BACKGROUND: A series of three German Horseman’s Badge were originally introduced on April 9TH 1930 by the German National Agriculture Association in cooperation with the German National Association for Breeding, Animal Inspection and Control, in an attempt to arouse interest in equestrian endeavors. By 1934 the awards were given official status and were bestowed as a nationally recognized award. The three classes consisted of the bronze, silver and gold awards with the 3RD class bronze badge awarded for successful horse racing results, the 2ND silver class badge for achievement at horse tournaments and shows and the 1ST class gold badge for outstanding accomplishments in equestrian events.

PHYSICAL DESCRIPTION: First class, die struck, hollow backed, zinc award with a gilt wash. The badge is in the form of a vertically oval oak-leaf wreath with an embossed, encircled, "R", to the bottom center indicating, Reiter, (Rider/Horseman), encompassing a horseman mounted on a prancing horse. The badge has nice cut-out detailing around the central horseman and horse. The reverse is a mirror image of the obverse. The reverse has a crimped soldered hinge a thin round vertical pin and a soldered catch inset on a circular base plate all intact. The reverse is well marked with embossed manufacturers name, "Steinhauer & Lück Lüdenscheid", and additional script, "Gesetzl. Gesch. Reichsverbd. F.Z.U. Pr.D. Warmbl." indicating, Gesetzlich Geschützt Reichsverband für Züchten und Prüfung der Warmblütig, (Protected by Law National Association for Breeding and Testing of Warm-blooded {Animals}).