Gerd Folkers, a renowned Oldenburg horse breeder and former stallion licensing committee member, has passed away. He was 82 years old.
A recipient of the Gustav Rau Medal in 2012, Folkers came from a horse-loving family that had a strong influence on horse breeding for decades, particularly in the Jeverland area. He collected the Silver Rider Badge and was reserve champion of Weser Ems at one point in his riding career.
Gerd Folkers succeeded his father Fritz as licensing committee member for the Oldenburg Verband in 1973 and licensed stallions for more than thirty years. In 2005 Folkers was succeeded by Ulrich Henscke.
Together with his brother Volkhard Folkers, he not only ran a successful horse breeding business, but also ran his own stallion station for several years, which included the home-bred Royal Hit son Royal Doruto. The stallion station closed in January 2013.
Gerd Folkers was known and loved above all for his good eye for horses, whether at stallion approvals, foal or mare shows, his quick judgment and his savoury remarks. Folker was always keen to pass on his profound knowledge of horses.He was nicknamed, "Meister Achterbeen“ (Master Hindleg).
He was a popular speaker on the subject of foal and horse inspections for the German Equestrian Federation.
Photo © Astrid Appels
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