Kanin-Hop is a community sport for humans and animals. In this sport, tame, trained rabbits jump over obstacles on a jumping track or course. Depending on the competition class, the rabbits hop freely or are guided by their owner on a leash attached to a harness. The sport promotes the engagement of humans and animals and their relationship with each other. Rabbits are very capable of learning and have a natural urge to move, which can be met with Kanin-Hop.
History of Kanin-Hop
The origins of Kanin-Hop were established in Sweden around 50 years ago. Initially, Swedish pedigree rabbit breeders simply let their rabbits jump over obstacles to keep them occupied and provide them with sufficient exercise. Through Denmark, Kanin-Hop then came to Germany in 1995 as a sport via the breeding club U31 Eutin e.V. Since then, numerous Kanin-Hop groups have been founded, mostly organized through the pedigree rabbit clubs of the Central Association of German Pedigree Rabbit Breeders (ZDRK). The training is accompanied by Kanin-Hop representatives who not only focus on the sporting requirements but also on the keeping and health condition. Both in handling and training with the animal and in the rules for conducting Kanin-Hop competitions, animal welfare and protection are paramount. The competitions are held as part of various shows or exhibitions. Separate Kanin-Hop events are also now organized. The best animals compete in state, German, and European championships.
Kanin-Hop Rules
To participate in a Kanin-Hop competition, rabbits must be at least four months old, and their companions must be at least nine years old. In the lead class, younger children and their animals start with a companion. There are no upper limits, so some adult breeders now also participate in Kanin-Hop with enthusiasm. Each animal has a start book issued by the Kanin-Hop group of the respective rabbit breeding club. This book records information about the animal and owner, as well as vaccinations, since, for example, the RHD vaccination is mandatory for competition participation. The class tests and competition results are also recorded here. The class tests ensure that each rabbit starts in the performance class appropriate to its abilities. The breed of the rabbit and its body size are irrelevant; only its jumping ability counts. The classes are divided into light, medium, and heavy, which differ in the number, height, and width of the obstacles to be jumped over.
In competition, the obstacles are placed in a straight line or as a course on a large area. In the course, the obstacles are numbered, as they must be completed in a set order, similar to show jumping. Usually, the rabbits are led on a leash, but there are also competitions with "open courses," where the animals run and jump alongside their companion without a leash. The time and errors with which the rabbit completes the competition course are evaluated. Errors include knocking down an obstacle and more than three slight or significant corrections by the companion. The obstacles are designed like in equestrian sports so that the bars easily fall off the supports when touched. Specially trained Kanin-Hop referees are used for the evaluation and conduct of competitions.
Healthy Nutrition for Top Athletes
Like any athlete, a Kanin-Hop rabbit should also eat healthily and balanced. The total ration must be aligned with the energy needs so that the animal has enough power but does not become overweight. In relation to maintenance needs, the performance needs are less decisive. Depending on the frequency and intensity of training and the type of feed used, moderate supplements of 5 to 15 g per kg of body weight are sufficient. Depending on the rabbit breed, we recommend Mifuma Basis, Mifuma Plus or Mifuma Structure Muesli. In addition to rabbit food, a Kanin-Hop athlete is also offered sufficient hay and always fresh water.
Overview of Competition Classes and Types:
| Light |
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| Medium |
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| Heavy |
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| Elite |
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Straight Track: A series of consecutive obstacles according to the respective class
Course: Obstacles on an area with a predetermined order according to the respective class
Point Jumping: The ten obstacles are set up in a round track with a height of 25cm or 35cm. Each error-free jumped obstacle is scored with a point. The goal is to achieve the most points through error-free overcome obstacles within one minute. The rabbit that scores the most points after a maximum of 4 rounds wins.
Duel Jumping: Two parallel tracks with at least 10 identical obstacles (25cm or 35cm high) are completed by two rabbits with companions; in a knockout system, one pair is eliminated until a winning team is determined; or each team starts against each other; the rabbit with the most individual wins wins the competition
Elimination Jumping: A track with 10 obstacles, which are increased by 8cm in each of a maximum of 5 rounds; each team with less than or equal to 3 errors also starts in the next round; in the last round, errors and time decide
Source: Rules for Kanin-Hop Sport in the ZDRK, Edition 2019, Publisher: Central Association of German Pedigree Rabbit Breeders e.V.
