Falsterbo 2015

Over in Sweden attending the Falsterbo Horse Show. Today was Nation’s Cup day and I got to catch up with some old friends while watching some top Show Jumping.

Digital Brochure

Click on photo to view
the digital brochure.
Brochure 2015

 

I recently printed a brochure detailing my background and training philosophy/methodology.  Here is that same brochure in a digital format.

Click on the photo to view.  You can pause the slideshow at any time by hitting the space bar.  To continue hit the space bar again.

Dublin Horse Show Retrospective

I was invited to give a presentation last year at the world famous Dublin Horse Show, which dates back to 1864. I have put together a clip that I hope conveys the essence of attending this annual spectacle. Certainly a highlight was the Irish team winning the Nation’s Cup in front of a most appreciative and enthusiastic hometown crowd. Will the Aga Khan Trophy stay in the Emerald Isle?

Shades of Grays

Going through photos I realized several of my equine partners through the years were grays with a similar look. From Gimlet, my versatile junior mount who excelled in dressage, eventing, hunters and equitation. Baileys who introduced me into the Grand Prixs and Ballaré who looked like he stepped out of a painting and I also competed at the Grand Prix level.

Caballos y Tango – Argentina 2013

I was recently in Argentina to check on the progress of some of my young horses, as well as scout prospects for sale. While there I visited the family breeding farm of my Argentinian business partner and saw some of this years foals. I also had some time for some jumping fun outside of Buenos Aires. This horse was a blast to ride and had super front end technique! The music is just to make you feel you are there.

Hof Beckerode

While I was in Germany, I took the opportunity to visit with my old friends the Koschels.  I trained with Jürgen many years ago when he was based at the Norddeutscher Flottbeker Reitverien, in Hamburg, Germany.  When I trained with Jürgen he was considered one of Germany’s top young professionals.  He was recently featured in a training video series entitled “Old Masters”. His son Christoff was taking riding school lessons on school ponies. Since then he has gone on to become one of Germany’s top young rider/trainers. He was the top placed member of the German Dressage Team at the World Equestrian Games in 2010 in Kentucky. While there I watched a typical morning of riding and training.

Dublin Horse Show- Ireland 2012

I was pleased and honored to have been invited to give a presentation at the 139th Dublin Horse Show. The show is one of the world’s most historic and prestigious competitions.  The show features the finest in International Show Jumping competition, including a Nation’s Cup which is part of the Super League series, won this year by the Irish team to the delight of the appreciative hometown crowd.

Dublin Horse Show Entrance

The show combines the best of Show Jumping with many events that pay homage to traditional Irish equestrian sport, with a wide array of classes that have been contested here for over a hundred years.  There were classes for young horses as well as Hunters of various weight classes, Juniors and a leadline class that is second to none. The show also offered a trade fair and ample food courts to satisfy the  ever present enthusiastic crowds.

My presentation dealt with the Show Horse market in America. To view, the story that appeared in the program click here- Article:Dublin Horse Show

 

Olympic Humor – London 1948

 

As the XXX Olympic Games in London approach, I am reminded of my old teacher, mentor and friend, Major Hans Wikne.  I recall a story that he related to me many years ago.  The setting was also London yet this was the XlV Olympics.

The tale as I remember it, went something like this: A reporter for one of the major British newspapers was interviewing Sweden’s legendary dressage Master, Major Henri St. Cyr, who competed in five  Olympics, going on to winning double gold Medals at the 1952 and 1956 Games.  As the year was 1948, and shortly after the war, money was tight for the competing teams. That being the case The Major, who I believe may have been a reserve rider made the trip.  However, due to the times, he was fulfilling several roles including caring for and exercising the horses.

During the course of the interview the British journalist could not help from glancing over at the young Swede who was riding in civilian gear. As he expertly and deftly put his horse through it’s paces, including all the advanced movements such as piaffe, passage, half-passes and tempi changes, The Brit was awestruck.  Finally, he could not help himself and asked St. Cyr about the young man riding: “Who is that young man?  He rides so beautifully.” To which St. Cyr answered dead panned and straight faced without missing a beat. “He’s one of our grooms.  We teach all of our grooms in Sweden to ride like that!”

With that the two gentlemen parted ways with the journalist appearing quite perplexed.

“He’s one of our grooms.
 We teach all of our grooms in Sweden to ride like that!”

 

Olympic Humor-PDF  Click here for Press Release  Olympic Humor

Click here for updated release  Olympic Humor- London Dressage

Olympic Tribute

Olympic fever is upon us, and the opening ceremonies will take place in London in a few days. I thought that it might be an appropriate time to take a look back at another Olympic opening ceremony that was quite unique. My teacher, mentor and friend, Major Hans Wikne had the distinct honor of carrying the Olympic torch into the stadium and lighting the cauldron on horsesback. This event took place in Stockholm, Sweden 1956.

Olympic Tribute-Press Release

Click for .pdf of press release with photo