Steinmühle Riding School

An sweetgum tree in front of the riding school at the Steinmühle boarding school

Collaborations & Partnerships, Ecology and Sustainability, News, Steinmühle Riding School

An sweetgum tree was planted on the grounds of Steinmühle to mark “Arbor Day.” The project was carried out by Balzer Garten- und Landschaftsbau, a landscaping company based in Buchenau. The tree stands at the entrance to the riding school at the Steinmühle School & Boarding School and is intended to serve as a long-term, visible symbol of sustainability and environmental awareness.

Strengthen environmental education, promote climate awareness

The planting initiative was supported by the Hesse-Thuringia Association of Garden, Landscape, and Sports Field Contractors. The goal of the initiative is to strengthen environmental education and further promote awareness of nature and climate issues.

Among those present at the planting were State Parliament Representative Dirk Bamberger (CDU), school principal Björn Gemmer, and Frank Balzer, managing director of Balzer Garten- und Landschaftsbau. Students from the gardening club also took part in the event. It was a new experience for them: instead of working in the greenhouse as they usually do, they were able to participate in a large-scale tree-planting project for the first time.

In the future, the young people will also take responsibility for the tree. As tree sponsors, they will monitor its growth and continue to actively support nature and the environment.

Beautiful fall colors

The sweetgum tree, which can grow up to 20 meters tall, is an impressive tree for both solitary and group plantings thanks to its fall colors. The play of colors in its foliage is striking and beautiful to behold. However, according to the specialist firm Balzer, the sweetgum must be watered diligently at first to thrive.

(Heinm)

2. May 2026

The Steinmühle School & Boarding School’s Equestrian Club teaches 5th and 6th graders the basics of horses

News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School

Why and how do you groom a horse? How do you properly fit a saddle and bridle? What belongs in a horse stall? — Students in grades 5 and 6 learn how to properly handle horses and provide optimal care for these four-legged friends on Thursdays from 1:00 to 2:00 p.m. in the riding club at the Steinmühle School & Boarding School.

The program teaches important basics about horses. This helps the children gain the confidence they need when interacting with the animals.

What should you keep in mind when interacting with horses?
How are they kept, and what do they eat?
What does care involve?

Before beginning equestrian training, it is important to acquire this and other knowledge, which is essential for enjoying riding, achieving success, and having fun.

A specific topic for each club meeting

At the Steinmühle Riding School, led by Beate Schridde (Level A Instructor), there are club activity leaders with experience working with horses. They gently and properly introduce the girls and boys to horseback riding.

“In every club meeting, we discuss a specific topic,” explains Julia Werth, who, during one of the most recent club meetings, helped the students decorate the “spring ponies” while the sun shone brightly in the sky.

Over the next few weeks, there will certainly be more fun club sessions for grades 5 and 6 at the Steinmühle Riding School.

Contact: reitschule@steinmuehle.de

(Heinm)

25. April 2026

Equestrian School at Steinmühle Boarding School: Ten students earned their riding badges

Contests & Awards, News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School, Talent Development

With plenty of enthusiasm, team spirit, and a passion for horses, ten girls aged 7–12 completed a course at the riding school of the Steinmühle boarding school. Under the guidance of course instructor Beate Schridde, the young horse enthusiasts learned all the necessary skills during the last week of the Easter break to earn their achievement badges at the end of the course. The exam consisted of riding, theory, and ground work.

Various tasks awaited us at the riding stable

The course team—consisting of Sabrina Schneider, Chiara Cordes, Amaia Balzer, Julia Werth, and Anni Bohn—led the participants through various activities each day of the course. Starting at 9 a.m., after a meeting and welcome, the schedule included farm chores such as tending to the horses, sweeping the yard, and cleaning up manure from the paddocks. Then it was time to groom the horses. To boost everyone’s enthusiasm a bit more, a grooming competition was held, with the promise of a grooming trophy at the end of the week.

Under expert guidance, the horses were then saddled and bridled. Afterward, the girls rode in three groups.

Animal Care

How do you properly care for horses? That was also a topic covered during the training week. Along the way, the participants absorbed the necessary theoretical knowledge. Together, they created posters to help them better internalize the individual topics. The young riders then proudly presented their insightful results to the entire group. Really well done!

Balanced Meal Plan

Next up was ground work—with ponies and on foot. After lunch together at the Reiterstübchen, featuring a specially planned menu, everyone enjoyed some playtime together in the riding arena and in the tent before parents and relatives arrived to pick them up at 2:00 p.m.

Enormous progress

“It was a really great week with the girls; they all got along really well, and their progress in riding from Day 1 to Day 6 was truly remarkable!” Julia Werth says enthusiastically.

On the day of the exam, family members watched, and there was a delicious potluck buffet. During the exam, the students had to demonstrate what they had learned under the watchful eye of the judge.

Personalized Support from the Riding School Team

Some of the children were very excited, but thanks to the attentive guidance of the riding school team and their mutual support, all the riders passed their motivation badge test with flying colors and were beaming as they received their certificates.

The grooming competition prize was quickly changed to medals for everyone, since it was impossible to choose a single winner. Everyone did such a great job and made the ponies’ and horses’ coats shine!

The following badges were developed:

Motivational Badge 8:

Greta Emilie Reimann

Elise Charlotte Backes

Marie Di Cato

Anna Ayiana Schneider

Motivational Badge 9:

Cleo Emilia Bohn

Julia Geisler

Annabelle Estelle Wenz

Yasmin Werth

Motivational Badge 10:

Maya Sophie Mey

Frieda Sophia Reimann

The Badge System as a Measure of Training Progress: What Do Badges 10 through 6 Mean in Equestrian Sports?

You can find answers to this question at the following link on the website of our partner, the German Equestrian Federation (FN): https://www.pferd-aktuell.de/ausbildung/abzeichen-im-pferdesport/abzeichen-im-pferdesport

Interested in a course or riding lessons?

The next course at Steinmühle is already in the planning stages; for more information, visit https://reitschule.steinmuehle.de/

Those interested can find information about riding lessons at reitschule@steinmuehle.de

(Heinm)

15. April 2026

Sports at Steinmühle: Strengthening Tradition, Breaking New Ground

Collaborations & Partnerships, Life at Boarding School, News, Rowing, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School, Talent Development

Horseback riding, rowing, team sports, and an ever-growing number of partnerships: The sports program at Steinmühle School & Boarding School has evolved significantly in recent years. Modernized facilities, a growing team, and numerous projects ensure that physical activity has a firm place in the students’ daily school life—and will continue to be expanded in the future.

Steinmühle has always been known for its wide range of sports programs: established equestrian programs, professional rowing instruction, and successes that have even led to Olympic participation. Tennis has long been played on the school’s own courts, ball sports—including beach volleyball—are played along the Lahn River, and strength training is offered even during the winter months. But even good things can be made even better, explains Marcel Kalb, head of school sports, organizer of many training sessions, and coordinator of partnerships with other clubs.

Modern Infrastructure

At this point, we’ve already reached a stage where things have expanded considerably compared to about ten to 15 years ago. Compared to back then, the infrastructure has been modernized and significantly expanded. A renovated boathouse, a large second sports hall, and a modernized existing hall are now available for rowing equipment and indoor sports. The selection of sports equipment is also being continuously expanded. The selection in the weight room already gives a good idea of what this looks like.

More People for Sports

The development of the sports program was a process—both in terms of infrastructure and staffing. The faculty in the Sports Department has now grown to 17 teachers, with one educator from the boarding school and three FSJ volunteers providing support in various roles. “We’re also in contact with the departments of Sports Science and Motology at Philipps University in Marburg,” reports Marcel Kalb.

No Grades in Physical Education for Grades 5–8

Promoting physical activity is a top priority at Steinmühle. For example, there are extracurricular programs such as rowing trips and ski trips, and students have the option to choose the sports track in 11th grade—the so-called “E-Phase” of upper secondary school. One unique feature is also worth mentioning: In grades 5 through 8, no numerical grades are given in physical education. “We believe that a numerical grade cannot reflect the diversity of sports and the associated assessment of student performance. For this reason, we strive to provide differentiated and meaningful feedback on performance in physical education classes,” explains the school’s physical education director.

Para-sports are part of the program

Thanks to partnerships with other clubs, the range of sports offered at Steinmühle School & Boarding School is virtually limitless. While some Steinmühle teachers offer sports such as fencing out of personal interest, traditional sports like volleyball, basketball, and soccer are already part of the regular program. The new, spacious sports hall enables Steinmühle—which is already a Paralympic training center for rowing—to now also offer wheelchair basketball as a team sport.

On Mondays, inclusive soccer is also held: A few years ago, the Unified Team began regular training in cooperation with the local sports club, SF Blau-Gelb Marburg. At the time, Egon Vaupel, chairman of the sponsoring association Steinmühle Marburg e. V., had been a particularly strong advocate for the formation of this team.

New School Structure Model Opens Up Opportunities

According to Kalb, the school’s athletic director, the school is seeking further partnerships with other clubs. He has in mind extracurricular activities such as track and field, gymnastics, and swimming. “The new school restructuring model set to be implemented in the future will open up great opportunities in this regard.”

Keeping an eye on competitive sports

Marcel Kalb also keeps an eye on competitive sports and cites, for example, the volleyball club and the elective volleyball classes (WU) for grades 5 and 6, as well as the gymnastics program offered as part of “Youth Training for the Olympics,” in which five female students performed exceptionally well. His credo: “Sports and achievement go hand in hand. And that’s what we encourage.”

In addition, a two-hour-per-week upper-school sports program is offered to students across all grade levels. Marcel Kalb oversees the program, but the students also organize many activities on their own, thereby creating self-directed spaces for physical activity and training.

Getting to know each other in two ways

For several years now, Steinmühle has also been holding sports project days during the last week of school, says Kalb, who has been working at Steinmühle for seven years. The additional sports days in May are for grades 5 through 10 and include rowing, running finals, and other disciplines. In addition, Steinmühle has held—and plans to continue holding—a sports festival during the last week of school. Partnering sports clubs and physical education students from the university are also invited to this event. In addition to promoting physical activity, the festival serves as an opportunity for participants to get to know one another—both among the athletes themselves and through exposure to other sports programs.

Fitness Programs for Faculty

“Our day-to-day work is becoming increasingly complex, so we also need to ensure that our staff gets enough exercise,” adds Marcel Kalb. At this point, he brings up the “StoneFIT” program—an initiative designed to promote physical activity specifically for employees.

“We can be proud of the opportunities we have,” Marcel Kalb sums up. But he adds that they haven’t reached the finish line yet: “… there’s still more to come.”

He also mentions the lively break in the gym that comes with the cell phone ban. Led by a volunteer doing a year of voluntary social service (FSJ), grades 5 and 6 are active during the first long break, and grades 7 and 8 during the second long break. “If you curb the urge to play digital games, you have to offer other alternatives—ones that promote health through sports and physical activity.”

Sports are part of school culture

Steinmühle does not see its future as limited to its own offerings. “We also like to take a look at what public schools are doing and try to adopt the best practices.”

This makes it clear: At Steinmühle, physical education is much more than just a school subject. It is part of the school’s culture—driven by dedication, collaboration, and the shared goal of sustainably promoting physical activity, health, team spirit, and a drive to excel.

(Angela Heinemann/Photos: Steinmühle Archive)

15. March 2026

Female riders have grown closer as a team: Steinmühle hosted the Youth Cup

Contests & Awards, News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School, Talent Development

Finally, another horse show at Steinmühle! Shortly after the return of Beate Schridde—the trusted stable manager, riding instructor, and trainer—to the Steinmühle Riding School, the popular Youth Cup was held there again following a lengthy hiatus. Teams from Sterzhausen, Mengsberg, and Rauschenberg were in attendance to demonstrate their skills before the experienced judge Albrecht Welz. In addition to the dressage test, participants were also tested on their theoretical knowledge, as is customary at the Youth Cup.

Improvements in performance are already clearly evident

As for the riding performances of the Steinmühlen riders, Beate Schridde has already noted a significant increase in the scores achieved compared to their first two appearances in the Youth Cup following their long “hiatus.” The girls, dressed in their riding attire bearing the Steinmühlen emblem, cut a fine figure not only as spectators along the sidelines but also on horseback—much to the delight of the parents of all the participating riders.

Applause for the Renovation and Decor

The riding club’s planning team had worked tirelessly to prepare for the event, renovating and decorating the premises until they were barely recognizable. A wide selection of food and drinks was provided to cater to the needs of the visitors, who included members of the riding teams and numerous interested guests.

“Proud to be able to lead the riding club”

In light of all these positive developments, Manuel Miltschelff, the new president of the Steinmühle Riding Club, was full of praise: “My daughter has been taking riding lessons with Beate Schridde since November 2025 and is part of the Steinmühle Youth Cup team. It’s really great to see how the girls have grown together as a team and how much their riding skills have improved in such a short time. I’m grateful, and it fills me with pride to be able to lead this wonderful riding club.”

Lots of activity on the grounds

There will continue to be a lot of activity at the Steinmühle Riding Club’s stables in the near future, including the renovation of the stable wing, which is already underway. As for the club’s activities, a variety of courses and workshops are enriching the existing riding programs. More on this coming soon. For an overview of the various courses, click here: https://reitschule.steinmuehle.de/ausbildung/

(Angela Heinemann)

10. March 2026

Fun with the Christmas ponies at the Steinmühle Riding School’s Advent Magic event

Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School

There was a bustling atmosphere filled with Christmas spirit at the Steinmühle boarding school’s riding stable: Many children from Steinmühle and the surrounding area, along with their parents, accepted the invitation to this event at the riding facility, billed under the promising name “Advent Magic.” Not only were the bar tables and the snack stand attractively decorated—where guests could enjoy winter hot drinks and treats while taking in the “scent of horses”—but the ponies were also tastefully adorned as they moved about in the arena alongside the children.

Clearing the obstacle with momentum in hobby horsing

Getting to play at being a pony—that’s what the youngest kids got to do at Hobbyhorsing. The challenge there was to use their hobbyhorses and plenty of momentum to clear the obstacles that had been set up. Upstairs in the building, in the Reiterstübchen, the craft station awaited them. In this room, skilled hands and patient young minds created some truly amazing Christmas decorations. — Hats off to them!

Introducing Beate Schridde, the experienced riding stable manager

The Steinmühle School and Boarding School look back on a successful event marking the start of Beate Schridde’s tenure as the experienced riding stable manager. She introduced herself to guests of all ages, welcomed new faces, and greeted old acquaintances from her earlier time at Steinmühle. The equine manager and riding instructor, who holds an A-level trainer’s license, has ambitious plans. So if you’re interested in Steinmühle’s riding program, it’s worth staying tuned—even if this image doesn’t quite capture the spirit of the occasion. So let’s just say: get comfortable in the saddle. You can read more about who’s in charge of riding at Steinmühle here: https://reitschule.steinmuehle.de/

16. December 2025

Steinmühle Boarding School: Surging Interest in the School’s Own Riding Stables

Life at Boarding School, News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School

Elke Buurman is delighted. The new director of the Steinmühlen Riding Stables has noticed a steadily increasing demand for riding opportunities on the Steinmühlen campus. At the start of the school year, there were a total of 15 interested riders just for a spot in a regular after-school club. Restrictions due to weather or the pandemic have not dampened interest in equestrian sports. “However, we are very much hoping for an end to the restrictions so that riders can resume their activities in full.”

The Steinmühle riding stable has always been an integral part of boarding school life. It’s convenient for the students to be able to pursue their hobby right on campus, with the riding stable just a few steps away. Some are discovering the joy of riding for the first time. Traditionally, it’s mostly girls, but boys are also proving to be talented riders.

More club activity times to meet each rider’s specific needs

To accommodate the high demand and take individual prior experience into account, three club session times were introduced. This way, separate groups bring together advanced riders, beginners, and those interested in riding who are just getting a taste of the “basics” and learning everything involved in working with horses.

Horseback riding for beginners covers the basics of movement, equine theory, getting to know the horse and its needs, as well as tips on establishing a connection between rider and horse.

If someone has already spent some time in the saddle but lacks more advanced knowledge and skills, the initial focus is on handling the horse, daily care, saddling and bridling, riding in a group, and how human and animal interact during direct work together.

Experienced riders will continue their training in the third group. They can refine their techniques and, under professional guidance, build on and improve their riding skills.

In addition to the equestrian activities offered in the clubs, Steinmühle Boarding School also offers the option of taking private lessons. Students can book additional riding lessons or arrange to share ownership of a horse. It is also generally possible to take part in holiday riding courses to earn riding badges. It is also possible to board your own horses. Currently, two boarding school students are taking advantage of this opportunity and are delighted to have their horses right nearby.

From the basics to riding independently:
Anything is possible at Steinmühle

“Our goal is to build on the foundational knowledge of theory and practice to progress from independent, free riding to specific training for both rider and horse—all while fostering a healthy and harmonious relationship between animal and human,” explains Elke Buurman.

Additional activities during boarding school weekends—such as groundwork courses or intensive training in the care of Shetland ponies and school horses, as well as opportunities to work in the stables—are designed to provide a comprehensive and realistic experience of life as a rider.

The Steinmühle boarding school currently has seven school horses available for riding. In addition, there are five Shetland ponies. In total, there are 31 horses at the riding stable.

Animal and Human and Animal Health First

Elke Buurman approaches her work with a deep love for animals and takes the students’ varying wishes into account: She sees it as her mission to meet the needs of both people and animals equally. She plans to expand the riding program at Steinmühle even further in the future, depending on demand. She views the riders’ commitment—which extends far beyond the club and includes helping out in the stables and caring for the Shetland ponies and horses—with approval, but also with a watchful eye. As an educator, the Steinmühle teacher of German and physical education knows that a healthy balance must be struck in this regard.

“Everyone is looking forward to the end of the pandemic-related restrictions”

A major success for the riding program at Steinmühle was that interest in riding remained undiminished well into the winter following the club’s new elections—despite the adverse weather conditions. Unfortunately, the COVID-19 pandemic threw a wrench in the works. The restrictions imposed by the Hessian Equestrian Association (Pferdesportverband Hessen e.V.) naturally apply at Steinmühle as well. As a result, riding operations had to be almost completely suspended at times and only gradually resumed. Stable manager Elke Buurman has been and continues to be committed to ensuring the well-being of the school horses despite these circumstances. The horses’ care needs—and above all, their lack of exercise—must be addressed.

We must also keep the students’ needs in mind. In order for them to continue participating in activities with the horses, strict planning is necessary, safety measures must be implemented, and contact restrictions must be enforced. Elke Buurman: “Even though riding lessons can only take place to a limited extent, we’re trying to continue supporting students’ participation in the horses’ daily lives.”

It’s no surprise, then, that both the riding stable management and the boarding school’s riders are hoping that restrictions on riding will soon be eased. The students are eager to resume their beloved hobby in full.

As soon as it becomes possible again, more time slots for equestrian activities should be scheduled each week, in addition to the regularly scheduled riding clubs. Elke Buurman: “The students are eager to further develop their enjoyment of horses and life at the riding stable. That’s why we’re looking forward to the end of the restrictions.”

30. November 2020

Equestrian Brunch as a Weekend Special

News, Sports & Health, Steinmühle Riding School

For eight boarding school students, last weekend was all about horseback riding. In a wonderful atmosphere, they enjoyed the equestrian brunch together—an event that certainly looks like it’s worth repeating.

First, the riders focused on the athletic portion of the event. Guided by experienced riders and riding instructor Beate Schridde, the program included a group riding lesson. This involved setting up the jumping obstacles in the indoor arena and preparing the horses. Then they got started. The riders tackled the individual obstacles with full concentration.

Horseback Rides and Vaulting Planned

After the sports activities, all the horses were cared for. Everyone enjoyed a brunch at the Reiterstübchen afterward and watched the Shetland ponies romp around in the indoor arena.

During the meeting, additional ideas were discussed. Horseback riding and vaulting are already firmly planned as weekend activities.

Horseback Riding as Part of Daily Life at Boarding School

Steinmühle Boarding School regularly incorporates horseback riding into its weekly routine. Some students participate in the weekly riding club, while others have access to a horse to ride. The recent event provided an opportunity to devote even more time to this hobby over the weekend.

14. February 2019