Dr Jochen Wilkens, who served as Breeding Director and Managing Director of the Hanoverian Society until 2006, passed away on 15 August at the age of 85 following a short, serious illness. His guiding principle was: “Stah fast, kiek wiet un röög Di” – stand firm, look far and take action.
On 1 March 1982, the farmer’s son from near Verden took over as Breeding Director of the Association of Hanoverian Warmblood Breeders. For more than 24 years, he helped guide the Society alongside chairmen Herwart von der Decken, Friedrich Jahncke and Manfred Schäfer. His tenure saw a number of landmark developments: the relocation of the Society’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 region into Saxony-Anhalt and Hesse, and the organisation of daughter societies around the world.
His foresight enabled him to draw on the expertise of his team. Once convinced of a project, he devoted all his energy to making it a reality. In 2006, he was awarded the Hanoverian Society’s Golden Badge of Honor and the German Equestrian Federation’s Gustav Rau Medal.
The development of the Hanoverian Society remained close to his heart throughout his life, and he was always a welcome guest in Verden. He will be remembered for his determination, integrity, reliability and sense of humour. The entire team at the Hanoverian Society extends its deepest sympathies to his family and wishes them the strength they need in the difficult time ahead.
