Robert Gharibzadeh
ROBERT GHARIBZADEH
German Certified Pferdewirtschaftsmeister
(The highest certification attainable as a German equine professional for training both horse & rider)
To attain this one must already hold a Bereiter’s license and must study many years under the tutelage of an accomplished master. The testing for the certification alone takes twelve weeks to complete. Requirements are in depth knowledge of not only riding and training, both in Jumping & Dressage at the upper levels, but ones ability to teach correctly, work in hand, stable management, veterinary practices, farrier work, arena footing, saddle fitting as well as many more intricate subjects.
Robert has 27 yrs of experience working with horses. He began his Dressage career with Antonius Holland followed by Wolfgang Winkelhuis. A Grand Prix trainer who was in charge of the Junior/Young Rider program in Rheinland for 25 yrs. From there proceeding to work with George Theodorescu and Herbert Rehbein, whom Kyra Kyrklund also trained with. The trainers with whom he studied Jumping include Karsten Huck who won the bronze medal at the Seoul Olympics and Gilbert Bockmann who has won the German Championships on numerous occasions and is rated one of the most talented and sought after Jumping trainers and coaches in Europe.
Robert has been a judge for 16 years in both Dressage and Jumping, holding qualifications for the Bundeschampionat (Young Horse German Championships).
Taking a hiatus from competing for the last 5 years was seen to be necessary to focus more on coaching and judging but preparing to return to the show ring.
In the past 10 years Robert’s students have represented his training regularly at the German Championships for ponies, junior and young riders in Dressage, Jumping and Eventing. In 2005 Malte Ehrichs, who studied with Robert for 7 years won the Northern Germany Championships in Dressage. He also has enjoyed training children for Oldenburger Bezirksveband and has many FEI riders in Germany, The United States and Canada currently under his tutelage. Although qualified to teach the upper levels, he enjoys teaching all levels to both armatures and professionals alike. This is what makes a true teacher.
“The German Training Scale is always with me and it works. I learned from Mr. Theodorescu to listen to all the muscles and bones to bring the right strength to the right places. In order to be great athletes they need strength to perform as we expect. It is our job as their stewards to help develop this and with this comes health and well being. Only happy horses can give you everything you ask for. On top of this it is crucial to insure they have proper fitting shoes and tack”.
“The most important thing I wish for my students to learn from me is patients and understanding of their horses. To create harmony”.