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Hartmut Schmidt on Watz Prix St Georges Horse
Nadine O'Sullivan-Clark in Germany Training with Hartmut Schmidt
Guten Tag from "Kaiserhof", Germany
Mid August I received an invitation from Hartmut and Martina Schmidt to visit their stables in Schiefbahn, near Dusseldorf. Within 3 weeks of organising for my absence from my family business "Rimini Park" I was on a plane to the 'mecca' of world class riders and horses! I first met Hartmut when I attended his debut clinic at Sunbury Lodge, the beautiful facility of Anne and Ross Smith. The connection was instant and my horses Babylon and Mozzimo improved enormously during the 3 clinics following.
Hartmut studied the art of classical dressage under National Coach Willi Shulteiss who invited him to be his assistant at the national training centre in Warendorf. Here he was under the wing of the German Olympic Commitee and trained and sold many horses at Grand Prix and World Championship level. Amongst his peers and close friends were/are Reiner Klimke and Bimbo Pelicke. Hartmut is a certified Professional Instructor.
These days his focus is on training privately owned horses and giving lessons. The property "Kaiserhof" of Hartmut and his wife Martina stables 30 horses who have daily access to turn out paddocks. The indoor incorporates the small restaurant and unit where I am living, its very comfortable. Martina is also a certified instructor and ably assist Hartmut's clients when he is in Australia, gives her clients lessons and organises the business. She also owns 3 of the horses here, which we share the riding of. She has a very personal approach to each client and the horses here are very well cared for with their well being of utmost importance. Martina has competed and won at PSG level and instructs riders of all levels including Grand Prix.
Since arriving I have been given charge of several horses, including a lovely 5yo YH class winner "Feivel' by Florestan who is for sale so i feel much responsibility in developing his education correctly. We are forming a great partnership and I wouldn't mind bringing him home with me!! He really enjoys his work and it seems all the horses here enjoy their daily routine. Their work is varied with ALOT of transitions and exercises, not so many 'movements' of the tests, unless there is a competition the same week. But it is the end of the competition season here so the focus is on training the 'basics' that must be secure in order to train to a higher level. The horses here are from just broken in to Grand Prix competitors. Each horse I ride must be forwards, downwards and straight at the beginning of the lesson, ensuring their hindleg and back are working correctly. Then its engagement and lightening the forehand as we work on what needs developing for each particular horse before a relaxed 'warm down'. The more demanding work is seperated by long rein walks and reflection. Personally, this is when I catch my breath and absorb what I am feeling, and its usually a more engaged hind leg that is driving and lifting the horse upwards. I ride every horse under instruction from Hartmut or Martina so I am developing a continuity in the style of riding required. I am very excited about applying this new knowledge and 'feel' to mine and clients' horses when I return home.
The close proximity of competitions is surprising. I have attended a few regional championships all within one hour from here. Hartmut and Martina endeavour to go to these also in a coaching capacity. As we know circumstances at shows can be somewhat different to the arenas at home. And Germans do not do this sport by half! The organisation, catering and the grounds are quite spectacular every time. Recently I travelled to 'Gut Auric' to sit ringside for the Grand Prix Kur. This championship was supported by riders from The Netherlands and Sweden. The winner was a superb stallion who had super engagement of the hindleg so he just danced his way through his elegant and harmonious test. Although his walk was not as good as the other paces it was the quality of his work that was superior, scoring 74%. The rider was based locally so it was a true indication of the quality of trainers in this area. There are alot of top trainers so the competitiveness is apparent.
Martina and Hartmut have been very kind to me, I feel like one of the family, and they are forthcoming with their praises which helps me feel welcome and I feel I am making a good contribution to the operation of their business.
I have also been enjoying sight seeing mostly with Martina who seems to have taken me under her wing and teaching me something about cultural Germany, good thing we both enjoy Champagne and shopping, and now it seems Sushi.
Among the places I have vistited are Dusseldorf, Koln,Zons and last week went to the famous stallion parade at Warendorf. I found many suitable husbands for my mares but I dont think the State Stud would let them out of their sight. The depth of history of breeding is quite awesome and I am really enjoying this opportunity on so many levels,that goes without saying dressage is my first love and passion.
There are a number of young horses here for training and sale. I must say I do enjoy working these horses most. Its exhilarating to ride a truely engaged, powerful piaffe but what intrigues me is how to get the horse to this level. And that brings me to the conclusion of my first article. Unless you have the solid base to build on your training will fall short somewhere and you wont successfully compete Grand Prix. Hence the reason for my trip, I am here to study the training in detail, practise it and apply it to many varied and individual horses in my charge.
Martina has asked me to advise there is full time apprenticeship available at their stable. I can certainly recommend the position as it is a very pleasant and well run business here. Enquiries via the website www.dressurpferde-schmidt.de.
Until next time,
Auf Wiedersehen from Deutschland.
Nadine O'Sullivan-Clark
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Anne Smith
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