VIRGINIA TECH EQUINE SCIENCE STUDENTS TRAVEL TO GERMANY!!
For two weeks in May 2008, 18 Equine Science students from Virginia Tech
traveled to Germany as part of an exciting new study abroad course. The
purpose of the trip was to educate the students about the sporthorse
industry in Germany, and a wide variety of events and opportunities
allowed the girls to learn about the training, riding, breeding and
marketing of German warmblood horses in a unique, experiential fashion.
Most of the students were in their senior year of studies at the
University, and upon graduation plan to begin careers in the horse
industry or further training in veterinary or graduate programs. While
some of the girls had traveled abroad previously, for many this tour was
their first trip outside of the United States.
The trip was held in cooperation with International Sporthorse
Registry/Oldenburg Registry NA, the largest independent warmblood
breeding organization in North America. The incredible tour was
skillfully organized and led by Christian Schacht, Breeding Director for
the registry. Accompanying the girls from Virginia Tech were Dr. Rebecca
K. Splan, Associate Professor of Equine Science, and adjunct instructor
Ms. Kim Reid. Financial support for the trip also came from the Virginia
Tech Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, the Virginia Tech Office
of International Research, Education and Development, the Southwest
Virginia Dressage Association, the Blue Ridge Eventing Association and
of course from the students themselves.
During their two-week stay, the students resided at the beautiful Hof
Springhorn, a 500-hectare riding academy and working farm located in
Soltau, halfway between Hannover and Hamburg in the north of Germany.
The girls received individual and group instruction from Mr. Schacht,
who also educated them with classroom sessions regarding theory of
riding, training and management of horses. At the end of their training,
the girls took part in the German Reitabzeichen, which tested their
technical knowledge and riding skill in both showjumping and dressage.
The group performed brilliantly in front of the German judges, and all
members earned their certification with an extremely high group average!
The girls were treated to many daytrips to important breeding and
training centers throughout Germany. Mr. Schacht truly outdid himself
with such an outstanding itinerary! Highlights included tours of
breeding stations such as Celle, Neustadt/Dosse, Warendorf and Elmshorn.
During the trip, the group had the opportunity to view an amazing
selection of stallions, including Cassini I and II, Florestan I, Lavall
I, Samba Hit I and II, Quaterback and Fabriano. The girls also had
guided tours of the German National Equestrian Federation, the German
Horse Museum, the Olympic Training Center at Warendorf, the cross
country course at Luhmuhlen, and the Hannoverian Verband and Auction
Hall at Verden. Other special events included Hanoverian and Holsteiner
mare shows, the CDI***/CSI*** at Wiesbaden, a Bundeschampionat
qualifier for young event horses and an extraordinary mare and stallion
show at Neustadt/Dosse.
Mr. Schacht, also an expert in the history of horsemanship, shared many
insights and stories with the students to give them a unique perspective
of the modern style of training the horse and rider for the sporthorse
disciplines. Throughout their stay in the country, the students also
learned much about Germany culture and history. Time spent in Potsdam,
Berlin and Frankfurt helped the girls reflect upon the important role
Germany played in world politics over the last century and beyond.
Our great appreciation goes to Christian Schacht and the rest of the
team at ISR/Oldenburg NA for sponsoring such an impressive tour of
Germany, and our deepest thanks also go to the incredible roster of
professional riders, trainers, instructors and administrators who took
time to speak with the Virginia Tech students throughout their stay. The
visit was highly successful in educating and inspiring this group of
young people and we are very much looking forward to the next Virginia
Tech tour of Germany, scheduled for 2010.