A 5-star judge since 2017, Henning Lehrmann, like most of his fellow judges, has a successful equestrian background behind him. One of his passions is training young horses, and Lehrmann is a firm believer in fairplay and the welfare of the horse. Dressage.it collected his interview.
Where do you live?
«I live in the northern part of Germany in a small town, which is called Helmstedt»
How and when did you meet horses? And where and why dressage?
«My whole family are equestrians and when I was a child at first I started riding the horses from my older brother and after that I got my first own horse with eleven years (it was a 17 years old school-horse, but of course I loved her very much). At first I started with eventing, because my whole family are eventing-riders. But after a few years I recognized, that I´m not brave enough for this kind of sport. When I was 14 years old I got a 4 years-old dressage horse. That worked much better and we developed together. At the age of 19 years old I rode my first Grand-Prix with him, he was 9 at this time (His name was “Leon”). Afterwards I was placed with him on different CDI´s, I won with him Grand Prix and we were placed also in the World Cup. It is my passion to educate young dressage horses. Over the years I won with different horses Grand Prix, educated by myself. My greatest happiness is that I have the possibility to train with horses and spend time with them».
When did you become a dressage judge?
«In the end of the 90th I started to judge. At first of course only on a lower level».
How did you career develop?
«In 2006 I became an national Grand-Prix Judge, 2012 I made my exam for a CDI-3*Judge and 2014 for a 4*-Judge. Since 2017 I´m a 5*-Judge».
In your opinion how should be the relationship amongst judges and other stakeholders? (riders, Trainers, sponsor, media etc)
«First at all of course a judge has to be independent. But it is very important that the judges work together with the other stakeholders. Because we all have to have the same goal: Good sport, welfare of the horse, Fair Play, to develop and improve the dressage sport, etc. As a rider of course I know a lot of other riders and trainers and it is important to discuss with them various topics (on a friendly and respectful way), to make it clear that we are all on the same page».
Do you have any worries when you are going to start judging a class?
«No (perhaps that the secretary is quick enough)».
Your hobbies?
«First at all of course horses. But I like also to do scuba-diving, travelling and meet friends».
Mr. Lehrmann, any suggestions to FEI regarding judges?
«It would be good for the dressage sport if the FEI were able to get more successful riders and coaches to the judges’ table. The FEI should also more emphasis on the good “eye” of a judge in the initial and further training of judges than, for example, to check every time knowledge of the rules and regulations».
