Bernd Hackl

Who is Bernd Hackl?

Bernd Hackl is one of Germany's best-known horse trainers and an expert in horsemanship. He has made a name for himself in the equestrian scene with his practical approach to training, which focuses on the body language of horses. His work with problem horses and his holistic view of horse behavior have made him particularly well-known.

➡️ Video tip: Visiting Bernd Hackl - Who is the famous horse trainer?
‍Find out more about Bernd Hackl! We visited the 7P Ranch in person and peppered Bernd Hackl with questions about his training, his philosophy and his approach to horses. An authentic insight into his work - take a look now!

He comes from Bavaria and grew up on a horse ranch, where he learned how to handle horses at an early age. His passion for the fine communication between humans and horses shaped his later career as a trainer. In addition to his work as a horse trainer, he runs the 7P Ranch, where he offers training sessions, seminars and online courses.

Awareness through "Die Pferdeprofis"

Bernd Hackl became known to a wide audience primarily through the TV show "Die Pferdeprofis". In the show, which was broadcast on the VOX channel, he and other trainers helped horse owners who had problems with their animals. His no-nonsense but consistent approach and his ability to bring difficult horses back into balance made him one of the show's defining characters.

With his direct, sometimes critical manner, he polarized viewers - many praised him for his honest approach to horses, while others saw him as too strict. He eventually left the show to devote himself to his own projects, including his online courses, live events and training programs.

Importance of his training methods

Bernd Hackl's training philosophy is based on the principles of horsemanship. He attaches particular importance to:

• The right body language: Horses react much more strongly to non-verbal signals than to language. Hackl emphasizes that the conscious use of gestures, facial expressions and posture is crucial.
• Fine communication: Instead of relying on force or mechanical aids, he focuses on communication between rider and horse.
• Root cause analysis for problems: Instead of simply correcting undesirable behavior, he looks for the underlying causes - be it faulty training, health problems or misunderstandings in communication.

His methods are particularly popular with Western riders and followers of natural horsemanship, as they aim to achieve a harmonious relationship between man and horse.

The 7P Ranch - Center for Horsemanship

➡️ Video tip: Bernd Hackl's 7P Ranch - What's behind it?
‍Wevisited Bernd Hackl in Bavaria and spoke to him about the importance of the 7P Ranch. Find out why it is his center for horsemanship and what makes his work there so special - watch it now!

Origin and philosophy of the ranch

The 7P Ranch is the heart of Bernd Hackl's work and reflects his philosophy in dealing with horses. Located in Bavaria, the ranch is not only his home, but also a training center where he teaches his methods.

The term "7P" symbolizes the central principles of horsemanship, including precision, presence, partnership and perspective. Hackl does not see working with horses as a one-sided education, but as a mutual communication between humans and animals. The ranch serves as a training center where he not only works with horses, but also teaches riders and horse owners the right understanding of their animals.

Offer: horse training, horses for sale, seminars

The 7P Ranch offers a wide range of services for riders and horse owners:

• Horse training: Individual training of young horses and problem horses, adapted to the needs of horse and owner.
• Horses for sale: Selection and training of horses to be placed in a suitable home.
• Seminars & courses: Bernd Hackl regularly gives workshops and online courses on topics such as horsemanship, horse communication and fine riding.
• Open training days: Riders can train with their horse at the ranch on certain dates and benefit directly from Hackl's experience.

In addition to these traditional offerings, there is also a rapidly growing online format with which Hackl is making his training methods accessible to a wider audience.

Connection to classic and modern training methods

Bernd Hackl's work at the 7P Ranch combines traditional horsemanship techniques with modern findings from behavioral research. He draws on proven methods from Western riding, but supplements these with his own concepts and a deep understanding of the natural communication between humans and horses.

His training is not limited to a specific riding style, but aims to create a solid basis for any type of horse training. His analytical approach and adaptation to the individual horse sets him apart from rigid training concepts.

A central element here is body language: instead of pressure and mechanical aids, Hackl relies on subtle signals to communicate with the horse. This makes his training philosophy particularly interesting for leisure riders, western riders and natural horsemanship enthusiasts.

Bernd Hackl's training philosophy

➡️ Video tip: "Problem horses" don't exist? Bernd Hackl on misconceptions & his training philosophy!
‍Whydo so many horses become "problem horses"? Bernd Hackl explains what mistakes are often made, how his horsemanship philosophy is based on them and why good training always starts with the human - watch now!

The basics of horsemanship

Horsemanship is the basis of Bernd Hackl's training approach. It is not about dominating a horse or controlling it with mechanical aids, but about a relationship based on partnership, mutual trust and respect.

His aim is to teach horse owners to understand their horses better and to communicate with clear, subtle signals. In doing so, he emphasizes the individual approach to each horse - every animal has its own personality, its own experiences and its own pace of learning.

Central principles of his horsemanship approach:

• Awareness of one's own behavior: Humans must learn how their energy, body language and inner attitude affect the horse.
• Natural communication: Horses communicate in the herd using subtle signals - a good horse trainer should understand and imitate this language.
• Leadership instead of control: The aim is for the horse to see the rider as a trustworthy leader, not as someone who uses force or aids to force it to obey.

Body language as the key to communication

For Bernd Hackl, body language is the most important tool in communicating with horses. Horses are masters at interpreting the smallest signals - be it the posture of another horse, the movement of an ear or the subtle change in body tension.

Many problems between horse and rider arise because people do not consciously use their own body language or send unclear signals. Hackl shows how to direct the horse through targeted body posture, breathing and energy - whether on the ground or in the saddle.

Typical elements of his training are

• Stance and energy: The human conveys clear signals to the horse through body position and tension.
• Direction of gaze and focus: Horses perceive where humans are looking - a targeted glance can already be a signal to stop or start.
• Breathing and relaxation: Horses mirror the energy of their counterpart - a calm, relaxed person also transfers this calmness to the horse.

By consciously using these techniques, riders can build a finer, more harmonious connection with their horse.

Well-known training approaches from Bernd Hackl

Hackl combines various elements of horsemanship with modern training methods. Particularly well known are:

1. riding without reins

• The horse learns to react to weight and leg aids without the rider constantly using the reins.
• Promotes self-carriage, balance and trust between rider and horse.
• Trains the rider to give fine aids - the less he does, the more sensitive the horse reacts.

2 "As much as necessary, as little as possible" - Minimalist training

• Hackl's maxim is: "As much as necessary, as little as possible."
• Horses should not be overloaded with superfluous aids or unnecessary pressure.
• Instead, he relies on clear signals, patience and a gradual approach.
• Particularly important for:
  • Young horse training - a gentle introduction without excessive demands.
  • Frightened horses - slow but consistent approach

3. trust through clear leadership

• Horses instinctively look for security - an insecure rider transfers this insecurity to the horse.
• Hackl shows how to give the horse security through clear body language, conscious movements and inner calm.
• Leadership does not mean dominance, but clear, reliable communication that the horse understands and accepts.

4. problem horse training - root cause analysis instead of fighting symptoms

Hackl is known for his work with so-called problem horses. His approach:

• Don't just correct the behavior, analyze the causes.
• Include psychological and physical factors in the diagnosis.
• Build trust before "fighting" unwanted behavior.

Typical problems he deals with:

• Bucking, stalling, biting, passing - often caused by misunderstandings or incorrect training.
• Anxiety behavior - based on bad experiences or lack of security.

His training approach is particularly interesting for leisure riders, western riders and natural horsemanship enthusiasts, as it aims to achieve harmonious, stress-free cooperation between humans and horses.

The horse professionals

➡️ Video tip: Bernd Hackl on "Die Pferdeprofis" - A look behind the scenes!
‍BerndHackl talks about his time on "Die Pferdeprofis", why he finally decided to take a different path and what thoughts he shares on the format - watch now!

Role and influence in the program

Bernd Hackl became known to a wide audience through the TV show "Die Pferdeprofis" on VOX. In the show, which dealt with the training of problem horses, he worked with owners who were stuck with their horses. His aim was to find solutions that worked in the long term through a combination of understanding, consistency and fine communication.

His approach differed from many classic riding trainers, as he relied less on mechanical aids and instead tried to identify and solve the causes of a horse's behavior. His direct manner and focus on body language and fine aids made him a formative figure in the show.

Differentiation from other trainers

While some horse trainers rely heavily on traditional riding techniques or technical aids, Hackl pursues a horsemanship-based method that relies on natural communication with the horse. Compared to other trainers on the show, he stood out in particular for the following characteristics:

• Clear, consistent communication: Hackl made it clear that horses do not have "problems", but that human-horse communication is usually disturbed.
• Few aids, more body language: In contrast to some trainers who work more with auxiliary reins or mechanical corrections, Hackl uses the natural language of the horses.
• Western riding and horsemanship: While many riders and trainers come from a classical English riding background, Hackl comes from a Western riding background, which made his approach to the show unique.

His philosophy found many followers, but also led to debate - some viewers appreciated his direct, unembellished style, while others found it too harsh

Reasons for the exit and other projects

After several years as a trainer on the show, Bernd Hackl retired from "Die Pferdeprofis". Official statements cited personal and professional reasons, but there was also much speculation in the equestrian scene about his departure. Several factors may have played a role:

• Focus on own projects: With 7P Ranch, Hackl already had his own successful platform, which he wanted to expand further.
• Limited training methods in a TV format: A TV format like "Die Pferdeprofis" has to convey content in a short space of time. Hackl himself repeatedly emphasized that good horse training requires patience and time - something that could not always be reconciled with the production requirements.
• Different expectations: There have always been discussions about methods and ways of presentation on TV - Hackl emphasizes that horse training must be thought about in the long term, while TV shows often focus on quickly visible successes.

After leaving the company, he concentrated more on his own projects, including:

• The further development of the 7P Ranch as a training center for horses and riders.
• Online courses and seminars to make his knowledge of horsemanship and fine communication accessible to a wide audience.
• His own YouTube channel, where he regularly publishes videos on various training methods.
• Sale of specialized products, including knotted halters, riding pads and other training equipment that are coordinated with his methods.

His departure from the TV show has given him the opportunity to focus more intensively on his own training methods, products and events.

Fips - Bernd Hackl's most famous horse

➡️ Video tip: Fips - Bernd Hackl's teacher
‍Fipsis more than just a horse - he has challenged Bernd Hackl time and time again over the years and played a key role in shaping his training philosophy. Find out why this special gelding is considered a true training horse and what makes him so unique!

Fips is not only one of Bernd Hackl's best-known horses, but also has a special significance for him and his training philosophy. The gelding is symbolic of Hackl's approach to fine horsemanship, as he repeatedly presented him with new challenges over the years - and thus became one of his greatest teachers himself.

The special connection between Bernd Hackl and Fips

Fips came to Bernd Hackl as a young horse with a strong will of his own. It was clear from the start that he would not be easy to train. He questioned rules, tested boundaries and was not impressed by traditional methods. However, it was precisely these characteristics that made him a special horse - because he forced Hackl to develop his approach further and focus even more on fine communication, patience and body language.

Fips was therefore not only a training horse, but also a teacher for his owner. He made it clear that genuine connection and respect cannot be forced, but can only be achieved through mutual understanding. Many of his current principles and training methods were honed and developed through his work with Fips.

How Fips influenced Hackl's training philosophy

By working with Fips, Hackl has internalized some of his most important principles in horse training even more:

• No horse is a one-size-fits-all: every animal has its own personality that humans have to adapt to.
• Consistency does not mean harshness: clear but fair leadership creates trust - not coercion.
• Horsemanship is a dialog: Horse training is not a one-way street. The human must be prepared to engage with the horse and learn from its behavior.

Fips embodies exactly this approach: he shows that true horsemanship is an art of fine communication and mutual respect.

Fips as a teacher for Bernd Hackl and his students

Fips is more than just a horse - he is a key figure in Bernd Hackl's career. Through him, Hackl's approach has evolved and he has shown countless students that true horsemanship is not about control, but about fine communication.

If you would like to expand on certain aspects or refer specifically to your own content on Fips and Hackl's philosophy, please let me know!

Fips at the 7P Ranch - A living symbol of horsemanship

Today, Fips is a central figure at the 7P Ranch. He is not only a reliable horse, but also a symbol of Hackl's philosophy and the development of his training methods. Many who visit the ranch or take part in seminars hear about his story and learn through him what it means to communicate with a horse at eye level.

His legacy continues in his offspring - especially in Flame, one of his foals, who was also born with a strong character. Flame has already proven that conveying security and trust is a crucial key in training - a lesson Hackl already learned with Fips.

Bernd Hackl: Between praise & criticism

Praise and positive voices from the equestrian scene

Bernd Hackl has made a name for himself with his horsemanship approach and his consistent but fair training methods. Many horse owners and riders praise him for his ability to understand difficult horses and train them sustainably. This is particularly emphasized:

• His clear communication with horses: Hackl teaches his students that fine aids and conscious body language are the basis for a functioning horse-human relationship.
• No coercion or excessive aids: unlike other trainers, he does not rely on mechanical solutions, but on a deeper understanding of the horse's behavior.
• His practical lessons: many of his students report that they have found a completely new approach to their horses through his seminars and online courses.
• Successes with problem horses: In many cases, he was able to help horse owners as a trainer who had previously been unable to find a solution to the challenges with their horse.
• His authenticity: Hackl is known for not pretending and speaking his mind openly - which makes him likeable to many.

His influence extends far beyond the Western riding scene, as his methods have also proved helpful for leisure riders and classical riding styles.

Controversies and critical views

Like any trainer with a clear philosophy, Bernd Hackl also encounters criticism. Especially in the German equestrian world, where different training methods clash, there are different opinions on his approach. The most frequent points of criticism include:

• His direct manner: While many appreciate his honesty, some find his statements too harsh or lecturing. He has occasionally been portrayed as too "tough", particularly on TV.
• His methods in comparison to classical riding theory: Some representatives of classical riding are skeptical about Western horsemanship and criticize that Hackl's methods are not suitable for all riding styles.
• Criticism of his TV appearance: Some riders and trainers complained that the format "Die Pferdeprofis" portrayed horse training in too abbreviated a way and did not always show the complete development of a horse - a problem that affects many TV formats, however.
• Commercialization: While many see his products and online courses as a valuable addition, there are also those who criticize the fact that his offerings have shifted heavily into the area of marketing.

Despite these discussions, Hackl remains a central figure in the German equestrian scene, and his methods have demonstrably helped many riders and horses.

Influence on the German equestrian world

In recent years, Bernd Hackl has helped to strengthen the understanding of horsemanship and natural horse communication in Germany. He has not only influenced western riders, but also many leisure riders and classical riders who want to train their horses in a gentler and more conscious way.

His work has helped to raise riders' awareness of topics such as body language, fine aids and the conscious handling of horses. At the same time, he has helped many horse owners to better understand their horses and avoid misunderstandings in communication.

Whether as a trainer, author, YouTube host or entrepreneur, Bernd Hackl has carved out a position in the horse world that makes him one of Germany's best-known horsemanship experts. His approaches continue to be discussed, tried out and developed, and his influence on modern horse training remains undeniable.

Bernd Hackl: Summarized

Over the years, Bernd Hackl has established himself as one of the best-known horsemanship trainers in Germany. His methods are characterized by classic principles of natural horsemanship, combined with modern insights into horse behaviour, fine communication and mental clarity of the rider.

His philosophy is based on the following principles:

• "As much as necessary, as little as possible." - Minimal assistance for maximum understanding.
• Pick up the horse where it stands. - No rigid training, but an individual approach.
• Ground work as an essential basis. - Without solid basic training on the ground, a reliable riding horse will not develop.
• Focus on body language. - Horses communicate via the smallest signals, and humans must learn to understand these and use them in a targeted manner.

These principles have led to many riders - regardless of their riding style - using his seminars, online courses and training methods as a valuable addition. The correction of problem horses and the training of young horses are particular focal points of his work.

His presence on the TV show "Die Pferdeprofis" enabled him to pass on his knowledge to a wide audience, although he later withdrew from the format to concentrate more on his own projects.

A look at future developments

Bernd Hackl has now distanced himself more from classic TV formats and is increasingly relying on his own platforms to pass on his training philosophy. The future of his influence in the equestrian world could therefore continue to develop in several areas:

‍Expansionof the online offerings

• By expanding his online courses and instructional videos, he is reaching a wider audience.
• Digital learning platforms are becoming increasingly important, and Hackl makes targeted use of this format.

‍Morefocus on horsemanship for leisure riders

• His approach appeals not only to Western riders, but also to more and more leisure riders from the classical riding style.
• The demand for gentle, horse-friendly methods is increasing - and Hackl's philosophy fits in perfectly with this trend.

‍Further development ofthe 7P Ranch as a training center

• The 7P Ranch will continue to be developed as a center for practical training and workshops.
• Seminars with other renowned trainers could supplement the offer.

‍Long-termestablishment as an alternative to traditional riding gauges

• While traditional riding schools often work according to fixed patterns, Hackl shows that flexible, horse-oriented methods can be more sustainable.
• His approach could have a long-term impact on horse training in Germany.

His impact therefore extends far beyond his well-known name - he has helped to raise awareness of horsemanship, fine communication and fair treatment of horses among riders. His future projects will show how this influence will continue to develop and what significance his methods will have in modern horse training.

Bernd Hackl: The most important questions and answers

What does Bernd Hackl do?

‍BerndHackl is a well-known horse trainer, horsemanship expert and operator of the 7P Ranch. He offers seminars, online courses, horses for sale and individual training for horses and riders. He became famous through the TV show "Die Pferdeprofis", but now concentrates on his own projects.

Where did Bernd Hackl learn?

‍Hehas expanded his knowledge through various experiences in the USA and with renowned trainers such as Bill Horn, Roy Sharpe and Steve Holloway.

How many horses does Bernd Hackl have?

‍Thereare several horses at the 7P Ranch, including his well-known horses Fips and Flame. The exact number varies depending on training and horses for sale.

What is the name of Bernd Hackl's dog?

‍Hisdog is called Boots and is a Cattledog.

How old is Bernd Hackl?

‍BerndHackl was born on March 10, 1971.

What is the name of Bernd Hackl's ranch?

‍Hisranch is called 7P Ranch and is located in Bavaria.

Are Bernd Hackl and Kerstin Rester related?

‍No, Kerstin Rester is a trainer colleague of Bernd Hackl, but not related to him.

How much does a riding lesson with Bernd Hackl cost?

‍Pricesfor riding lessons or courses vary depending on the format (individual lesson, seminar, online course). More detailed information can be found on the 7P Ranch website.