Dr. Jochen Wilkens, breeding director and managing director of the Hanoverian Association until 2006, passed away on 15 August 2026 after a short, serious illness. He was 85 years old.
His motto was: "Stah fast, kiek wiet un röög Di" – stand firm, look far and do something.
On March 1, 1982, the farmer's son from near Verden took over the breeding management of the Hanoverian Warmblood Breeders' Association. For over 24 years, he was jointly responsible for the association's affairs with chairmen Herwart von der Decken, Friedrich Jahncke, and Manfred Schäfer.
His tenure saw significant developments: the relocation of the association's headquarters to Verden, the introduction of the mare performance test, the promotion of show jumping breeding, the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses, the expansion of the breeding area to Saxony-Anhalt and Hesse, and the organization of affiliated associations worldwide.
"Thanks to his foresight, he was able to rely on the expertise within his team. Once he was convinced of a project, he dedicated all his energy to its implementation," the Hanoverian society stated.
Hermann Meier's 2004 born Hanoverian premium stallion Wilkens (by Waterford x Falkland x Lanthan) was named after Dr. Jochen Wilkens after his licensing in 2006. The stallion sold sold for 280,000 euro to Denmark.
In 2006 Dr. Wilkens was awarded the Hanoverian Golden Badge of Honor and the Gustav Rau Medal by the German Equestrian Federation.
"The development of the Hanoverian Association remained close to his heart throughout his life, and he was a welcome guest in Verden," the breed society stated. "He will be remembered for his determination, straightforwardness, reliability, and humor. The entire team at the Hanoverian Association wishes his family strength for the time ahead."
A funeral service took place in early September at the Niedersachsenhalle in Verden.
Related Links
Werner Schade Succeeds Jochen Wilkens as Hanoverian Breeding Manager
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