Hunter Seat

This Saturday

2011-08-17T23:42:00.000+02:00

2010-11-02T15:07:00.002+01:00

'Die Hunterklasse', fourth from the left

2010-09-13T23:59:00.002+02:00

This blog is not currently updated. Check out www.hunterreiten.de for the latest news on the Hunterklasse (in German).

Hunter Trophy in Berlin-Brandenburg 2010

2010-04-19T12:23:00.002+02:00

This season greets another chapter of the Berlin-Brandenburg Hunter Cup, sponsored by Reiten-in-Berlin.de. There are six qualifying Hunterklasse classes, offered at various competitions throughout the region. To qualify for the final, riders have to participate in at least 2 qualification classes. Fence sizes are 85cm. For full info, see download at the Landesverband website here.

A visit

2010-03-23T20:42:00.003+01:00

March 16
Today I had the honor/pleasure to visit Judy Richter at her farm in Bedford, NY. Judy is a true American horsewoman, and has had a great influence on hunter/jumpers in the Northeast - as rider, trainer, judge, author and community member. She is featured in the 'Hunterklasse' book in a photo from the sixties - as an example of a good classic ride. Highly recommended is her own book "Some Favorite Days". Judy also had a great suggestion - Hunter Seat Eq in Germany!

Brown Bag Lunch at Apexart

2010-02-15T14:49:00.005+01:00

2010 Season Previews: Hunter Cup in South Hessen

2010-02-06T20:35:00.003+01:00

This is the fourth year of the Hunter Cup in South Hessen, and though there are only three competitions in this year's calendar, they will be surely well-organized with Fred Forster as initiator. In all three competitions, two seperate classes will be offered (75 cm and 95 cm) and there will be a champagne reception for participants following the classes. Sponsored prizes include show blankets for the horses, and Krupps/Bosch coffee machines for first place. For more info see www.huntercup.de

The Swiss

2009-12-21T20:50:00.003+01:00

December 16, 2009
Switzerland is so sophisticated, they even show dressage at McDonald's.

Finale : Berlin/Brandenburg Hunter Trophy 2009

2009-12-09T20:18:00.004+01:00

August 8, 2009
The Finale of the 2009 Berlin-Brandenburg Hunter-Trophy took place at Gross Behnitz. After 4 Qualifiers (Altbarnim, Uetz, Berlin, Buckau), 16 pairs had enough points to compete in the final. Each rider/horse pair had to compete in at least two qualifying rounds to be eligible for the final.
The final offered an excellent impression of the Hunterklasse, showing that a smooth, harmonious ride through the parcours is what the riders had in mind. The most convincing round came late in the class, Barbara Hinz on a young and charming bay gelding (name not listed) was able to take first place.
In total for the season, 45 riders participated in the Trophy, showing an increase since last year. Plans are already in the works for a Hunter Trophy 2010, again organized by the enthusiastic Marietta Grade, organizer and sponsor of this year's Trophy as well as founder of the popular website Reiten-in-Berlin.de.

Congratulations to all participants for a great season!

Unter dem Motto

2009-09-30T10:51:00.005+02:00

September 5
Hunterklasse book sighted at Unter dem Motto One-Day Self-Publishing Fair, Skalitzerstrasse 68, Berlin, in good company.

Season Finale of the Fn-Hunter-Cup 2009

2009-08-24T20:26:00.003+02:00

The Fn-Hunter-Cup organized by Fred Forster celebrated a third successful season during its Finale hosted at the Wiesenmarktturnier on July 18. The Fn-Hunter-Cup included various qualifying rounds in both 75cm and 95cm heights throughout Hessen and Oberbayern. Winner of the 75cm class was Jorg Holzer, a 44 year old salesman from Rödermark. Setting an excellent example was the 60 year old Heidi Kneerich from Maintal, who participated in all qualifiers and placed 6th overall. Congratulations Frau Kneerich! In the 95cm class, veterinarian Dr. Birgit Lohmann from Hanau was able to take the series championship, and with that the special grand prize - her own jump sponsored by Beck+Heun! According to Fred Forster, 50 horse and rider pairs regularly participated in this season's Hunter Cup, and the general niveau of riders was much improved over the previous two seasons.
For more infos, check out www.huntercup.de

Presentations

2009-07-02T13:29:00.005+02:00

In April and May, the Hunterklasse book was presented on two different occasions. Below is with Freymond-Guth & Co Fine Arts at ArtCologne, above with the Verlag and co-authors during the RFV Essen Hunterturnier. The Hunterturnier is in its fourth season, and continues to attract Hunterprüfung enthusiasts from the region. By offering various different Hunterklasseprüfungen at a single event, it is easier to get a clear picture of who the participants are, and how the German Hunterklasse is developing. There was a good turnout, and this time, the weather was great!

'Die Hunterklasse'

2009-02-03T14:49:00.003+01:00

In December 2008, the FN-Verlag published this book on the Hunterklasse, co-authored by Susanne Kappmeier and Megan Sullivan. We hope it will encourage riders, as well as competition organizers to offer the Hunterklasse within their competition program. We hope to have a centralized web address to list competitions in various Bundesländer throughout Germany!

Hunterturnier in Essen

2007-05-15T15:07:00.000+02:00

May 12, 2007
Despite strong rain showers, there was a full house of competitors present for the second annual Hunterturnier at the Reitsportverein Essen. Located (surprisingly) in the midst of a small city, it is a spacious and tree-filled facility within its walls. There was a definite tinge of 'Britishness', as many competitors showed up with brown boots, flat-noseband bridles, and even eventing vests. Turnouts were polished and enthusiastic, with over 100 riders trying out the course which included many natural fences and a 'cross-country' type of hill and embankment. Definitely very different than Show Hunters in the US, it still offered a nice social atmosphere for the amateur adult riders competing, and showed a concentrated attempt to distinguish from normal Dressage or Jumping competitions in Germany.

Resurrected!

2007-04-25T12:44:00.000+02:00

After a multi-month loss of the blog, I was able to recover it from somewhere in the www. Here I hope to resume updates on the Fn-Hunterklasse activities.

Virus Scare in Wellington

2006-12-31T00:11:00.000+01:00

December 29
Arrived in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, planning to attend the horse show at Littlewood Farm. We soon discovered that there is an equine virus care in Palm Beach and surrounding counties which has halted the usual winter horse show activities over here. The shows are canceled and the horses can't be moved!
www.littlewood.com

Apparently the disease was introduced by horses imported from Europe, quarantined in New York, and shipped to Florida. From a local newspaper:

OCALA, Fla. (AP) — An equine herpes virus first detected in Palm Beach County has killed another horse.

A spokesman from the Florida Department of Agriculture said the horse died Friday at Payso Park, a 500-horse facility in Martin County now under a state-mandated quarantine. It is believed to be the fifth to die of the recent virus, called EHV-1, Equine Rhinopneumontis, commonly known as equine herpes virus.

Agency officials believe the horse caught the disease at Wellington's Palm Beach Equine Sports Complex, where 10 known cases of the disease are linked. The filly had a low-grade fever Monday and died yesterday.

The infection began with five horses imported from Europe that were brought to Florida from a New York animal import station.

Early signs of infection are unexplained fevers, altered behavior and possible trouble urinating. The virus is usually transmitted through the respiratory system through air and through nasal secretions.

The Race Track

2006-11-10T17:26:00.000+01:00

November 10
It is interesting since half the horses kept at Pia's barn are actual racing horses, and they train just down the street in the 19th century racetrack training course.
Today Pia and I went out for our first ride (without Anne) on the track. One has to go through a wooden area, then it opens out to a grass and sand galloping track. Pia was moving along nicely at the trot, then I asked for a canter and before I knew it we were galloping full speed down the long side. There must be something about a track that makes horses go fast. Luckily, as we came to the turn she slowed down, and I was able to get her back to the walk.

Pia

2006-11-10T17:14:00.000+01:00

After trying a few un-matching horses, I met Pia and her owner Anne. Pia is kept at a 'selbst-besorger' barn near the Hoppegarten race track, in a lovely old brick building. She is a talented horse with good movements and is well trained. She is also has a friendly demeanor. I liked everything right off the bat, and now I (am or have?) a "Reitbeteiligung". An excellent aspect is that we take private jumping lessons on Wednesday with a trainer down the street, and he is also interested in the Hunterklasse.

Nico

2006-11-10T17:07:00.000+01:00

For the month of October, I was riding a pony named Nico. It was a funny barn, with lots of kids, as well as an 80-year-old man who started riding again "after 60 years". I rode Nico in jumping lessons on Mondays, with about 10 other riders/horses. Though it wasn't very intensive, it was rather sociable.

Further Plans

2006-11-10T17:02:00.000+01:00

The Hunterturnier and Seminar was a small step, if the Fn-Hunterklasse is to develop, then each Bundesland will have to organize its own version of the Hunter Cup (a la Fred Forster). At the moment I am trying to find contacts in Berlin/Brandenburg who might be able to help or participate in planning. The best way to do this is to be riding, so I tried out some horses for a Reitbeteiligung. In Berlin, it is much easier to find one than in Hessen!

The Show

2006-10-06T15:55:00.000+02:00

The course.
Since there were not so many entries, we decided to consolidate into one division (all age groups).

The Warm-up area.
Things were not looking so good.

A nice entry.

The Champion.
Turned out to be Caroline Böseke, the first show with her new 4 year old horse by Colibri.

The organizers.
Wolfgang Wernicke and Megan Sullivan, with the proud father of Caro.
Many thanks to everyone who participated and helped out!

All photos Ulrike Feser.

The Poster

2006-09-27T23:35:00.000+02:00

September 25
The poster for the upcoming Fn-Hunterklasse, Lehrgang und Reitturnier. Edition of 450 posters, hand-signed, available for free if you indicate your name, address, and how many you would like.

Some Cologne Impressions

2006-09-27T23:15:00.000+02:00

September 14 - 20
A week spent setting up for the group show at the new space of Galerie Gisela Capitain, Ei Arakawa's (temporary) staircase, a nice dog from Mallorca during installation, some bed shots. Nearby at Galerie Bucholz, a lamp by Josef Strau.

Reitbeteiligung

2006-09-27T23:03:00.000+02:00

In the meantime, I thought I should seek some options for riding in Berlin/Brandenburg, since traveling to Wernicke's in the Peugeot was not the best situation. I've started looking for Reitbeteiligungs. This is a situation where someone has a horse, and they don't have enough time to ride/care for it every day, so they seek someone to regularly help out. It seems one usually has to pay about 70 - 100 euros a month to share costs. There are ads in the paper, but also some internet sites which list potential horses, but none of these really seem serious, or at least, not sport-oriented. I tried this horse near Potsdam. He was very nice in the woods, but when I took him to the Reitplatz, it seemed to be the first time he was ever there...

Wrap-up

2006-09-27T22:52:00.000+02:00

September 4
By the time we got to Jan P's, it was already getting dark, which was sad since we were supposed to have been there at around 3pm. They had the horses prepared beautifully, as well as the outdoor arena, though after one round we had to move into the dusty indoor hall for light. Annie liked three of the horses, and there was a jumper prospect that she thought could be interesting for Peter. It was 9pm when we left, and Annie still had to find a hotel. We said 'bye' and I got some food from McDonald's on the way home.

The Process

2006-09-27T22:45:00.000+02:00

September 4
Basically, a horse would be presented by the rider/owner under saddle. Annie would observe it at the walk, trot, canter. Then the horse would go over a few jumps. If Annie liked the horse, she sometimes would try it out herself. If she still liked it, she would take its picture, measure it at the withers, and make a note of it. When the horses were photographed, they had to pose with their necks out, which wasn't always easy.

On the road

2006-09-27T22:34:00.000+02:00

September 4
Much of the day consisted of driving, but viewing the 25 horses on the roster took some time as well.

The Big Day

2006-09-27T22:30:00.000+02:00

September 4
Annie and I started at 9am in Buckau - the grey hunter prospect's owner had called me the night before at 8pm saying the horse was sold, too late to rearrange the schedule we had layed out. So we tried some ponies (I had to do the riding) who were nice but obviously hadn't (ever?) seen many jumps. After that, we hit the road to get to the other side of Brandenburg, to meet Stefan.

Münchehofe - Hunterklasse + Scouting

2006-09-27T22:20:00.000+02:00

September 3
We drove out in the morning to watch the Hunterklasse at the show at Münchehofe - this was the only other show in the Berlin/Brandenburg show season 2006 to host the Hunterklasse. Though the show was big and well-done, the Hunterklasse entries were a disappointment - amateur riders galloping madly over small jumps. Nonetheless, I had some luck in that the next class was M-level jumping of the top riders. Comparing riders of this class with other entries they had in the show program, I was able to figure out who might be selling some quality young prospects. One rider, Stefan B., stood out. Back at home I got his mobile number by calling the barn of his parents. Stefan said he'd get some horses together for Annie, who was coming the next day at 9am.

Reckahn, Buckau

2006-09-27T22:13:00.000+02:00

September 2
I drove out early, stopping first at the horse show at Reckahn to see if anything interesting was going on. It seemed like a pretty small show, and I had just missed the Springpferdepruefung, so I deposited a few flyers for the Hunterklasse Lehrgang and went on to Buckau. Herr Rathke greeted me as he prepped two horses to go to the show. He then guided me through his very nice facilities to the back, explaining he had already sold his best prospects. Two horses were left, which didn't fit the type. I then went to the place of the person he had referred me to, just down the road, and there was indeed a good-looking grey horse there. I took a dvd the owner had made of it working, and headed back to Berlin.

Scouting II

2006-09-01T15:29:00.000+02:00

September 1
I am quickly learning the ropes of horse scouting. The trainer I work with happened to have sold his best horses last week, leaving Monday's schedule with a slate of empty hours. One hunch - down the road in Baitz is the barn of a hot-shot young rider who was mentioned in the last 'Berlin-Brandenburg Zucht' as planning to become the first address in sport horse sales. I called him and made an appointment for Monday afternoon, surprised at his pushy telephone manner. When he found out we were looking for geldings as opposed to mares (for quarantine reasons) he called and asked if he should know about any other requirements, like if the horses should be 'brown, black or grey'. A trainer I had telephoned with last week turned out only to have one horse for sale, another referred me to his colleague whose horse had 'already gone in the Hunterklasse', as if this had anything to do with a US Show Hunter. Scouting apparently involves trying to measure up the quality of horse through the owner's voice on the phone. Tomorrow I will follow a few 'hunches'.

Scouting

2006-08-29T22:45:00.000+02:00

August 26
I got an email from Annie that she'd like to come to Berlin/Brandenburg to look at some horses from September 4 to 6 - could I maybe arrange something for the 4th? This means I have become a horse scout. I am on the lookout for prospects - hunters, equitation, amateur jumpers for american girls, young jumpers for a world-class rider that Annie works with, and hunter ponies. The young horses should be geldings, already ridden over jumps, and able to do flying lead changes. In addition to my few local (but not bad) contacts, I now search the general area for possible leads. Sunday to the horse show at Dalgow to see what horses won the Springpferdeprüfung. Interestingly, the winners did not come from Berlin/Brandenburg, but the next-door Bundesland of Mecklenburg-Vorpommern.

In Brandenburg

2006-08-29T22:42:00.000+02:00

August 19
I have been leaving flyers around different barns in Berlin and Brandenburg for the Hunterklasse event. I've discovered there are countless barns in Berlin and Brandenburg.

Der leichte Sitz

2006-08-13T14:42:00.000+02:00

August 11
Martin Plewa began by going over the major points of the FN-Hunterklasse, as listed in the Merkblatt on the FN site. These included an emphasis on GRUNDTEMPO, that a constant tempo is to be established at the start and maintained through the entire course. He spoke indepth about 'Der leichte Sitz' (aka Hunter Seat) and made an impressive argument that it is in effect not different than the deeper 'Dressage Seat' that German riders are taught from the get-go. He also pointed out that riders in the Hunter Seat are sometimes criticized if they have a good round that the horse was a 'Selbstfahrer' (autopilot). His response was that indeed the whole goal of riding is to have the horse be a 'Selbstfahrer'. After his lecture, we walked the course. Then we were served a snack of mini-pizzas while some riders rode the course. The judges practised giving commentary on the rounds, careful to describe the good points before entering into critique.

Bexter Hof Open

2006-08-13T14:24:00.000+02:00

August 11
I received word from Susanne Müller, press coordinator at the Bexter Hof Open, that there would indeed be a Richterschulung for the FN-Hunterklasse at the competition. I arranged to travel to Herford, in Nordrhein Westfalen, and was pleased to arrive at the complex of the family Meyer zu Bexten, obviously a top breeding and training facility. Susanne Müller shared her enthusiasm for the Hunterklasse, and gave me some background information about how it was introduced by the FN. She then introduced me to Mr. Meyer zu Bexten and it was time for the Richterschulung to begin, led by Martin Plewa, director of the Westfälischen Reit- und Fahrschule Münster.

Sponsorship

2006-08-13T14:02:00.000+02:00

August 8
Received word that the Berlin boutique of the french fashion label A.P.C. will sponsor the Hunterklasse 90er at our competition on October 3. They will sponsor the presentation blankets for the winners of the class, as well as provide a small prize for second place. Thanks Yasmine!

Fn-Hunterklasse at Buckau

2006-08-13T13:51:00.000+02:00

July 29
The only official competition to host the Fn-Hunterklasse this year in Brandenburg was this weekend at Buckau. Despite rain, a list of 49 participants indicated a ripe interest in the Hunterklasse. Petra Wernicke placed second riding Joschuar, a five-year old jumper prospect at Wernicke's. I hung some flyers for the Lehrgang and Turnier at the Anmeldestelle and next to the snack booth.

Boots/No Boots

2006-07-27T13:06:00.000+02:00

July 27
Fred Forster has a handle on the Hunterklasse activities in the Oberbayern region, so taking inspiration from his initiative, I am working with Wolfgang Wernicke on a Hunterklasse Lehrgang and Reitturnier for Brandenburg - the countryside of Berlin. Wolfgang is thinking about specializing in the Hunterklasse, since the urban clientele of Berlin are good candidates for the more leisure-style of Hunters. The success of the Lehrgang will be an indicator of how much potential there might be. In designing the flyer, the image came from a US horse magazine. I had to add boots on the horses front legs, since in Germany, it would be a major no-no to jump without boots. In US Hunters, the horses never wear boots.

The Leg

2006-07-15T15:57:00.000+02:00

July 12
In our last schooling, Schnappi was really difficult again in the canter - switching leads, rearing up. I decided today to lunge her, so I can see what she is doing from the ground. Her hind leg seemed warm and swollen. Circling right, she definitely had trouble cantering, out of balance, cross-cantering, and she was tense. I realized immediately it must a physiological problem - either a residual injury or something related. At any rate, it was clear that she was experiencing discomfort. I told Hans, who said to put some salbe on her hind leg, and she's had some days 'rest'. (Now the outdoor horses are grouped all together, and have started acting as a herd, which has led to some skirmishes and general horsing around)

Summer

2006-07-15T15:54:00.000+02:00

July 8, 2006
It's gotten really hot. The Hunter Cup has a pause - the next competition is July 28 in Obernburg.

Jumping lesson

2006-07-06T22:12:00.001+02:00

July 6
This morning we planned with Hans to do a jumping lesson at circa 7:30am. There were some thunder storms last night, and though they weren't severe, a huge tree was blown over onto the jumping area. Hans somehow managed to pick up the entire tree (Linden? Maple?) on his tractor, and Johanna and I collected the odd branches in a wheel barrow. Nonetheless, we did have a jumping lesson. To my great surprise, Schnappi went quietly and confidently over the cross-rails Hans set up, even at the canter. The final test was to canter over two small verticals, which she did with no problem. I wondered if her knees were up and even, like a hunter's. In the afternoon I returned to the barn and rode one of Han's new acquisitions - a seven-year-old Holsteiner who is slightly emaciated and just started under saddle.

The Triangle

2006-07-04T23:51:00.000+02:00

July 4
It's the Viertalfinale Germany vs Italy. Today Hans, Johanna and I drove with Tara and Schnappi for a lesson with Herr Loesch. I asked Hans to videotape, to see how Schnappi goes. Despite no warm-up, she went quite well, making marked progress in the canter. Riding lessons are super, since it is like a triangle of consciousness. The trainer stands on the ground, observing the rider and horse, giving the rider commands, which the rider conveys to the horse. It allows the rider to partially dismiss his/her position as decision-maker.

Weekend in Berlin

2006-07-04T23:40:00.000+02:00

July 2
I called Wolfgang Wernicke, the horse trainer I've been working with since 2003 in Brandenburg. He was at a horse show near Bruck, so we drove out to say 'Hi'. It was a nice sunny day and the location was almost like Saratoga, but dry and dusty since it is Brandenburg. We shook hands and Wolfgang said he wanted to make a seminar about Hunters at his barn in late September, over a few days and including a competition. I totally agreed and we spoke about preliminary ideas. His daughters had to get ready for the next jumping class, so we decided to discuss details later.

Trakehners

2006-07-01T13:05:00.000+02:00

June 28
Still keeping an eye out for hunter prospects, I noticed an add in 'das inserat' for a Trakehner gelding in Babenhausen, very close to Dieburg. The gelding was said to be 14, and used also for fox hunting. I met Nicki at her uncle's barn, which is a breeding farm for Trakehner horses. At the moment he is injured and can't ride, so there are actually a few horses trained in jumping who need exercise. She said her horse is registered with the Fn, has been to many competitions, and it would be no problem to go to some shows. She is will be on vacation until July 9 though, so we planned to meet when she returns.

The Dressage Trainer

2006-07-01T12:31:00.000+02:00

June 27
This morning was a trip to Frankfurt to meet with Burkhard Brunn, who was the husband of sixties artist Charlotte Posenenske. We sat in the shady apartment for almost three hours, with lemon water and a bowl of cherries, discussing the works and estate of her short-lived career. That evening, Hans and I packed Schnappi into the horse trailer for a short drive to the Reitclub Dieburg, where we had an intensive half-hour with Herr Lösch, a highly respected Dressage trainer. I was afraid he would complain about my 'hunter' position - light in the saddle, bent slightly forward. Luckily he concentrated on how Schnappi went, and he offered much encouragement. The canter was very rushed, as expected, and he commented I should be conscious to keep my outside leg somewhat exageratedly back, since she tends to switch leads. Afterwards she seemed exhausted and happy to get back to the field.

Back to Work

2006-06-25T18:59:00.000+02:00

June 25
After the setback of the injured leg, Schnappi is making steady progress, both mentally and physically. In general she is much more relaxed, and Jerry's tips for cantering are working well. Yesterday we worked over some simple ground poles, which she went over confidently. Even a row of four poles was no problem. Hans may have been a bit too early in having us go over a cross rail, which seemed to confuse her as she more jumped like a rabbit than a hunter, but at least she jumped it. Today we took a walk in the woods, and to everyone's surprise, she walked the whole way.

Judging the Hunterklasse

2006-06-25T18:46:00.000+02:00

June 24
At the competition in Schaafheim, I had the opportunity to speak with the judge of today's Hunterklasse, Herr Becht (featured in photo). He admitted to a very limited knowledge about Hunters in the USA, but he said one difference in judging is that both the horse and rider are considered in the Fn-Hunterklasse, whereas in the US Hunter discipline, judging is officially concentrated on the horse. It is important to him that the horse is responsive, that one can hardly perceive the use of the rider's aids. I asked him if he saw the Hunterklasse as a whole new discipline, to which he replied 'no'. The riding is principally the same as in other German jumping classes, and the rider should always see and determine the distance to the fence. However, the horse goes differently - it must be a quiet, well-mannered horse who moves fluidly and is able to carry the rider over the course (this sounds like US Hunter horses, I said). One major difference: in the US Hunter rounds, the judges do not want to see the horse change tempo at all - it would be a major error to speed up to a fence. Becht said he likes to see the rider making decisions in the Hunterklasse, and so finds it fine when the rider adjusts the horse's stride to meet a distance.

Hunterklasse at Schaafheim

2006-06-25T18:23:00.000+02:00

June 24
I arrived a little late to view the whole class (let's blame it on German Soccer Fever), but the course at Schaafheim was a nice one on grass. There were many repeat participants and a few new faces 'trying it out'. Christine Meyer zu Schwabedissen won the class on Arlecchina, and she seems to be leading the pack in points in the Hunter Cup. Gabi wasn't there; Fred Forster explained she had been on vacation and didn't realize the dates had been switched to Saturday. Fred Forster has been doing an excellent job as sponsor of the Uelzener Hunter Cup, offering prizes and a Sekt Empfang for each class, creating a special atmosphere, all done on his own initiative.

The Leisure Class

2006-06-25T18:11:00.000+02:00

June 22
Upon returning to Aschaffenburg, I decided to remain in the area as planned to the end of the Hunter Cup season. It was a simple decision, abandoning the strain of trying to find a ready competition horse, concentrating more on relationships already developed, and the potential in working with Schnappi. There are some interesting libraries, museums, and palaces around, including the fantastic porcelain collection of the Großherzog-von-Hessen (which one is strictly forbidden to photograph). I will change my residence from Aschaffenburg to Dieburg (Bayern to Hessen), and Frankfurt is a quick train ride away.

Surrender?

2006-06-20T09:49:00.000+02:00

June 19
Frau Schantz simply didn't reply. She had said I could come to try out the horse on the weekend after a competition. I waited til Sunday afternoon to telephone, and she never got back to me. The fourth Hunterklasse competition is Saturday in Schaafheim, and as things stand it is impossible to participate. The reasons for the difficulties? Lack of personal contact in the area? Bad Luck? Something more interesting is meant to happen as a result of the hardships? (Optimism) Back at Hans', Schnappi's leg is better and we started work again. The first day she was stiff and rushed, but improved quickly. Trying out Jerry's tips for canter transition was a real success. Instead of running into the canter (gallop) she sort of sat back and popped right into it. Next time I will try more frequent transitions of halt-canter etc, and also ask for a quieter canter. At the end of the week we can start working over a ground pole.

Hunterklasse at Seligenstadt

2006-06-17T11:55:00.000+02:00

June 15
After I contacted the organizer of the Uelzener Hunter Cup, Fred Forster, about speaking to him about the Cup, he invited us to a Sekt Empfang planned for after the Fn-Hunterklasse at Seligenstadt. Axel and I arrived just before the class, got a starter list, and sat on a bench in the shade. Many of the 23 participants had a hard time getting through the course; one reason for the refusals could have been the placement of a child's merry-go-round near the edge of the ring. The judge's placings were similar to my own, though there was no 'exemplary' hunter round. At the Sekt Empfang, Forster explained some of his motivations for organizing the Cup. One was marketing for his insurance business - a community-based activity proving better than a few ads in horse magazines. Impressive is the grass roots level of the organizing; he did it even independently of the Fn. There seemed to be no special interest in the US discipline, the perception of which seemed a bit confused/foggy. Before leaving, I saw the Swedish girl and lad from Kurbel's and said "Hello".

A New Lead

2006-06-13T14:58:00.000+02:00

June 13
Received a call from Frau Schantz, she wanted to know more about what I am looking for. I explained in detail about the competitions, training, transport. She asked pertinent questions, like if I had the papers, etc. She suggested she call over the weekend when I could come and try the horse(s) at their barn that might be fitting. I called the show organizers at Schaafheim - Nachmeldung is possible til Thursday, June 22.

Blue

2006-06-12T22:54:00.000+02:00

June 12
Today, as was stated on the news, there wasn't a single cloud over all of Germany. Schnappi's leg is still very swollen. I called Kurbel, he said to call back in 10, I did, no answer. I called Schantz and got Mrs. Schantz; she suggested I call her son, Ralf, at around 9pm. I did, answering machine. Gabi called to see about dressage lesson tomorrow, I told her Schnappi was injured and can't make it. I also told her, still no luck finding a horse for the Cup. She said she will give it some thought.

Advice

2006-06-12T22:51:00.000+02:00

Hi Megan,

Here's some advice, I hope it is not too late. Jerry says do lots of
transitions. Trot/Halt . Stop - start - stop - start - until she carries
herself and has her rhythm and not trying to rush forward. Canter/Halt
with transitions close together, 5 - 10 strides at most. can be two
strides, can be 10 strides. Carry mostly a long rein until she's supple
longitudily and no lateral work until she's going straight. He hopes this
helps. Let us know.

Kat

The Hunter Style

2006-06-10T20:46:00.000+02:00

A horse groomed for the Amateur-Adult 18-36 Hunter Class (photo taken in Saratoga, NY in May).

Schnappi is injured

2006-06-10T20:37:00.000+02:00

June 10
Today I arrived at Hans' to discover that Schnappi somehow got an injury while in the field on her left hind leg - there were two cuts and it is swollen. So we just took a walk around the Springplatz, and I washed the wound and put some cream on it. No word from Hans about potential rides. I stopped by Gundernhausen and left my phone number with Herr Schantz. I also stopped by a private stall in Rossdorf with very nice horses, but the trainer was away at a competition. I put a listing on Reitforum. The next Hunterklasse is on Thursday.

Pause - Jan van Eyck

2006-06-10T20:24:00.000+02:00

June 7
Happy to have a moment away from the failings in the Hunterklasse horse search, I had some time to reflect, do laundry, and visit with co-researchers at the Academie. There is a new myspace site: www.myspace.com/jveentertainment. I called Hans and asked him again if he had any idea of a horse/pony for the Hunterklasse. He said he would ask around at the Stammtisch. I also met with Jonathan Watkins, and we viewed the treasure cabinet at the Maastricht Cathedral. An organ exuded sublime sounds, revealing horror, confusion, jouissance in the sanctified space.

At Kurbel's

2006-06-10T19:33:00.000+02:00

June 6
Tuesday I stopped by the barn of Sportpferde Kurbel near Seligenstadt, Gabi had put me in touch with him as he often sells hunters to the USA. He showed me some of the horses, all very fancy jumpers, and said about 80% of his horses go to the US market. He was familiar with Emil Spadone ('a mega-seller') and knew Desiree Johnson. At the moment he had two young hunters he said, which he would bring in for me to try the next day.
Wednesday I arrived and he threw me on two three-year-olds, one a plausible Hunter prospect, the other a huge warmblood with spanish trot. The grey mare was nice but noticably young, and bucked a bit after the small fences we jumped. The brown gelding basically carried me around the indoor hall, hardly noticing I was there. There was some stress with a missing payment, and Jorg was busy on the phone and upset, so I had to leave without any new leads.
In general though, the atmosphere there was super - all Spitzen-Pferde, a total Verkaufsstall atmosphere, a handsome Ralph Lauren looking teenage rider, a pretty but bad-mooded swedish girl, and a young boy in jodpurs. Kurbel's partner looks a bit like Siegfried (in fact, he called him Siggi). Kurbel is German with a bit of Palm Beach style, the office has pictures of former champions.

Hunterklasse at Gundernhausen

2006-06-05T21:30:00.000+02:00

June 5
Today was an official competition of the Uelzener Hunter Cup, this time hosted at Sonnenhof in Gundernhausen. The Hunterklasse provided a bit of engagement, but as the spectactors commented, it was the class for "Hausfrauen". This may be true, but it would be cooler if they could deliver a few easy and polished hunter rounds. Gabi Thomas won 1st place, though Hennesey put a few hops in front of fences, they had the ease and the rhythmic pace. The main difference between hunters and jumpers is, one has to establish a pace and believe in it. Not adjusting the pace to get a distance, but insisting on this one pace that will bring you to each distance. It should be light, and if possible, joyful. The major transformation of the jumper course to a 'hunter' course, was to put a log and a few hay bails under the standards. It was a bit sad to be a spectator.

Royal Garden of Schönbusch

2006-06-03T23:27:00.000+02:00

The Romantic Garden - one starts on a journey, tantalized by the prospect of beauty and romance. Once started, one is in a labyrinth of decisions, false turns, confronted with the sensational, the uncanny, and a plethora of fantastical (and mocking) wildlife. In the end, no destination is ever reached - it is in itself a comedic turn.

Later that day

2006-06-03T23:23:00.000+02:00

June 3
In half-exasperation I telephoned again with Gabi, and was relieved to hear her friendly-yet-stern voice. I told her I was still looking for a horse for the Hunterklasse. Without further adieu, she informed me she had a number for me at the barn in Dieburg, and that she would call me later. Indeed she did, as I took a stroll with a co-renter near the industrial harbor, and I noted the number of the horse dealer in Froschhausen. When I got back to the apartment, I called him, he asked me where I was from, and he replied "I just sold a horse to there". We planned that we will meet on Tuesday.

Realization

2006-06-03T19:48:00.000+02:00

June 2
Today I realized, Schnappi will not be a Hunter overnite. I feel disheartened about competing in the Cup. I plan tomorrow to talk to Hans, if he can help.

the Pension

2006-06-03T19:34:00.000+02:00

June 1
Weird pension in Dieburg, don't recommend it...purple bathroom says it all.
a.m. at Künstler Kolonie in Darmstadt, then to Schnappi. Now she is getting some extra food (oats). At first it was raining, then improved. In upward transitions she is always very quick, then settles down a bit. It is important to have hands independent of seat, etc, since always one has to give on the mouth or she is getting anxious and quick. If one relaxes when she gets quick, she also will relax and go quieter. We cantered in both directions, and when she sped up, I would just try to sit back, take a bit on the rein, and immediately give. It would be interesting to see if she would come back at the canter if really asked.

No Go

2006-06-03T19:31:00.000+02:00

May 31
I called Nowak to say it doesn't look good for Monday's show. He said Daisy is anyways not registered with the Fn(!)

Peripherals

2006-06-03T19:28:00.000+02:00

The ominous presence of BMW coming up behind in the rear view mirror.

Schnappi

2006-06-03T19:16:00.000+02:00

May 30
Schnappi - an inquisitive personality. She tends to get nervous at the beginning of work, but in her general manner around the barn, in the box, getting her in the field, etc she is very calm and personable. She appears to have often been on the longe line, since her movements tend toward the small circle. I think it would be helpful to ride outdoors, straight stretches of movement with trees and changing surfaces.
Daisy - poor Daisy is somehow down-trodden, truly sick of moving under the rider. Though it is possible to squeeze some jumps out of her (this, somehow, she still seems to enjoy) she can be extremely stubborn in her laziness, and it only poorly reflects the rider. In such a situation, the body is learning to ride poorly - the position and balance are compromised by such gestures of force. Is there any way to create a sort of understanding to get the job done? Note to self: get treats. For further reflection: the morals of sport.

Difficulties

2006-06-03T19:10:00.000+02:00

May 30
At the moment I am faced with the difficulty that the Hunterklasse in Gunderhausen is already on Monday, at Nowak's there is no way to get a horse there, and it is anyways unlikely that I will have my Fn Reiterlizenz by then. One possibility would be to call the show organizers and ask if anyone is coming from the area of Grossostheim - I could try calling them and ask if they would take a horse with. I could email the USEF people today, and call the Fn tomorrow morning...or I could just chill and try to better prepare for the next show, which is in two weeks.

Return

2006-06-03T19:07:00.000+02:00

May 29
Trip from Berlin to Aschaffenburg, the new Hauptbahnhof was crazed and I was lucky to get a seat in the train. At internet cafe paid USEF membership fee and faxed fax from the Fn for permission. 16h bei Nowak, Daisy is a horror as a dressage horse, so it is probably best to leave it at that. Nowak is going to a different show than Gunderhausen, transport is a question, plus today was Memorial Day in the USA, so no reply from USEF.

Berlin Weekend

2006-06-03T18:56:00.000+02:00

Opening party at 'After the Butcher', Thomas Kilpper rocking out to Merlin Carpenter's band 'the Victim'.

2006-06-03T18:51:00.000+02:00

May 26
a.m. Springstunde at Nowak's - Daisy goes quite easy and nice to fences, promising for the Hunterklasse if I can get the papers through. At train station: email to USEF.
Later I went to Dieburg to Hans Hermann and 'Princess' (aka Schnappi) stood outside in the rain. I brought her in to a box to dry a bit. Tina, a girl with very cool fingernails, helped to get her ready for longing with something called the Viennese Longe. Schnappi trotted in each direction, circa 12 minutes. At first rushed, then with a very nice movement.

Meeting Gabi

2006-06-02T23:32:00.000+02:00

May 25
At 3pm I arrived at Dieburg, Anna was there getting a horse groomed, then doing some weird Monty Roberts exercise with a whip. Gabi arrived, speaking softly, and showed me her three horses - all Trakehners and all 15+ but in admirable condition. We rode out in the woods, very relaxed and punctuated with stretches of full gallop, ducking lower tree branches. After we visited the birthday bbq of another lady in the Verein, then drove off to meet Hans Hermann and his Vollblut Stute - a very handsome Thoroughbred mare who I will try out tomorrow at 1pm. Gabi and I drove back, cleaned a bit of tack, and talked about George Bush.

2006-06-02T23:17:00.000+02:00

May 24
If one is ever in Kleinostheim, I would highly recommend the Gasthof zum Schwanen. Nestled at the end of a rather indescript 'gasse', it opens to a charming rural setting directly on the Main river.
At 6pm I met Alex, the kid with the horse (Genoa?), he was a very friendly 8th grader. The horse is a 15 year old Hanoverian, which, despite the fact that she once did 'M' level jumps, has been lazing in a field for the past 6 months, and is stiff as a board. Also, they have recently put her in the Schulbetrieb. I told the mother it is maybe not the best idea to do it. At any rate, not the ideal situation.