Gestüt Schafhof

The Schafhof has a tradition that goes back centuries in time and is closely associated with the local history of Kronberg. While it was originally a manor house in the Middle Ages, it later became an important centre for sheep rearing. The name “Schafhof”, which means “Sheep Farm”, is derived from this activity and has survived into the present day. As recently as the 17th century about 3000 sheep grazed on the extensive estate in the Taunus region.

In the early 19th century sheep farming was discontinued by the Ducal Demesne Administration of Nassau, as a result of which the farm changed hands repeatedly.

Following her mother’s death, Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff took over the 45-acre estate in 2000. Together with her husband and trainer, Klaus-Martin Rath, the Olympic Champion has been training dressage horses here in the Taunus area since 1988. These also include the first four-legged UNICEF ambassadors in the world: Renoir-UNICEF, Wahajama-UNICEF andSterntaler-UNICEF

On special occasions, such as the Schafhof Festival, Ann Kathrin Linsenhoff opens the gates of the Schafhof to interested visitors.

The book about the Schafhof is highly recommended reading for anyone who would like to find out more about the history of the estate. ”Der Schafhof in Kronberg – Im Wandel der Zeit“ [The Schafhof in Kronberg – Changing with the Times] is edited by Johannes Wolf and Stefan Zwicker. It is published by SOCIETÄTSVERLAG 2008 and available from bookshops.