Who's Who
Finken, Holga
Born : 1962
Holga grew up in Hemmoor, Northern Germany, his first experiences in the riding world were as 12 year old on the neighbour’s pony.
Unfortunately, it wasn’t long before a nasty fall instilled a healthy amount of fear in him. This resulted in a year-long break from horses and riding – a year spent rowing with friends.
At 14 years old, he decided to give riding another go.
One year later, his father enrolled him in the local riding club. “There, I lent a helping hand wherever and whenever I could. That was how I earned my riding lessons,” remembers Holga. His professional career began to take shape when his first riding instructor discovered Holga’s talent and sent him to Verden to meet Achim Weist.
“At the time, I was training to be an electrician. My mother was less than pleased when she heard about my plans to start a career in horseback riding.”
Despite this, the electrican’s career was abandoned in favour of horses and he began his schooling to be a Bereiter at Mr Weist’s stables. He stayed there until 1986, when he went to Verden to be an auction rider.
In between, Holga spent 6-months at Herbert Rehbein’s stables. This master, who died much too early, left a deep impression on Holga.
“Herbert Rehbein was and will always remain a huge idol for me. Not only was he an excellent trainer, but he was a fine man in all aspects. Always helpful, kind and friendly!“
Holga is well known as a rider of young horses, having great success at the Bundeschampionate:
In the Riding Horse classes:
1993 – 4 Year old champion with Weltbürger, 1998 – 4 year old champion with Wahajama, 2003 – 4 year old champion, Belissimo, 2004 – 3 year old champion with La Perla and 4 year old champion with Rusty
In the young dressage horse classes:
1999 – 5 year old champion with Wahajama, 2001 – 5 year old champion with Wanesco and 2002 – 6 year old champion with Wanesco
He was also successful at the World Young Dressage Horse championships with Wanesco, Fürst Heinrich and Rusty.
