Becoming a Bereiter in Germany?

[RoseRider]

Hello everyone,

I’m looking into trying to study in Germany in order to become a Bereiter, but I’ve been having difficulty finding much information online.

I did find out about the school in Warendorf, and sent them an email with some questions, but they haven’t gotten back to me yet.
I wanted to ask here in case someone might have some more information about anything related it.

1. Does anyone know any other schools or professionals that take on apprentices?
2. I’m assuming you most likely need a good handle on German in order to do this, so can anyone recommend any language schools?
3. Are there any requirements (other than language and visas) that I would need to apply for this?

Any information at all would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and reply.

[XXS]

I sent you a message. I don’t know if it worked out.

[RoseRider]

Hi Salo! Yes, I received your message and sent you a reply. Thanks so much

[Lucassb]

There is some good information on professional training here: https://www.pferd-aktuell.de/trainerportal/trainerausbildung/vorstufenqualifizierung/vorstufenqualifizierung

[Manni01]

You don’t go to school in WArendorf, you do your final examination there you need to find a barn which will train you for 2 or 3 years… then you go to warendorf. And the quality of your trainer will determine the quality of your education

this is the link how it works… My recommendation contact US trainer who have good connections to Germany. They can help you to find a barn with the right trainer… But you might need to get a visa as well. It takes 3 years to complete the eduction…

[Manni01]

@RoseRider

Hello everyone,

I’m looking into trying to study in Germany in order to become a Bereiter, but I’ve been having difficulty finding much information online.

I did find out about the school in Warendorf, and sent them an email with some questions, but they haven’t gotten back to me yet.
I wanted to ask here in case someone might have some more information about anything related it.

1. Does anyone know any other schools or professionals that take on apprentices?
2. I’m assuming you most likely need a good handle on German in order to do this, so can anyone recommend any language schools?
3. Are there any requirements (other than language and visas) that I would need to apply for this?

Any information at all would be really helpful.
Thanks in advance for taking the time to read and reply.

how good of a rider are you?? The real good trainers won’t take you unless you are a good rider already… And prepare for some hard times… It’s incredible hard work…

you could apply there…they describe exactly what type of application they want…
https://www.landgestuet-redefin.de/l…rufsausbildung

[Wanderosa]

@Manni01

how good of a rider are you?? The real good trainers won’t take you unless you are a good rider already… And prepare for some hard times… It’s incredible hard work…

you could apply there…they describe exactly what type of application they want…
https://www.landgestuet-redefin.de/l…rufsausbildung

argh. I don’t wanna read in German!

(Nothing like trying to read a normal website as the litmus test for the quality of your education in a foreign language. :eek: )

[Manni01]

@Wanderosa

argh. I don’t wanna read in German!

(Nothing like trying to read a normal website as the litmus test for the quality of your education in a foreign language. :eek: )

If somebody wants to complete a training for a job in anotther country, knowledge of the language of that country is obviously a must

[Wanderosa]

@Manni01

If somebody wants to complete a training for a job in anotther country, knowledge of the language of that country is obviously a must

Oh, I agree. I’m not the OP. I was curious to see the requirements and clicked over on the link. I took 4 years of German and sing in it quite a bit thanks to my job. But I never spent any time refining my conversational skills in a German speaking country. Trying to read something that is everyday, informational language for a native speaker and not canned phrases from a textbook always throws me because I see word roots I know and I’m lazy about looking it up and prefer to wrack my brain trying to figure it out! By contrast, I minored in Russian in college and spent several weeks in Russia over the years. And I still retain conversational fluency despite long periods of time where I haven’t had anyone to talk to in Russian.

[RoseRider]

@Manni01

You don’t go to school in WArendorf, you do your final examination there you need to find a barn which will train you for 2 or 3 years… then you go to warendorf. And the quality of your trainer will determine the quality of your education

this is the link how it works… My recommendation contact US trainer who have good connections to Germany. They can help you to find a barn with the right trainer… But you might need to get a visa as well. It takes 3 years to complete the eduction…

Okay, I understand the key is in finding a good trainer. That’s a really helpful suggestion - to contact a US trainer with good connections to Germany. I’m a bit nervous trying to find a place in, because I’ve heard of people having some pretty tough experiences… but I’m still willing to give it a go, and I’m sure if I find the right person they can help me out with that. (and I have the visa situation already figured out, so that’s a bonus!)

Thanks so much - really appreciate it!

[RoseRider]

@Manni01

how good of a rider are you?? The real good trainers won’t take you unless you are a good rider already… And prepare for some hard times… It’s incredible hard work…

you could apply there…they describe exactly what type of application they want…
https://www.landgestuet-redefin.de/l…rufsausbildung

I’ve been riding for about 10 years, mostly exercising horses for other people and taking lessons from my coach. I’ve done some small shows and events here and there.
I don’t think I’m an amazing rider at all, but I think I have some good foundations. I have heard of people going over there with very little experience as well, so I think it should still be possible to find someone to apprentice under.
Thanks for the link and also for the heads up - I’ve heard that it’s really tough work so I’m always keeping that in mind going forward! :winkgrin:

[ace]

What Manni01 said. And keep in mind that the 2-3 year timeframe to achieve the Bereiter (is it called something else now Manni?) assumes a number of things including:

• You are already quite a good rider, both in dressage and jumping
• You are reasonably proficient in the German language
• You end up with a good trainer for the apprenticeship and pass the test the first time you take it.

Having been a working student in Germany, and seeing native english speakers go through the process, I think it is more realistic to expect it to take you 6-7 years if the requirements are still the same. 20 years ago I think you had to ride at an equivalent of 4th level dressage and 1.2m jumpers during testing.

And what Manni says is true, it is extremely unlikely that the good trainers will take on an unknown North American rider with no connections. I highly recommend that you look for a working student position with a North American trainer that has German connections. Spend some time with them and then try to go to Europe.

[RoseRider]

@ace**

What Manni01 said. And keep in mind that the 2-3 year timeframe to achieve the Bereiter (is it called something else now Manni?) assumes a number of things including:

• You are already quite a good rider, both in dressage and jumping
• You are reasonably proficient in the German language
• You end up with a good trainer for the apprenticeship and pass the test the first time you take it.

Having been a working student in Germany, and seeing native english speakers go through the process, I think it is more realistic to expect it to take you 6-7 years if the requirements are still the same. 20 years ago I think you had to ride at an equivalent of 4th level dressage and 1.2m jumpers during testing.

And what Manni says is true, it is extremely unlikely that the good trainers will take on an unknown North American rider with no connections. I highly recommend that you look for a working student position with a North American trainer that has German connections. Spend some time with them and then try to go to Europe.

Thank you for telling me about your experiences and for your suggestions ace**. I always appreciate any advice, and it’s good to know that it’s not too uncommon to see an English speaker going through the process either.
I’m not too worried about how long it’ll take, and it makes sense to expect it to take longer with the language barrier among other things. It’s all about the journey, right?

I’ll start looking into what I can find for early next year, and reach out to some North American riders if I’m having trouble.

Thank you kindly everyone for all of your helpful replies!

[XXS]

There is an equestrian dictionary published by FN. And I’d watch YT Videos from German bloggers as soon as you have some basic skills.

[hoopoe]

what ace** said is correct. I had a friend who took his exam in the 80s.

he was native german and raised in the system

the test was extensive parts I remember was

written and oral tests in theory ( horse care horsemanship and teaching) as well as testing of laws and policy
ridden tests snaffle and double bridle at our 4th level
jumping test of 3+ feet

testing on lunge technique
testing on teaching capability

the testing was following an official / recognized “apprenticeship”. He actually worked here in the US as a trainer ( showing through PSG) and then returned home to work in several barns before going to Warrendorf for his exam.