Any individual or legal entity who owns a horse that meets the requirements for registration stated in the Verband's Stud Book Regulations and whose domicile (individual) or head office (legal entity) is located in the activity area of the Verband or abroad may become a full member.  Breeding partnerships may only consist of individuals, each of which are members.   Associate members may be friends or promoters of the breed who support the endeavors of the Verband without being the owner of a horse registered for breeding.  Honorary members or honorary presidents may be public figures who have been of special service in promoting the Verband. They are exempt from membership dues if they do not own horses registered for breeding.     

Acquiring Membership   

To acquire membership, a written request for membership must be made which is decided upon by the Managing Board. Every breeder in the Verband area who fulfills the requirements for sound breeding work has a right to membership. Honorary members and honorary presidents are appointed at the proposal of the Managing Board by the Delegate Conference. 

Termination of Membership   

Full membership ends at the end of the fiscal year if the member is no longer the owner of a registered horse. Full membership then becomes an associate membership.  

Membership ends
 
• by resignation which is only possible at the end of the fiscal year with three months written notice sent to the main office 
• through death, or in the case of a legal entity, through dissolution of the entity 
• through exclusion which is permitted for important reasons, particularly in the case of a gross breach of laws that protect animals as
  well as obligations resulting from membership stated in the Statutes and Stud Book Regulations, or if the prerequisites for sound
  breeding work are no longer given.
  Exclusion is per resolution of the Delegate Conference. The reasons for exclusion must be given in writing and the concerned party
  notified by registered mail. Within four weeks of receipt, the concerned party has the right to file an objection in writing with the
  Disciplinary Committee which then decides.
• through cancellation. If fees, levies and dues are not paid, the Managing Board has the right to exclude members. Exclusion is only 
  permissible after the member has been reminded at least twice. The final written reminder with a term of two weeks must be sent
  by registered mail, stating that membership will be cancelled and pointing out the legal consequences. If the written notice remains 
  unanswered or the accounts receivable have not been balanced by the term given, membership will be cancelled without further 
  notification.
           
 
 (Excerpt from the Statutes, item 2 §7 -  §12)