One of our most popular courses
Hanoverian Breeders Orientation Seminar
Every few years, the AHS offers this multi-day seminar that is popular with both those new to the breed as well as many longtime breeders. Repeat attendees are common! But for 2025 we have some twists up our sleeve to make this Hanoverian Breed Orientation Course a special one unlike any held previously in Germany or in the U.S.
Join us April 24-26, 2025 for a Hanoverian Breed Orientation Course in connection with the Defender Kentucky 5* Three-Day Event. The Kentucky 3-Day is a “bucket list” destination event for horse lovers. Thousands come from around the world to experience the excitement, the athleticism, and the intensity of this competition. Oh – and a world class trade fair may be a draw in and of itself. You also will get a chance to meet the American Hanoverian Society office staff and see our new offices at Kentucky Horse Park.
Our featured speaker will be Maren Schlender, the Deputy Breeding Manager and Head of Studbook International for the Hanoverian Verband. Maren’s in-depth presentations on the history of the Hanoverian and Rhineland breeds and the bloodlines – old and new – that we value in our breeding programs make this a must attend event. Maren will be joined by additional speakers throughout the first two days of seminar covering topics such as Identifying and Utilizing Top Thoroughbred Blood, Selecting for Jumping Ability, Pre-Purchase Exams from the Veterinarian’s perspective, the History and the Future of the AHS, Specializing in Event Breeding – One Breeders Journey, and more. Although this course will focus a bit more on jumping talent, dressage breeding will not be ignored.
The third day of our seminar will be a bit more casual and packed with fun including a special tailgating spot for our group to experience one of the most thrilling and demanding cross-country courses in the world. And maybe we’ll be visiting that famous trade fair as well. Our course ends on Saturday afternoon, but for those able to stay Saturday evening, the CSI 5* Grand Prix will be included. You may want to consider staying over for Sunday’s stadium jumping rounds and the conclusion of the Defender Three-Day Event.
Come join us in the Kentucky Bluegrass this spring. Registration is now open and we encourage you to book your hotel room at our host hotel ASAP using the link and information below to receive our special group rate
Registration includes: Two days of seminars, all admission and parking fees to the KY Horse Park grounds, tickets to Friday and Saturday night Grand Prix Show Jumping events, lunches on Thursday and Friday, dinner Thursday night, Wine and Cheese Reception Friday evening, and tailgating refreshments and snacks on Saturday.
Host Hotel – Hampton Inn, Georgetown
Newly renovated in 2024, the Hampton Inn is in a convenient location to the Kentucky Horse Park. A hot, daily breakfast and high-speed wifi are included in your daily room rate of $159.00 plus tax. The Hampton amenities include a business center, fitness center, and an indoor pool. Each guest room has a minifridge, coffee maker, and microwave and there is free parking. Book directly via our group link to secure your room. Hotel space becomes very limited for this weekend, so we suggest booking early! BOOK HERE – AHSF Breeder’s Course-Hampton Inn- Georgetown, KY
Travel
The Kentucky Horse Park and the Host Hotel (Georgetown, KY) are within an easy drive from the Lexington, KY airport (LEX), Cincinnati, OH airport (CVG), or even the Louisville, KY airport (SDF). You will need your own ground transportation for the duration of the seminar, however, we are happy to help connect attendees to share vehicles, etc.
Lexington, Kentucky
Considered the Horse Capital of the World, Lexington has so much to offer visitors that you may want to stay a few extra days. Keenland will be wrapping up their spring race meet while we’re in town, and Bourbon Tours abound throughout the region. Lexington itself is a modern, fun town with some great places to eat!
Tentative Agenda
Wednesday Night: A fun get-together will be coordinated at a convenient location to our Georgetown hotel for those that have arrived early.
Thursday:
7am Gates Open/8am Trade Fair & Competition Begins @ Kentucky Horse Park
9am – 5:30pm AHSF Breeders Orientation Course
Dinner (included with Registration) near the hotel
Friday:
7am Gates Open/8am Trade Fair & Competition Begins @ Kentucky Horse Park
9am – 5:30pm AHSF Breeders Orientation Course
Optional Kentucky 3* CSI Show Jumping Grand Prix
Saturday:
9am – 4:00pm Cross-Country Day & AHSF Breeders Course Tailgating Spot
Optional Kentucky 5* CSI Show Jumping Grand Prix
Topics covered over the two days will include: History of the Hanoverian & Rhineland Breeds, Hanoverian Bloodlines, Selecting Thoroughbreds for Sport Horse Breeding,
Breeding of Event Horses, Hanoverians in Eventing and Driving, Conformation Analysis, Viewpoints from Veterinarians,
an interactive Trainer Roundtable discussion, a Cross-Country Course Walk, Linear Scoring, and understanding Mare Lines.
Tickets for Sunday are not included with your Breeders Course but can be purchased online
at https://www.kentuckythreedayevent.com/tickets (note you’ll need both General Admission & Reserved Seating tickets for Sunday’s stadium).
