Each fall Hilltop hosts the yearly inspections of the Oldenburg North American association for judging, registration and branding of foals, mares and stallions. For the past two years, Hilltop has recruited students who have finished their two-year education at Flyinge to take part in this three-month period. Their job has been to assist Hilltop’s regular staff with the handling of mares and foals, from both Hilltop Farm and other breeders. Hilltop Farm has always offered this service of professional handlers who will show the mares and foals in hand. Stallions are also shown in hand. Later in the fall, the students assist Hilltop staff at the yearly breed horse show at Devon, Pennsylvania.

Interview with Flyinge student 

Hans Engberg from Gothenburg is one of the two students that came for the 1998 fall period to Hilltop Farm. He graduated from Flyinge in June 1998.

Had you ever been to USA prior to this visit? No

How long have you been riding horses/working with horses? I started riding horses  when I was 12 years old, because my family was running a riding school. I have been working with horses for about 14-16 years.

What did you think about the two-year University program at Flyinge that you finished? It was a good program, it gave us a wide and clear picture about what the basics in riding and horsemanship is all about. It gives a platform to stand on no matter what discipline you are going to continue working with:  breeding, veterinarian, or riding. For me it was also like an affirmation of what I know about horses, since I have worked with it for so many years. It also gives much inspiration being in the Flyinge atmosphere with all the great horse people that are working there, like Kyra Kyrklund, Jan Jönsson, Peter Eriksson, etc. The education program is still under development to find its right shape.

What caused you to become interested in horses? For me it has always been a challenge to educate and accomplish something with any horse. I won my first show after two weeks of riding, since then I have always loved competing. You also meet a lot of interesting people, as well as nice girls.

What was your first impression about Hilltop Farm when you came? Hilltop Farm is a very impressive and beautiful facility with a very nice atmosphere and a strong emphasis on education. It is a complete sport horse center with breeding, training, education and a high technology laboratory for cooled and frozen semen. The have very high quality stallions.

What do you think about the American way of organizing an inspection? I think it is nice that they offer professional help with handling the mares and foals as well as with the stallions. Back home it is mostly only stallions that professionals are hired to help the breeders with the handling.

What do you think about the standard of the foals bred and born in the US as compared to Sweden and Europe? It is a big variety, but that is the same way at home in Sweden.

What impressed you most (does not have to be horse related) about America? It is a very big country and most everything in it is very big. New York was very impressive and so was the Grand Canyon. It is a country with great opportunities.

What are you working with today?  I am currently working at Hilltop Farm as a trainer, riding mostly the young upcoming stallions. I also train/show sales horses in all equestrian disciplines. I have an 18 month working Visa. I am applying for my green card so that I can continue working for Hilltop in the future.

What is your goal with horses in the future? I would like to spend every day on training horses. For my personal satisfaction I have a dream/goal to ride at least once at the highest level in one or all three disciplines: eventing, jumping and dressage.   

This article was written by Richard Malmgren, a citizen of Sweden working for Hilltop Farm in marketing and sales and a true Flyinge fan and supporter. This article has been approved by Flyinge National Stud.