Gerhard Politz has been instructing StarWest riders since 1996. Politz spent the early years of his professional riding career heading a riding club at Heilbron, Germany. There he produced more Gold Medal Riders than any other trainer in Germany at the time. (The German Gold Medal goes to a person with 10 wins at FN FEI competitions.)

Politz on Anstad

Now retired as chief dressage instructor for Flintridge Riding Club, near Pasadena, he still is a frequent contributer to the American Dressage press. Gerhard Politz holds professional certifications from two European countries. In his native Germany he took the Reitlehrer FN exams. While living in England, he successfully completed the British Horse Society Instructor exams.

Residing in the US since 1987, Politz was instrumental in the creation of the USDF (United States Dressage Federation) Instructor certification program, where he still serves as Examiner.   His numerous appointments within USDF included being a member of the test writing committee and authoring the USDF Lungeing Manual.   He has taught at the National Symposium and in 1993 he became a member of the International Dressage Trainer's Club. An avid supporter and coach of Young Riders, Politz's Young Riders have won many Gold Medals (one student being a three time Gold medalist).

Politz on Darius