Alex Gerding was born in Graefelfing, Munic. He has been in the U.S. since October 2000. Alex has more than twenty years experience as a professional with horses in Germany. In 1989 he achieved the first level of horsemaster “Bereiter”, and was decorated with the bronze stensbeck-medaille. He earned his final professional rank, the Pferdewirtschaftsmeister degree, and was decorated with the silver stensbeck–medaille, in 2001 by the German National Riding Federation.

Licensed as an R judge in 1995 in Warendorf, Alex audited clinics with Conrad Schumacher and Anke Froemming, international Grand Prix judge and leader of all training for R judges in Germany, also an author of German Handbooks. Alex practiced as a judge up to fourth level, also judging conformation and equitation classes, and young horses and young riders.

photo by www.Bobtarr.com

Alex comments, "Individuals who had an impact on my career are Uwe Mechlem, judge at the Olympics at Atlanta and international Grand Prix judge, also chief of German Dressage International Young Rider Team, chief of German Dressage National Committee. I stayed three years with Uwe to prepare for the Bereiter. Also Michael Putz, another international Grand Prix judge, author of the German Handbooks for Educational Riding (books of general rules), and former Chief of Westphalian Riding School was a very important teacher, giving the last preparation for the test to become a Pferdewirtschaftsmeister."

As a competitor Alex has won countless ribbons in dressage and jumping, including conformation and equitation classes for young horses. He is able to show and compete up to Grand Prix.

Alex has eleven years experience running large training facilities and riding schools as a self-responsive manager and trainer. His experience includes advertising, marketing, organization and sales. He is certified and registered to run working student programs recognized by the German Riding Federation.

Alex says, "A good instructor from the ground should also be able to ride a student's horse, to feel the senses of the animal, or to correct a problem. The instructor's skills of training and theoretical knowledge must reach from the very basics up to Grand Prix."

His clinics in the U.S. have resulted in great success by his students, including advancing a horse and student from first level to qualifying scores in third level in six months, and a horse from low 4th level scores, with a rider that had shown very well up to Intermediare I on other horses, to Grand Prixes qualifying scores and the USDF gold medal, also within six months.

Alex has developed single flying lead changes, tempi changes up to one tempis, as well as piaffe and passage on several horses for American clients. He has a strong backgound in teaching dressage, and schooling piaffe and passage in hand. Alexander Gerding and a number of his imported horses have successfully participated in Grand Prix performances in both jumpers and dressage in the U.S.

"Over the years that we have been in the horse business I've had the opportunity to watch a lot of clinics, some with very well known names who could ride but not teach. Without question the best is Alex Gerding. It doesn't matter what level the rider is, Alex can quickly assertain areas of weakness and communicate ways to improve. He also helps the rider set realistic goals for quick progress, and keeps his prices reasonable so that repetition of clinics is possible. His focus is to improve HIS STUDENTS, so he is known for the success of his students and not mainly for his own achievements. My wife had reached a point in her riding where she was ready to show at FEI levels. Alex scouted a horse for her in Germany and then went with her to try it. He helped to arrange the vetting and shipping, and he comes to teach as often as needed to ensure their success as a team. Alex gerding has been a good teacher, mentor and friend to our family." - Dick Feller, Silvermine Farm, Eau Claire, WI

Alex Gerding and Irish Sport Horse "That's Sam" on victory gallop at Team Challenge 2003 - photo by L. Chaudoir-Nye, XpressFoto.

"I truly enjoyed my show weekend at the Kentucky Horse Park. Eventing produced many successful German specialists, including Fritz Thiedemann for stadium jumping and Reiner and Ingrid Klimke for dressage, probably the most known popular competitors having their origin in eventing. One of the major goals of the German riding system is multi-purpose to finally discover and fine tune the real talent up to grand prixes in each discipline, based on a solid dressage foundation and a solid seat schooling. Thanks to Martha and John Lambert for finding me this wonderful catch mount owned by Ron Peterson." more photos from Team Challenge and other shows >>