Exams!

Well, fantastic news, after all of the hard work everyone passed. Chloe & Stephanie at level 3 and the rest of the group level 4. Emily had the highest pass in training theory and Chloe the highest for jumping across all of the candidates (including the silver medal rider). Well done, thank you to Mr Vreden & his staff-and of course to the generous horses.
Now its a mad dash around to pack , say goodbye, give the horses a final pat then off to the airport & home.

Our 5 Star Accomodation

And... a couple more pics

But wait... there's more

And... a few more riding pics

Even more riding

Exam day is fast approaching, there has been significant improvement in everyone. here a re a few more pics.

Group photo

Here's a pic of both groups who are currently training at Langenfeld.
We also had a visit today from Astrid. Last year I was asked by Ralf Isselhorst to organise a working holiday position in Australia for a rider who came highly recommended by her boss. Astrid stayed for a while with Rachel Sanna before going off to see some of Australia.
About a week beofer we left Australia I remembered that she had trained at Langenfeld so we were able to get a few tips from her about the facilities here and the town. It turned out that Mr Vreden was the one who had recommended her. I was not able to actually meet Astrid last year so it was very nice to finally speak face to face. Astrid is now at university stufying to be a teacher, good luck with your exams and thesis astrid- we hope to see you in Australia again.

Demonstrations

Today - apart from dressage & jumping lessons there was a demonstration of double lunging & long reining by Mr Vreden with his wife's horse. Some of the riders were able to have a try - the challenge was to be able to change direction smoothlywithout losing contact & control of the horse.
Afterwards, a demonstration of the importance of rhythm & speed in jumping was presented by Mr Vreden & his daughters Anna & Carolina.
There was some practice walking the distances.

A few more pics

There are quite a few Haflingers here and I must say i have been impressed by their cheery demeanour & athelicism - you generally hear that they can be quite bolshi & unethusiastic. There were quite a few being ridden at the western show too last weekend.
Here's alexa, one of the coaches with one of the yellow ponies.
Here are some of the other group training for their exams trying out various exercise equipment.

And... more riding

Back into the position exercises on the lunge and the various other equipment. A few riders had a go a sitting backwards- quite bizarre to watch-especially at trot. Nicole has mastered the balance board. Even a few of the mothers had a go. here's rhiannon's mum Rachel having a "horsey" ride.

More riding

After a day off everyone was keen to get back on and do some more training.Chloe had another horse to ride & work out, after a few challenges to begin with they were soon making an harmonious picture.

Another sculpture from Dusseldorf

The amazing black sculpture was to commemorate the awarding of town status to the city and to reflect on the impact of war and the various periods in the 700 year history of the town. It shows faceless soldiers and horses, the two symbols of Dusseldorf-the rose and the lion and the pope who decreed that the church could be recognised (I think that's right). This is just one section of the sculpture.
Anyway, by the time we return home we hopefully can read up some more on German history.

Dusseldorf & other activites

I've been off the air for a few days but I'm pleased to see some of our group members have been supplying photos etc.
Sunday saw us in Dusseldorf for a tour of the old town and a cruise on the Rhein.As most of us come from coastal cities it is quite amazing to see such a busy river with coal barges & other materials constantly moving up & down the river-let alone the huge cruise ships & day trippers like us.
We saw quite a few of the main sights but one continuing theme was the various sculptures and monuments. here are a few pics. The Elector Jan wellem on his horse dominates the politcal centre of the town. As ther is a concert coiming up shortky he has a few accessories that may not really have been usful to a rider. Wellem was related to the sun king & modelled himself on him; he loved music and the arts & was a great patron or artists 7 musicians.
Even Charlie the unicorn made an appearance (you had to be there really-or to have seen Charlie's adventures on you-tube to understand the significance).There are a few more running jokes and funny events, I'm still waiting for the girls to start listing them as they promised???

More jumping.......

Holly: We have liftoff!!!!

Rhi

Beth

Holly

Jess

Chloe

Julie

Chloe again!