If you compete in Flanders, you'll run into a system that works differently from the Dutch class ladder. Paardensport Vlaanderen (the Flemish equestrian federation) structures provincial dressage around levels with a handicap system, and show jumping has its own build-up from entry level to national. This guide explains the principle — for the federation structure itself, see Competing in Belgium Explained.
Dressage: From Initiatie to Niveau 3
At provincial dressage competitions, you ride tests grouped into four levels: Initiatie, Niveau 1, Niveau 2, and Niveau 3 (Dutch for "Initiation" and "Level 1/2/3"). Initiatie is the entry point, with three tests, two of which (I.2 and I.3) already count toward points. Niveau 3 winds down with introductory tests (N3.9 and N3.10) that give a combination (horse-and-rider pair) access to the regular Niveau 3 tests.
Above Niveau 3, the national program begins, starting at Niveau 4. A combination that has already competed at Niveau 4 or higher may no longer enter provincial tests — the provincial series is genuinely for those still building up.
The Handicap System: How You Move Up
Instead of the Dutch winstpunten (promotion points), Paardensport Vlaanderen works with a handicap system. At the highest level you've started at, you earn points based on your score:
| Score | Points |
|---|---|
| 73% or higher | 3 |
| 69–72.99% | 2 |
| 65–68.99% | 1 |
| 60–64.99% | 0 |
| below 60% | 1 negative point |
Once a combination has collected 36 positive points, it may finish out the current year at that level, but must move up to a higher level the following year. Combinations at Niveau 3, however, are never required to move up to the national series (Niveau 4 and above) — they can keep competing there. The exact points scheme and the exceptions are set out in the Paardensport Vlaanderen dressage regulations.
Show Jumping: Building Up in Height, From Entry Level to National
Show jumping doesn't have lettered classes like dressage, but a pyramid of competition types that rises in height and level. At the bottom are the sub-provincial competitions — the entry level for new combinations, with pony classes up to 90 cm and other classes up to 110 cm. Above that come provincial competitions, with a wider height range of roughly 60 cm to 125 cm, followed by Flemish and national competitions, where classes start at around 115 cm and rise toward the Grote Prijs (Grand Prix).
The exact class breakdown and promotion rules per height category differ by provincial grouping and are set out in Paardensport Vlaanderen's show jumping regulations. If in doubt, ask your instructor or the organizing provincial association about the classes that apply to your combination.
The Difference With the Netherlands
The Dutch ladder (B – L – M – Z – ZZ, and in dressage continuing to Lichte Tour and Grand Prix) is one continuous series of classes in which you move up automatically through winstpunten (promotion points), with no distinction between provincial and national. The Belgian system splits that up: Paardensport Vlaanderen has you work through Initiatie up to and including Niveau 3 in dressage before you flow into the national tier (Niveau 4+), with its own handicap count instead of winstpunten.
If you cross the border with a Dutch startpas (start permit), you don't automatically begin at an equivalent Belgian level. Your Dutch class doesn't carry over one to one — the Belgian federation determines where your combination starts. See Competing in Belgium Explained for what else you need to arrange as a Dutch rider, and Dutch Competition Classes Explained for how the Dutch entry system works.
In Short
- Provincial dressage in Flanders runs from Initiatie up to and including Niveau 3; the national tier begins at Niveau 4.
- Promotion runs through a handicap system: points per score, and once you reach 36 positive points, you must move up the following year.
- Show jumping has no lettered classes, but a pyramid from sub-provincial to national, rising in height.
- Your Dutch class or winstpunten don't automatically carry over in Belgium — check Paardensport Vlaanderen's regulations before you enter.
See also: Competing in Belgium Explained · Dutch Competition Classes Explained · When to Move Up a Class · Glossary for Competition Riders · Level: First Competitions · Official source: paardensport.vlaanderen