Behind the scenes at Westfalenpferden

In this first episode we would like to introduce ourselves. Britta Knaup is assistant auction manager at the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch and talks to Managing Director Carsten Rotermund, Auction and Breeding Manager Thomas Münch and Breeding Manager Katrin Tosberg about the association's main tasks. We take a look behind the scenes with you and provide insights into planned campaigns, new trends at auctions and valuable tips for the start of the breeding season. Find out more about the careers of the team members and look forward to insights about the association.

With Lucie-Anouk and Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel

In this episode, Britta Knaup from the Westphalian Studbook is a guest at the Freiberger Hof. The sisters Lucie-Anouk and Lana-Pinou Baumgürtel live with their parents Beatrice and Lars Baumgürtel and their brother Linus on the Freiberger Hof in Nottuln. The whole family is closely involved in equestrian sport and horse breeding. Both sisters have already won numerous medals at European Dressage Championships for young riders. Their philosophy in training: without pressure to perform and with fairness to success!

In conversation with breeding manager Katrin Tosberg

Breeding your own foal is the dream of many equestrian athletes. Spring is approaching and with it the first foal births and the next mating decisions. What do I need to consider when breeding my first foal? How do I choose the right stallion for my mare and what formalities do I need to observe before covering and after the birth? How will my foal be registered in the Westphalian Stud Book and what costs will I incur?

We talk to Katrin Tosberg, Head of Breeding at the Westphalian Studbook, about all the questions that arise around the topic of "My first own foal - from choosing the right stallion to the foal show".

E-mail address for health data: gesundheit(ät)westfalenpferde.de

Guest of stallion trainer Stefan Holtwiesche

Preparing young horses for licensing and mare performance tests is his speciality. Stefan Holtwiesche was responsible for preparing the Westphalian champion dressage stallion for two years in a row.

Britta Knaup talks to him about his day-to-day work and his experiences around the licensing of riding horse stallions. How does he recognise a good stallion at foal age and how does it feel to present the champion stallion two years in a row?

with auctioneer Thomas Münch

Auctions are held regularly at the Westphalian Stud Book. Foals, riding horses and unridden youngsters are for sale several times a year. Once a year there is also a stallion market for licensed and unlicensed stallions. Finding your future top horse or loyal leisure partner at an auction? Quite normal for some riders, others are sceptical.
What happens at an auction? What are the advantages of buying at auction? What criteria must a horse fulfil in order to be admitted to an auction? What costs will I incur and what happens behind the scenes?

We talk to the Westphalian auction manager and auctioneer Thomas Münch about the various Westphalian auctions and his very personal experiences in the auction business.

...and here is the link to the auctioneer song that inspires Thomas Münch.

With marketer Florian Buck and Carsten Lenz

How does a horse become an auction horse? What does it have to bring with it to be included in the lot of a Westphalian auction? What is the procedure and who do I contact if I want to sell a horse at one of the many Westphalian auctions?

Britta Knaup talks to Florian Buck and Carsten Lenz, who are mainly responsible for marketing the dressage and show jumping horses of the Westphalian Studbook, about how and where to find the right auction horses and the process leading up to a successful sale.

Family success "Made by Westphalia"

Philipp Schulze-Topphoff is one of the current shooting stars of the young show jumping scene. He lives with his parents Bernd and Katja on a small farm in Havixbeck in Münsterland. The family also includes his sisters Lisa and Marie. The whole family is passionate about horses. Sister Marie is also currently riding from success to success in difficult competitions.

We talk to the Schulze-Topphoff family about the secret of their successes, their philosophy of horse training and the very special history that links the Schulze-Topphoff family to the Westphalian Studbook.

With breeding director Katrin Tosberg and her deputy Franziska Pellengahr-Gröblinghoff

The mare show season is in the starting blocks. Young mares are currently being prepared for the mare show and mare performance test. The aim is to qualify for participation in the Westphalian Elite Mare Show in Münster-Handorf and, of course, the title of "State Premium Mare". What is the process like? What requirements must my mare fulfil in order to be successful? Britta Knaup talks about this with breeding manager Katrin Tosberg and her deputy Franziska Pellengahr-Gröblinghoff.

With State Stable Master Dr Felix Austermann

"Preserving what is good and creating something new together": this is the motto of the German State Studs. The ten main and state studs spread across Germany stand for lasting values and security. With their centuries-long tradition, they are the cradle of German horse breeding. The North Rhine-Westphalian State Stud in Warendorf was founded in 1826 at the request of breeders from Westphalia. The main task of this traditional institution is to provide horse breeders with high quality and genetically interesting stallions.

Dr Felix Austermann is the head of the state stud in Warendorf - the so-called Landstallmeister. Britta Knaup talks to him about the tasks of the State Stud, the selection and purchase of stallions as well as his personal opinion on the selection of stallions and the timing of licencing.

Life as a horse influencer

In this episode, Britta Knaup meets 18-year-old Lia Julie Beckmann. She is known on Instagram under the synonym Lia & Alfi and talks about her path to success in the saddle and on social media, the daily challenges of a horse influencer and how she discovered and bought her successful horse Las Dallas at the Westphalian Auction.

With Wibke Hartmann-Stommel

Wibke Hartmann-Stommel completed her apprenticeship as a horse manager specialising in classical riding training with Nina and Heiner Rohmann in Marl. She then worked as an auction rider in Münster-Handorf. She is now best known for her numerous victories and medals at the national championships - the showcase of German horse breeding. She runs her own training stable in Greven, not far from Münster. Her husband Philipp Hartmann is a rider at Beerbaum Stables in Riesenbeck.

We talk to Wibke Hartmann-Stommel about her time as an auction rider at the Westphalian Studbook, her successes at the Bundeschampionat and how equestrian sport is a family affair for her.

With Larina Schimanneck and Marc-André Ridder

The joy is great! After long months of waiting, the foal was born healthy. Now it needs a passport, a chip and its own life identification number. But which steps have to be taken in which order, how does the chip get to my foal and who is my contact person? Who is authorised to chip a foal, what exactly is a farm appointment and how is the number in my horse's life identification number actually made up? These and other questions are answered today by Larina Schimannek and Marc-André Ridder from the studbook of the Westphalian Studbook in conversation with Britta Knaup.

With Jolina Klapdor and Marco Zimmermann

Turning a hobby into a profession. This is what many young "horse people" dream of when they embark on the path to becoming a rider or, more correctly, a classical riding instructor. Several young people start their training at the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch every year. The riding horse auctions, which take place four times a year, are a speciality for horse managers at the Westphalian Stud Book. The horses are only ridden by the staff in Münster-Handorf for a short period of time. A great deal of sensitivity and quick adjustment to the individual needs of the auction candidates is required here.

In an interview with Britta Knaup, Marco Zimmermann and Jolina Klapdor talk about the challenges involved in the day-to-day running of the auction, how to adapt to the different horses in the shortest possible time in order to present them in the best possible way and what is special about training at the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch.

With Hedda Droege-Ottmann and Franz-Georg Ottmann

What breeder doesn't dream of breeding horses for top international sport? Giving birth to a foal and appearing as a breeder in the results lists of international championships a few years later - that is the wish of many riding horse breeders. For this dream to come true, it requires not only a little bit of luck, but also the right touch in the breeding and rearing decisions, as well as good management in the training of the young horses.

The Ottmann breeding family lives in Saerbeck. Hedda Ottmann-Droege and Franz-Georg Ottmann are carrying on their respective family traditions of Westphalian horse breeding with passion and success in the second generation. On the one hand, there is the Droege family's Dalmer estate in Lippetal, where the broodmares are based, and the Ottmann farm, which specialises in training young horses. Hedda and Franz-Georg have brought their breeding programme together under the motto "From foal to Grand Prix" - and with great success!

In this episode, Britta Knaup is a guest of Hedda Ottmann Droege and Franz-Georg Ottmann in Saerbeck. They talk about the history of their horse breeding, their philosophy in breeding and training sport horses and their recipe for success.

The 1st Chairman of the Westphalian Studbook

The Westphalian Studbook is a registered association that is managed by its members. The management works closely with the executive board, which is made up of honorary members and makes the important decisions for the future of the Westphalian Studbook. As in every regional riding club, there is also a 1st chairman who looks after the interests of the members. Ralf Johanshon has held this role at the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch for over 10 years.

Britta Knaup talks to the President of the Westphalian Studbook about his motivation to fulfil this office alongside his main job, about the changes in horse breeding, about good and bad times at the Westphalian Studbook and the public perception of equestrian sport.

Special episode with auction manager Thomas Münch

Riding horse auctions are held four times a year at the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch. They used to be divided into Elite Auction and Handorf Extra Auctions. Today, the auctions are named after the four seasons in which they take place. They take place as on-live or online auctions and offer a wide range of riding horses and riding ponies so that every rider can find the right horse for their requirements.

Today, Britta Knaup talks to auction and marketing manager Thomas Münch in an exclusive auction special about the lot of the current summer auction of the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch, who can find the right horse here, how to become an auction rider at the Westfälisches Pferdestammbuch and how bidding at an online auction generally works.

The home of several Westphalian champion stallions with Wilhelm and Simon Holkenbrink

In addition to the State Stud in Warendorf, there are many private stallion owners in Westphalia and beyond whose stallions have characterised Westphalian horse breeding in the past and will continue to do so in the future. Selecting new stallions and making them available to Westphalian breeders for modern riding horse breeding is the goal of all of them. Of course, we would like to introduce you to the unique philosophies of the stallion stations in stallion purchasing and horse breeding, as well as the people behind the scenes, one by one.

Today we start with the Holkenbrink stallion station in Münster Albachten, not far from the Westphalian Studbook. It was founded in 1982 by Wolhelm Holkenbrink and his father. It is home to several champion stallions from Münster-Handorf in recent years. Britta Knaup talks to the current owners, Wilhelm and his son Simon Holkenbrink, about their stallion station, their philosophy in stallion rearing and which stallions they associate with very special memories.

With Wibke Hartmann-Stommel and Melissa Pander

Golden ribbons, sashes, medals and titles at major tournaments: These are milestones that the public recognises in professional athletes. It takes more than talent, and not just in equestrian sport! Only diligence, perseverance and a lot of hard work make success possible. However, every success is also characterised by setbacks and dry spells. The pressure to succeed, keeping an eye on the competition and the goal of always being a little better than the rest characterise the everyday lives of professional athletes and riders, regardless of age. What happens when the pressure is too great and ultimately unbearable? And who or what can help to find a way out so that you can get back to normal and enjoy everyday life with your horse?

Britta Knaup talks to Wibke Hartmann-Stommel and her mental coach Melissa Pander about the dark side of success in equestrian sport. Wiebke Hartmann-Stommel talks about the pressure to succeed, her fear of starting competitions, the feeling of not being good enough, not being able to cope with everyday life and how she found help in Melissa Pander's mental coaching, among other things.

120 years of the Westphalian Studbook and 100 years of the Equestrian Sports Association

The Westphalian Studbook was founded on 3 March 1904. The statutes state: "The purpose of the breeders' association is to pursue and perfect the breeding of a Westphalian horse in two breeding directions through the careful selection of mares and stallions. The breeding direction is a warm-blooded and a cold-blooded horse breed." This was 120 years ago and the Westphalian Stud Book is celebrating its anniversary this year. Together with the Westphalian Equestrian Sports Association, which is 100 years old, the anniversary festival "The Future of Horses" will be held on the grounds of the Westphalian Horse Centre in Münster-Handorf from 12 to 14 July to mark the occasion.

Britta Knaup talks to the Managing Director of the Westphalian Studbook, Carsten Rotermund, about the history and future of the Westphalian Studbook and which very special anniversary festival will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Westphalian Studbook this year.

120 years of the Westphalian Studbook and 100 years of the Equestrian Sports Association

The Westphalian Studbook was founded on 3 March 1904. The statutes state: "The purpose of the breeders' association is to pursue and perfect the breeding of a Westphalian horse in two breeding directions through the careful selection of mares and stallions. The breeding direction is a warm-blooded and a cold-blooded horse breed." This was 120 years ago and the Westphalian Stud Book is celebrating its anniversary this year. Together with the Westphalian Equestrian Sports Association, which is 100 years old, the anniversary festival "The Future of Horses" will be held on the grounds of the Westphalian Horse Centre in Münster-Handorf from 12 to 14 July to mark the occasion.

Britta Knaup talks to the Managing Director of the Westphalian Studbook, Carsten Rotermund, about the history and future of the Westphalian Studbook and which very special anniversary festival will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Westphalian Studbook this year.

120 years of the Westphalian Studbook and 100 years of the Equestrian Sports Association

The Westphalian Studbook was founded on 3 March 1904. The statutes state: "The purpose of the breeders' association is to pursue and perfect the breeding of a Westphalian horse in two breeding directions through the careful selection of mares and stallions. The breeding direction is a warm-blooded and a cold-blooded horse breed." This was 120 years ago and the Westphalian Stud Book is celebrating its anniversary this year. Together with the Westphalian Equestrian Sports Association, which is 100 years old, the anniversary festival "The Future of Horses" will be held on the grounds of the Westphalian Horse Centre in Münster-Handorf from 12 to 14 July to mark the occasion.

Britta Knaup talks to the Managing Director of the Westphalian Studbook, Carsten Rotermund, about the history and future of the Westphalian Studbook and which very special anniversary festival will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Westphalian Studbook this year.

120 years of the Westphalian Studbook and 100 years of the Equestrian Sports Association

The Westphalian Studbook was founded on 3 March 1904. The statutes state: "The purpose of the breeders' association is to pursue and perfect the breeding of a Westphalian horse in two breeding directions through the careful selection of mares and stallions. The breeding direction is a warm-blooded and a cold-blooded horse breed." This was 120 years ago and the Westphalian Stud Book is celebrating its anniversary this year. Together with the Westphalian Equestrian Sports Association, which is 100 years old, the anniversary festival "The Future of Horses" will be held on the grounds of the Westphalian Horse Centre in Münster-Handorf from 12 to 14 July to mark the occasion.

Britta Knaup talks to the Managing Director of the Westphalian Studbook, Carsten Rotermund, about the history and future of the Westphalian Studbook and which very special anniversary festival will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Westphalian Studbook this year.

120 years of the Westphalian Studbook and 100 years of the Equestrian Sports Association

The Westphalian Studbook was founded on 3 March 1904. The statutes state: "The purpose of the breeders' association is to pursue and perfect the breeding of a Westphalian horse in two breeding directions through the careful selection of mares and stallions. The breeding direction is a warm-blooded and a cold-blooded horse breed." This was 120 years ago and the Westphalian Stud Book is celebrating its anniversary this year. Together with the Westphalian Equestrian Sports Association, which is 100 years old, the anniversary festival "The Future of Horses" will be held on the grounds of the Westphalian Horse Centre in Münster-Handorf from 12 to 14 July to mark the occasion.

Britta Knaup talks to the Managing Director of the Westphalian Studbook, Carsten Rotermund, about the history and future of the Westphalian Studbook and which very special anniversary festival will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Westphalian Studbook this year.

120 years of the Westphalian Studbook and 100 years of the Equestrian Sports Association

The Westphalian Studbook was founded on 3 March 1904. The statutes state: "The purpose of the breeders' association is to pursue and perfect the breeding of a Westphalian horse in two breeding directions through the careful selection of mares and stallions. The breeding direction is a warm-blooded and a cold-blooded horse breed." This was 120 years ago and the Westphalian Stud Book is celebrating its anniversary this year. Together with the Westphalian Equestrian Sports Association, which is 100 years old, the anniversary festival "The Future of Horses" will be held on the grounds of the Westphalian Horse Centre in Münster-Handorf from 12 to 14 July to mark the occasion.

Britta Knaup talks to the Managing Director of the Westphalian Studbook, Carsten Rotermund, about the history and future of the Westphalian Studbook and which very special anniversary festival will be celebrating the 120th anniversary of the Westphalian Studbook this year.

Westphalia's Golden Autumn - Handorf Auction Festival

From foal to Olympic competitor, from amateur horse to top athlete: that is the motto at the Westphalian Studbook these days. An unprecedented three-day auction festival is about to begin. The event will kick off on Friday evening with an exclusive lot of young show jumping talents. Around 30 show jumpers and youngsters will be for sale in the auction hall. On Saturday evening, the youngest Westphalians will take to the big stage for the first time. Around 30 foals will then be for sale on the outdoor arena at the Westphalian Horse Centre. On Sunday, everything in the auction hall will revolve around the dressage specialists. Around 50 dressage horses and unridden youngsters will round off the Handorf Auction Festival. The weekend will be rounded off by the Handorf Oktoberfest on Saturday evening. The auction festival is embedded in the German Amateur Championships. This is the fifth time that the championships have been held at the Westphalian Horse Centre.

Britta Knaup talks to the Westphalian Auction Manager Thomas Münch and the marketers Florian Buck and Julius Reinacher about this unique auction festival, how the idea for this major event came about, how the lot of riding horses, youngsters and foals is made up and what very special horses are up for sale in the various auctions.

The lot of auction candidates can be found at: onlineauction.westfalenpferde.de.

Contact:
Thomas Münch: +49 170 5649051
Florian Buck: +49 172 7221394
Julius Reinacher: +49 160 7821720