Holga grew up in Hemmoor, Northern Germany, his first experiences in the riding world were as 12 year old on the neighbour\u2019s pony.<\/p>\n
Unfortunately, it wasn\u2019t long before a nasty fall instilled a healthy amount of fear in him. This resulted in a year-long break from horses and riding \u2013 a year spent rowing with friends.<\/p>\n
At 14 years old, he decided to give riding another go.<\/p>\n
One year later, his father enrolled him in the local riding club. \u201cThere, I lent a helping hand wherever and whenever I could. That was how I earned my riding lessons,\u201d remembers Holga. His professional career began to take shape when his first riding instructor discovered Holga\u2019s talent and sent him to Verden to meet Achim Weist.<\/p>\n
\u201cAt 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.\u201d<\/p>\n
Despite this, the electrican\u2019s career was abandoned in favour of horses and he began his schooling to be a Bereiter at Mr Weist\u2019s stables. He stayed there until 1986, when he went to Verden to be an auction rider.<\/p>\n
In between, Holga spent 6-months at Herbert Rehbein\u2019s stables. This master, who died much too early, left a deep impression on Holga.<\/p>\n
“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!\u201c<\/p>\n
Holga is well known as a rider of young horses, having great success at the Bundeschampionate:<\/p>\n
In the Riding Horse classes:<\/strong><\/p>\n 1993 \u2013 4 Year old champion with Weltb\u00fcrger, 1998 – 4 year old champion with Wahajama, 2003 \u2013 4 year old champion, Belissimo, 2004 \u2013 3 year old champion with La Perla and 4 year old champion with Rusty<\/p>\n In the young dressage horse classes:<\/p>\n 1999 \u2013 5 year old champion with Wahajama, 2001 \u2013 5 year old champion with Wanesco and 2002 \u2013 6 year old champion with Wanesco<\/p>\n He was also successful at the World Young Dressage Horse championships with Wanesco, F\u00fcrst Heinrich and Rusty.<\/p>\n