The Holsteiner Verband mourns the loss of one of its long-standing members and an outstanding figure. Hans-Helmut Sievers from Tasdorf has passed away at the age of 85.

For decades, the Tasdorf resident devoted himself with great dedication to Holsteiner breeding and, as a judge, to the sport as well. Initially as a delegate for the Bordesholm licensing district and as a member of the licensing commission – which was still a state body at the time – and later as a member of the Executive Board (1993 to 2004) and as Commissioner for Mare Registration and Foal Awards, he rendered outstanding service to the Holsteiner breed. He always stood out for his even-tempered and positive nature and his extensive expertise. These qualities were also highly valued in his role as a competition judge in Schleswig-Holstein and beyond; Hans-Helmut Sievers was even invited to judge at the National Championships. As a breeder, he was responsible for 34 horses registered with the Holsteiner Verband, including two licensed stallions: Casino by Capitol I-Caletto, who also enjoyed sporting success with Michael Aabo, and Wildfang by Wildfeuer-Marlon xx. Furthermore, his record includes six State Premium mares and horses that enjoyed success in sport: the Capitol I-Caletto daughter Casita, who competed at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens with Kamal Abdullah Bahamdan (KSA), remains unforgettable. As a breeder, Hans-Helmut Sievers enjoyed an excellent reputation; among others, the later licensed stallions Fabio I and II by Fernando, the latter of whom was proclaimed champion stallion of his year, as well as the reserve champions and later Grand Prix winners with Margit-Otto Crépin, Corlino by Coriander and Loutano by Landgraf I, were reared in Tasdorf. The foundations for the breeding and sporting career of Cumano (Jos Lansink)—a son of Cassini I and Landgraf I and an Olympic horse—were also laid through this meticulous breeding programme. Stall Sievers in Tasdorf, where Hans-Helmut lived and worked with his wife Emma – and which is now run by Harm Sievers – has developed over the past decades into a meeting place and hub for lovers of the Holsteiner horse. Hans-Helmut Sievers was honoured with numerous awards for his services to breeding, sport and voluntary work: he received the German Equestrian Cross in both bronze and silver, the Gustav Rau Medal, the Badge of Honour from the Schleswig-Holstein Equestrian Federation (PSH), as well as silver and gold plaques from the German Equestrian Federation (FN) and honours from the Schleswig-Holstein Chamber of Agriculture. In 2015, he was honoured with the Meteor Prize for his life’s work. His commitment to the Holsteiner Verband involved, amongst other things, numerous trips both at home and abroad, as far afield as the USA, and was initially recognised in 1990 with the Silver Badge of Honour, followed by the Gold Badge of Honour in 2004, and he was appointed an honorary member. “Hans-Helmut always had sound advice to offer and was always positive and motivating,” said the former Holsteiner breeding director, Dr Thomas Nissen. “For this reason, and because of his straightforward nature, he was held in the highest regard by everyone.”

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz