The first month

Well, we finished the first month of our Florida season with Robert Dover. Shu loves his little palace at Oded Shimoni’s and everybody there is so accommodating and helpful.

It truly was a transformational month of training. Robert not only zeroed in on the main issue facing Shu and me, a more real and true connection, but has also worked tirelessly on improving my seat and aids. Robert teaches as if he were sitting on the horse with you, every moment and every movement. Remarkable. His moment-by- moment teaching reflects his own experience and plays into my desire to “just want to know”. His unbridled enthusiasm is infectious.

My takeaway from the first month? The higher you climb the steeper the climb.  The closer you get to your goal the higher the expectation. And, relax. Do what is right for the horse at that particular moment. Phew. Onwards and upwards.

The journey begins

They say that if your dreams do not scare you, they are not big enough. This upcoming season in Florida scares the you-know-what out of me.

We (Shu and I) are about a week away from heading to Florida for the season to work with Robert Dover and we are obviously extremely excited.

The background.

Don Sheffield, aka Shu came into my life during one of my clinics in the Virginia Beach area. I always like him and appreciated his sweet personality and his work ethics. 

He did not turn out to be the horse his owner wanted him to be for her so she sent him to me to train him. Since then him and I have come a long way.

Last season we spent in Florida working with Christoph Hess, Morten Thomsen and Conrad Schumacher, and this last show season we successfully showed 3rd and 4th level and ultimately qualifying for Dressage at Devon (ended up to be a terrible show for us, going off course twice, etc.).

During the summer we also participated in a clinic with Robert Dover. Well, he liked Shu so much, he wanted us to come down and train with him.  It will be an expensive season, an undertaking Shu's owner is very willing to support. As a matter of fact, her support has been incredible. Beyond any expectations. Humbling for me. It is an exciting opportunity, something I always wished and hoped for, but it also a bit frightening. I am fortunate enough to have the support from the Shu's owner but also from my wife, Rebecca. Without them this endeavor would not be possible, not even remotely. Four months is the longest I have ever been in Florida!

None of us have any expectations, we will just work hard, take this opportunity and see where and how far it will lead us.

Stay tuned!

Shu and Thorsten