Lewitz Stud
The Stud
Lewitz Stud
Where the vision comes to life
Become part of the Schockemöhle success storyaFor a long time, Paul Schockemöhle searched for a suitable place to implement his very personal breeding vision. Until then, he had only bred horses on a small scale – alongside his own sports career. But that was about to change. His goal: a long-term breeding program for sport horses, based on the foundation of highly successful mare lines and his own sports-tested stallions.
After the reunification, he found what he was looking for in Mecklenburg-Vorpommern in 1992. With the 3,000-hectare Lewitz Stud, the vision became reality – setting new standards. Where, during the GDR era, more than 15,000 cattle from five agricultural production cooperatives (LPG) grazed on endless pastures, where today around 4,000 mares and young horses live. Approximately 1,000 foals are born here every year.
Horses "made by Lewitz" can be found in the winner's lists of major events around the globe.
And while these are large numbers, "diversity" is truly the guiding principle here. Mares from the most successful bloodlines are carefully paired by Paul Schockemöhle with his own or equally exceptional external stallions. The foals grow up for years at Lewitz, in the most natural and horse-friendly environment possible. Not only do they live in herds and graze almost all year round on the fields, but their basic training begins gradually and never too early.
The Lewitz Stud offers the best conditions to combine a horse-friendly approach with the principles of modern sport horse breeding. Pastures, airy paddocks and stalls, and the modernized, approximately 30,000 square meter indor complex of the former LPG provide the space to individually observe each horse, despite the large number. A dedicated and skilled team of 250 employees, along with 15 veterinarians, ensures the well-being, proper health prophylaxis, and initial training steps before the horses move on to further development at the training and competition stable in Mühlen.
Paul Schockemöhle's concept of strict quality selection and healthy, horse-friendly breeding is paying off. Horses "made by Lewitz" can be found in the winner's lists of major events around the globe. Thus, the once-visionary concept becomes a reality with each and every horse born here.
Horses of success
made by Lewitz
The winners of stallion licensing, mare inspections, regional and national championships, young horse world championships, Grand Prix competitions, World Cup events, and international championships often come from our Lewitz Stud. And our horses stand not only for success but also for consistency: thanks to their natural upbringing at Lewitz, they impress with strength of character and robustness into old age. Did you know that many former top horses even enjoy their retirement at Lewitz? All of this is part of our overall concept, which encompasses the entire lifecycle of the horse – from mating and breeding to raising and a successful life as a riding and sport horse.
The foundation of success
On average, around 1,000 foals are born at Lewitz each year. However, what may sound like mass breeding is, in fact, lived as diversity here. Thanks to our skilled team of more than 250 people from around 20 nations, we are able to individually support each horse. The structure of our herds is based on the individual needs of each horse, and every herd is checked daily. In case of injuries or any other issues that may arise during such a natural upbringing, 15 veterinarians and a clinic are available. The basic training is also carried out in a horse-friendly manner and at a pace that suits each individual horse.
It is precisely the number of horses that obligates us to exercise utmost care – because each of the horses growing up here could theoretically become the champion of the future. That’s why we take meticulous care of our horses. Only in this way can we realize the vision that drives us: breeding, raising, training, and ultimately selling healthy, high-performance sport partners. Driven by this thought, our entire team operates the Lewitz Stud with the greatest possible commitment.
The breeding
Breeding & Rearings
Careful breeding, careful rearing and individual care
Riding operation 1
Star Buchholz
The focus here is on breaking in, basic training, licensing preparation and loading training
Riding operation 2
Rustica
Dressage training, pole work and gymnastic rows are on the program
Riding operation 3
Scheckenhof
Varied and optimized training for each horse shapes the future sports stars
Rearing & keeping
Lewitz Stud
Our Breeding
The breeding and raising of our horses form the core of our philosophy. Our primary goal is to breed successful sport partners for elite show jumping and dressage. The foundation for this is not only horse-friendly upbringing but also genetics: we rely on mare lines that have been successful for generations. Every year, our breeding mares are assessed and carefully selected for the upcoming breeding season.
The decisions regarding mating are based not only on the impressions gained from our offspring but also on successes in international shows. We not only use stallions from our own station, but also consider a selection of outstanding sires from across Europe. Thanks to decades of experience, we approach each mating with a vision from the very beginning. The goal is never just to produce an impressive foal, but above all, a healthy and successful sport horse of exceptional quality that will thrive for many years.
Foal summer
When the birth of a foal is imminent, the mother mare is temporarily separated from her herd and brought to our spacious foaling stable in a single stall, where our dedicated team can look after her around the clock.
7 days getting to know each other
The Start
Typically, the mares and foals spend seven days in the foaling area. If both mare and foal are doing well, they return to their small herds as soon as possible. Under optimal conditions, our foals grow up on the fields, always surrounded by other mares and foals, ensuring that nothing is missing in the nursery. Specifically, each of these groups also include older mares that no longer have foals. They enjoy their retirement on the Lewitz fields and play an important role in educating the young ones.
Light, air & movement
Mares, foals, and our young horses spend the summer in herds on the fields of Lewitz, and the cold winter days on protected winter paddocks, offering sufficient weather protection and the maximum possible space for movement. We place great importance on ground care; our team regularly drains the winter pastures and aerates them before frost periods to prevent holes. To be prepared for all weather conditions year-round, Lewitz also includes numerous paddocks and box stalls, which are particularly used when the herds are temporarily housed for regular check-ups by our in-house farriers and veterinarians. Afterward, they return to the expansive fields and paddocks.
We believe that horses should live as naturally as possible during their upbringing – this is the best foundation for long-term health and a successful career as a sport partner. Comprehensive and individual care by experienced members of our team is a priority throughout the year: each herd is checked daily. We structure the herds based on the different needs of each horse; more than 15 different feeds ensure the best possible support for each individual horse. While we care for a large number of horses daily, we apply the greatest care to ensure that each one is optimally supported.
Riding operation 1
Star Buchholz
Star Buchholz
Individualized Support
The first steps under the saddle are taken by our horses at our location "Stern Buchholz" just outside the state capital, Schwerin. The experienced team led by skilled trainers Birgit Brandstätter and Paulo Castro Azevedo introduces the horses to the world of working with humans. Our goal here is to provide individual care and a sensitive training approach for each horse. By the way, most of our horses are backed according to their gender and development. We give them the time they need.
The foundation
The riding facility "Stern Buchholz" is the place where the foundation for future sporting and breeding successes is laid. Here, young horses are introduced to the first experiences that will make them balanced partners for all disciplines. Often, the initial basics are developed almost directly "from the paddock": for example, after their first steps under saddle, the young horses can return to their group, and they do not yet live in individual stalls. This way, they can process what they have learned at their own pace and avoid too much adjustment – as the familiar social structure provides stability and security.
Versatile training
Continuous loading training, regular visits to the farrier, and relaxed hand walking are part of the basics for safe and stress-free handling of our young horses. After completing this gentle foundational training, our experienced trainers decide, when it is time for their next step - here, too, each horse is considered individually. If a horse has not yet met the required training criteria to reach the next "training stage," it is simply given more time. Once the horses are ready for the next training step tailored to their needs, they move on to the riding facility "Rustica."
But not only our four-legged companions start with solid foundational training at Stern-Buchholz. New employees, who may be inexperienced in handling young horses, are also introduced to the subject of horses in a special training group here.
Riding operation 2
Rustica
The second stage
On the way to becoming a sports partner
From "Stern Buchholz," our young horses continue their journey to the second stage of their training as riding horses. Close to the main stud farm lies another training location, "Rustica."
First Jumps
From the basics of pole work to light gymnastic exercises, a highly qualified team supports our promising young talents on their way. The focus is not only on progress and success but equally on the well-being of the horses and their sustainable development. Many horses are already five years old when they start their first jumps under the saddle. And they are supported in the best possible way: all our young horses are trained with two people at all times; alongside the rider, the horse's groom is also present. This ensures a solid foundation for young horse training.
Riding operation Rustica
28 years of service for our horses
Melanie and Janek Hucz, who have been enriching our operation with their extensive knowledge and tireless dedication for an impressive 28 years, are personally committed to the loving care of our four-legged partners. Under their leadership and in collaboration with our trainers, our rising talents develop their potential and make their first careful jumps under saddle.
Riding operation 3
Scheckenhof
The way to becoming a show horse
The final stage in the training journey of the young competition prospects at the Lewitz stud is the so-called "Scheckenhof." In this professional and peaceful environment, equipped with spacious riding indoors, big fields, paddocks, and an outdoor arena surrounded by a natural track, we make decisions for the individual development of each horse.
Experienced trainers like Thomas Mohr and Paul Niemz shape the progress of our promising young talents, recognizing and developing their potential. They are supported by a dedicated team of assistant trainers, riders, and grooms. At regular intervals, these youngsters are assessed by Florian Meyer zu Hartum and the training team, after which the next steps in their highly individualized training paths are determined.
Partners for life
Through the combination of expertise, passion, and decades of experience in breeding and competition sport, we shape our horses into true treasures. This expertise, paired with a deep understanding of the horses' needs, not only creates athletes but true partners for everyone.
Scheckenhof
Future prospects
The recruitment and further development of new employees, as well as the organizational management of all riding operations, is the responsibility of Dirk and Christina Hauser. Through their daily efforts, young people from all over the world have had the opportunity to take an important step in their professional development at Lewitz Stud. We place great value on training with a solid foundation—not only for the horses but also for the people working here. Several trainers assist the riders daily, guiding them in working with and training the young horses. Many individuals, who initially saw their future in horse care, have been recognized as a talent and trained as a Rider. Numerous successful athletes in the sport have also used the Scheckenhof as a professional station to expand their knowledge in young horse training and their development.
Lewitz reflects all the values that define us. "From the first vision to the perfect match" – by this, we mean the approach of thinking about horse breeding, training, and marketing, from the initial pairing idea to the well-trained sport partner who finds their ideal rider as a "Perfect Match." For this entire life cycle, Lewitz not only lays the foundation as the birthplace of our successful horses, but many of our globally successful top horses also return here after their sports careers. They are gently for reduce their training schedule about a year and eventually spend their retirement on the wide fields in herds.
Gestüt Lewitz forms the base of our philosophy.
Here is the foundation of our success.
Hall of Fame
Heroes & Stars
Our team
Teamwork is the key
Perfect teamwork is essential to ensure smooth operations behind the scenes at our training stable. Every horse in our care should receive the best possible attention and management. This requires absolute experts, from grooms to farriers to riders.
At our stables in Lewitz, we therefore not only employ full-time riders, but also a large team of experienced grooms to provide the necessary care for all the horses. Additionally, we have several veterinarians, farriers, and other experts in horse health as part of our team.
Jobs
Become part of the success story at Schockemöhle
Career
Ready for new challenges?
We are continuously looking for people who would like to join our team. Whether grooms or riders, we offer a variety of career paths and opportunities.
With many years of experience, we know that only true teamwork leads to long-term success. And because our horses are the core of the stable, they must be well taken care of.
For our employees, we offer a fair salary, flexible advancement opportunities, and numerous benefits: on-site housing, free Wi-Fi, training opportunities and much more. Additionally, employees gain insights behind the scenes of a globally operating company and the daily work within a young, motivated team.
Apply now
Vacancies
Ready for new challenges?
We are always happy to receive feedback on our current job openings. Unsolicited applications are also warmly welcome!