Klaus Balkenol, official coach of the German Dressage Team, has announced to end his function as German team coach in January 2001. In 1996, Balkenhol chose to quit his competition career and devote himself training the "Bundesteam".
Under his guidance, Germany became world, European and Olympic Champion. "I'm very happy that I have been part of these wonderful achievements. It's time now to move along. Germany has many excellent dressage horses, riders and trainers and I'm confident that the future of Germany is in good hands," Balkenhol said.
Balkenhol, who turns 61 in 2001, believes the time has come to shift to a slower gear. At his home in Roshendal, Westfalian, Balkenhol will continue to train his private clients (Capellmann, Uphoff) and devote more time to his family. Nevertheless, Balkenhol has already agreed to function as guest speaker at the annual California Dressage Society Symposium in Los Angeles 26th January 2001.