Holger Wulschner: A life for show jumping

Holger Wulschner's career

Born on December 13, 1963 in the GDR, Wulschner began his career as an apprentice in horse breeding and keeping. His first station was in Zäckericker Loose, where he trained as a skilled worker. A decisive step on his path to independence came at the Mücheln station in Saxony-Anhalt, where he trained under the guidance of Rolf Günther, the current head saddle master at Redefin State Stud. This is also where an important partnership was formed with the Herzog family from Berlin, who later provided him with significant support.

Wulschner's talent in the saddle became apparent early on. With the mare Fuchsie, he became GDR youth champion in 1978/79 and GDR junior champion a year later on Guneco. He celebrated his first international success in 1986 in Gera with the horse Gulden.

Beginnings and initial successes

Holger Wulschner began his professional riding career in the early 1980s and quickly established himself as one of the most promising young riders in Germany. Even at a young age, he took part in regional and national tournaments, where he attracted attention with his precise riding style and his ability to master difficult courses. One of his first major successes was winning the German Derby in Hamburg, one of the most prestigious events in German show jumping. This victory marked the beginning of a long series of successes and opened the door to international competitions for him.

Rise to become one of the best show jumpers in Germany

In the following years, Holger Wulschner consolidated his position at the top of German show jumping. He regularly took part in international tournaments, including the Grand Prix of Aachen, where he finished in the top places several times. His ability to perform under pressure made him a sought-after rider on the international show jumping scene. His greatest successes include victories and top placings in World Cup qualifiers, Nations Cups and other top-class competitions.

A decisive factor in his success was his collaboration with outstanding horses. His best-known partners include Centa, BSC Cha Cha Cha and Skipper, who carried him to numerous victories. These horses were characterized not only by their enormous jumping ability, but also by their intelligence and character, which enabled Wulschner to master complex courses with confidence.

Training and promoting young talent

In addition to his own sporting career, Holger Wulschner has dedicated himself intensively to training young riders and horses. At his training stable in Groß Viegeln, Mecklenburg, he trains young talent and prepares young horses for their careers in show jumping. He attaches great importance to sound training, which includes both technical ability and respectful handling of the horses. Many of his students have made it to the national and international top level thanks to his guidance.

Holger Wulschner also reveals his tips and tricks in the ClipMyHorse.TV Academy:

Wulschner is also active as a mentor for young riders, who benefit from his experience and knowledge. He not only supports them technically, but also gives them valuable tips on how to deal with the challenges of professional riding. His work has earned him a reputation as an outstanding trainer and instructor who always strives to get the best out of his protégés.

Groß Viegeln Estate: A center for hospitality and horses

For 20 years, Wulschner and his wife Astrid have been running Gutshof Groß Viegeln, one of the most beautiful riding facilities in northern Germany near Rostock. Wulschner lives and works here, on a facility that is home to 45 horses, including 22 sport horses. The farm is known for its hospitality and openness, a quality that also characterizes Wulschner himself. As a Nations Cup rider and active spokesman for the show jumpers, he is passionately committed to the sport and the horses.

Wulschner's philosophy is characterized by gentle and horse-friendly training. This is reflected in his approach to horse keeping and training, in which he places particular emphasis on the physical and mental health of the animals. This is underlined by his criticism of the current requirements of stallion performance tests, which he considers too stressful for young horses.

Holger Wulschner's successful horses

An outstanding horse in Wulschner's stable is Diamant de Plaisir, affectionately known as "Dino", who impresses with his exceptional jumping ability and gentle character. Wulschner took over Dino after he was injured and nursed him back to his former strength. The connection between rider and horse is deep, a quality that is also evident in Wulschner's dealings with other horses, such as the deceased Sellerie Equipe Empire. His loss hit him hard and marked an emotional low point in his career.

Capriol

• Born: 1989
• Pedigree: Capitol I / Ladykiller xx
• Breeder: Erich Meyer
• Owner: Erich Meyer and later Holger Wulschner

Capriol was born in 1989 and is by Capitol I out of the mare Ladykiller xx. Capriol's breeder was Erich Meyer. Erich Meyer was initially also Capriol's owner before Holger Wulschner took over the horse. Capriol achieved significant successes in show jumping, including victory in the German Show Jumping Derby in 2000, where he was the first horse to win both the final and both qualifiers. This success made Capriol one of the outstanding Derby horses of his time. In addition to winning the Derby, Capriol collected numerous placings at international competitions, confirming his class at the highest level. He was known for his exceptional ability to master demanding derby courses, and his outstanding technique and courage on the big jumps made him an outstanding partner for Holger Wulschner.

Prince Oldenburg

• Born: 1990
• Pedigree: Picasso / Jack of Spades I
• Breeder: Hans-Jürgen Pöhle
• Owner: Holger Wulschner

Prinz Oldenburg was born in 1990 and is by Picasso out of the mare Pik Bube I. The breeder of Prinz Oldenburg was Hans-Jürgen Pöhle. Holger Wulschner took over the horse and achieved numerous successes with him. One of Prinz Oldenburg's most significant successes was his victory in the Grand Prix of Hamburg in 1998. Prinz Oldenburg achieved a total of 141 placings, including 36 victories. The horse was known for his stability and self-confidence on the course, qualities that made him an ideal partner for the major international competitions.

Missouri

• Born: 1984
• Pedigree: Mistral II
• Breeder: Walter Schulte
• Owner: Holger Wulschner

Missouri, born in 1984, is by Mistral II. Walter Schulte was Missouri's breeder and Holger Wulschner was the horse's owner. Missouri achieved notable successes, including victory in the Grand Prix of Löbnitz in 1989, one of the most important competitions in GDR show jumping. Missouri was also an integral part of Wulschner's Nations Cup team and helped to successfully support the GDR team at international competitions such as the CSIO in Bratislava. Missouri was characterized by his strength and endurance on the course and contributed significantly to Holger Wulschner's international successes.

Clausen

• Born: 2000
• Pedigree: Calato / Corleone
• Breeder: Ludwig W. and J. Clausen
• Owner: Holger Wulschner

Clausen, born in 2000, is by Calato out of the mare Corleone. Clausen's breeders were Ludwig W. and J. Clausen. Holger Wulschner was the horse's owner and achieved significant successes with him. Clausen's outstanding successes include victory in the five-star Grand Prix at Hickstead in 2008. Clausen also secured victory in the Nations Cup at the same show, demonstrating his versatility and performance. Clausen was known for his outstanding performance in the highest classes of show jumping and contributed significantly to Holger Wulschner's international successes.

BSC Cha Cha Cha

• Born: 2010
• Pedigree: Casall
• Breeder: Bernd Schulte
• Owner: Holger Wulschner

BSC Cha Cha Cha was born in 2010 and descends from Casall. The breeder of BSC Cha Cha Cha was Bernd Schulte. Holger Wulschner was the horse's owner and achieved numerous successes with him. One notable victory was the four-star show jumping competition at the German Championships in Balve in 2017. BSC Cha Cha Cha also achieved numerous placings in the advanced class, which proves his consistency and performance. Cha Cha Cha is known for his dynamism and athleticism, which particularly benefit him in demanding competitions.

Diamant de Plaisir

• Born: 2012
• Pedigree: Diamant de Semilly
• Breeder: Jean-Marc F. and P. Hureau
• Owner: Holger Wulschner

Diamant de Plaisir was born in 2012 and is by Diamant de Semilly. The breeders of Diamant de Plaisir were Jean-Marc F. and P. Hureau. Holger Wulschner was the horse's owner and achieved significant successes with him, including victory in the three-star Grand Prix in Chemnitz in 2023. Diamant de Plaisir shows great potential for further success in the future and is seen as a promising partner for upcoming competitions. The horse represents Wulschner's ability to lead even young horses to top performances and his successes show that he is still capable of competing at the highest level.

Commitment to equestrian sport and the future

In addition to his active riding activities, Wulschner is also involved in organizational and representative functions, for example as a member of the show jumping committee of the German Equestrian Federation (FN). He openly criticizes the challenges that show organizers and riders face and advocates for improvements. He repeatedly emphasizes the need for better education and presentation of the sport in order to reduce misunderstandings and negative prejudices.

Holger Wulschner remains loyal to the sport despite the challenges and is optimistic about the future. He still has big plans for his young horses, such as the goal of taking part in Nations Cups again or winning the Grand Prix of Aachen. His unwavering passion and commitment to equestrian sport make him an outstanding personality and a role model for future generations.

Holger Wulschner's greatest successes

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Conclusion

Holger Wulschner has established himself as one of Germany's most outstanding show jumping riders, impressing with continuous success and commitment at both national and international level. His career began in the GDR, where he showed talent early on and won major titles. Winning the German Jumping Derby in 2000 with Capriol and winning the Grand Prix of Hamburg with Prinz Oldenburg are just some of the highlights of his career. His ability to perform under pressure and master difficult courses has earned him numerous victories and top placings.

Wulschner has not only impressed with his sporting achievements, but also with his commitment to training and promoting young talent. At his training stable in Groß Viegeln, he trains young riders and horses, which has earned him a reputation as an outstanding trainer. He is also passionately committed to the interests of equestrian sport, acting in representative roles and openly criticizing existing challenges.

His philosophy of equine training and his focus on the health and well-being of his horses underline his respect and love for the animals. Horses such as Capriol, Prinz Oldenburg, Missouri, Clausen, BSC Cha Cha Cha and Diamant de Plaisir are examples of his ability to form strong partnerships with his horses and lead them to peak performance.

Despite the challenges and setbacks, Holger Wulschner remains loyal to the sport and is optimistic about the future. With his unwavering passion and commitment, he remains an outstanding personality and a role model for future generations in show jumping.