Jan 9, 2017: Stallions at Muenster
I am looking forward to Wednesday evening: As part of the stallion presentation during the Muenster indoor show I will present Escorial. Together with us in the ring will be Estobar NRW, ridden by Danica Duen. This picture of father and son will once again underline what a great sire Estobar NRW is!
Jan 5, 2017: Sideline thoughts...
The decision to not compete in the running World Cup-season anymore has been made. And I still think that it is a good decision, because it is a reasonable one. What I dislike about this decision is the fact that for a while, we will not show this great freestyle! Because it's simply tailor-made for Imperio - by Michael Erdmann. Well, what else could have been expected from the "god of freestyle music"... This medley of songs from Queen ist simply great, and just thinking of that moment when entering the diagonal and then heading off in extended trot accompanied by the line "... don't stop me now..." - goosebumps! Obviously, it's not just me feeling like this, but also the audience likes sound and choreography of this freestyle a lot: When being asked for their opinion, the public scored us quite high. Thank you, Michael Erdmann!
Jan 1, 2017: Happy New Year!
Best wishes for a healthy New Year to all, whether near or far, no matter if two- or four-legged. May our own little world stay as quiet as it is, and "the big world out there" calm down relevantly.
To me, such a turn of the year is a good moment to look back. For our farm and me personally, this special year was stamped by Rio, of course. The fact that I could again compete at an Olympic Games, as I had hoped and prepared for over more than two years, means a lot to me. It's not even that important that I was "only" the reserve rider... My thanks go to my team-mates, and the more so to my team here at home that did always support me in the best way.
Along with this highlight, of course, there was a low, too: Escolars injury, which did not only cause a longer phase of buildup (we're working on it), but also meant to let go of the competition at Frankfurt. Escolars great development over the last months made me hope for the best. But that's the sport, and for sure will I always prefer a horse from a, let's say, tennis racket!
Riding-wise, I will head into the New Year with two seven-year-olds: Escorial, a full brother of Escolar, plus Bonamour (Westfalian, Bonifatius x Rousseau). Both are great fun to ride. The "grown-ups" will be seen again once the outdoor season has started.
So once again: All my best wishes for 2017!