Marcus Hermes: A life for equestrian sport

Marcus Hermes career

Marcus Hermes, an outstanding professional rider, has made a name for himself through a unique relationship with his horses and remarkable successes in international equestrian sport. After training as a horse trainer with none other than Hubertus Schmidt, he specialized in dressage and initially worked for the Haras de Hus stud farm. There he gained valuable experience and refined his techniques, which would later make him a successful trainer and rider.

The Baumgürtel family's Freiberger Hof, situated in the picturesque Münsterland countryside, was an important place in Hermes' career. He trained and looked after numerous horses and riders here for 6 years and laid the foundations for his later successes. Particularly noteworthy are his successes with the horses of the Freiberger Hof, such as Abegglen FH NRW and his work with the young rider Lucie-Anouk Baumgürtel, who made considerable progress in junior sport under his guidance. Lucy benefits enormously from Hermes' calmness and expertise, and she describes how much she has grown through his support. "He helps me to focus and do my best," she says in an interview with ClipMyHorse.TV, showing just how important Hermes' support has been to her success.

Düvelskotten Stud Farm

Marcus Hermes has been at home at Gestüt Düvelskotten, an idyllic location between Münster and Warendorf, for almost two years. The stud provides him and his horses with the perfect environment for training and relaxation. Here, Hermes works closely with his small team and the Kühn family, who provide him with a stable and supportive environment. The seclusion and tranquillity of the stud allows Hermes to concentrate fully on his horses and their individual needs. In the following video, Marcus Hermes tells you what Marcus appreciates so much about the Kühn family's stud farm and what great opportunities he has at the facility in the middle of the forest:

Marcus Hermes Philosophy

Marcus Hermes' equestrian philosophy is based on respect, trust and a close relationship with his horses. He emphasizes the importance of a balanced training routine that combines intensive work and sufficient recovery. After each competition, he gives his horses two weeks of complete rest to recharge them physically and mentally. This approach not only helps to prevent injuries, but also to maintain the horses' enjoyment and motivation for the sport. Hermes sees his horses as equal partners and treats them with patience and respect, which leads to a high level of motivation and willingness to work. 

Greatest successes

A highlight of Hermes' career was the prestigious five-star victory in Munich, which underlines the result of intensive work and deep trust in his horse. A triumph at a five-star event is a rare achievement and underlines the importance of hard training and loving care. Other notable successes include numerous wins and placings in national and international dressage competitions, cementing his position as one of the best riders in Germany.

2014: Nationwide professional rider champion

2016:
3rd place - Grand Prix (CDI3*) - Tournament: Falsterbo - Venue: Falsterbo - Horse: Royal Mirage 2

2018:
Victory - Grand Prix Special (CDI4*) - Tournament: Oldenburg - Venue: Oldenburg - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw

2019:
2nd place - Grand Prix (CDI3*) - Tournament: Le Mans - Location: Le Mans - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
2nd place - Grand Prix Special (CDI3*) - Tournament: Le Mans - Location: Le Mans - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
4th place - Grand Prix Special (CDI4*) - Tournament: Mannheim - Place: Mannheim - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
2nd place - Grand Prix (CDI3* Non-OG-MER) - Tournament: Waregem - Place: Waregem - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
2nd place - Grand Prix Special (CDI3*) - Tournament: Verden - Place: Verden - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
4th place - Grand Prix (CDI4*) - Tournament: Stuttgart - Place: Stuttgart - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
Victory - Grand Prix Special (CDI5*) - Tournament: Munich-Riem - Place: Munich-Riem - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
Victory - Grand Prix (CDI3*) - Tournament: Verden - Place: Verden - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw
Victory - Grand Prix Special (CDI3* Non-OG-MER) - Tournament: Waregem - Place: Waregem - Horse: Abegglen Fh Nrw

2021:
West German professional rider champion

2022:
Westphalian dressage champion (men)

You can find all other successes on ClipMyHorse.TV!

Horses

Marcus Hermes has already ridden and trained many outstanding horses in his career. Through his work with Hubertus Schmidt, at the Freiberger Hof and now independently at Gestüt Düvelskotten, he has already successfully presented many horses at national and international shows. These include, for example ZINQ Abegglen FHwith whom he has won several international competitions.

In the following video, he tells us which horses he particularly remembers and what his goals are for the future:

Marcus Hermes' key to success

Marcus Hermes attaches great importance to a balanced training routine that includes both intensive work and sufficient recovery breaks. After every competition, he gives his horses plenty of time off to recover and move freely. These breaks are crucial for the horses' mental and physical health. Hermes compares the training of his horses to that of a human competitive athlete: "Even horses cannot perform at the highest level all the time and need phases of regeneration. He describes how he gives his horses time to relax and regain their strength after intensive competitions. This method not only helps to avoid physical exhaustion, but also to maintain mental freshness and enjoyment of the sport. Whether in the paddock, the meadow or a round in the field, Marcus Hermes attaches great importance to a varied program for all his horses. It doesn't matter to him whether the horse is a Grand Prix horse or a 4-year-old horse that is fresh under saddle. He also enjoys the terrain around Gestüt Düvelskotten with all his horses.

When we visited Marcus Hermes at Gestüt Düvelskotten, the rider made it clear how important it is to him to be involved in the care of the horses alongside training. With the support of his team, he looks after his horse himself, even at competitions, and ensures that it always remains calm and focused. This close relationship creates a basis of trust that is invaluable in competition. He describes how he and his horse spend time together, going for walks and grazing to create a relaxed atmosphere. Hermes sees these tasks not just as a duty, but as part of his lifestyle and passion for equestrian sport. "I do it all myself because it gives me security and I can feel the horse's trust," he explains.

Teamwork and mutual respect

The special relationship between Marcus Hermes and his horse is described as true teamwork. Hermes emphasizes how important it is that the horses enjoy their work and that this enjoyment is encouraged by treating them with respect and patience. He sees his horses as partners and treats them accordingly, which leads to a high willingness to perform and work. "He is willing and ready to work every day," says Hermes about his horse, showing how much he appreciates its willingness to perform. This respectful relationship motivates the horse and keeps him focused and calm even in demanding situations. The dressage rider also greatly appreciates his small team at Gestüt Düvelskotten. The atmosphere is very quiet, as the facility is in the middle of the forest, far away from the hustle and bustle of a large facility with lots of horses and riders. And his rider, Anna Muster, also let us in on the inside story... We asked her what Marcus is actually like.

Conclusion

Marcus Hermes' success in equestrian sport is the result of hard work, careful planning and a deep bond with his horses. His patience, commitment and respect for the animals make him a role model in equestrian sport. His ability to remain calm in both successful and difficult times and to always have the welfare of his horses in mind distinguishes him as an exceptional rider and trainer. Hermes emphasizes that success in equestrian sport is not only based on talent, but also on hard work and a deep connection between rider and horse.