News
Mourning for Oldenburg star auctioneer Uwe Heckmann
Aug 24, 2023
It is with deep sadness that we announce that the Oldenburg star auctioneer and famous hippologist Uwe Heckmann has passed away at the age of 73. For 40 years, the horse man Uwe Heckmann was auctioneer and auction manager at the Oldenburg Horse Centre in Vechta. During his time in office, the man with the rosewood hammer set many records and thus paved the way for the success of the Oldenburg horse today.
Uwe Heckmann was born in Verden in 1950 and was infected with the horse virus from childhood. His mentor was horse pope Hans-Joachim Köhler. In 1979, Heckmann moved from Verden to Vechta and since then has inspired the Oldenburg audience with his knowledge, his love of art and classical music and his unique way of captivating people. On 6 October 1979, Heckmann made his first appearance as auctioneer at the 11th Elite Auction. The auction exceeded all expectations and not only set previous price records, but far surpassed them. At the same time, the inauguration of the new auction venue in Vechta took place. The hall, which was completed at the last minute, was opened with a festive gala show in front of a sold-out audience.
With this first Oldenburg elite auction, his career as an auctioneer took off. Top horses around the globe, World Champions and Olympic horses were discovered by Heckmann and celebrated great successes. Hardly anyone else has shaped the Oldenburg scene as much as Uwe Heckmann. Celebrated as a star auctioneer, Heckmann travelled up and down the country with his rosewood hammer and achieved top prices all over Europe.
His knowledge and flair for horses was also in great demand outside of the auction business - so it is not surprising that Heckmann was active for years in the licensing commissions of the Verband der Züchter des Oldenburger Pferdes (OL) and the Springpferdezuchtverband Oldenburg- International (OS) and as a trainer he significantly trained and supported countless riders, breeders as well as professionals in the horse industry.
His physical constitution no longer allowed him to actively participate in hippological events in recent years. The Oldenburg Verband and its breeders are indebted to Uwe Heckmann and will honour his memory.