The newly elected chairman, Dr Frederic Bünger (left), and Carsten Leopold presented Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke with the Hanoverian Society’s Golden Pin of Honour. Photo: Hanoverian Society
Delegates' Assembly of the Hanoverian Society
Verden. The delegates of the Hanoverian Society have elected Dr Frederic Bünger as chairman. The present chairman, Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke, did not stand for re-election after six years in office. In addition, the decision to open the Verden Riding Horse Auctions to all warmblood breedings was approved.
Overall, the Hanoverian Society can look back on a successful year. A major highlight was the FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championships in Verden, which received widespread praise: “It was a celebration of the horse!” said Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke. Despite declining figures in the fields of horse breeding and riding, the financial year ended with a positive result.
The new chairman of the Hanoverian Society, Dr Frederic Bünger, comes from a family in which the breeding of Hanoverian horses has played a central role for many generations. He has been active as a judge at mare and foal shows for over 20 years. “I would like to contribute my experience and passion to actively help shape the Society’s goals and further promote the quality of breeding. There are a number of changes on the horizon, in which I see positive aspects and enormous opportunities,” said the veterinarian from Harbarnsen. In recognition of his great commitment and as a token of gratitude for his work, the retired chairman, Dr Hinni Lührs-Behnke, received the Golden Pin of Honour of the Hanoverian Society.
The present Chairman of the Supervisory Board, Henning Schmidt, also did not stand for re-election. Stefan Kallaß from Midlum was newly elected to the Supervisory Board. Subsequently, the Supervisory Board appointed Hendrik Hüsker from Syke as its chairperson. Dr Michael Lühs from Wagenfeld joins the Board for loyalty to/of breeders from Helmut Bäßmann. “Horses should remain the focus of our work on the committees – no more and no less,” emphasised Dr Michael Lühs. The new chairman, Dr Frederic Bünger, had previously served on the Hanoverian committees as a member of the Dressage Breeding Committee. Nils zur Lage from Bersenbrück was elected to fill the position he vacated. The 27-year-old Pferdewirtschaftsmeister, who comes from a successful breeding family, said: “I would be delighted to be able to contribute ideas to the Society’s work on behalf of the younger generation.”
In future, horses from other warmblood populations may also be auctioned at the Hanoverian Society’s riding horse auctions. The 102 delegates approved the Board’s corresponding motion. This will intensify cooperation with a wide variety of training stables and enhance the appeal of the Verden Auctions venue with its modern facilities.