About Kathy Von Ertfelda
Kathy grew up in Detroit. As a child, she rarely had the opportunity to ride. In 1970, she became interested in eventing, which she pursued for a few years before becoming focused upon and consumed by dressage. Inspiration came in the form of her first mentor, Alex Konyot, the well known Hungarian master whom she worked with for several years beginning in 1978. In the early 80's, Kathy met Gerd Zuther, a highly qualified German trainer who was instrumental in finding talented young horses with potential and provided excellent coaching. In 1995, Kathy trained in Germany with Christolet Boylen and Udo Lange. In 1996, she trained in Sweden for 2 months with Kyra Kyrkland whom she greatly admires.
Kathy has trained seven horses to Grand Prix and competed most at that level. In the early 80's she competed her first Grand Prix horse, Verushka, a PR Farm homebred thoroughbred mare. Dondolo and Wanesso, purchased as four-year-olds from Gerd Zuther and Hanover Horse Farm, showed at Grand Prix in the late 80's and early 90's to earn Kathy her USDF Gold Medal.
Dutch, the Hanoverian gelding, came from Gerd Zuther (then at November Hill Farm) as an unbroken three-year-old in 1987. He became her most successful partner nationally and internationally from 1992 to 1999 and competed for the United States Equestrian Team in 1995, 1996 and 1997.
Following Dutch, Kathy trained and rode DJ, who developed soundness issues and was retired. After DJ, the Hanoverian gelding Valentino reached Grand Prix and was sold to Hans Dressler in 2008.
Presently, Kathy is focused on her Lusitano stallion, Talento, who is beginning his career at Grand Prix. Talento was purchased as a 4 year old from Jorge Gabrial.
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Competitive Highlights
