. We therefore recommend starting training early and getting your pony used to riding in an indoor arena.

For ponies participating in the riding test, it’s also a good idea to jump a practice course several times beforehand.

Sign up via MijnWelsh

Registration for the IBOP is done entirely online via MijnWelsh. After registering, you will automatically receive the terms and conditions and the corresponding tests.

Do you want to show off what your pony can do? Then keep training hard and sign your pony up for one of the upcoming IBOP events!

More information about the IBOP, the tests, the jump line, the driving test, the agility course, and the protocols can be found on the IBOP page of the NWPCS.