The Holstein young breeders have returned from the 9th WBFSH International Young Breeders’ World Championships with some outstanding performances and many unforgettable memories.
From 16 to 19 July, they were guests at the Lower Saxony State Stud in Celle and enjoyed a magnificent World Championship on home soil. Having secured the title of Junior Vice-World Champions and third place in the overall ranking of all participating breeding associations, the team ranks among the most successful associations at the World Championships.

In various disciplines, the young breeders from 18 teams demonstrated their specialist knowledge and skills. They were assessed on their theoretical knowledge, their evaluation of free jumping and conformation, as well as the supreme discipline: the conformation assessment. The junior team, comprising Marta Becker, Lara Bicker, Birte Reimers and Mike Wille, impressed with an outstanding team performance and secured the junior vice-world championship title.
The senior team, comprising Gina Knaak, Mirja Matern, Mirja Rudnik and Eva-Maria Speck, also put in a strong performance and achieved an excellent eighth place in the team rankings. The performances of both teams, along with strong individual placings – particularly in conformation and the theory test – formed the basis for the greatest success from a Holsteiner perspective: In the overall ranking of all participating breeding associations, the Holsteiner young breeders took third place, thereby securing a spot on the World Championship podium.

Aside from the sporting successes, one thing in particular will be remembered: the exceptional team spirit. The camaraderie, mutual support and the joy of being able to take part in a World Championship together characterised the entire weekend. It is precisely this sense of community that defines the Holsteiner Young Breeders and is at least as valuable as the placings achieved.
A heartfelt thank you goes to the organisers, the event hosts and the team at the Lower Saxony State Stud in Celle for a superbly organised event. The Holstein Young Breeders would also like to thank their trainers, Johanna Boysen and Frederike Schwarck, as well as team leader Vivian Lohse.

With plenty of positive impressions and renewed motivation, the Holsteiner Young Breeders are now setting their sights on the next highlight of the season: the German Championships in Vechta in September. Mirja Rudnik