Having a Plan

Another week has come and passed at the Hannoveraner Verband. We have experienced new and exciting things nearly everyday, from visiting high-end breeding facilities and watching stallion testing, to visiting the horse museum and site seeing to learn more about German culture. But, my main take away from this week is an underlying factor that is a huge component in the success of training any horse; you must have a plan.

Visiting a small breeding operation 

Unlike in the United States, horses are a part of the German culture and a serious profession. Becoming a professional means understanding that there is a basic way to start and train a horse that establishes fundamental principles, no matter what the discipline. There is a high stress on the training scale and an in-depth education of the rider off the horse. Each week we have theory sessions revolving around correctness of training and basic gaits to enhance our riding abilities. Each horse we get on we focus on attaining rhythm in relation to looseness and contact while always keeping in mind that our positions impact the balance of these young horses. It is critical that we maintain correct posture while following the gaits of the horse to allow the natural movement without restriction.

A slide from our theory lecture

I am extremely grateful, not only to our Program Director Daniel Fritz, but also to Juliane (Jule) Kunze-Bretschneider, the rider I am an assistant to for these two months. Both of them have been so insightful in teaching me how to be effective and productive on the young horses. 

Each day I am reminded by Jule that I must have a plan in my head. Each horse I rode this week was a bit difference, but understanding their mentality, confirmation, and way of going was key to putting the horses in good balance in order to develop confidence and strength.

A wonderful 3-year-old Dancier mare Jule and I are preparing for the Elite Auction

Having a plan with black and white riding and frequent rewards keeps the message clear to the horses while remaining fair. Jule stresses that the horses must have feed back from the rider to understand they are doing the right thing. She often tells me to pet the horse on the inside hand or to "give him air", and expression she uses when she wants me to give the reins. I find this act as a reminder to give the horse a reason to breath and relax so they can further develop trust and confidence in the rider.  

Whether I need to ride the horses with the neck up and out with an active hind leg, use frequent transitions to encourage him to step into the contact, or ride a bit deeper to get the horse's back up, having a plan in mind for the individual and proactive riding is making the difference for these young horses. In the end, we hope to make them feel organized, interested, and prepared to excel in their work not only today, but in their future training. 

Want to learn more about the Hannoveraner Verband or the Rider Exchange program? Check out their website at 

http://www.hannoveraner.com

Not Your American Stable: My Journey to Germany

The four exchange riders, Maren Reinbold, Caitlin Kincaid, Jessie Nemzoff, and myself outside the Verband

I have had the amazing opportunity to join the Hannoveraner Verband as a member of their pilot Rider Exchange Program for 2016. Through their selection process, four riders, Maren Reinbold, Caitlin Kincaid, Jessie Nemzoff and myself have joined in Verden, Germany as young assistant dressage and jumper riders to expand our knowledge of training, managing, and presenting young horses. 

After week one working as an assistant rider at the Hannoveraner Verband, I feel that I am becoming a part of the Verband team. Good riding of these outstanding young horses, keeping the barns clean, and working to make upcoming auctions successful is in mind each day. However, what is most refreshing thus far to me as an American rider is the effectiveness of the stable's operation and the closeness within the team. 

Riders, grooms, and stable hands gather each morning at 7 to clean the barns... Together. After the horses are fed, straw is added to stalls, and barns are swept, we collectively go across the street to have breakfast and coffee together. 

Each day at the Verband I am learning, but each day I am also appreciating the barn culture here. We are all working hard to do the best in every aspect, whether it is tidying up or riding the loveliest young horse. No one is too good to grab a broom and sweep, and no part of the horse management is more important than the next. Rather, great pride is taken in all aspects, producing well rounded horses and an efficient barn. 

The young horses are being ridden or worked nearly every day in a forward thinking program that is creating equine partners that are brave, confident, and eager to please. All the horses work well in the arena with many other horses and are social because the riders instill in these youngsters that there is no need to worry. 3 year old stallions ride calmly in busy arenas with distractions at the Verband and so can any horse with the proper management and exposure.

 Photo by Caitlin Kincaid

So, although I have been here just a week, it is evident that the friendly atmosphere of the Hannoveraner Verband and their dedication to correct horsemanship is what creates their success worldwide... And the happy horses here think so too!

Want to learn more about the Verband or the Rider Exchange Program? Check out their website at http://en.hannoveraner.com