Thomas Hartwig works for the public relations department of the German Equestrian Federation, based in Warendorf. One of his functions is to promote his country's breeding industry unilaterally to the rest of the world. It's a task he undertakes with obvious relish.
When asked about his own equestrian background, Thomas recalls his grandfather - a post World War II farmer, during an era when agricultural labours were performed almost exclusively by horses. Prior to joining the German FN, a little over four years ago, he was a television journalist "not with equestrian sport, and before with political magazines, but I have been riding since I could sing! I was involved with dressage in riding clubs so, of course, it was interesting for me, especially when my hobby became my job. But the result is that I no longer have time for my hobby". With a laugh he said; "This year was actually fantastic for me because I went four times to competitions. Last year I could only manage twice!" Formerly he had competed in showjumping and dressage, but now concentrates on dressage competitions for young horses. "I like this very much. For the three- and four-year old horses, you know already that we have special competitions."
...Q Why do you think Germany is so successful in equestrian sport?
That's a very short question but with a very long answer. We have to go back to former times. Horse breeding and, specifically, the breeding of sport horses have a very long tradition. First, we have very good conditions in Germany, which is very important. Climactic conditions are one of the most important aspects of horse breeding because, in Saudi Arabia for example, it wouldn't be so easy to breed horses. Then, after the end of the Second World War, we had a lot of horses. We needed them because we had no cars, no lorries, and no machines. This period covered nearly ten years until the middle of the 50's.
Q Would you say that, German breeders are all trying to breed horses for the highest level of competition or are some happy to breed an average horse for the average rider?
No, they breed to achieve the best horse because, then, of course, you also get horses for the normal level. I have now been involved with horses for more than 25 years, breaking and training young horses. My last young horse was last year, so I have seen what has happened over a period of 20 years. In my opinion, horses nowadays are a lot easier to handle. For example, I had a three-year old last year and the third time I rode him I could do so without anyone else around. Twenty years ago, horses were much more difficult.