Gunnar Ostergaard Information

Danish Horseman, Gunnar Ostergaard, knew as a teenager his passion was destined to be his profession and the dreamed of traveling to the United States. Dreams become goals when you put a plan into place and at the age of 16, Gunnar left his home in Denmark to start his apprenticeship through the German Riding Federations Bereiter program. For the next three years, he apprenticed with the renowned riding master, Karl Diel, in Flensburg Germany. Commencing his 3-year apprenticeship, Gunnar graduated 2nd in his class at the final exam in the German Riding Capital Warendorf among apprentices from all over Germany. While it was clear dressage was Gunnars true passion, his education included jumping and he even went on to win several jumping competitions, including several Puissances at a height of 6 4. Gunnar stayed on as Karl Diels assistant trainer for 2 more years and then went on to be a private trainer at a farm in Southern Germany. At the age of 23, Gunnar returned to Denmark where he started as a self-employed trainer just north of Copenhagen. It was during this time that he caught the attention of World-renowned dressage trainer, Gunnar with his mentor Gunnar Andersen, 1979, first Florida Dressage competition season. Gunnar was the first dressage trainer to bring a string of 15 horses to Florida, which unofficially started the trend for many trainers and competitors to head south and so began Winter Dressage in Florida. Gunnar was an integral part in creating and naming the Palm Beach Dressage Derby in 1983. Birgit on Admiron winning the GP Sweepstakes, King Oak Dressage July 2005 Gunnar Andersen. Gunnar spent the next 5 years training with and observing Gunnar Andersens perfectly trained Grand Prix horses. Gunnar sees these years as his most valuable education in his professional life and sees Gunnar Andersen as his mentor and friend. It was also during this time that Gunnar met his wife, Birgit, appropriately, at a horse show. Brigit, herself has successfully shown 4 different Grand Prix horses trained ...