Arthur Kottas-Heldenberg was born in Vienna in 1945. His parents owned the oldest riding school in the city and he started riding on his own pony at the age of two and a half. Although originally expected to join his grandfather’s haulage firm, Arthur had other ideas and, in 1960, he succeeded in joining the Spanish Riding School as an Elève (trainee). Progressing rapidly, he became an Assistant Rider in 1964 and a Rider in 1969. In 1981 he became Chief Rider, and in 1983 Riding Master. From 1995 until his retirement from the School in 2002, he was First Chief Rider.

He is a rider and trainer of the highest international repute, and has successfully trained many horses and riders up to Olympic standard. With a philosophy of training and riding firmly rooted in the precepts of the Spanish Riding School, he is a fervent advocate of true classical horsemanship.