At the 2020 Holsteiner Stallion Licensing in Neumunster, Germany, Dr. Thomas Nissen retired as breeding and managing director of the Holsteiner Verband after 32 years on the job.
He was celebrated in a special ceremony and named honorary member of the WBFSH.
Due to the current corona restrictions, only a limited number of spectators were allowed in the show arena, Holsteinhallen in Neumünster. However, many studbook members and Holsteiner breeders were present to pay tribute to Thomas Nissen.
Nissen began working as managing and breeding director for the Holsteiner Verband in 1988, succeeding Gerhard Gramann.
Jan Pedersen, president of the WBFSH, expressed his gratitude to their long-term breeding leader, Dr. Thomas Nissen for a job well done.
"It is sad to learn that even the most solid and strongest foundation does not last forever. Show jumping has developed strongly during Thomas Nissen's tenure," said Pedersen in his speech. "The courses have become faster and more technical and the Holstein horses have developed accordingly. This development is due not only to capable breeders, but also to a visionary breeding manager. And the breeding success has also benefited other studbooks. The Holstein blood is very respected, recognized and in demand worldwide."
Thomas Nissen was a director of the Holsteiner Breeding Society from 1988. He was also member of the board of the World Breeding Federation for Sport Horses, WBFSH, from 2006 to 2018.
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