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Klaus
Balkenhol grew up on his father's farm in Westphalia, Germany
riding everything available including the family goat. He joined
the Düsseldorf police force and after six years became a mounted
policeman. He met his
wife, Judith, at the stable, where they shared an interest in
dressage.
Klaus
studied classical and modern dressage and then tried the theories
on horseback while patrolling the woods.
He began participating in national mounted police
competitions which included jumping and dressage through
"M" or medium level.
With Rabauke, he gained international attention by becoming
German Vice Champion. When
Rabauke was retired by the police force to Klaus's farm, the
police force let him find a more competitive replacement in
Goldstern. With
Goldstern, Klaus won individual bronze and double team gold
(Barcelona and Atlanta) medals.
After Atlanta, Klaus became German Team Dressage coach and
led the Germans to team gold and individual silver and bronze
medals at Sydney. In
December, he resigned from the German team and in February, 2001,
he became US Team dressage coach.
Klaus
continues to live on his beautiful farm in Germany where US riders
will train throughout the year.
Klaus will spend 75 days each year in
the US coaching the team and giving clinics to short listed
riders. |