Since 1999 the Sparkassen German Friendships are a global event for kids and young people from all over the world, who share a desire for international friendship and show jumping. The German Friendships are not just an international jumping competition for young riders from all over the world, they encourage friendly relationships as well as high-performance sports. The event is supported by international top riders and the national and international associations of the equestrian sport. The German Friendships take place every two years at the Bexter Hof in Herford and encourage beside excellent sport, international understanding, team spirit, horsemanship, openness for other cultures and new friendships. 

The team classes are the original idea and the core element of the Sparkassen German Friendships.

The young riders participate in two different age groups. A German and an international rider build up a team. Every german participant provides a horse for their international team mate. The pairs practice and compete together in the team classes.  

The teams first meet in a briefing on Tuesday before they get on the horses for a first warm-up. Finally, they ride under the guidance of the best riders and trainers in the Top Ten Training on Wednesday. After a reception with all children hosted by the major at Herford City Hall on Thursday, jumping classes take place from Friday to Sunday, where the children and teenagers can prove their skills. The younger age group jumps courses up to a height of 1.20 m. The obstacles in the classes for the older group measure up to 1.30 m.  

To meet old friends again, celebrate together, and to relive the flair of the Sparkassen German Friendships – this is what the jumping classes of the Friends Forever Trophy are about.

The Friends Forever Trophy is divided in a “Silver Tour" and a “Gold Tour“.

Participants of previous Sparkassen German Friendships from Germany and abroad, who have already passed the age group of junior competitors, as well as riders invited by the organizer compete on their own horses. The classes in the Silver Tour are at a height up to 1.30 Meter and go up to 1.40 m in the Gold Tour. 

The Southern family, organizer of Spruce Meadows in Calgary among other events, supported the Sparkassen German Friendships from the beginning in 1999. For the new edition, they will be taking over the ATCO Cup as a sponsor. In this class, the most successful former German Friendships riders compete in a 1.55 m class with their own horses. A huge spectator attraction is guaranteed.