A Dream Come True

     Being selected for The Dressage Foundation's International Dream Program was just that, a dream come true. I wasn't sure what to expect in the weeks leading up to Aachen but I knew it would be amazing. Sadie, Jennifer, Rosie, and I became great friends, very quickly. It helped ease the nerves as we embarked on a week of complete Dressage immersion together. Not only would we receive an incredible education in Aachen but we made friendships that will last a lifetime and spread across the United States. 

     In Aachen we met with Finnish Olympian Kyra Kyrklund, British Olympic gold medalist Carl Hester, German FEI 5* judge Katrina Wuest, Swedish chef d'equipe Bo Jena, Australian FEI 5* judge and member of the JSP Mary Seefried, German young rider and young horse coach Oliver Oelrich, FEI judge and German trainer Christoph Hess, Dutch trainer Henk van Bergen, German trainer and French chef d'equipe Jan Bemelmans, American FEI 5* judge Anne Gribbons, Danish rider Mikala Gundersen, and German junior and young rider coach Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen. Everyone was so kind and willing to answer any questions that we had for them. Here are some of my favorite pieces of information that we received:

1) The warm-up is just that, a warm-up, it is not a time for training. The warm-up should be designed so that the horse is at it's peak when it enters the ring. 

2) As young riders, it is key that we work to develop a top quality seat and have body control. 

3) A happy horse will perform in the ring for you. You must always make the arena a fun and happy place for each individual horse so that they want to work for you. Remember to say "Thank You" to your horse. 

4) Freestyle choreographey should mask a horses weak point and show a horses strengths multiple times. It is the riders responsibility to know their horse and know what will work. 

5) It is important for riders, trainers, and coaches to have a team at home that they can trust so that they can be 100% focused on competing. 

6) Judges are under a lot of pressure to produce scores quickly and accurately, however they are human and can make mistakes. The Judges Supervisorey Panel has been implemented to support the judges and act as a safety net. 

7) Many top horses are difficult starts, you win with personality and mental strength in a horse. 

8) Ride accurately. Start at a young age riding accurate tests and learn to ride for every point possible in the test. It will also leave a good impression with the judge. 

9)As a young rider, do not wait for a sponsor to come a long. Go after what you want, nothing can make up for hard work, determination, and dedication. You must work a bit harder and a bit longer and be a bit better than everyone else. 

10) "Work to be tomorrow, a little better than I am today" in every aspect of life.

I want to say a huge thanks to everyone that made this trip possible: the donors that funded the trip; everyone at the Dressage Foundation that organized the trip; our amazing chaperones, Charlotte Bredahl and Annie Morris; Nancy Arend, Victoria Fredenhagen, Erin Downey, and Judy Thocher for writing letters of recommendation; and my parents for being such a strong support system for me. I am more motivated than ever before and cannot wait to start applying what I learned in Aachen. 

Day 6 - Oliver Oelrich

On Sunday we met with Oliver Oelrich, German young rider and young horse coach. He was coaching the German U25 and young rider quadrille in Aachen. Oliver described to us how they try to bring young horse and young riders together to be mutually beneficial. Germany has a large number of quality young horses but many of the breeders cannot afford to have their young horses in training, while at the same time there are many talented young riders that cannot afford a quality horse. Oliver has worked to bring the young horses and riders together under the watchful eyes of trainers. Often they make contracts for two years with the horses being sold as the end goal. Typically the riders will receive some money when the horse sells. Before pairing a young horse and rider, they first look at the quality of the horse. The goal is to go from young horse to the developing PSG to developing GP. 

Oliver told us about a young rider that had been training with him since she was 16 and he wanted her to hear another "voice" while riding. I found it refreshing that he as a trainer wanted one of his students to train with someone else for a fresh perspective. Different trainers will have a slightly varying emphasis and perspective on training.  Sometimes it takes hearing things in a new way to help them set in, you can learn something from everyone you ride with. 

Day 5 -Henk van Bergen

Dutch FEI trainer and judge Henk van Bergen shared his story and journey with us before the Grand Prix special on Saturday. He was the son of a baker, his father would not buy him a pony so Henk took matters into his own hands. He took a shoe box, covered it in pictures of horses, and put it in the bakery for donations. Henk emphasized that you cannot wait for someone to come along and sponsor you, you must take matters into your own hands and go after what you want. Create your own success. You have to take initiative, find a good trainer and go to them. If you can't ride with them, sit in the corner and watch lessons. As a rider work to beat yourself, not other riders. Henk emphasized that your goals shouldn't be to make a team because there is so much luck involved in getting on a team but rather the goal should be "I want to be tomorrow, a little better than I am today". Work to improve yourself not only as a rider but in every aspect of your life. People become successful by fighting back and never giving up. You must work harder, longer, and be a bit better than everyone else in all aspects to get to the top in this sport and be wiling to give an extra ten percent. Henk told us to never stop learning and do everything we can to improve our knowledge, especially in our 20s. He was an inspiration to all of us! We loved hearing his life story and all the amazing lessons that we took away from it. 

Day 5 - Mary Seefried

Mary Seefried is a member of the Judges Supervisory Panel (JSP) at Aachen. She explained that is was first used in gymnastics and figure skating, two other sports with semi-subjective judging, before being implemented in Dressage. The job is the JSP is to keep the sport fair for riders and to act as a safety net for judges. Judges are only human and sometimes make a mistake or miss something. The JSP has a video of the ride that they can use for. Idea replay and can change scores. At Aachen they had a panel of 3 people, 2 judges and 1 trainer. One person watches the test, one watches video review, and one watches the scores come in from the seven judges. If a score comes I that is far off from the other scores the JSP can change it, either up or down. They are limited by the scores given by the other judges, they must stay within the range given by the other six judges. 

Mary made it clear that the JSP is not there to take over the job of the judges but to act as a safety net. They are only able to change scores based on technical mistakes, not quality of horse and movement. For example, if a horse misses a count on changes, has a late change (a judge looking straight on would not be able see that), or a horse has to few piaffe steps. The score they are changing must also be a 2pt difference from the next closest score.  This whole process happens very quickly, it must be completed before the next horse enters the arena. The JSP has a scribe that will mark down the change that is made to the score and writes the reason why. This sheet is then attached to the test score sheet. 

After the Grand Prix was finished the JSP and the judges had a meeting to review rides. The JSP is very careful not to single out anyone in the review but rather to make it an educational meeting and to generate a discussion. The JSP picks out certain rides and make note of movements that they changed the scores on. The judges who scores were changed did receive a copy of the changed scores and the reasons why. This is not meant to embrace anyone but to help educate and give feedback. Currently the JSP is only required at the large championships but shows can opt to have a JSP at their own expense. 

Day 4 - Hans-Heinrich Meyer zu Strohen

Hans-Heinrich, German young rider coach, shared insight into what he looks for in a young rider. First, he looks for a rider with a top quality seat that has feeling for the horse and is aware of what he is doing. Each day the goal should be small steps forward, making things super before moving on. It is important to give yourself time to work on the horse, you must not rush the training. Keeping the horse happy throughout training is key, as a rider you must say thank you to your horse. The horses should have fun when they go in the arena and want to work. The rider must find ways to make riding fun for the horse and learn to trust what they are feeling from the horse.

 Eight German U25 riders schooling their quadrille on Friday, they will be performing after the Freestyles on Sunday. 

Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and Unee BB schooling on Friday. Her ride was lovely to watch on Friday. Unee BB was so relaxed and truly looked like he enjoyed his work. Jessica was a very soft, quiet rider and was a pleasure to watch. About half way through her ride, she pulled her stirrups off of her saddle and continued to school without them. 

Day 4 - Jan Bemelmans

Jan Bemelmans took time out of his busy day as French team trainer to speak with us on Friday. He clarified for us that the six best teams from the European Championships will earn qualifying spots for the Olympics. 

We asked Jan about a the background on a lovely mare on the French team, Badinda Altena ridden by Pierre Volla. We all thought she was lovely in the Grand Prix and wanted to know more. We learned that Pierre was a jumper rider and began riding dressage. Badinda Altena was bought as a young horse and was extremely hot and explosive, especially in the changes. However, she showed great potential when she began to work piaffe and passage. This is her first year competing Grand Prix and they have all been impressed with her and how well she has been doing. They were a lot of fun to watch and it was really interesting learning their back story. They will definitely be a pair to keep an eye on!

When asked about preparation for the championships, Jan explained that it starts months before. They start by looking at strong and weak points of horses and riders during the winter and doing clinics to improve. It is a delicate balance as team trainer to not overstep each individual riders trainer. It is impossible that they find a way to work together. At the beginning of the year the riders picked out which shows they were going to and Jan was at each of them. The a week before Aachen the team came together and then traveled to Germany three days before competition. When riders are warming up at competitions only their individual coaches help them, however Jan will speak with the individual coaches. It is important that they all trust each other and are able to work as a team. 

When asked what Jan looks for in young riders he said; body control and how a rider reacts when a horse is not going well. He recommended riding bareback, riding without stirrups, and riding without reins to truly develop a good seat and go develop feeling. So often people use so many pads that they can't feel a horses back under them. Riding bareback can allow you to really feel the mechanics of the horses back. He also explained what a big jump it is from young rider to U25. Typically you don't see the same horses in the U25 that you see in the young riders because the movements are so different, you add in passage, piaffe, zig-zag, and one tempis, the style of horse needed is different. 

When discussing young horses it is important to see the horse to decide if it is what your looking for. Many top horses are difficult starts but mentally and personality wise they have what it takes to make it to the top. He also emphasized learning bloodlines and what they are known for producing. 

Day 4 - Anne Gribbons

Anne told us that this is the toughest competition in the world to judge and the GP class is long with 72 horses. After discussing the high quality of horse and riders here, Anne brought up the JSP (I will go into more detail about the JSP in a later post). Reminding us that the JSP is able to run video replay when there is a great discrepancy, however they cannot change a score for quality. The JSP is able to change scores for things such as, incorrect change count, to few piaffe steps, or miscounted half pass zig-zag. It is important to remember that judges are able to see different aspects of a movement from different positions around the arena. She recommended that as riders, we should ask to sit in the judges box to gain a greater understanding for how difficult it is to judge. 

The four of us had a bit of that throughout the championships. Charlotte and Annie had us take turns doing running commentary on each ride. We definitely learned how hard it is to keep up with a Grand Prix test and we didn't even give a score! Judges recieve a lot of criticism, but it is imports as a rider to remember that they are only human and have a very difficult job. Anne encouraged us to not be afraid to ask a TD to talk to a judge if you have questions about comments or marks at a show...just remember to bring your test with you! Judges see a lot of rides in a day and may not remember every aspect of the ride. It was clear that Anne is passionate about dressage and was amazing in answering all of our questions for her, she was a wealth of knowledge! 

Day 4 - Mikala Munter Gundersen

Danish rider, Mikala Munter Gundersen, stopped by while we were watching the warm-up on Friday to talk with us. We asked her about her schedule leading up to the European Championships. She told us that she does not work My Lady as hard the week before so that she is physically and mentally ready to compete. The week before a show should be used to keep the horse happy and supple since you are not able to change much in a week. Mikala also told us that she started showing My Lady before things were perfected but by doing so they as a team have been down the centerline a lot together. 

In the Grand Prix, Mikala and My Lady scored a 70.229. I really enjoyed Mikala's positive attitude toward her ride! She explained to us that's while she did have some small mistakes, her scores are improving and they are moving in the right direction together. While Denmark did not qualify a team for the Olympics, she explained to us that if Denmark has three riders qualify as individuals then they will be able to compete as a team. I found it interesting though that the national federation can choose which three riders will actually go to the Olympics, it does not necessarily have to be the three riders that's qualify. 

Day 3 - Bo Jena

Day 2 of the Grand Prix started at 11:00 am this morning. We arrived early and were able to watch eight German U25 riders warm up and practice their quadrille. The day was filled with many amazing rides. As the day drew on tension filled the air in the stadium in anticipation of the top riders. The atmosphere in Aachen is incredible, the passion and support of equestrian sports here is energizing. 

                       

     During a break we met with the Swedish Chef D'Equipe, Bo Jena. He was passionate that he felt this is one of the most prestigious shows in the world with the best riders in the world (minus the USA riders). We asked Bo how he prepares his team for the European Championships. He told us that the planning begins months before the competition, emphasizing the need to be organized so that there are no surprises. Not only do things with the team need to be prepared but also that the riders have a good team at home so that they can focus entirely on the competition. Each rider has their own routine when they are competing, for example some skip competitor parties to stay focused on the show. If there is anything the riders need they come to Bo for the answer. I found it interesting that he said he has to be aware of his body language and expressions because the riders can read it and feed off it. 

     In preparation for a show, Bo said that he felt the warm up is one of the most important aspects. The goal is to have the horse go into the ring at his peak in the ride. He felt that the best riders know exactly how much warm up their horses need. Throughout the day we watched many horses struggle with spooking in corner at K, when we asked Bo about this he said that when a horse wants to shy away from something, the best way to get them through it is to bend the horse away from what is scary and ride the horse forward.

      Unfortunately Bo had only a short time with us because he had to go help a three day event horse with the dressage but said he would meet with us tomorrow. I look forward to hearing more of his thoughts. 

Day 2 - Carl Hester

The first day of the Grand Prix started at 9:30 am. After watching many inspirational rides in the morning, we had the immense pleasure of meeting with Carl Hester during lunch. His charisma and sense of humor put everyone at ease, I think we were all a bit nervous to meet him (I know I sure was).  Here is some of the information we received from Carl:

Training Program: 
Carl has a training program that he said comes from his eventing background. His horses work 2 days, hack 1 day, work 2 days, and have 1 day of rest. He also mentioned that it is important at events like the European Championships to make sure that the horse is fit enough to compete for 3 days. There were 3 key points from our discussion of training:

1. The thought process of the horse
2. Fitness 
3. Yourself

The horses begin there rides by warming up with the grooms for 30 minutes then Carl or Charlotte ride for about 25 minutes and then the horses cool out with the grooms. Carl emphasized the necessity of cooling the horse out to prevent a build up lactic acid. On hack days the horses go out on the roads to get used to a variety of sights and sounds to better prepare them for atmospheres like the Aachen. They also trot hills and have daily turnout. When starting young horses he told us that they sit on the horses at three and a half and then have someone down the road that starts riding the horses at four years old. 

It was interesting to learn that in Great Britain there is a lottery that helps fund sports. With all the new technology and equipment available to athletes Carl said they take advantage of having access to it for them and their horses, for example, water treadmills can be useful for older horses in maintaining physical fitness. They also have a nutritionist for the horses and routinely weigh the horses to make sure that they are in top physical shape. In addition to physical fitness, we discussed mental preparedness. Sports psychologist can make a big difference when competing under pressure and can help give top athletes an edge in managing the stress and pressure. 

Carl's take on top horses was refreshing, he said if you can't buy it then make it. He told us that he has found many of his horses as inexpensive youngsters and trains them to the Grand Prix. He also said another way to get a better horse is to start with what you can afford, train it, then sell it and buy something of better quality. He emphasized the necessity of developing timing and feel as a rider which is something that cannot be taught easily but must come from getting on lots of different horses and riding. His thought is that in teaching the movements to the horses, you as the rider become better too. 

As young riders looking to move up, Carl told us to keep putting ourselves out there and keep ourselves in front of people we want to work with. Don't be afraid to be a bit pushy but still respectful when you really want something because you never know when a position will become available. 

Day 2 - Katrina Wuest

After watching the last of the Grand Prix riders on Tuesday, we met with the German judge, Katrina Wuest. Here are some of my notes from our discussion:

On Freestyles: 

- key is good execution of movements

- with a new horse and rider combination, begin with an easier freestyle then build it up

- choreographey should be fitting to the qualities of the horse, it should attempt to mask the weak points of the horse and highlight the horses strengths

- be creative, don't ride the movements the same way they are in the tests, use unexpected lines and movement combinations 

- use combinations to increase the degree of difficulty 

- show movements multiple times to increase degree of difficulty 

- music should fit each gait, the type of horse, and the type of rider but also take into account who is judging 

- choose music that the judges and audience will know, pick something that stays in the judges mind and is memorable 

- the music should evoke emotion and cause someone watching to dream

- do not compose original music 

Day 1 - We Finally Arrived!

We arrived in Düsseldorf at 6 am after a full day of travel. Our next step was to find the train station and make our way to Aachen. At 10 we stumbled into our hotel, tired but excited about our big adventure. After settling in, we grabbed a quick bite in Aachen then walked to the European Championships to watch the warm ups and attend the opening ceremonies this evening.

I think we were all a bit star struck being around the best in our sport. We saw Carl Hester, Edward Gal, Isabell Werth, and Kyra Kyrklund to name a few. After watching warm ups for a bit, Kyra had time to talk with us. We sat in the grass and picked her brain about a multitude of topics. One of the things that stood out to me was the emphasis of each horse as an individual and finding what will work best for that individual horse. I also enjoyed hearing her take on a warm-up; a warm up is just that, a warm up for the horse and should be easy for them. It is not a time to fix things that were not there before heading to show. Again there was an emphasis placed on finding the right warm up for the individual horse depending on their individual strengths and weaknesses. We ended our talk with a discussion of feel. Kyra explained feel in a very comprehendable manner; feeling is a sense just as taste and smell are senses. Until you experiences the feel you will not know it. Kyra used the analogy of strawberry jam. A person can describe strawberry jam to you; it is red, has seeds, has a tart taste but until you actually taste strawberry jam you will not truly understand its essence.

Opening ceremonies were a blast this evening. Some of the highlights included draft horse races, side saddle steeplechase, a 64 stallion quadrille, a recap of special moments and amazing athletes, and a demonstration of all the disciplines; dressage, stadium jumping, combined driving, vaulting, reining, and eventing. It was a spectacular way to kick off an incredible 12 days to come.