The state competition for young and new Holsteiner breeders is an absolute highlight in the calendar for up-and-coming breeders, and was hosted last weekend by Club Segeberg in Henstedt-Ulzburg. 

“What makes the Holsteiner young breeders special is that we are a large community who share a passion for the Holsteiner horse and promote this to the wider public,” said Frederike Schwarck, the representative for young and new breeders, expressing her delight at the harmonious gathering at Hof Reiherstieg. The ten clubs competed in theory, pattern tests, conformation and free-jumping assessments across four age groups, crowning their team and individual state champions. “It’s not really primarily about winning – although that’s fun too, of course,” admits Charlotte Micheel (Steinburg) with a laugh. “We’re delighted to have so many new members this year and we’re a really cool bunch. When you can show someone something and we’re all together, it’s more fun than anything else.” A games evening, a party and the 30th anniversary of the Segeberg Young Breeders rounded off the social side of the weekend perfectly. But the competition didn’t take a back seat either. Kim Gericke (North Frisia) was taking part for the first time, but certainly not the last: “I think you can get involved at any time and at any age. I’ve also studied for the theory part for the first time, but if you’re interested in horses, it’s not that difficult at all.” During the practical sessions, the most experienced colleagues offered some final tips on the spot before the participants faced the judges, Carina Wacks and Lukas Heumann. And then things got really exciting once again as the winners and runners-up in each age group received their well-deserved honours and valuable prizes. 

Here are the top three in each age group

Age Group 1:
1st place: Maria Julia Köster (Segeberg)
2nd place: Alice Erdmann (Segeberg)
3rd place: Jolie Bendschneider (Dithmarschen)

Age Group 2:
1st place: Clara Konopka (Bordesholm-Plön)
2nd place: Ronja Funke (Rendsburg-Eckernförde)
3rd place: Marlene Gehrt (Steinburg)

Age Group 3: 1st
place: Johanna Hagemeister (Stormarn-Lauenburg)
2nd place: Mirja Rudnik (Stormarn-Lauenburg)
3rd place: Eva-Maria Speck (Stormarn-Lauenburg)

Age Group 4: 1st
place: Matthes Stargardt (Stormarn-Lauenburg)
2nd place: Johanna Boysen (Bordesholm-Plön)
3rd place: Katrin Grossmann (Dithmarschen)

Team:
1st place: Stormarn-Lauenburg
2nd place: Segeberg
3rd place: Steinburg

Best Whip Handlers :
Age Group 1: Clara Gräfin von Platen-Hallermund, Ostholstein
; Age Group 2: Clara Konopka, Bordesholm-Plön
; Age Group 3: Johanna Hagemeister, Stormarn-Lauenburg

The competition also served as a selection event for the squad for the National Young Breeders’ Competition at the Marbach State Stud in June and the World Championships in Denmark (Stutteri Ask) in July – so there are further highlights in store for our Holsteiner young breeders in 2024!

Photos: Annika Schilling