avondale warmbloods

We have recently returned from a holiday in Germany where I was lucky enough to attend the World Young Horse Championships in Verden. You can see some photos that I took in the Photo Gallery and read all the results and reports at www.dressage-news.com that Ilse Schwarz covered. We also had a great time visiting some good friends of Ilse's at Gut Fechtal in Vechta, the residence had a moat around it and was completely amazing! We saw some beautiful youngsters bred by Clemence Von Merveldt including full brothers to Floriscount and Detroit that Clemence bred. Ilse also inspected her next riding prospect a 3 yr old Don Larino filly who looks very exciting. We then headed off to see Gerd and Ilona Schonebeck at http://www.schonebeck-stable.com/cms/front_content.php?changelang=2 whose hospitality was wonderful!

Then off to Leonie Bramalls and some learning and watching at home and also at the large show in Allersehl. Really enjoyed my time with Volker and Leonie and managed to get lots of cuddles from Farley the super dog so not to miss my gang too much!

You can read about some of my observations at http://www.barnbynotes.com/open-notebooks/407 more entries to be added shortly.

So back home to paradise and getting ready for the end of year show blitz!!! Ilse Schwarz clinic on the 17th 18th September and the fitness regime after all that good German food!