Heinz Bürk, known as the "Pony Pope" in Baden Wurttemberg, has passed away on 16 September 2024. He was 89 years old.
Bürk was a leading figure for regional equestrian sport in Baden Wurttemberg, but mainly focused on pony sport and officially served as "Regional Pony Representative in Württemberg."
A civil engineer and architect by profession, Heinz committed himself to pony sport for 60 years. In 1956 Bürk organized the first vaulting competition in Baden-Württemberg and was involved in the management of the riding and show jumping shows in Donaueschingen.
In the 70s and 80s Bürk began dedicating himself to promoting pony sport, breaking new ground in Baden Wurttemberg. In 1985, he became pony representative of the state equestrian sports association.
Reiterturniere wrote, "anyone who knows him knows that he is not a yes-man, that he questions things critically, that he analyzes them and then pursues his goal in his own way, stubbornly, sometimes almost doggedly. But it is probably precisely this determination that has been partly responsible for the success of Baden-Württemberg's pony riders over the years."
He led no less than 28 pony riders from his state into the German pony teams in all three Olympic disciplines. Fifteen achieved a medal. Amongst his proteges are Pia-Luise Aufrecht, Eberhard Seemann, Armin and Anna-Eliza Schäfer, Nina Beck, Rebecca Hotz (née Trefzger) and Jette Zollmann. He hosted shows, training seminars, pony camps, which many of the regional pony dressage riders attended.
From 2009 until 2016 Bürk worked for the Pony Eventing department in the youth department of the German Equestrian Federation (FN).
In 2007 he was awarded the German Riders Cross in Silver, in 2017 he got the one in Gold.
In 2023 Linda Mugrauer succeeded Bürk as Regional Pony Representative in Württemberg
Reiterjournal described him as a "small great man" who despite suffering "a few personal setbacks, pony sport never suffered as a result. His voluntary work was also a kind of therapy for him." He was renowned for collecting donations and grants for the sport. He also sponsored several pony riders.
His funeral will be on 24 September 2024 at the chuck in Bad Wildbad-Calmbach at 15h.
He leaves behind his wife Kristine, daughter Regina and grandchildren.
Photo © Tanja Becker