A two-day training session under prominent leadership was offered on the initiative of the eventing working group („Arbeitskreis Vielseitigkeit“) within the Holsteiner Verband.  In addition to the managing directors and members of the executive board, this group also includes breeders and riders of eventing horses as well as representatives of the Holsteiner breeding and sports promotion society („Holsteiner Zucht- und Sportförderung“). 

The promotion association had been able to arrange a training date with Hans Melzer at an early stage and agreed with Kai Wullweber on the use of his cross-country course in Todesfelde. The target group comprised young riders under 25 on Holsteiner horses of any age as well as young Holsteiner horses, a maximum of seven years old, also with experienced riders.

The desire for training sessions of this kind among Holsteiner enthusiasts is evidently great, because no sooner had the announcement been published than registrations arrived at the „Holsteiner Zucht- und Sportförderung“ and the 18 available places were fully booked! The fees were subsidized by the association. 

The youngest among the youthful participants was eleven years old. The young horses with an aptitude for eventing were between five and seven years old, and their owners and riders from both the amateur and professional camps were grateful for this opportunity ahead of the competition season.

Every rider received two first-class training sessions from Hans Melzer, indisputably one of the most successful and experienced trainers in cross-country equestrian sport. With a professional eye, he gathered information on the training level of horse and rider in numerous exercises on the first day and set the corresponding challenges on the second day. The very versatile cross-country course belonging to Kai Wullweber offers every possible opportunity. 

Hans Melzer's passion for the sport, his friendly approach and motivating comments were a special experience and a great benefit for all participants. Everyone was able to experience a sense of achievement and take home important insights.                                

Report: Sabine Verhaagh

Photo (private): The organizers Sabine Verhaagh and Ute Ladiges from the promotion association (on the outer edges respectively), stable owner Kai Wullweber (left) and our prominent guest Hans Melzer (right) with two satisfied participants