Beth getting kissed by a horse at the German Olympic centre :)
We met Christoph Hess today and the German Pony eventing coach Fritz at the DOKR German Olympic training centre for equestrian sport. Christoph's memory for riders and horses never ceases to amaze me, he recalled in some detail Australian & New Zealand riders including those he taught last year at Aussie clinics. Looks like he will be back next year. Fritz showed us around & also allowed us to watch a lesson for a 6YO pony & his rider.
No wonder the Germans are so successful - apart from the wonderful facilities the continual connection between both elite and up & coming riders, their personal coaches & the national coaches means that there is a very consistent approach to rider & horse development.
Squads train here prior to major events like the european champs -at all levels from pony to senior as well as at other times through the year.
Bettina & Andrew Hoy are here at the moement but Andrew had already left for a big competition so we didn't get to meet him.
Here's the mighty mare Halla who was ridden with great success by Hans Gunther Winkler
haha adorable!!
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