By Dr. Rebecca Splan

For two weeks in May, 18 undergraduate Equine Science students from Virginia Tech traveled to Germany as part of an exciting new study abroad course. The purpose of the trip was to educate the students about the sporthorse industry in Germany, and a wide variety of events and opportunities allowed the girls to learn about the training, riding, breeding and marketing of German warmblood horses in a unique, experiential fashion.

The trip was held in cooperation with International Sporthorse Registry/Oldenburg Registry NA, the largest independent warmblood breeding organization in North America. The incredible tour was skillfully organized and led by Christian Schacht, Breeding Director for the registry. Accompanying the girls from Virginia Tech were Dr. Rebecca K. Splan, Associate Professor of Equine Science, and adjunct lecturer Ms. Kim Reid. Financial support for the trip also came from the Virginia Tech Department of Animal and Poultry Sciences, the Virginia Tech Office of International Research, Education and Development, the Southwest Virginia Dressage Association, the Blue Ridge Eventing Association and from the students themselves.

During their stay, the students received individual and group instruction, and at the end of their training, the girls took part in the German Reitabzeichen, which tested their technical knowledge and riding skill in both showjumping and dressage. The group performed brilliantly in front of the German judges, and all members earned their certification with an extremely high group average!

The girls were treated to many daytrips to important breeding and training centers throughout Germany. Highlights included tours of top breeding stations and the group had the opportunity to view many of the world's best stallions. The girls also had guided tours of the German National Equestrian Federation, the German Horse Museum, the Olympic Training Center at Warendorf, the cross country course at Luhmuhlen, and the Hannoverian Verband and Auction Hall at Verden. Other special events included Hanoverian and Holsteiner mare shows, the CDI***/CSI*** at Wiesbaden, a Bundeschampionat qualifier for young event horses and an extraordinary mare and stallion show at Neustadt/Dosse.

Virginia Tech would like to thank Christian Schacht and the rest of the team at ISR/Oldenburg NA for facilitating such an amazing tour of Germany, as well as the many professional riders, trainers, instructors and administrators who took time to speak with the Virginia Tech students throughout their stay. The visit was highly successful in educating and inspiring this group of young people and Virginia Tech is very much looking forward to the next Virginia Tech tour of Germany, scheduled for 2010.