Claus Hansen Appointed New Director of Danish Warmblood Society

Breeding

Danish Warmblood

Claus Hansen, a member of the Danish warmblood stallion licensing committee, has been appointed the new managing director of the Danish Warmblood breeding society.

He succeeds Casper Cassoe Kruth who left to work for Helgstrand's Global Equestrian Group.

Claus Hansen

The 51-year old Claus Hansen has been a Danish Warmblood inspector since 2008. In 2011, he joined the breeding management and later became a spokesman. In 2022, he stepped down from the breeding management at his own request. Claus received the Danish Warmblood medal of merit in gold for his contributions to breeding.

Claus' passion for breeding originates from his childhood home, where his father Willy Hansen bred successfully, and Willy's mare line, as well as the stud name - Åtoften - is continued by Claus and his wife Annette Bugge, who today breed on five lines of mares.

Licensed stallions coming most recently from Hansen's Åtoften broodfarm are Åtoftens Springtime (by Springbank II x Zalando) and Åtoftens Jovani (by Jovian x Benetton Dream) which Hansen owns in partnership with Helgstrand. Åtoften's Jabari (by Jovian x Revolution) is owned by Helgstrand.

DWB Director

Hansen is appointed DWB director after approval of Jan Pedersen, Per Springborg, Jørn Jensen, Inge Madsen and Susanne Hvid.

Pedersen described Claus as "a definite team player who is very thorough in everything he does. In him you get a person you can count on and who gets things done."

Hansen will take up the job on 1 July 2024.

"The great work done by volunteers is something I really appreciate," he stated. "And I believe that together we can help give the breeders an even better experience at the association's awards and shows. We can ensure a development where the breeders not only get a pleasant day, but at the same time also get good, professional expertise and advice."