07|2020 DER HANNOVERANER No. 07 | July 2020 |

Sport Strong personalities

Auction By click to the dream horse

Schiller and rider Hergen Forkert Photo: Stroscher Sport

Family Forkert: Marten and Inga with their children Henriette and Edda, Paul sen., Paul jun., Hergen and Esther with Theo. Photo: Stroscher Strong personalities

Hergen Forkert is one of Germany’s best jumper riders. The 47-year old celebrated his biggest successes aboard the Hannoveraner gelding Elton John and many other successes aboard a great number of homebred riding horses. By Jürgen Stroscher

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aul Forkert is the founder of the performance, relearn doing everything. “The speech proficiency Pbreed and training facility called Rosenbusch was completely gone; my brain was often unable in Bremen-Oberneuland. “The sport of riding to make connections. After about six weeks, I fi- brought me to Bremen,” the native Hessian re- nally realized that I had an accident,” the 39-year members. “I like the area. Because of my professi- old describes her difficult situation. Today she is on as a riding instructor, I had the opportunity to again able to ride her trustworthy horse, the eight- purchase a plot of land between two dikes, the year old Stanford by Stanley Condor M (breeder: Wümme-dike and the Weser-dike. I spontaneously Ulrike Bergmann, Bremen), in the arena. She even borrowed a large amount of money from the bank started riding him over small fences. “Riding is al- and built today’s facility,” the seventy-nine year most therapeutic for me,” Esther Forkert shares. old remembers. Still today Paul Fokert regularly ri- Because of the corona restrictions, she missed out des the family-owned horses. He looks back onto a on important physical and psychological therapy. more than fifty year long horse show-career. Paul She was, however, able to count on the support Forkert obtained the golden badge of riding in from everyone. Giving up clearly is not part of the dressage as well as in jumping. The many S-level vocabulary of the families Forkert and Stürke. victories in both disciplines are countless. The seni- or chef knows all renowned riders from back then; It again was Hergen Forkert, who kept his cool af- some of them he even beat in competition. “At ter an accident with two riding horses in 2006. He that time, the group of successful competitors was was able to save Gem Twist by Graf Grannus/Don not as big as it is today. We traveled through Ger- Carlos (breeder: Mara Cassens, Buchholz-Holm) many almost like a family.” The riding legends in- and Elton John by Acorado/Grannus (breeder: cluded Hans-Günter Winkler, Hermann Schridde, Frank-Christian Amend, Hannover) from certain Hartwig Steenken, Herbert Meyer, Gerd Witfang as deaths. During the return-trip from a horse show in well as Alwin and Paul Schockemöhle. “My child- Elmlohe, a fire broke out in the lorry, in which Her- ren are my biggest fortune though.” Paul Forkert is gen Forkert transported both horses. “When I was proud of his three sons, which he raised together finally able to stop the rig on the autobahn, it was with his wife Irmtraut (75). Both seniors still work burning fiercely. Gem Twist was able to free hard on the farm, when help is needed. The two himself, but Elton John was tied with his head to sons, Hergen (47) and Marten (36) manage the the front,” the jumper rider remembers. There was facility Rosenbusch today. While their big brother no other way than to pull him by his tail out of the Jörn (52) still co-organizes the horse show as the back of the rig. “Elton’s entire head was in the fire, Hergen Forkert celebrated his president of the riding club Rosenbusch, he devo- but he somehow managed to free himself.” The biggest successes with Elton John. tes most of his time to being a medical doctor. heads of both horses were terribly swollen, and In 2011, the pair won the Grand Prix on the Dobrock. Photo: Stroscher almost the entire skin on the head of seven-year Family Forkert already spent many happy hours to- old Elton John was charred to the bone. This condi- gether, for instance when Esther Stürke and Her- tion hardly allowed Elton John to breathe, let alone gen Forkert got married in 2009 in the church of eat food on his own. The veterinarians helped him Oberneuland. Eleven years later, husband Hergen start the road of recovery with a tracheal cut. “We together with many others is glad that “his” Esther drove to the veterinary clinic daily. For the first ten is still alive. After a serious riding accident in Au- days, Elton was unable to see anything. We talked gust of 2019, the 39-year old now is on the best to him a lot, so that he would realize that we were way to a full recovery to everyone’s delight. The not giving up on him.” The intense care connected active jumper rider experienced a blessing in dis- rider and horse even more than before. The healing guise. After spending a whole week in an artifi- process of Elton John signified the beginning of a cially induced coma, she spent six weeks in a more unique success story. From that moment on, the or less disoriented state followed by several mask of Elton John, which he wore while jumping months of rehabilitation. Because of it, the priori- fences, was his trademark. ties in the lives of Esther and Hergen Forkert have changed. “Horse show successes and material The irony of the story was that Elton John was ac- things become of secondary importance,” all fami- tually sold at the time of the accident. Because of ly members agree. Nothing was like it was before. the burns, the contract was cancelled. The dark bay As a two-time mother and a show rider, Esther finally sold to Ulrike Bergmann. Since decades, fa- played a significant role in the riding facility. Her ther Paul had worked together with the female sons Theo (2) and Paul (7) had to do without their sponsor, who lived in close proximity. “We almost mother, Hergen without his wife and all others wi- maintain a family-like relationship with Ulrike thout their familiar co-worker. The healing is not Bergmann. We are very grateful for her loyal sup- fully completed as of yet. Because of the induced port and owe her a lot,” Hergen Forkert shares. coma over several days, the female rider had to Nothing stood in the way of Eton John’s athletic

Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 3 Sport

career any longer. “The time with Elton John was school, he first chose to leave home to pursue a very exciting; our good performances opened career in riding and training horses. “I was always many doors for me.” Hergen Forkert realizes all too employed by my father, which gave me the oppor- well to whom he owes his international jumping tunity to further my riding skills at several riding career. facilities.” The jumper rider learned a lot from Paul Schockemöhle, Karsten Huck and Klaus-Martin Elton John’s series of victories Rath. When father Paul went almost blind, Hergen On paper, winning the Grand Prix on the Dobrock was forced to return home and take on the respon- in 2011 was the victory that paid the most prize- sibility for managing the family’s facility. In 1994, money. “We competed on all the renowned show he came home to Bremen with a degree in riding grounds in Germany. We did not always make it to and breeding horses. In Münster, he obtained his the top of the podium though.” The pair did quite master’s degree. Together with his father, he trai- well in several Grand Prix-competitions like in the ned numerous apprentices, which later on establis- Grand Prix of Nörten-Hardenberg, of Dortmund, of hed themselves in the equestrian world, like Hart- Munich and Wiesbaden. They also did well in wig Burfeind, Greta Funke, Jasmin Meyer, Josef Hamburg’s Derby, where the jumper rider obtained Freese, Sophie Hinners and Lennert Hauschild. high placements seven times with four different horses. To the rider’s delight, the owner of Elton Together with his father Paul, Hergen Forkert al- John declared him not for sale. In 2016, Elton John ways tried to further improve the structure of his was retired at the age of seventeen. Today the gel- riding facility trying to meet the demands of the ding frolics on the fields in Bremen-Oberneuland equestrian scene. He more and more included his amidst the herd of broodmares. brother Marten and Marten’s wife Inga (40) in the process. Since 2010, the siblings jointly manage After a serious accident, Esther The athletic performance of Hergen Forkert is even the family business. “We continuously reinvested Forkert again spends time with more impressive, if you consider that his fellow income from horse sales in the business,” Paul For- her beloved horses – like Stanford. competitors were riders like Ludger Beerbaum, kert shares. In the beginning, he based the busi- Photo: Stroscher Marcus Ehning, Otto Becker and Lars Nieberg. In ness on farming and on boarding horses. He added other words, they are Germany’s top jumper riders, a breeding program, which focused on bloodlines which today participate in the Global Champions for dressage. Originally the land included four hec- Tour. “We still went to horse shows pulling a sim- tares; today there are 30 hectares with several ho- ple trailer; the others came in big lorries.” In addi- mes, modern stables for up to 50 horses, an indoor tion, Hergen Forkert mostly competed rather inex- riding arena and outdoor rings. On the adjacent perienced sport horses before and after Elton John. fields, all horses enjoy the fresh breeze from the Many of these sport horses were young and bred Weser River. The terrain is ideally suited for horse or raised at home. Next to Gem Twist, there were shows. “Fifteen years ago, we started organizing a Zorro by Zacharias/ Lemon xx (breeder: Hanke Hey, jumper show upon the requests of adjacent riding Spieka-Neufeld) and the 1990-born stallion Geysir clubs. We view the event as open house-days and by Grannus/Ferrari (breeder: Otto Ahlers, Oster- as advertisement for our riding facility,” Hergen holz-Scharmbeck). Later on, this stallion was used Forkert explains the commitment. The event deve- for breeding. “We had arranged for a sale of Geysir loped into a fixed date on the show schedule of to Austria. It did not work out with the new ow- jumper riders far beyond the borders of Bremen. In ners, so Geysir came back.” 2019, more than 5,000 spectators did not miss this equestrian event. Marten Forkert also partici- The Forkerts realized the potential of this son of pated. He started riding “fairly” late in life. “I was Grannus and bought him. Hergen and Marten con- more interested in farming, and, by pure coinci- tinued training him. “During his prime, Geysir won dence, fell upon the perfect horse. Since then, I almost every puissance in Germany. He cleared the very much enjoy riding and do so with great ambi- wall at a height of 2.25 meters several times.” Be- tion,” the trained industrial clerk shares. “Comple- cause of his performance record, Geysir was li- ting a professional training program was a decisi- censed in Verden in 2000. Several times, Hergen on that I made for the future of our family Forkert won a gold medal or the vice champion- business.” ship-title at the State Championships in Bremen. Twice he took fourth place in the division for jum- As a fifteen-year old, Marten Forkert collected his per riders at the Equestrian Federation Hannover. first ribbons in jumping classes up to the M-level Hergen Forkert competed internationally in the Ri- aboard the then 13-year old Wisby by Walzer- You start early to become a true For- kert! At the CSI in Neustadt/ ders Tour and even in the Global Champions Tour traum/Marsala (breeder: Friedrich-Wilhelm Linne- Dosse, Theo helps with setting up and participated in the German Championships for mann, Frankfurt). His career development took off the course. Photo: Lafrentz jumper riders. After successfully finishing high from then. Two years later, he already competed at

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Geysira and Marten Forkert collected top placements from the L- to the S-level. Photo: Lafrentz

the S-level. The young jumper rider trained the 1991-born, homebred Watteau by Wales/Velten Sohn to the Grand Prix-level. At the age of 19, Marten won his first S-level jumping class. He re- gularly participated in the German Young Rider Championships and in important classes for rising jumper riders like the Prize Of The Best in Waren- dorf. Currently Marten Forkert causes a stir at the international level on the Youngster Tour with eight-year old, homebred Pizarro by Perigueux/ Cheenook.

The Forkerts always try covering several bases. It is one of their goals to establish a connection bet- ween the equestrian sport and the breeding of horses. As an ambitious dressage rider, Paul Forkert focused on dressage horses for his marketing pro- ses in S-level jumping classes, which helped selling gram. Hannoveraner dressage blood was of ut- them at good prices. Bill Gates’ daughter Jennifer most importance to him in his breeding program. now rides Lorena. Landblume’s son Gladiator by He extended his herd to up to ten broodmares. Geysir already obtained an M-level palcement at Vorliebe by Veit/Domaenenrat, born 1967, was the age of six. He sold on Verden’s elite auction to one of them. First he competed the highly talented Canada. Geysir’s Lady by Geysir also out of Land- riding horse up to the S-level in dressage. Still to- blume is the dam of Cristo by Casallco. The five- day, many successful sport horses and broodmares year old showed off his talent at the M-level with go back to this dressage line. In 1996, Paul Forkert Marten and Hergen Forkert. added Alberta by Alabaster/Dynamo. He was able to sell her for a six digit-price tag. Her half-sister Drawing on lavish resources Amira by Alabaster/Dynamo passed on her genes The Forkerts draw on lavish resources with respect very successfully. She is not only responsible for to their horses. A few years ago, Elton John’s bree- the highly talented jumper Geysira by Geysir, but der Frank-Christian Amend took over three brood- also for the riding horses Dialog by Don Marcello, mares including the mare Clivia. The Forkerts pro- Bormio by Benetton Dream and Belle Fleur by Bo- duced the stallion Cavoiro-H by Casallco and out nifatius, which all are victorious in dressage at the of Clivia. He was licensed in Adelheidsdorf and S-level. For almost two years, ten-year old Belle stood at stud in Celle for two years. Now he is sta- Fleur stood in the barn of Pedro Luiz Almeida Pa- tioned at the stallion station Klatte. Hergen Forkert vao. Now Inga Forkert rides her. She tends to the also proved to have had a good inkling, when he boarding horses at the riding facility Rosenbusch discovered the colt Schiller at the farm of Frank- and to the rising young riders. In addition, she also Christian Amend nine years ago. In 2017, this son is a mother of three, Edda (6), Henriette (8) and of Spartacus/Cranach became the spectacular Fritz (10). Hannoveraner jumping horse champion in Verden and was afterwards licensed. By now, Schiller coll- “Our hearts in this region naturally beat for Han- ects top placements on the international Youngster noveraner horses. A consolidated damline is of ut- Tours and is available for live-cover at the Rosen- most importance to us. Since Marten, Esther and I busch facility. are jumper riders, the breeding program shifted from breeding dressage horses to breeding jum- Not only but mainly the strokes of fate within the pers. Our breeding goal is producing performance- family grounded jumper rider Hergen Forkert a lot. oriented, rideable, light-footed, typy and modern “I reached almost everything in the sport of jum- riding horses,” Hergen Forkert describes his breed ping; I no longer feel the performance pressure. I ambitions. The blood combinations are very promi- much rather focus on the fundamental things in sing; the breed successes increase consistently. The life.” For the 47-year old being able to spend a lot 2000-born Landblume by Landclassic/Sassnitz is of time with his family is certainly one of them. He Already last year, Esther Forkert and the dam of two Lordanos-descendants, Lux and also is very glad when everybody remains healthy Stanford participated in the Youngs- Lorena. The show records of both reflected succes- and well. n ter Tour. Photo: Lafrentz

Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 5 Breeder‘s portrait

With passion to success

In Bienenbüttel, Ellen Trouillé devotes herself to the breeding and the training of dressage horses. Her slogan: If it proves itself in competition, then it is good enough for breeding. The entire family is on board. By Britta Züngel

Ellen Trouillé from Bienenbüttel he mare Atlanta still today has a high status for and his daughter build up the business step by Photos: Züngel TEllen Trouillé. The 1979 born daughter of As- step, Ellen Trouillé has devoted her life to horses. kan/Lorenzo (breeder: Heinrich Schröder, Schne- Breeding and training has become a matter of the verdingen) was not only her first show horse but heart to her. Eight years ago, the Trouillé family ful- also her first broodmare. “My parents bought At- filled their dream in Bienenbüttel. A generous faci- lanta for me, when she was a foal. I trained her,” lity was built. In addition to a light-filled, 60-metre the rider, who was born in the Rhineland, shares. indoor arena, an outdoor dressage ring, a race- “She showed me what works and what does not.” track and 15 large box stalls, there are rich green When Ellen Trouillé was eight years old, she moved fields and paddocks, as far as you can see. Two with her family from Mönchengladbach in the Rhi- years ago, they added a separate barn for mares neland to the Lüneburger Heide-region. Many ye- and foals. The sport is very important as well. They ars later she met her husband André Trouillé at a support the Derby in Hamburg, Horses & Dreams friend’s house. “He had a horse and so did I.” It and Verden International as well as local events. was that easy. While son Daniel likes horses, he The Almased Amateur Trophy became a popular never rode with ambition. Sister Ann Kathrin, on competition series with five stations. “It is impor- The wellbeing of the horses is of the other hand, obtained top results in jumping tant to us to support the younger generation of ri- utmost importance at the facility of competitions. As a trained marketing and economy ders,” Ellen Trouillé declares. Family Trouillé. expert, she now is the right hand of her father in the family business. “I started a breeding program because of my desi- re to breed horses, which I also enjoy riding,” says André Trouillé grew up in West Berlin. His father Ellen Trouillé. St.Pr.St. Dornröschen by De Niro/ had a flower wholesale supply store, and he was a Matcho AA, a granddaughter of Atlanta, is the de- practitioner of alternative medicine. The then still clared favorite. Before the liver chestnut mare be- divided city seemed too tight and the Trouillé fami- came a broodmare, she proved her talent in the ly moved to their vacation home in Bienenbüttel. show ring. Her performances were impressive. Her Hubertus Trouillé developed a powder, which was show record listed victories in series in riding and based on soy, yoghurt and honey at his practice: dressage horse classes. She completed the mare Almased. It was meant to stimulate the metabo- test received eights for her basic gaits and a nine lism and support the immune system. It had a po- twice for her rideability. Ellen Trouillé kept the first sitive side effect: It helped with loosing weight. filly for her breeding program. La Montana by Le What began with a mixer in the kitchen at home Rouge rarely returned home from a show without 35 years ago, developed into a market leader. Al- a ribbon. She emulated her dam in the perfor- mased became well known in Germany through mance test obtaining almost identical evaluations. TV-advertising spots. The boss delivered the idea “I want to breed horses that do well in competi- Ellen and André Trouillé not only breed and ride horses, they also for these himself. For quite some time now, the tions. So I use mares and stallions, which have support competitions with great product is distributed worldwide. A daughter com- competed at the Grand Prix-level. Then I have the engagement. pany was set up in Florida. While André Trouillé proper foundation,” says Ellen Trouillé. The mare

6 Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 Breeder‘s portrait

Harmonie by Hohenstein/Werther (breeder: Ursula he is a gelding. He earned two blue ribbons at In- Jungbecker-Rumpff, Olpe) is a perfect example of ter II in Wellington. “Together we mature to com- the breeder translating her idea into action. Suc- peting at the Grand Prix-level. I greatly enjoy it, cessful up to Grand Prix with rider Isabell Werth, when the horses have a good attitude,” she says Harmonie came to Ellen Trouillé as a sport horse. while praising his basic gaits and his elasticity. She She later used her in her breeding program. “I lear- uses the frozen semen of the powerfully moving ned a lot from her.” The black mare now has her bay in her breeding program. “At the moment, my first foal. The sire is Ellen Trouillé’s rising star Don focus is on my barn,” says Ellen Trouillé, who is Dynamo. diligent and has a certain amount of stubbornness. “I am so happy that I am in the position to be able The breeder did not have to drive very far to find to realize my ideas.” She mainly breeds horses for additional interesting blood. She found, what she her own use. She never sold a foal. She starts her was looking for, at the farm of Ulrich Heuer in Va- young horses under saddle. Then it is decided rendorf. There she bought a daughter and a grand- which horse stays in Bienenbüttel and which ones daughter of the foundation dam C’est la Vie by are moved to a different training’s facility. Calypso II/Graf Fackel Z. Rumba by Romanov Blue Kelly Layne trains and successfully competes Livio Felluga by Le Rouge/ Hors/De Niro carries the blood of the producer le- Ellen Trouillé complements her vintages with inte- De Niro in Florida. Photo: Private gend De Niro. First class producers are part of the resting talents. Two years ago, she found a son of immediate family through Finest Ampere by Am- Le Vivaldi/Rotspon (breeder: Elizabeth Kapp, Clü- pere and Cadeau Noir by Christ. The jumper mare versborstel) on the stallion sales in Verden. “It was St.Pr.St. La Manga by Lordanos/Calypso II comple- love at first sight.” Last year, she acquired the stal- tes the broodmare band. She fulfils the passion of lion Living Diamond by Livaldon/Fürst Rousseau Andre Trouillé, who used to ride jumpers. St.Pr.St. (breeder: Dirk Seewald, Hemslingen) on the elite Manga obtained a premium at the Friedrich Jahn- auction. “It was a lucky coincidence that this horse cke-Show in 2012 in Luhmühlen. Her show record crossed our path!” Both purchases were not plan- reflects top placements up to the M**-level and ned; they were the results of spontaneous decisi- she is a member of the Hannoveraner Program For ons. Jumper Horse Breeding. “My heart beats for Hannover. With respect to stal- “You must take on something!” lions, I am open-minded. There are so many excel- Ellen Trouillé is devoted to the sport of dressage. lent stallions,” she says. “Thoroughbreds produce For many years she trained with Manuela and resilience and toughness. I also had good experi- Dolf-Dietram Keller, and afterwards with Jonny Hil- ences with combining jumper and dressage blood. berath. She worked with Isabell Werth and Hans- It is important that the stallions have a show re- Joachim Armbrust. Riding a Grand Prix on a home- cord and that the disposition and the nervous sys- bred, self-trained horse is her ambitious goal. tem are a good match.” Ellen Trouillé always ap- Getting the horses loose without too much impact plies herself 100 percent in anything that she does. from the hands is important to the female rider. She does everything to raise her foals the best “You must take on something, otherwise you do possible way. “From the foal to the retiree – we not go anywhere,” she says. Ellen Trouillé stayed in have a very close connection with our horses,” she Florida until April this year. Since three years, she adds. The entire family is involved with heart and Ellen Trouillé very successfully allows herself and her horses the trip to Welling- soul!” André Trouillé adds, “My family has a very presented Don Dynamo by Painted Black/Jazz in Wellington. ton. While there, she trains at the facility of Kelly special connection with horses. The love for horses Photo: Private Layne, whom she met on the Klosterhof Medingen. combined with being goal-oriented – a rare find!” If she takes a little break from the horses and the “When I went to Wellington the first time, I com- business, she relaxes with a thriller, while her hus- peted on leased horses. “Once you go, you want to band builds model cars with the greatest precision. go again,” says Ellen Trouillé. Since then, she sends “Before moving to the country, I was interested in young horses for training to Kelly Layne like Livio motorsport,” Andre Trouillé adds with a smile. He Felluga by Dornröschens Le Rouge. Named after an enjoyed participating in airfield races. “A race car Italian winery, the nine-year old celebrated his in- can be compared to a show horse: Everything re- ternational debut last November with a double quires a lot of sensitivity for it to work. Contrary to victory in the Small Tour at the CDI* in Tryon/USA. cars, horses have a soul – and that is fabulous!” Ellen Trouillé had brought her then number one Ellen Trouillé is certain, “Whatever you do, do it horse, Don Dynamo. The KWPN stallion by Painted with passion, otherwise you will not be successful. Black/Jazz was licensed for Hannover. He stood at It is my ambition to further develop my breeding stud at the breeding farm Bonhomme and with program, to advance with my riding, and to wit- Rene Tebbel, before he came to Bienenbüttel. Now ness that my work bears fruit!” n

Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 7 Auction

been almost thirty years, since Bernhard Schaerffer rode for the last time. Two hip surgeries put an end to his riding ambitions. His priorities have changed „I love colourful anyway. “The commercial aspect suits me more,” Bernhard Schaerffer says with a mischievous smile.

“At the end of the sixties, hobby horses brought chestnuts!“ good prices. I always maintained good connections with trainers. Word got out – but we also had good horses,” Bernhard Schaerffer reminisces. “I handle prospective clients well, which is an essential part. Since more than 40 years, Bernhard Schaerffer has Already during the time of Hans Joachim Köhler, he the right feel for young dressage horses. The used the auctions of the Hannoveraner Verband as a source. He became one of the most loyal custo- Hannoveraner Verband – that is his hobby, says the mers in Verden: Since 1981, Bernhard Schaerffer loyal auction customer. bought a total of 124 auction horses in the Nieder- sachsenhalle. The same number, you can add from By Britta Züngel the time without computer equipment. “I made many contacts in Verden! I had a lot of confidence in Rainer Kiel and trusted him.” Until today, he ne- am still active. This year, my young horses are ver used his catalogue for bidding only his thumb. „I fabulous,” Bernhard Schaerffer says mischie- He rarely is able to hide his excitement for a horse. vously. His eyes sparkle. It is hard to believe that he “He has his own special way of bidding. The more celebrated his eightieth birthday last year. He is excited he is, the greater is his interest. That always content with himself and his life – and he is proud was a sure sign for me, and I greatly enjoyed it,” of what he created with horses. Rightfully so: Hor- Friedrich-Wilhelm Isernhagen said, who watched ses from his barn found new owners all over the Bernhard Schaerffer for many years as the auctio- world. These were horses, which the trained farmer neer. “He is a horseman through and through and discovered, trained and moved into professional knows horses. He always believed in his horses!” hands. His circle of international customers reaches from Australia to Columbia. “I made it far with my Bernhard Schaerffer can fill a book with stories ‘school’ English!” He is known to be straightfor- about his auction horses. Kristy Oatley-Nist’s ward and assertive. “You better be a bit tough, if Grand Prix horse Rosemount Maurice by Matrose/ you want to be successful,” Bernhard Schaerffer Novice (breeder: Theo Bührmann, Bremen) came Bernhad Schaerffer can rely on his shares. “I am explosive, but that does not last from the stallion sales in 1988. In 1997, Bernhard wife Karin. ”She always covered my rear – that was important!” long! I can loose – that is important.” Schaerffer found Fontalero by Werther/Weltmeyer Photo: Züngel (breeder: Arend Kamphorst, Prieros) at the stallion Bernhard Schaerffer has a very good feel for hor- sales as well. Veronique Henschen competed Fon- ses. “I must have inherited that,” he shares. “Hor- talero in the World Equestrian Games in Caen/FRA ses need to be loose and relaxed and have charis- representing Luxembourg. The two state stud sires ma – definitely important traits!” Bernhard Hohenzollern by Hochadel/Weltmeyer (breeder: Schaerffer knows like no other how top horses Olaf and Hinke Nimmert, Großenwörden) and San should feel. He always preferred training and pre- Bernadino by Sandro Hit/Matcho AA (breeder: Dr. senting young talents. At the beginning of the six- Rainer Nitsch, Luhmühlen) also passed through his ties, the trained farmer from Bargstedt moved to hands. Both stallions were amidst the best in their Guderhandviertel, which was located 17 kilomet- stallion tests. res away, to the fruit plantation of his wife Karin. For more than three decades, he trained his young Bernhard Schaerffer does not have to look back far horses for sale. “All to a manageable extent,” he into his past for successes, which make his eyes declares remembering the first Bundeschampio- sparkle. There was the stallion Riverdance. From nat, which took place as a pilot program during the start, he was very excited about this stallion. “I the World Championships in Aachen 1978. He fini- love colourful chestnuts!” In 2010, at the first elite shed third aboard Palermo by Pik König/Domspatz auction in the modernized Niedersachsenhall, the (breeder: Wilhelm Bösch, Bülkau). On the regional gavel dropped at a sale price of 27,000 Euros for Championships in Hannover, he rode jumping clas- the powerfully moving son of Rascalino/Alabaster In 1978, Bernhard Schaerffer rode Palermo into third place in the ses along Alwin Schockemöhle and Renate Freitag. (breeder: Johannes Brunsmann, Bissendorf). Two Bundeschampionat in Aachen. “I never competed in jumping classes beyond the years later, he participated in the Bundeschampio- Photo: Archiv L-level,” the horseman shares with a wink. It has nat and was sent to the training facility of Holga

8 Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 Auction

Finken. The successful dressage trainer commen- It is quiet now on Bernhard Schaerffer‘s facility in ted, “We will turn this stallion into something spe- Guderhandviertel. The young horses, broodmares cial!” He succeeded par excellence: After two vic- and foals, which fill the 22 box stalls with life du- tories in the Small Tour in Aachen/GER in 2016, ring the winter months, are turned out in the fields. Riverdance finished the final of the Nürnberger The stables and the indoor arena are in mint con- Burg Pokal in third place with rider Isabel Freese dition, not a blade of straw can be found. The and won the freestyle. “He won with a score of landlord takes care of this himself. “I do everything 9,51. That same night, I sold Riverdance in Frank- myself, I enjoy it,” Bernhard Schaerffer says. He al- furt by handshake. Riverdance moved into his new ready enjoys it since half a century. He is proud of barn, the facility of Heinz Saborowski, and celebra- this. “I am very picky with my horses. My wife al- ted 16 victories up to Inter I with rider Vivien Gra- ways fed the horses. I know that the horses have bowski. Then the Finnish master rider Emma Ka- everything that they need.” Both daughters Chris- nerva started riding the powerful chestnut stallion. tine and Silke grew up with horses. With their dad Pro domo by Domspatz/Adler- The pair collected its first Grand Prix-successes. as their trainer, they both participated in the Ger- schild xx was the first horse, which man Championships. Because of health issues, Bernhard Schaerffer discovered on Four years earlier, Bernhard Schaerffer had already Christine Schaerffer no longer rides. She lives with the first auction in the newly built Niedersachsenhalle in 1972. Ullrich discovered a superior stallion in Verden. On the her husband and their sons Leo (14) and Simon (9) Kasselmann presented him at the stallion sales in 2006, a black-brown stallion im- to Hamburg. Grandfather Bernhard gave them a time. Photo: Huck pressed not only Bernhard Schaerrfer, but also broodmare. For a long time, Silke contemplated Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen and the former taking over the facility, but decided against it. She German national trainer Holger Schmezer, who now works as an event manager in the marketing passed away a few years back. The three men were field and in tourism for the city of Stade. Bernhard sitting together in the bleachers. Bernhard Schae- Schaerffer understood her decision since he knows, rffer purchased Delatio by De Niro/Rubinstein how tough the business is. (breeder: Ulrike and Reinhold Bosse, Sickte) for 52,000 Euros. With rider Hannes Baumgart, Dela- Bernhard Schaerffer is not one to lounge at the tio became the vice Hannoveraner champion of fireplace all day – he has to get outside. He rides three-year old stallions, and the pair participated his E-bike for at least10 kilometres each day. Since in the Bundeschampionat. Eight days after Waren- 25 years, he has a season ticket for Hamburg‘s dorf, Delatio sold. In November, he won the 70-day football club HSV. “I started learning to use a com- test in Adelheidsdorf. After Grand Prix-successes puter at the age of 70. It is great to be able to with Bianca Kasselmann, a victory in the German follow anything on the internet. I am pretty pro- Dressage Derby in 2017 as well as top placements gressive. I also follow the forum MeinHannovera- in the World Cup with Emilie Faurie, Delatio now ner. I think that is very good,” he says and immedi- collects ribbons with rider Mohd Qabil Ambak ately shows videos of his foals. Just a few days Dato’ Mahamad Fathil from Malaysia. ago, he bought a colt by Floris Prince. “I am alrea- dy looking forward to the licensing in October. It Buyer and seller keeps me young. At my advanced age, I now start Bernhard Schaerffer has no answer to the questi- with foals. We all have to be a little bit crazy!” In on, what he enjoys more buying horses or selling the early afternoon, he gets anxious again: So- them. As an exhibitor, he already collected 6-digit mething needed to happen! He has young talen- figures in Verden three times: In 2006, Wenezia by ted horses with Vera Nass, Jonny Hilberath and Westernhagen/Davignon (breeder: Axel Windeler, Stefan Blanken. He loves to visit them regularly. “I Verden-Halle) sold as the Hannoveraner vice really enjoy it!” He misses the big events, which championess for 130,000 Euros to the unforgetta- had to be cancelled due to the pandemic. “The ble Parry Thomas. One year later, Wisconti by Wol- team-spirit was better in earlier times. I am sad kenstein II/Calypso II (from the same breeder as that we are loosing so many beautiful breeding Wenezia) sold for 110,000 Euros. He found a new farms in Kehdingen,” he shares. “I never wanted to home in Luxembourg. And, six years ago, Family do anything else! I am able to assess every type of Werndl invested 100,000 Euros in Dundee by Don horse due to my extensive life experiences.” Bern- Index/Weltmeyer (breeder; Aloys Ewers, Meppen) hard Schaerffer celebrated his 80th birthday with on Verden’s stallion sales. “‘Christa’s Ecke‘ was his family on the North Sea island Sylt. He has seen fantastic in Verden. It was the highlight.” The small a lot of the world on cruises that he went on. bar in the corner of the Niedersachsenhalle was “When I really have to relax, then there always is the meeting point of breeders, exhibitors and cus- the beautiful wine cabinet!” n tomers during and after the auctions. Today Bern- At the beginning of the year, Riverdance by Rascalino/ hard Schaerffer misses a little the fellowship from Alabaster celebrated Grand Prix-successes with Emma former days. Kanerva. Photo: Lafrentz

Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 9 Auction

Getting your dream horse by a click

Four times this year, the words “the bid-up will start shortly” were heard at the Hannoveraner Verband. Usually a ceremonial fanfare accompany the auctioneers, while they enter the Niedersachsenhalle. It marks the beginning of Verden’s auctions. At the online-auction, the technical process takes place in the background. By Dr. Katharina Wiegand

Riding Horse-Auction on May 30th

everal foal collections with about 20 foals each released from their duties. The opinions of the Ssold online during the first half of the year. The team members about this differed; the excitement sale of riding horses, which was scheduled for April was limited. Usually the auction with its activities 18th and was moved to May 30th, presented a spe- in the arena but also behind the scenes is the ab- cial challenge. The experience is missing for auctio- solute highlight of the ten-day long auction time. ning off online a collection of this dimension, Starting early in the morning, the horses are brai- which in the end included 76 horses of the origi- ded and the tack is cleaned. All participants hustle nally 93 that were entered. All participants calmed in the isles and enjoy, when good sale prices are down considerably, once the last horse had sold. obtained. A sale without the usual atmosphere The afternoon and early evening of May 30th had and filled grandstands is just not a ‘true’ auction. proceeded without technical difficulties. In light of Störtebecker by Stolzenberg/ Graf Top sold for 95,000 Euros to the unfortunate circumstances, the result of the This time, the excitement took place in the office Ireland. Photos: Ernst auction certainly was satisfactory. Even though the building of the training and sale centre. The colle- sales figures and the average price of the previous agues from the accounting office also were on the year were not met, the majority of the riding hor- job. After the final online sale, the services continu- ses sold for acceptable prices. Many had predicted ed in a digital fashion: The invoices were sent out a much worse outcome because of the circumstan- by mail on the day of the auction. Thanks to online Statistics ces that the corona crisis presented. banking and immediate money transfers, many Riding horses horses were able to be picked up the following Offered for sale 67 horses The auction time played an important factor. The days. Especially customers from Southern Germany Sold 67 horses requirements, which the authorities had determi- made use of this opportunity shipping their newly Net proceeds 1.491.000,00 Euro ned, were realistic. Prospective customers were acquired athletic partners to their new homes on a Average price 22.253,73 Euro allowed to try the horses. The daily agenda inclu- holiday, which meant not having to deal with rush Top price 95.000,00 Euro Niedrigster Preis 8.000,00 Euro ded lists of attendance, disinfectants, making ap- hour or large truck-traffic. pointments and installing signs with special infor- Price range mation. Because of careful planning, all customers Divided by dressage and jumping cadre, the bid-up 8,000 to 10,999 Euros 7 horses 11,000 to 14,999 Euros 13 horses had the opportunity to try their favorite horses. A for the riding horse auction started at 2 PM and at 15,000 to 24,999 Euros 29 horses special presentation was broadcasted in a live- 6:30 PM. It became really exciting, when horse 25,000 Euros and more 18 horses stream, which included comments of Hans-Hein- number 51, Störtebecker by Stolzenberg/Graf Top Sale by areas rich Meyer zu Strohen and Markus Beerbaum to all (breeder/exhibitor: Axel Bahn, Maarsen), was up National 45 horses auction candidates for the international audience. for sale. The remaining time was extended over International 22 horses and over again by 3 minutes each up to the final The day of the auction took a different course than bid. Finally the sale price was set at 95,000 Euros. A statistic covering all the foals will be made available after the fourth online usual: After the last appointments with customers The powerfully jumping bay will continue his trai- foal auction on July 1st. in the morning, horses, riders and grooms were ning with Cian O’Connor at Ashford Farms. Seven

10 Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 Auction

years ago, his full-sister Samoa was one of the eyes on Stella Jones by Sarotti Mokka Sahne/Bren- pearls of the jumping collection of the elite auc- tano II (breeder/exhibitor: Dagmar Meyer, Edemis- tion. She had sold for 130,000 Euros to Sweden. “I sen). The four-year old Hannoveraner premium am happy to have bought this attractive gelding. I candidate from a renowned breeder impressed at enjoy buying horses on Verden’s auctions, because the pre-selection site and during the ten-day long I have already been very lucky in finding the right preparation time in Verden with her unwavering horse. I appreciate the honesty and the integrity of nerves and her exquisite basic quality. The last bid the auction team,” Cian O’Connor shares after the was in the amount of 50,000 Euros. She found a sale. new home at a training facility in Lower Saxony.

The collection of dressage horses also was in high The average price for 67 auction participants demand. Fourteen prospective customers had their amounted to 22,254 Euros. n Foal Auction on June 6th – dressage foals

nce again a top price of more than 50,000 Herwart von der Decken-Show in the jumping divi- OEuros was obtained on the second online- sion with Hann.Pr.St. Dianara by Diacontinus/ auction. Valentin by Vitalis/Fürstenball (breeder/ Quintender. The second most expensive foal does exhibitor: Enrico Messelis, Kefferhausen) received not have to travel quite as far to get to its new about 60 bids online. A customer from the USA home. Regular customers from Switzerland inves- held the final bid of 52,000 Euros. ted 16,000 Euros in the dark-bay colt My One by Morricone/Bordeaux (breeder: Ralf-Peter Leh- Valentin’s breeder Enrico Messelis had reason to mann, Teisendorf). celebrate with his Hannoveraner on an auction in Verden for the second time. Three years ago, the The auction collection included nineteen fillies and full-sister of Valentin’s dam had been one of the colts with first-rate pedigrees. The average sale pri- Valentin by Vitalis/Fürstenball top selling foals in Verden’s elite foal auction. It ce was 10,289 Euros. Seven foals sold to custo- was the year, in which the breeder also won the mers in foreign countries. n

Foal Auction on June 13th – jumper foals

erden’s online auction of 23 jumper foals on with Katja von der Lieth. Finita by For Treasure VJune 13th ended with an average sale price of VDL/Cornet Obolensky (breeder/exhibitor: Kai 7,337 Euros. Netflix by Nartago/Kannan (breeder: Baumgartner, Kamern) obtained the second high- Dirk von der Lieth, Elmlohe; exhibitor: Henning von est bid and sold for 18,500 Euros to regular custo- der Lieth, Elmlohe) jumped to the top as the high- mers from Spain. Since many years, Family Baum- est-paid hopeful youngster. The bid-up for the co- gartner is considered one of the most reliable lorful liver chestnut colt ended at 26,000 Euros. submitters to Verden’s auctions with selling more After the colt is weaned in the fall, Netflix will than 60 foals in the auction program. On the on- move to his new owner in Poland, who will then line-auction on May 16th, Reinhard Baumgartner have his first Hannoveraner in his barn. Netflix’ had already supplied the second most expensive dam Sydney BB was victorious up to the S-level foal, Viva las Vegas. n Netflix by Nartago/Kannan

New marketing support for southern Germany and Austria In the near future, Burkhart Wiegand will be on direct marketing of Hannoveraner horses in the the road for Hannover. On behalf of the Hannove- region. Burkhart Wiegand will reinforce the inten- raner Verband, he will support the marketing acti- sity of the regional support. He lives in Fulda with vities in Hessen, Baden-Wuerttemberg, Rhine- his family. Because of his activities with horse land-Pfalz and Austria. breed societies in Southern Germany, he has longstanding experiences with selling horses. “The emphasis lies in the close cooperation with breeders and training facilities. We are looking Please contact Burkhart Wiegand for all questions forward to a good cooperation,” managing direc- around marketing and breeding at 0163/7831088 tor Wilken Treu shares. The main focus will be on or via email at [email protected]. Burkhart Wiegand Photo: Privat

Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 11 Sport

Condio B: “A real show horse!“ Condio B very quietly says goodbye. With Barely under saddle, Condio B was so con- onships for juniors in Compiegne/FRA. One Claire-Louise Averkorn, the son of Conten- vincing that he became the rising horse for year later, Condio B and his rider celebrated dro/Willem’s As won the U25-Derby in Ham- the then 14-year old Claire-Louise. The pair their tenth victory at the S-level in the dres- burg twice, was team European champion for not only competed in dressage horse classes sage ring and were awarded the Golden Rid- juniors and young riders. He helped his rider but also participated in a few jumping class- ing Badge. “Condio is my sweetheart!” says to earn the golden riding badge. Over the es. After only a short time, the pair became Petra Averkorn. “He is incredibly intelligent past ten years, they accumulated more than members of the national dressage cadre. In and really rises to the occasion, once he en- 240 victories and placements. Now the six- 2013, they traveled to the European Champi- ters the ring. He is a real show horse,” Claire- teen-year old will enjoy his retirement in an Louise Averkorn adds. The 25-year old has open stall-set up. become a professional rider. As a member of the armed forces, she attended its athletic Condio B grew up together with his rider. program in Warendorf as a rider, while regu- Mom Petra Averkorn had bought the typy bay larly commuting to Nottuln, which is 50 km as a yearling from his breeder Stephan Baum- away. garten in Drochtersen. At the farm of Olaf and Hinke Nummert in Großenwörden, she “Condio B is not gone now. I see him almost had planned to buy a foal out of Condio’s daily,” Claire-Louise Averkorn shares. Promis- granddam Weltperle, who had already deliv- ing youngsters are waiting in the wings. She ered the former privately owned stallion Ho- is on the so-called perspective cadre with henzollern. “Weltmeyer is my favorite! Since Christ Junior by Christ/Wesley (breeder: Imke I saw the stallion as a four-year old on a gala- Legenhausen, Bruchhausen-Vilsen). She also evening in Verden, I am a Weltmeyer fan,” has high hopes for Fürst Dantino by Fürst she admits. Since many years, she regularly Grandios/Falkland (breeder: Dr. Michael Lu- buys Hannoveraner foals, raises them on the Claire-Louise Averkorn retires Condio B from ehs, Wagenfeld), “He has a lot of potential,” family farm in Nottuln, trains and sells them. competitions. Photo: Lafrentz Claire-Louise Averkorn is convinced. n

Hannoveraner News

Fürsten-Look and Isabel Freese Photo: Equitaris In Essen, Fürsten-Look by Fürstenball/ Londonderry (breeder: Johannes Sabel, Gersten) won the final qualification for the Nürnberger Burg-Pokal with Isabel Freese.

Valentine FRH and Nadine Marzahl won the CCI3*-S in Westerstede. . Photo: Thiesen-PhotoDesign.com Hannoveraner victory in the first international class The first international eventing competitions during Covid-19 took place in Ammerland. The first victory went to Hannover. Valentine FRH by Valentino/Varus (breeder: Martina Paulus, Tes- pe) and rider Nadine Marzahl did not add any penalty points to the dressage score to win the three star-short test. Newell by Newcomer/Sherlock Holmes (breeder: Beate Hohnfeldt, Ame- Best Boy and Henrik v. Eckermann. linghausen) and Nicolai Aldinger catapulted themselves from a 23rd position after dressage to Best Boy by Contagio/Sunrise (breeder: an excellent fifth place in the end. In the CCI2*-S, nine-year old Louk by Likoto xx/Salvano Kurt Biedenkapp, Mücke-Atzenheim) has a (breeder: ZG Linke and Behrmann-Linke, Lilienthal) and Ricarda Berkenheide made it onto the new owner. Henrik von Eckermann sold the podium finishing third. The Rhineland horse Finest Fellow by Fidertanz/Sir Shostakovich xx twelve-year old to Geir Gulliksen‘s family. (breeder: Friedrich Otto-Erley, Warendorf) followed in fourth place with Elena Otto-Erley. n

12 Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 Sport

HANNOVERANER ERFOLG IN ALLER WELT SUCCESS ALL OVER THE WORLD

PRINZ by Perigueux/Escudo with Germany‘s Hans-Dieter Dreher Photo: Lafrentz July 18, 2020 Verden Auction Online Sport horses

August 7/8 Verden Auction Service Hotline Foals and broodmares 01 71 - 7 23 68 36 (Anna Baden) 01 75 - 271 03 02 (Daniel Fritz) September 11 to 16 01 71 - 4 48 96 92 (Steffen Werner) Verden Auction Online HANNOVERANER VERBAND e.V. Foals Niedersachsenhalle October 9/10 Lindhooper Str. 92 th D-27283 Verden (Aller) 137 Elite-Auction Phone 0 42 31- 6 73 - 0 Sport horses, foals and two-year-old stallions Fax 0 42 31- 67 37 12 Der Hannoveraner 07|2020 13 HANNOVERANER | MEISTERWERKE DER ZUCHT | MASTERPIECES OF BREEDING