Dear members, dear breeders,

The world around us is in constant flux, and a great deal is also moving in horse breeding and sport. Not all developments are heading in the desired direction. Declining figures nationwide for coverings, registered mares and registered foals give cause for thought.

But complaining alone is anything but helpful. We must become active and accept the circumstances in order to achieve the best possible result. We, the executive board and the managing directors of the Association of Breeders of the Holsteiner Horse, have given a great deal of thought to future models for the association over the past years and months – and continue to do so. One of these models concerns the digitalisation and public relations work of the association.

With its own website www.holsteiner-verband.de, the association already has a strong official communication organ. This is complemented by its presence on numerous social media platforms (including Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, YouTube and WhatsApp). In the board meetings, in exchanges with the advisory board and in breeding district and delegates' meetings, we have repeatedly discussed the future of the association magazine PFERD+SPORT. For decades, the magazine has been a constant companion and reporter of Holsteiner horse breeding. Many – including us – have always appreciated it as a chronicle of events surrounding the Holsteiner horse. RathmannVerlag has always been a reliable partner to us in this regard.

Yet in this ever-accelerating world, we too must increase our stride to keep up. A monthly printed association magazine represents a high cost factor. The topicality of print products is naturally limited. It is important for us to emphasise that we attach top priority to keeping you, dear members, informed. Therefore, the expansion of the association's digital platforms has been and continues to be a focal point.

We have carefully examined the alternatives to the print magazine. Following this, we have decided not to pursue the introduction of an e-paper further, as this in turn would be associated with high financial liabilities. Instead, we wish to use these resources for the strategic expansion of our own digital channels.

We have decided to terminate the contract with RathmannVerlag in due time at the end of the year 2027. Until then, the association will continue to fully comply with the contract contents – the magazine will therefore continue to appear with Holsteiner content until the end of 2027, subject to the continued compliance with the contractual agreements by both parties.

In the period leading up to then, the digital channels will be strengthened even further. We have developed a concept through which members will be informed even more promptly and comprehensively. The capability will be created to make content available exclusively to our members. Furthermore, we are continuing to work on benefit packages and discount campaigns with partners as well as cooperations in order to make valuable breeding and sporting data easily accessible to you, for example.

We did not make this decision lightly. However, following numerous discussions, we have come to the conviction that we should strengthen the association even more digitally for the future. We would like to thank RathmannVerlag warmly for the consistently trusting cooperation. We are open to your suggestions regarding this project and will continue to involve you in its shaping over the coming months.

With kind regards,

The executive board and managing directors of the Association of Breeders of the Holsteiner Horse