At the end of last year, two esteemed colleagues from the Association of Breeders of the Holsteiner Horse bade farewell. Dr Stefanie Bergmann and Götz Hartmann will be dedicating themselves to new professional challenges in the future.

Dr Stefanie Bergmann commenced her work at the Holsteiner Verband on 1 June 2007. She was an adept contact person, particularly for members from the European breeding district. Dr Bergmann maintained contact, always had a sympathetic ear for the interests of breeders outside Schleswig-Holstein, and organised the mare inspection and foal registration tour in the European breeding district. Furthermore, she diligently worked on the necessary statute amendments and represented the interests of the breeding association at a political level both domestically and abroad. She has spearheaded project work and innovations such as the introduction of Holstein Global and digital registration.

Götz Hartmann had been an employee of the studbook office since March 1997, highly respected among breeders and colleagues for his thoroughness, precision and reliability. As assistant to the breeding director, he worked closely with former breeding director Dr Thomas Nissen and most recently with Stephan Haarhoff. Götz Hartmann was well-versed in all procedures within the Verband and possessed extensive expert and personal knowledge. For many, he was the "voice of the Holstenhallen" at former Holsteiner licensing events.

With great appreciation and gratitude for their achievements, we bid them both farewell and wish them all the best.

Photos: Janne Bugtrup