Hugo O. Schroeder, Georgetown, Ky., died suddenly on Dec. 1. He was 83.

Mr. Schroeder was born in Papendorf, Mecklenburg, Germany, where he was raised on his family’s farm. It was there he first developed his lifelong love of working with horses. He managed the farm until his father’s death.

He then immigrated to the United States where he studied and trained horses with the world-renowned Fritz Stecken. Mr. Schroeder returned to Germany for several months during this time to earn a degree from the Munster Riding Academy.

In the following years, Mr. Schroeder further developed his training career at several stables on the East Coast and then moved to the Tempel Farm in Wadsworth, Ill., to work as an instructor at the famous Lipizzaner establishment. During this time he also became head instructor at the Community Riding School in Oak Brook, Ill., before opening his own dressage stable at his home in Grayslake, Ill., which he ran for many years. He was also active in the Chicago area Pony Clubs and dressage associations.

Mr. Schroeder retired to North Carolina, Virginia and, most recently, Georgetown, where he enjoyed frequent visits to the Kentucky Horse Park.

In addition to his wife, Jane Schroeder, he’s survived by daughters Kirsten Schroeder and Silke Schroeder.

Memorial donations may be made to the Salvation Army National Headquarters, P.O. Box 269, Alexandria, VA 22313.