If I want to train in Germany...where do I start?! (Formal/informal training)

[Cat - OnceUponADressageDream]

Hey everyone, haven't posted here for a while but thought surely someone here could help me out!

I have been searching like mad to try and find information (in English...and not the crappy Google translated version!) on formal dressage training for the rider in Germany e.g. Bereiter's license (can you get if if you're not German/European?) and the like.

I have emailed the Warendorf deutsche Reitschule but no reply as yet, and while I do speak some German, most pages I've found have me stumped.

I am very keen to start planning and looking at options but I just have no idea where to start!
Some of my main questions are things like...

-what formal qualifications are available, especially for foreigners? (I'm Australian)
-how do they work/how are they attained?
-How long do they take to complete?
-what costs are involved?
-what pre requisites are there?
-how can I apply, and what are my chances of getting my foot in the door anywhere?

I haven't had much formal education until the past year (whilst working full time in a position where I ride and train 1-2 different horses on a daily basis) but have been educating myself as best as possible with books, asking questions, observing, the internet of course. I've been riding regularly since age 10 and have just turned 20, and in the last 4yrs or so have developed a huge passion for dressage training and want to be the best I can be.

I'm willing to do the hard work, especially considering my late start compared to so many others, and want to try and find an opportunity to train overseas for a couple of years before I suddenly wake up one day and find myself tied down by a husband, kids and mortgage!
I would dearly love to be able to come back to Australia with a formal qualification and a proper education so that I could actually have a decent chance of starting a successful business venture as a trainer.



If anyone has ANY tips, advice or information that can point me in the right direction, I would be very grateful!

Thanks in advance,
Cat.

[CatOnLap]

http://www.performancehorses.org/Training.html

that is a link to a german born, english speaking coach, Alex Wortmann, who teaches at one of the national schools in Germany. The "camps" he teaches at are specifically designed for the serious but perhaps not experienced, english speaking rider and you can do your FN qualifications if you like, or simply get fabulous experience on qualified schoolmasters. You can stay in a modestly priced hotel nearby, or with a german family as a homestay.

I believe there's another camp in November, the spring camp has just ended.
The camps are two week intensives and you sleep really well...

Alex has also arranged working student positions for a number of people I know, so if you wanted to gain even more experience you could ask him about that. he's very approachable and his wife is a sweetie, if you get her on the phone.

[Alagirl]

Bereiter is a trade, you work with a qualified trainer for 2-3 years, plus class room schooling and diverse tests, showing etc.

The process is governed by the state's Chamber of Argiculture (each of the states in Germany has one) so they can give you information on that.

And contact the counsulate/ambassy about Visas you might need. Sometimes they are tied to a working relation.

And once you get to a person to speak to, you will likely be able to find somebody who speaks english.

As to cost

As Apprentice you will be paid. But it's not a living wage. Just a couple hundret Euros a month. Living arrangements can be costly, but single furnished rooms are available.

[InsideLeg2OutsideRein]

I think Warendorf will be fabulous since they offer training in English, just keep following up with them if you don't hear back.

If you have lots of time on your hand (like three years), you could go through the entire process of becoming a "Pferdewirt Schwerpunkt Reiten" -- which is the formal way of working at a barn supplement with school for the theory (which of course would be in German). Usually you would get a stipend and housing at the farm where you work (I assume you'd have to sort out a visa situaion for this). You could try getting in touch with the FN for placement help.

Alternatively, pick a German professional that you admire, and contact them directly for a working student type gig : ).

[Alagirl]

Alternatively, pick a German professional that you admire, and contact them directly for a working student type gig : ).



LOL, but doing this from down under might be hard. Some of the best barns are not in the lime light. The good news is, you do not have to stay in one barn the whole time, you can move, which is actually a good idea.

My Dad retired from the Chamber of Agriculture in Saarbruecken some years back...those guys are you best bet in getting information. Like I said, each German state has one and they can give you information about the eduction process and about their members: you have several majors in 'Bereiter': Breeding and barn management, dressage, jumping, horce racing, harness racing etc....Warendorf has a nice ring to it, but it far from the only option. While that region and the northern states have a great reputation (or marketing) the scene in other areas is strong and active as well.

[Cat - OnceUponADressageDream]

Hi guys,
Sorry for the very late reply! Have been flat out with work...and horses (story of my life!) and forgot to come back and check!

The intensive camp type things sound like a good idea to test out how I think I would cope with doing something longer term (e.g. over the 1-3yr period). It IS difficult trying to find out anything from Aus, over here we only tend to hear about the big names and the new 'next big thing' as they come and go.

I've saved this thread so I can chase up the leads you have suggested as I find the time to do so, if anyone else has any other ideas they'd like to contribute, that too would be great.

Thanks :)
Cat

[Foxtrot's]

Do get rcommendations from people who have done it. Many young people go over there and find it is quite different to what they have experienced in the US or Australia - and not in a good way. It takes guts and determinatin to succeed - which I am sure you have - but different barns have different ways of treating their students. The biggest names are very busy, too busy for a mere mortal.

[PennyChrome]

I have been considering doing the same thing, so this post is extremely helpful. I'm a lifetime rider, but from a low income background, so I would want a situation where it was an even trade for work=lodging and daily riding opportunities, lessons at least once weekly. So...contact the Chamber of Agriculture state to state regarding Bereiter's licenses, and they may be able to provide information? That is a GREAT lead.
Any advice about VISAs?