“Let the horse be a horse, and act accordingly.” – Klaus Balkenhol

Raised on a farm in the countryside, Klaus Balkenhol’s childhood was influenced by close contact with all kinds of animals on a daily basis. At that time horses were primarily used for work, and before young Klaus could go riding, his horse had already put in a day’s work in the fields. As was typical in rural areas at the time, riders rode these same horses in dressage, show jumping and eventing competitions.

When he became a police squad officer, horses again became his working partners, and with the police horse Rabauke, he entered into the world of Grand Prix Dressage. Klaus trained dozens of horses to the highest level, and with his service horse, Goldstern, he was at the top in world rankings for years, including two team gold medals in both the 1992 and 1996 Olympic Games.

As a trainer of riders and horses, Klaus follows the rules of classical riding and horsemanship. His most import focus is always to maintain the basic gaits of the horse. His credo is to do what is natural for the horse, using fairness in working with the equine partner.