Stud Trainer and Rider

Markus Gribbe

Markus only started to ride when he was 17 years old having originally wanted to be a professional footballer. Having suffered an injury that ended his football career it was suggested he take up riding by a business associate of his father. Having spent four months learning to ride at a local riding school he started his professional career working for Hans Biss who had trained alongside George Theadorescu.

Between 1984 – 1994 he was the first rider at the prestigious Vechta Auction and at the same time he rode (competing and training) the stallions of Ludwig Kathmann. In 1994 he obtained his first sponsors (Mr & Mrs Meggle) and went on to represent Germany internationally. As part of the German squad he won three nation’s cups and he also won nearly 30 international competitions.

In 2002 he made the move to England to the yard of Dr & Mrs Becholsteimer and trained their daugher Laura Becholsteimer to become National Champion (Senior) and also compete at the World Games.

In 2007 he joined Sarah & Tony Pidgley’s Team Berkeley knowing this would enable him to achieve the highest levels in professional dressage and sports horse breeding.