Michael Putz, a successful rider in all disciplines up to advanced class level, 'Pferdewirtschafts- meister' (German professional equestrian qualification) and holder of the "Goldenes Reitabzeichen", has many years of experience as a trainer and competition judge at all levels of training, in dressage as well as show jumping. For over 15 years Michael Putz was Director of the Westfälische Reit- und Fahrschule (Westphalian Riding and Driving School) in Münster. Since 2001 he has been working as a freelance dressage trainer. He is co-author of the "Principles of Riding and Driving" Volumes 1 and 2 as well as the "Sportlehre" and also author of numerous professional articles in equestrian magazines. Michael Putz works as an authorised equestrian expert and is a member of committees, working groups and associations.