Michael is a successful rider in all disciplines up to class S (1,60m), and a Pferdewirtschaftsmeister (master in equestrian management). He carries the Golden Rider Badge (top honour), has many years of experience as riding trainer and tournament judge on all levels in dressage as well as jumping. He was the executive director of the Westfalian Riding and Driving School in Muenster for 15 years running (Master degree for professional riders).

Since 2001 he is working as a freelance trainer, teaching seminars and training courses for professional riders, amateur rides for trainers and judges.

Michael is

- Co author of the German Guidelines Volumes 1 & 2 "Principles of Riding" and "Advanced Techniques of Dressage" by the German Equestrian Federation.(FN)

- Author of "Reiten mit Verstand und Gefühl" (Riding with Understanding and Feeling)

- Co author of the FN Sports Compendium

- Author of contributing articles in many sport horse magazines

- He works as an independent equestrian assessor for the Courts

- Member of many equestrian committees and forums

Michael Putz transmits in his courses, that training along the classical guidelines has to be sensitive, respectful and fair to the horse. His main objective of teaching is to train horse and rider along the proven path (the scale of training). He has an outstanding ability to recognise and analyse problems and to offer practical solutions. The result of his teaching are the preserved forwardness of the horse, its willingness to perform and the ongoing ability and willingness to have a harmonic partnership between horse and rider.

CV

Born 1946 in Fürth, Bavaria

1965 UE

1966-69 Studied law at Erlangen University, switched to Teacher Training College.

1973 Finished degree as teacher.

Riding CV

November 2010 Second book published "Richtig Reiten - eine Herausforderung" - Problem related Education of Horse and Rider

2006 Publishing of the books "Die Reitabzeichen" and "Vollendete Reitkunst" by Udo Bürger (Müller-Rüschlikon Verlag).

November 2004 First book published, "Riding with Understanding and Feeling"(Title see above)

Since 2002 regular visits (8) to New Zealand on invitation of Dressage NZ as coach for National Squads, judging and training.

Since July 2001, self employed as coach, judge, lecturer and trainer around Germany.

1986-2001 Director of Westfalian Riding and Driving School in Münster/Westfalia

2001 received Golden Badge from Professional Rider’s Association for services rendered and the "German Rider Cross" in Silver form the German FN.

Since 2002 Boardmember of the Examination Board for Pferdewirt, Reiten, with the LWK Westfalen - Lippe, Münster.

Since 1991 consultant in Dressage Judging.

Since 1988 Qualifications as Judge for Dressage Grand Prix.

1987-2001 Deputy member of the master examination commission for Pferdewirrt "Reiten" with LWK Westfalen - Lippe, Muenster.

Since 1987-2001 Trainer and examiner for judges courses (L&M).

April 1984-1993 Member of examination committee for Master Degree Pferdewirt: (Breeding and horse management)

1983 Judges examination in Warendorf

1982-1984 Teacher at the Vocational School for Pferdewirte in Vechta.

1981-85 Trainer and Headmaster of the Federal Riding and Driving School Vechta.

1980 December gained Master Title in Horsemanship at the National Bavarian Riding School (with Stensbeck Plakette).

1979 May awarded the Golden Riding badge.

1978 October gained rider certification in Munich National Bavarian Riding School (with special honours).

1977 April – September 1980 worked for Josef Neckermann as Bereiter and Manager of stables, successful up to Grand Prix.

Since 1968 responsible for the management of the competition and training Stable Röttenbach. During this time, trained several horses to o.M. in dressage and to S (1,60) in jumping, showing them successfully at tournaments.

Information for riders on short Courses or single lessons

Short courses or single lessons with a foreign instructor can only be useful if the rider is open minded and "gives the different training style a go".

My Teaching style could seem a little strong in the beginning for some riders. The reason behind this is, that I try to get as quick as possible to the point and can give constructive instructions. I am a 100% sure about the effectiveness of my knowledge and want to share this with the pupil, to struggle together with the rider for the success. I would like to ask especially the higher level riders (Medium and above) to understand, that I firstly have to correct Suppleness and Contact, if necessary, before I can work on movements. The basics have to be correct before problems with movements can be solved. Also, no one should be irritated, if I check the gear for the horse and the rider’s position at the beginning of every course and correct it, if necessary. A foreign instructor comes into a lesson situation with a new, fresh perspective (unprejudiced) and can see things the regular instructors might not pick up anymore.

Language problems and therefore difficulties to understand the instructions are common for a foreign instructor anyway, especially when he is from a country, that has not got English as first language. I try to use the right terminology, but also use different terms and "pictures" which have proven useful over the years. Please ask for clarification, if there are any queries about the meaning of my instructions. I do not want to waste our valuable time due to a misunderstanding or misinterpretation.

Any lesson can only be useful for the rider, if the instructor identifies the reason and "origin" of any problems and gives the appropriate methods for the correction. There is no quick fix solution by fixing the "symptoms". One of my instructors in my earlier riding years said once: If your instructor always tells you, that everything is good, than he has not hope for any improvement in your riding anymore".

I know, that a lot of riders are nervous in their first encounter with a new instructor. Please be assured, that I will treat everybody without any preconceived ideas and will endeavour to help as best as possible. Anybody, who would like to do some prior reading about the content of my instructions, should read the German Handbook "The Principles of Riding" and "Advanced Techniques of Dressage" or use the papers I have handed out during my previous visits. Please contact Andrea Raves for these papers.

It is also an advantage, if riders listen to the lessons of others on the course as the language and the terminology become easier to understand.

I am looking forward to work with you for your progress in dressage.

Michael Putz