At the 2025 CDI Frankfurt Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen has been honoured with a lifetime achievement award for his job as German youth team trainer.
The DOKR Trainer Academy and German Equestrian Federation bestowed this special prize upon Meyer zu Strohen following an assessment by a jury consisting of riding master Ingrid Klimke, team trainer Monica Theodorescu, former eventing national coach Hans Melzer, foundation chairwoman Tanja Traupe, FN training director Thies Kaspareit and former judo Olympic champion and DOSB trainer Frank Wieneke.
Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen
The Lifetime Achievement Award goes to Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen (69), a certified master of horse management and long-time national dressage coach for young riders. In the 2025 season, he celebrated a magnificent success with his protégés at the European Championships in Le Mans and Kronberg: gold medals for all of Germany's young rider teams.
The Osnabrück native shaped German dressage for young riders for decades – both as national coach and in the training program at the Warendorf National Training Center. After his comprehensive training with the Hanoverian Association, international experience in the USA and at the Spanish Riding School in Vienna, he took over the management of the Hoya State Riding School in 1986. Numerous positions as a state and national coach followed.
Meyer zu Strohen is a recipient of the Golden Riding Badge, currently coaches juniors, young riders, and U25 riders in dressage, and successfully supports his athletes in their transition to Grand Prix level. He also has a significant influence in the young horse sector.
In total, he and his protégés have won over 100 gold medals at European Championships – an exceptional achievement in international youth sports. He has also been a member of the Hanoverian licensing commission for many years, continuously contributing his expertise there as well. He has no intention of retiring: he continues to work with undiminished energy on training the next generation.
"Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen, through his expertise and commanding presence, has been instrumental in shaping the future of many talented riders in German dressage. His life story as a horseman, combined with his personality as a trainer, has always been inspiring and has led to outstanding successes for decades!" reads the tribute.
Monica Theodorescu also highlighted her colleague's exceptional achievements. "Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen embodies our classical training of riders and horses. His competence, experience, and empathy in supporting young riders and developing them into true athletes are unparalleled," she said.
Photo © Stefan Lafrentz
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