About Wolfgang
Wolfgang Scherzer, born in Germany in 1958, began his equestrian training outside of Cologne at age 12 with Master Horst Behrendt. While in Germany, he trained under Manfred Broker and Jaap Pot. Upon graduating with his Bereiter license at the young age of 19, Wolfgang began training for a local club and then briefly served in the military.
In 1983 Wolfgang Scherzer moved to the United States, where he began giving clinics in Florida. He has been giving clinics throughout the country ever since. Birmingham, Alabama has been his home base now for 16 years.
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Throughout his career, Wolfgang has continued his own education with top trainers. In the early 1990's he had an opportunity to work with Herbert Rehbein. He returned to Germany in the late 1990's to train with Jan Bemelmans. Wolfgang's current mentor is Lilo Fore, who he began training under in 2011. In 2012, he spent 3 weeks at Lilo's farm in California working on polishing Grand Prix movements on one of his horses in training.
Contact Wolfgang Scherzer about Dressage training, lessons, and clinics nationwide.
​​What is a Bereiter?
The German National Federation has an established accreditation system, which is a very well organized system of educating to ensure consistent quality of education.
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The German Professional Trainers is a program which is government controlled and regulated. To become a Bereiter, a student spends three years as an apprentice in a recognized riding school. At the end of three years, the students must be tested for two weeks at Warendorf (The German Olympic Center for equestrians). If they pass, they have earned the title of Bereiter.
Testimonials
Clinics
Laura Wayman
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When I first began clinicing with Wolfgang back in the ’80s, I remember how he always left me with a feeling of hope and positivity. Even though I’m a total DIY rider, I’ve had a busy career, and moved around the country many times - Wolfgang accepts me as I am and he is always encouraging.
If I lived closer, I would lesson with Wolfgang weekly. I have traveled all over the map to ride with him because he consistently helps me progress to the next level in my training. He’s a great fit for my intense personality because there is no wasted time. Wolfgang walks around to watch from different angles and then he gets right to what needs to be addressed. He’s very honest but he keeps it fun and we laugh a lot.
Training & Shows
Ashley Jarrell
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Working with Wolfgang over the past 5 years has been a blast! When I came to him I had never done dressage, but I was riding at training level. Since then we have shown at I-1, won at regionals, and placed 6th at nationals! There were times that I didn’t believe I could do it but Wolfgang was there encouraging me and making the experience FUN.
The community that has developed around Wolfgang and Leigh is a true barn family. Wolfgang is not only a kind and consistent trainer, he loves to prepare delicious food for our group to enjoy at every competition. We all love spending time together and every show feels like a vacation!
Clinics
Meredith Prange
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Wolfgang has a wonderful and subtle way of showing you what you are capable of achieving. I trust in my horse’s abilities, but as a slightly timid rider, I tend to doubt myself. Wolfgang seems to know exactly what challenges I can handle and so I leave each lesson feeling confident and excited for the next ride.
He always puts the horse's needs first and quickly addresses the root of any problems we find. Wolfgang pushes me to try harder than I thought I could and he doesn’t accept excuses, but he does it in such a positive way that we actually have a lot of fun! Wolfgang gives me a different perspective on what I am able to do and the tools I need to work on my own in between clinics.
After riding with him for 4 years and organizing clinics as well, I can tell you that he offers a consistent experience to every rider - whether you are a professional, an amateur, a confident rider, a timid rider, or even if your horse is new to you. Everyone leaves their lessons feeling a sense of accomplishment and they sign up right away for the next clinic!
Clinics & Training
Kay Sommerkamp​
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I have been riding in clinics with Wolfgang Scherzer for at least four years. He is encouraging, empowering, and enthusiastic. In every clinic in every lesson, he finds a way to set every horse and rider up for success. After a clinic the "Wolfgang Magic" lingers for a long while. He gives every student his undivided attention.
I have also sent my horse to Wolfgang for training. He worked wonders with my hot sensitive mare. When I came to pick her up from training she was confident, relaxed and willing, and she was taking contact without a fuss. He was able to work her in a more ground covering frame and left me with a plan for continued progress. I would not hesitate to recommend Wolfgang to any aspiring amateur dressage rider for lessons and for horse training. Wolfgang Scherzer is the real deal!
Clinician
Lilo Fore
I met Wolfgang Scherzer the first time while conducting a clinic in Alabama. What made me remember this clinic was a gentleman one could tell was experienced, had knowledge but came to the clinic as a student for a total overhaul and not afraid to take lessons in front of his students.
There is a saying I believe in: a good teacher must also be a good student, he was that. Wolfgang gave himself to the given instructions without hesitation, his attitude saying I am here to learn. Totally humble, willing to allow me to literally dissect him and then putting him back together. What a treat.
We talked a moment making sure I knew what he wanted from me, his answer; everything you have to give what would make me an even a better rider, trainer and teacher. He told me that he does not have a lot of help and rides a lot by himself, not much time to seek instruction. All of us have been in that situation, working for a living training and teaching. He allowed me to work on his position, work on basics, his aiding in his training and I was humbled by his incredible attitude toward all the given critic and instruction.
His prior training one could tell has given him a very good education, he has worked in the past with the best in his profession. His statement to me was "I would like to be the rider, trainer and teacher I know I could be and my goal is to be able to give that to my coming up horses and students." Would I give that trainer and teacher my horses and student were I in a position needing that, Yes, I would.
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This is a professional who is willing to still learn, improve, listen to help given and his generosity to horses and riders is evident watching him interact with his horses and students. I endorse this professional without hesitation.
Adult Amateur, Bronze and Silver Medalist
Anna Marie Coley
I have known Wolfgang for several years and been working with him in a training program for almost a year and a half. As an adult amateur with my own farm, I have always struggled in getting consistent training at home and/or having to commute long distances to clinics and lessons.

There were some days that I would not want to get in the car and drive out to ride, but each and every time I can look back and say it was great lesson, we learned something and I am glad I did it.

Wolfgang is a knowledgeable, kind and positive mentor and genuinely cares about each individual horse and rider combination. His experience with dressage and horse management is lifelong and extensive. He was trained by some of the true masters. His teaching style is very positive, empowering and he enjoys seeing you and your horse progress.

I had some lofty goals when I started, and without Wolfgang's commitment, encouragement, and patience, I would not have finally reached the FEI level and ultimately earned my Silver medal!
Student
Krista Snyder​
I have known Wolfgang and respected his knowledge and skills for more than 25 years. His lessons encompass training methods, which have been respected for many generations. Wolfgang has the ability to teach with compassion both the green and experienced rider and horse, giving them lasting tools to build foundations for training at home.
Adult Amateur, Bronze and Silver Medalist
Judy Ethell
Over the last 10 years Wolfgang Scherzer has helped develop my abilities as a rider from first level to FEI. His interest in creating a positive experience makes training challenges more understandable and fixable. I, and my horse, appreciate the exercises that Wolfgang designs to help me progress with every ride and his focus to making each session positive for the rider and horse.
Clinics
Liz Carlin
Wolfgang Scherzer seems to have one goal in mind: He trains his students to work in harmony with their horses to the best of their ability. Wolfgang understands his students whether they be Juniors, Adult Amateurs, or Professionals – he provides an inviting experience for every type of rider.
Wolfgang's approachable and authentic demeanor attracts both junior and adult amateur riders, while his dressage knowledge and attention to detail is equally important to professionals. In fact, my trainer, Jill Allard of Evergreen Farm recommend we clinic with Wolfgang as a supplement to her program. I highly recommend Wolfgang Scherzer as a clinician and trainer.
Clinics
Mary Anne Burns
I have been hosting Wolfgang Scherzer Clinics at my farm in Odessa, Fl for the past ten years and rode with him several years prior. Everyone looks forward to Wolfgangs arrival. I find it amazing that he gives as much to the very last rider in the clinic as he does the very first. He has a way of getting you to go outside of your comfort zone and accomplish something new. He makes it fun and yet you always walk away with something new from each ride. Wolfgang gives as much attention to training level riders as he does Grand Prix riders.
Clinics
Susie Moore
The longevity of Wolfgang's commitment to our monthly clinic speaks volumes about how much we rely on and appreciate his guidance. He has been training our group since 1991 and rarely have we canceled! We have all advanced in our training and we know exactly how we got there. Wolfgang helps each one of us advance in our OWN goals and he fosters that individuality.
Now I certainly value his dedication to each student's personal training journey, but I do think Wolfgang's best attribute is his delightful personality. He laughs, tells jokes, and he's always so kind – it's easy to see why we love our monthly clinic!!