Today, 28 February, the former breeding director of the Holsteiner Verband is celebrating his 70th birthday: We wish Dr Thomas Nissen a very happy birthday!
Dr Thomas Nissen grew up on a farm in Schleswig-Holstein and, following his agricultural studies and PhD in Kiel, as well as a trainee position at the Ministry of Agriculture in Kiel, succeeded Gerhard Gramann as breeding director of the Holsteiner Horse Breeders’ Association (Verband der Züchter des Holsteiner Pferdes e.V.) in 1988.
Under his leadership, the use of English Thoroughbreds and French stallions, amongst other initiatives, led to the successful modernisation of the Holsteiner horse. Furthermore, he played a key role in the development of the Association’s licensing scheme, including a new licensing commission and a new system for the registration and performance testing of mares. At the end of 2020, Dr Nissen retired and, a year later, took up the newly created post of Animal Welfare Officer for the Holsteiner Verband. Although Dr Nissen always faced an enormous workload in his role, he consistently made time for the concerns of staff, breeders and other colleagues. He treats everyone as an equal, never puts himself in the spotlight, and is held in high regard across the globe for his exceptional expertise and knowledge of horses. He was actively involved in numerous committees, working groups and other organisations. In recognition of his services to horse breeding, Dr Nissen was awarded the Gustav Rau Medal in gold.
Even since his retirement, Dr Nissen has always been available to offer advice and support on matters concerning the association’s members. As a family man who devoted decades to his role as breeding director, he now has more time for his family and hobbies. He is a keen classic car enthusiast, enjoys swimming, cycling and travelling, and spends time (on the Baltic Sea or in Italy) with his wife, his children and his dog Nika.
The entire team at the Holsteiner Verband extends its warmest birthday wishes to Dr Thomas Nissen!
Hans Werner Ritters and Dr Nissen at the licensing in Neumünster in 1991.
Dr Thomas Nissen, Norbert Boley and Breido Graf zu Rantzau (from left to right)
Photos: Janne Bugtrup
