Competing in the junior circuit, Arno was asked by Leon Melchior to ride for Stal Zangersheide, he was 17 years old at the time. This opened up an opportunity for Arno to train with Hermann Schridde, a dream come true.

Being far from home in an unknown environment turned out to be the best lesson he could get as a rider. But it was certainly not easy. He had talent but in terms of riding there was still much that needed to be improved. Everything he had learned so far was scrutinized and where necessary polished. The essence of his lessens where that, when necessary, he had to be willing to go through the tough periods. He learned about patience, keenness and resilience. His confidence grew and his riding style became balanced. When these newly learned skills became automatic, the successes followed. Of course, those successes were important.

Even more important would be the qualitative basis that was laid here, a basis that is still indispensable today when it comes to sustainable successful growth for horse and rider!

Herman Schridde bought the horse Jumping Amsterdam, the horse with which Arno achieved his first great successes, including a 1974 victory in the Grand Prix of Wiesbaden and in that same year, as youngest competitor, a commendable 12th place at the World Championships Seniors in Hickstead. After these successes, he trained with Alwin Schockemöhle for another year and a half.

The further course of his career included riding horses for various show jumping stables at competitions nearby and abroad, the position of national coach in Iraq and a long collaboration with the PSI of Paul Schockemöhle and Ulrich Kasselman as "wordwide trainer". To this day, he remains active as a trainer/coach.

It has become his personal mission to pass on the classic riding style, knowledge and years of experience to the younger generations and trainers.