Dear Rita,
There are moments in life when one considers oneself very lucky indeed. Rather than make the long drive back to Vechta, Germany, from Achleiten, Austria, last week, I asked Evelyn Haim-Swarovski if I could drive over to her stable, Schindlhof, in the Tyrolian Alps. Winyamaro’s next show—Fritzens CDI****—takes place at Schindlhof, June 25-27.
Evelyn and her husband, Klaus, graciously agreed to let me stay at their stable with my horse for the two weeks between shows. To avoid confusion, Fritzens is the name of the small village at the base of the mountain. Schindlhof is the name of Evelyn and Klaus Haim-Swarovski’s stable. The exit you take from the Austrian Autobahn is Wattens. So riders in the know may refer to this show by one of four names: Swarovski, Schindlhof, Fritzens and/or Wattens.
All names aside, this is the most beautiful setting for a stable and a dressage show in the whole world. I competed here in 2007 with Cadillac. I thought the same then, but I am overwhelmingly convinced now.
Klaus and Evelyn have poured unlimited love, sweat and hard work into developing this property. It is truly amazing. I took some photos and a short training video to show you some of the scenes that I see here every day. There is no way to describe the beauty of this place in mere words.
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Notice the footing—first class in all the arenas—and yes, that is Gizmo taking a roll at X. Note the crystal chandelier—by Swarovski—hanging in the indoor arena. Look at the attention to detail on the judge’s booths near the outdoor arena—all of this graced by the panoramic majesty of the Austrian Alps.
W is enjoying himself here. The cool mountain air after the extreme temperatures at Achleiten has energized him even more than normal. He is fit, fancy and full of himself as I am sure you can see on the training video from yesterday.
This morning I had the great pleasure of working with Evelyn’s long time trainer, Georg Wahl. Herr Wahl, one of dressage’s all time greats, was Chief Rider of the Spanish Riding School of Vienna in 1940. He also worked together with circus great, Freddy Knie, and trained many dressage riders to international success. His life partner and most successful student, Christine Stückelberger, won team and individual medals in the World and European Championships, and the Olympic Games with her unbeatable Granat.
Georg Wahl is a living legend in his own time. He gave me great advice on Winyamaro. Concise, correct and efficient remarks that helped immensely with W’s pi/pa transitions, pirouettes, self carriage, rhythm and frame. Herr Wahl might be 90 years old, but he has the eyes of an eagle.
I feel lucky, Rita. Look at the slide show and video:
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I’m Catherine Haddad, and I’m sayin it like it is from Fritzens, Austria.
Training Tip of the Day: Motivate your horse with the inside leg for the canter pirouettes. Do not over ride your outside leg. You can control the size of the pirouette with the outside rein.
