by Sibylle Luise Binder

In the Service of  Classical Equestrianism

An impressive number of spectators, all listening intently, a lecture with real depth and substance and presentations of outstanding quality on account of the fact that they were not simply geared to glamour – this was the 2^nd Symposium of the Anja Beran Foundation on 18.12.2011 in the Winter Quarters of Circus Krone in Munich.

If anyone were to ask Anja Beran what constituted the focal point of her foundation’s second symposium, she would - probably rather surprised at the idea of asking such a question at all – answer: “The horses.” What else? is what the dressage trainer might think to herself but she is certainly far too polite to verbalise the question.
The audience’s Munich Sunday with Anja Beran, however, did not begin directly with horses but rather with a lecture on the subject of “Classical Dressage – only for baroque horses?” Anja Beran dealt with the topic in great depth and once again provided impressive evidence of the fact that she is not only familiar with equestrian literature across the centuries but also understands it in its complete context and has a clear overview of its development. And also: She has an ability to pass on this knowledge in a way which is of course challenging and demanding for her listeners but is nevertheless plausible and comprehensible. The most impressive aspect, however, is that Anja Beran, the convinced supporter of classical equitation, by no means degenerates into a nostalgic kind of “it was much better in the past" attitude.
On the contrary: The problems of modern equestrian sport for Anja Beran are not simply a feature of modern times which ensue from the show elements connected with the dressage kur, no – they are part of a development which started to become established after the second world war. It is as a consequence of this that today dressage movements are ridden as an end in itself. 
Anja Beran demonstrates the problems which follow as a consequence, but she does not complain. She reports in a competent and calm way. And indeed this is exactly how she makes her point. Her core message is: To do it better in a return to classical equestrianism, out of devotion to the horse. Dressage for her is first and foremost the means by which to gymnasticise horses and to form them so that they can carry their riders joyfully and with lightness. Once this has been achieved, the art follows as a natural consequence. This also explains why, for Anja Beran, classical equestrianism is not relevant for specific breeds only.
The practical part of the symposium subsequently shows the conviction with which she applies her knowledge. Here also Anja Beran starts of with the rudimentary principals and therefore the first horse to come into the arena is a young Frederiksborger which is just beginning to take his first steps under the rider. In this context, however, the young representative of what has become a very rare breed, also reveals a problem: The crookedness with which he carries his tail indicates that there is something wrong with his back.
One of Anja Beran’s strengths is her diagnostic ability. She sees the problems of a horse and knows that dressage can also be a form of “physical therapy” which helps to rectify shortcomings and defects. Thus from the very beginning the young Frederiksborger has a form of training prescribed which will help him find his balance and straighten up. Anja Beran knows that this work will take a long time but she has the patience for it – and is optimistic enough to say: “We will try to rectify that.” Without any tricks and without auxiliary reins – simply on the basis of genuine hard work and patience.
And the second horse to enter the arena, a black 4 year-old stallion is also represents an old and meanwhile rare breed.  He proudly wears the white-blue colours of Bavaria on his browband, he comes from the former Royal-Bavarian Stud of Leutstetten and is descended from Hungarian Edelknabe horses, predominantly from the Furioso-Northstar breed. Nevertheless he has strong nerves and demonstrates this as he moves around the arena, confidently and relaxed in a building which is unfamiliar to him and, for the first time in his life, in front of a big audience. He is ridden by Anna Jantscher, the first pupil of the Anja Beran Foundation and, watching her making him supple and sensitive, it is clearly recognisable that at Anja Beran’s Rosenhof yard not only the horses become perfect trainees, the people do too.
For horse number three, the six-year old Lipizzaner stallion Favory Toscana, is able to enjoy his experience in the arena today as a kind of foretaste of what awaits him in the future. The self-confident grey horse belongs to Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone, junior boss of the Krone Circus. She looks happy as she watches his first ever public performance. Using Favory Toscana as an example, Anja Beran then also explains why, in her opinion, "piaffe and passage" should already be practised in a very early stage of training and not only when the horse is at an advanced level.. For her horses these movements are not the show number developed from “build-up and braking” as we unfortunately see it all too often in dressage competitions, but a logical further development from forwards movement to collection.
Afterwards P.R.E. stallion Ofendido – something of a specialist – presents transitions between piaffe, passage and trot. He has outstanding movement as well as collection. And so spectators may see the “fully trained” schoolmaster horse, Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone presents her Lipizzaner Siglavy Dagmar. His specialities are canter changes from stride to stride and pirouettes. Indeed this performance gives many spectators important food for thought because this alert and lively milky-white stallion is in fact 23 years old – very elegant as well as striking evidence of the fact that classical dressage not only makes horses more attractive, it also keeps them healthy.
Flamingo originally came to Anja Beran as a problem case and here, under his rider Vera Munderloh, he clearly demonstrates how positively a horse can develop when given the necessary time and trust. Piaffe, passage, canter change and pirouettes are elegant and “légère” with this big Westphalian horse in an arena measuring only 12 metres.
And another grey horse: The well-muscled Lusitano Pao under Anja Beran dances powerfully and yet well-relaxed in this small arena as if it were a world stage. After seeing his performance no-one can possibly doubt the significance of classical equestrianism: It puts the rider in the background and gives the horse the opportunity to unfold its beauty in holistic form.
After the lunch break there is a first chance for a good laugh: Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone presents circus work, with competent commentary from Anja Beran. First into the arena is “Coco”, the skewbald Shetland stallion who Anja Beran would like to register for show jumping in Aachen. And indeed the little fellow proves that a cavaletti – which almost comes up to his chest – is no problem whatsoever. He races up to it, collects, smartly climbs onto the edge of the arena, walks along it, past the cavaletti, jumps down and runs on to the next one, looking at the spectators as if he wanted to say: “Well don’t you think I’m good?”
But it’s not just a question of larking about in the Krone arena. Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone is in fact not only a highly talented rider but also a specialist for practising and presenting free dressage. And anyone who previously thought that this was just a question of a few horses running around in a circle soon learned that there was rather more to it than that. With graceful but very purposeful body language and two whips she has complete control of her Marbacher Arab stallions and, at her command, the horses turn, run in different directions and finally – always the climax of any free dressage – rear.
Here Anja Beran as commentator clearly emphasises that no attempts are to be made at home to imitate this part of the programme. Nevertheless this demonstration helps spectators to become more aware of how the horse and human being can harmonise with one another, of the importance of respect for the horse in training and how much horses give back when they are treated respectfully.  

The last morning work session this year saw a record number of visitors with guests coming from the Netherlands and Sweden in addition - as usual - to Austria and Switzerland.
The magnificent late summer weather made a stroll around Gut Rosenhof and the opportunity to visit its numerous “resident” animals a particularly pleasant experience.
Punctually at 11.00 o’clock Anja Beran began with the demonstration of her work and, as in previous sessions, she started off with a young, green horse. The palomino-coloured Lusitano “Ciclone” showed the first important learning stages in the life of a young riding horse. Vera Munderloh showed how a rider should behave on a particularly inexperienced horse and how to gradually make the rider’s aids understandable to a young horse in order to form a sound foundation for further training.
The Friesian stallion “Gawain” with his impressive background, gave a very fine and motivated presentation under Anna Jantscher. Anja Beran explained what gymnastic exercises are particularly useful to straighten this horse and settle him.
Jasmin Gärtner on the Spanish stallion “Hechicero” was again an important part of the programme and played an important role when it was a question of the rider’s seat and again “Olé” was presented by Anja Beran doing work in hand.
New in the programme was the P.R.E. stallion “Leviton” who came into the arena with Vera Munderloh in the saddle. This true-to-type grey horse showed transitions from trot to piaffe, from trot to passage and then to extended trot and back again to passage, before going immediately into the Spanish trot. It was a beauty to behold! The rider’s application of the aids was so fine and subtle that they were invisible to observers.
The Lusitano stallion “Novilunio” under Anna Jantscher demonstrated more work at canter. This involved all lateral movements and flying changes.
Naturally “Flamingo” was once again part of the programme. The Westphalian gelding with the unhappy past impressively proved what horses are capable of if only they are given enough time and patience. Piaffe, passage, extended trot and pirouettes were accomplished playfully and ultimately “Flamingo” demonstrated beautiful canter changes around the entire arena and even integrated a few single changes. By next year he will be able to do these confidently and with good expression!
To round off the programme Anja Beran again rode the Lusitano stallion “Pao”. La Guérinière’s “Descente de Main” was the highlight of this ride and was finally presented at the moment of high collection. Modern equestrianism would be much enriched by greater lightness and balance if more riders today would remind themselves of this important principle and give it the attention which it deserves!
In the lunch break guests had the opportunity to look at the art exhibition by Larissa Enke from Tschatschikistan, who had arranged her work in the lunging hall.
A well attended talk on the subject of First Aid for Horses by the vet Georg Rattenhuber, completed this seminar day and many visitors stayed on into the evening at Gut Rosenhof to complete a pleasant day.
We would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone most warmly for their support of this year’s morning work sessions, and a most particular thank you to those who have attended on repeated occasions!
The first Sunday morning work session in 2012 is once again planned to take place on Mothers’ Day in May.

In pleasant late summer temperatures numerous guests again converged at Gut Rosenhof in order to gain some insight into the work of Anja Beran. Particularly visitors from Austria and Switzerland were, as usual, extremely well represented.
For the first time Anja Beran and Vera Munderloh presented the young Lusitano stallion, “Campeao” as part of the programme. The theme demonstrated with this attractive palomino was breaking in a green horse. Relaxed, willing and already well-balanced, he performed his first rounds on the lunge under Vera Munderloh.
The 4 year-old black Leutstettener stallion “Paitas” showed the next stage of training: the 3 basic gaits, first lateral movements and transitions between the gaits, as well as halting and back-reining. The large-framed black horse moved very smoothly and with good impulsion under Anja Beran’s pupil, Anna Jantscher. Finally, together with “Paitas”, Anja Beran also demonstrated how she introduces young horses to the piaffe and begins with the Spanish walk.
Naturally Jasmin Gärtner was also an integral part of the programme. On the Spanish stallion “Hechicero” she demonstrated the suppleness but also effectiveness which is required in the rider's seat.
The work-in-hand was again demonstrated by Anja Beran with the Lusitano “Olé”.
Subsequently Vera Munderloh presented the P.R.E. stallion “Ofendido”. The special gymnastics for a horse with certain asymmetries, but also how helpful the piaffe and passage are for the horse’s back are facts which are explained very impressively within this context. Ultimately Anja Beran and Vera Munderloh showed how you can teach a horse to kneel, a movement which “Ofendido” performed with obvious pleasure.
Anna Jantscher and the Lusitano stallion “Novilunio” were again an established part of the agenda on this informative morning. Canter work, including double changes and trot extensions from the collection, in this case developed from the piaffe, were presented by the pair harmoniously and with the polish of experience.
The Westphalian gelding “Flamingo” had a special premiere, because for the first time in a public setting he succeeded in presenting a whole series of canter changes on the third track without showing even the slightest indication of nervousness. An outstanding performance for this sensitive horse! He concluded his performance with an outstanding extended trot which Vera Munderloh developed from the passage, also bringing “Flamingo” back again into the passage.
The last horse to perform at this Sunday morning work session was, as so often, the Lusitano stallion “Pao”. Piaffe and passage and a demonstration of the “descente de main” represented the grand finale.
During the lunch break which followed guests had the opportunity of looking around Gut Rosenhof and also admiring the pictures of the Berlin artist Maike Josupeit. Expressive horses in the most advanced high school movements and powerful colours were distinctive features of the exhibition.
Most visitors subsequently listened to the lecture by the vet Georg Rattenhuber and had plenty of questions to ask on the subject of the lecture: first aid for horses.
On 2nd October the last Sunday morning work session of the year will be held at Gut Rosenhof. Anyone who would like to observe Anja Beran’s work once again this year, however, will also be able to do so on 18th December in Munich, in the winter quarters of Circus Krone. Then, together with Jana Mandana, she will demonstrate and explain work with dressage horses, but also with free horses, and in addition she will answer the question: “Classical dressage – does it make sense for all breeds of horses?“.

As a genuine “première“ in August, our most recent Sunday morning work session took place in autumnal temperatures under a constant downpour of rain. Nevertheless such unfortunate weather circumstances did not prevent interested horse lovers from coming to Gut Rosenhof in order to observe Anja Beran at work.
For the second time the programme started off with the young Lusitano “Ciclone”, with whom Anja Beran, Vera Munderloh and Anna Jantscher demonstrated their work with a Remonte (young, still green horse). The young Palomino was initially rather tense in the presence of so many spectators, nevertheless he was very well behaved and at the end even snorted with contentment at his own performance!
Some important explanations relating to the seat are an essential part of any Sunday morning work session. Jasmin Gärtner and the Spanish stallion “Hechicero” once again obliged with a practical demonstration.
Anja Beran and the Lusitano “Olé” presented work in-hand up to the level of the piaffe, passage and levade.
For the first time this year a Friesian stallion was presented: Gawain under Anna Jantscher, showed how subtely and lightly even such a large, hevy horse can react. The piaffe and Spanish walk were highlights in Gawain's repertoire.
It was particularly interesting for the guests who regularly attend the morning work sessions to experience the Lipizzaner stallion “Favory Toscana” once again. The talented stallion showed what impressive progress a horse can make over the course of some months when it goes into training without the burden of previous bad experiences. Beautiful demonstrations of the half-pass, piaffe, passage, polka and Spanish walk, as well as lateral movements at canter and a very attractive counter canter were part of the repertoire presented by “Favory” under Vera Munderloh. The entire performance reflected impressive "légèrité” and effortlessness.
Anna Jantscher presented the Lusitano stallion “Novilunio” in advanced-level canter work. Many half-passes with fast changes to counter shoulder-in and interim flying changes to two-tempi changes on the diagonal were completed harmoniously and elegantly by horse and rider. The piaffe and expressive trot extension at the end rounded off the performance impressively.
The Westphalian gelding “Flamingo” also showed good progress, smooth transitions at trot between travers and renvers, a passage half-pass immediately succeeded by a good trot extension as well as very impressive canter strides in half pirouettes represented particular highlights. For the first time Vera Munderloh was also able to show serial changes at canter on the circle without “Flamingo” becoming too nervous.
Finally Anja Beran, on the experienced “Pao”, again demonstrated how easy piaffe and passage can be when a horse is well gymnasticised and in balance.
On account of numerous questions from the spectators, the session was extended by 45 minutes which actually transpired to be a real stroke of luck because the rain then stopped just in time for the lunch break. Thus guests were able to enjoy a stroll through the grounds of Gut Rosenhof and also to take a look at the exhibition of paintings by the young artist, Yvonne Gärtner, before the vet, Georg Rattenhuber, gave his talk on the subject of emergency medical aid.

There wasn’t much summer atmosphere to be felt at the 3^rd morning work session this year, we experienced cold temperatures, but luckily no rain. Nevertheless numerous interested riders did not let themselves be dissuaded from visiting Gut Rosenhof.
Following the warm-up session with the Lusitano stallion “Regedor” and Anja Beran which took place as guests were arriving, the session continued immediately with the “breaking in” demonstration. A young Lusitano of rare Palomino colouring was lunged by Vera Munderloh who subsequently showed the correct way to proceed with very young horses under the saddle. Despite all stormy associations with the name “Cyclone”, this young Palomino coped perfectly calmly with his first public performance.
The popular presentation on the subject of the correct seat was an important part of the programme this time too and was demonstrated in experienced style again by Jasmin Gärtner on the Spanish stallion “Hechicero”.
Appearing for the second time at a morning work session was the “spoiled” Oldenburg mare “San Remo”. She was ridden in a double bridle this time and gave a rather more relaxed and coordinated presentation.
During this session Anja Beran presented the work in hand with the Lusitano “Xailee”. He was slightly excited on account of the unfamiliar setting and the spectators, nevertheless he was quite capable of showing lateral movements, piaffe, passage, Spanish walk as well as kneeling.
“Favory Toscana”, the young stallion belonging to Circus Krone, was next to enter the arena. Here the playful way in which work can progress if a horse begins training young and without any previous bad experiences could be clearly recognised. Under Vera Munderloh the Lipizzaner stallion showed all lateral movements, piaffe, passage, polka step, Spanish walk, counter-canter, medium trot and kneeling. This was all accomplished with great lightness and a high degree of motivation.
Anna Jantscher, the first Anja Beran Foundation scholarship holder, presented the Lusitano stallion “Novilunio”. Shoulder-in and half-passes at trot and canter, as well as canter change up to 2-tempi, trot-piaffe transitions as well as a beautiful trot extension were ridden with virtually invisible application of the aids.
The last horse on this Sunday morning was the Lusitano stallion “Super” under Vera Munderloh, riding side-saddle. As Gut Rosenhof is always keen to help preserve traditions, riding side-saddle has an important place here. “Super” was presented by his rider in the lateral movements as well as in piaffe, passage, canter pirouettes and in Spanish walk and thus represented a successful conclusion to the third morning work session!
After the lunch break and the talk by the vet Georg Rattenhuber a large group of visitors joined the guided tour of Gut Rosenhof and listened with interest to the background information which Anja Beran was able to give them about the yard and its inhabitants.

The second morning work session at Gut Rosenhof this year included a number of special highlights:
Work with a remonte this time was demonstrated by Anja Beran and her team with a Leutstettener stallion. The Leutstettener breed is based on Hungarian horses. In the past the Bavarian Royal Family used to keep a stud in Hungary with over 400 horses for the Bavarian army. Meanwhile the breed has become one of the domestic animal breeds threatened by extinction and today only very few of these horses remain. The well-built, black stallion “Pajtas” is one of the last of his kind, and he was able to convince the morning work guests by means of his beauty as well as his well-balanced temperament.
A correct and effective seat is an essential prerequisite in training a horse, and this was the credo of the subsequent demonstration. Jasmin Gärtner, riding the Spanish stallion “Hechicero” showed the most important aspects here whilst Anja Beran explained the most important criteria of seat and influence of the rider.
For the first time Vera Munderloh presented the Oldenburg mare “San Remo”. The attractive warmblood mare had been very badly treated and was considered to be unrideable. With great patience and a lot of effort it gradually became possible to mount her again and to ride her for a short time without rein contact. Meanwhile she can start to do some gymnastisising work: “San Remo” co-operates well in the initial lateral movements, she reacts well to the forward aids and her trust is increasing from day to day.
Using this mare as an example, Anja Beran explained how best to start work again with horses which had been badly treated and emphasised that calmness and patience were the most important factors in achieving success.
Olé, the Lusitano belonging to Anja Beran, was again part of the programme this time and provided some insight into work in hand.
Afterwards Vera Munderloh rode some lateral movements on the Cartujano stallion “Maestro” in order to demonstrate how to correct natural crookedness as the first theme of the presentation. The connection between piaffe, passage and the extended trot formed a further focal point, and here “Maestro” gave an outstanding performance in the collected as well as extended paces. Counter-canter and flying change on the circle followed and finally “Maestro” demonstrated the Polka walk, a preliminary to the Spanish walk, and finally the beginnings of the Spanish trot. 
Anna Jantscher and the Lusitano stallion ”Novilunio” were next to enter the arena. The significance of the bending exercises, especially for heavy stallion necks, was part of the supplying up phase. Afterwards shoulder-in and half-passes were shown at trot as well as canter and the development of series changes, up to 2-tempi changes, was presented on the diagonal.
Trot-piaffe-trot transitions and finally an impressive extended trot with good impulsion were the highlight of the presentation.
“Flamingo” the former problem horse, demonstrated good progress under his regular rider Vera Munderloh, from the initial stages of the pirouette to the passage-half pass, the sensitive Westphalian chestnut gelding is meanwhile very cooperative.
The last horse of the morning was the Lusitano horse “Pao” under Anja Beran. Following the warm-up and supplying up phase in different lateral paces at walk, the hostess of the morning explained the “Descente de Mains” according to the French equestrian master “La Guérinière”. A number of times she released “Pao” for short moments into “liberty based on honour” as the much respected horseman used to call it, by completely dispensing with any influence through rein and leg aids at the moments of highest collection, i.e. in the piaffe and passage and allowing “Pao” to continue working completely independently. Routine and professionalism made it possible for her, by means of a headset, to explain to spectators what she was demonstrating during the course of these difficult movements.
After the lunch break, which came to an abrupt end due to a heavy hail shower shortly before two o’clock, the vet Georg Rattenhuber gave a talk on the subject of “first aid” with horses.
In the lunging hall it was possible this time to admire the colourful pictures of the Polish artist Zenon Aniszewski.

In good time for Mother’s Day, Gut Rosenhof once again opened its gates for another Sunday work session.
The numerous visitors enjoyed summer-like temperatures as they wandered around the parkland which surrounds the yard and also had the opportunity of getting to know the four-legged residents.
The exhibition of wonderful horse sculptures by the sculptor Wolfgang Schaller provided another special attraction this Sunday.
As guests were arriving there was the opportunity to watch the two stallions Leviton and Pao being worked by Vera Munderloh and Anja Beran.
Following some words of welcome by the host, Prof Volkmar Nüssler, Anja Beran opened the programme with a demonstration of breaking in a young horse. The P.R.E. gelding presented here was already quite well-balanced as he was lunged in a caveson, also with our scholarship-holder Anna Jantscher in the saddle, he completed all 3 basic gaits obediently and in a concentrated manner with the rider making great efforts not to sit too heavily yet and to keep the horse’s back as free as possible at all times.
After that the Lipizzaner stallion Favory Toscana was presented at an already advanced stage of work. Wearing only a snaffle, he showed lateral movements at walk, trot and canter whilst Anja Beran explained the benefits and possibilities of working with the lateral movements in order to straighten the horse.
Counter canter, piaffe and passage as well as the “polka stride” which is so popular in circuses, but also the Spanish walk were presented as part of the programme. At the end Vera Munderloh and Anja Beran showed how a horse is taught to kneel - and Favory collaborated enthusiastically!
Next to enter the arena was a horse which came into training with problems at walk. Rubio, an impressive P.R.E. stallion ridden by Steffi Fuchs, demonstrated the enormous benefits of classical dressage in helping a horse to find its way back to a balanced gait. This example convincingly showed which exercises are important for such horses and what effects correct gymnastics can have.
Unless a rider has a sensitive and effective seat, any other knowledge about training methods is of little or no significance. Jasmin Gärtner on the Spanish stallion “Hechicero” presented elegant, sensitive application of the aids at walk, trot and canter and spectators were able to recognise quite clearly that riding is a matter of holistic body language rather than merely of hand and leg aids.
The Lusitano Olé, presented in hand by Anja Beran, was once again an integral part of the programme. He presented beautiful lateral movements, piaffe, passage, canter, Spanish walk, levade and kneeling  – in response to subtle signals from his trainer.
The Lusitano stallion ”Novilunio” under Anna Jantscher was the next horse to enter the arena. With great expression and  professional routine, he presented half-passes at trot and canter, canter changes up to 2 tempi, a very nice transition from trot to piaffe and back to trot again before going into the extended trot on the diagonal.

1st Conference of the Anja Beran Foundation at Circus Krone in Munich

On 5th December the Anja Beran Foundation invited the interested public to attend a special informative equestrian event at the premises of Circus Krone in Munich. “Training Horses with Feeling and Respect” was the title of the programme which Anja Beran had created in collaboration with the Junior Director, Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone.
The event began with a power point presentation to provide some insight into the history and significance of Classical Dressage. Anja Beran  gave a lively and informative talk, lasting almost one hour, on the subject, adding lots of information based on her daily work.
This was followed by practical demonstrations: breaking in a young horse, from first familiarisation with the saddle to first backing by the rider, and subsequently initial riding efforts on the lunge, were demonstrated and explained in clear detail. Astrid Galipo showed her experience and skill in the saddle. The unusual setting was quite daunting for the four-year old Lusitano – nevertheless he had lots of trust in his trainer and handled the situation very well.
The Cartujano stallion Maestro showed himself to be a young horse already fairly well advanced in the breaking-in procedure: Lateral movements at walk and trot, changes in tempi, canter on the right leg and counter-canter as well as a first flying change were all included in the programme – all impressively executed by Maestro. Touching with the whip for the first piaffe and passage steps worked magnificently, Maestro remained calm and relaxed. Anja Beran used this situation to demonstrate once again how important praise is for the motivation of a horse. At the end of Maestro’s performance she and Vera Munderloh showed how it is possible to persuade horses to kneel. Maestro didn’t need to be asked twice: 
Gently encouraged with the lunge and some treats, he knelt down before the wildly enthusiastic spectators.
This time, once again, gymnasticing work in hand with the Lusitano "Olé" was also an essential part of this special programme. The elegant grey horse quite obviously enjoyed demonstrating lateral movements, canter, piaffe, passage, levade, Spanish walk and kneeling with a playful légèrité and without any visible influence by Anja Beran.
The lunch break gave the guests an opportunity to chat amongst themselves, enjoy a snack or to do some Christmas shopping at the stands which were erected around the manege. Anticipation was then high for the second part of the event. It was a question here of the rider’s seat. Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone and her 24 year-old Lipizzaner stallion Favory Servola were the object of the demonstration, in which Anja Beran and the equestrian physiotherapist Sonja Leitenstern explained the most important criteria of a good seat, particularly with a view to the appropriate care of the horse’s back. The model of a human spine was used to give a visual dimension to the explanations.
Riding the experienced Lusitano stallion Pao, Anja Beran demonstrated how lightly a horse can move in the highest degree of collection. From the saddle, she commented on her application of the aids for the piaffe and passage whilst Pao, apparently quite effortlessly, presented these difficult movements in the manege. Incidentally, the diameter of the circle at the circus is only 12 metres.
The Westphalian gelding Flamingo under Vera Munderloh were the next ones to demonstrate their ability in the circus atmosphere – and the former “problem horse” proved how much can be achieved through patience, feeling and composure. Although the elegant chestnut horse was not able to disguise his sensitivity, he gave a very convincing performance for his first appearance in a manege. He presented lateral movements, piaffe, passage, Spanish walk and Spanish trot as well as collected canter on the circle followed by relaxed cantering on yielded reins with great expression and lightness.
The last riding horse on this special equestrian day was the 23 year-old Lipizzaner stallion Siglavy Dagmar belonging to Circus Krone. His rider Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone presented him predominantly in canter work. Half-passes, pirouettes and canter changes including single tempi changes around the entire circle were executed to perfection. Once again the two Lipizzaner stallions belonging to Circus Krone demonstrated the significance of correct classical training: At an age of over 23 years, they are both very healthy and able to participate wholeheartedly!
A very striking aspect during all the rides was the relaxed, calm atmosphere and the great harmony which existed between the horses and riders, as well as the impressive lightness with which all movements were presented!
During the last stage of the event the many attentive guests were able to gain an insight into an extremely fascinating part of the horse world which indeed remains relatively unknown to many riders: free dressage. Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone began her demonstration with the licensed Shetland stallion Fury – a complete beginner in dressage just at the stage of learning the “ABC of free dressage”: moving on the lunge, halting and call, in other words reacting to his name being called and approaching his trainer in the centre of the manege (which is naturally rewarded with a treat).
Two young Arab stallions from the Principal and State Stud of Marbach were next to enter the manege. With great spirit and youthful exuberance, they presented some very difficult choreography such as circles and moving alongside each other.
Subsequently they were joined by a further six Arab stallions and competently presented by Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone in a wide variety of different figures.
A highlight of any free dressage presentation is the rearing movement and, of course, it had to be included here. With one of her stallions she showed the spectators how this impressive exercise is prepared and where very particular attention is required. The most important point for all riders present: Please do not try to copy this exercise at home! A horse which is used for riding purposes should never be taught how to rear. This could be extremely dangerous. At the circus, therefore, only horses which are not ridden are trained to rear in free dressage.
A dynamically rearing grey horse, able to cross the entire manege on its hind legs, formed the grand finale of this informative day.
The spectators expressed their thanks and appreciation with overwhelming applause for Jana Mandana Lacey-Krone and Anja Beran for this successful premiere and a great wealth of new ideas for their work at home. And the level of interest was obviously high because at the end of the presentation numerous visitors were waiting in the foyer, hoping for a chance to ask their own specific questions.
On account of the success and the demand, it was soon very clear that such a day would be repeated by the Anja Beran Foundation in Circus Krone. We are very much looking forward to this event and wish you all a HAPPY AND HEALTHY 2011.

Golden October sunshine and a beautiful blue sky presented an attractive backdrop for guests to the last Sunday morning work session at the Rosenhof this year. Accordingly, Anja Beran’s indoor school was once again filled to the last place and visitors not only watched the presentations with great interest and attention, they also asked a lot of qualified questions which Anja Beran answered with her customary attention to detail.  

As usual there was something on offer for every rider and equestrian enthusiast. The spectrum ranged from breaking in to first piaffe steps, and work with horses in need of correction was also a subject. Anja Beran and her team ensured smooth running of the entire event and presented the individual horses in a competent and experienced way.

In the lunch break guests had the opportunity to admire works by the artist Monika Bartsch from Karlsruhe and to take a stroll across the well-kept grounds of Gut Rosenhof before the talk given by the vet Georg Rattenhuber took place at 14:00 h.

This was the last Sunday morning work session in 2010. The Rosenhof will not sink into winter slumbers, however. Rather the contrary is the case - whilst the Sunday morning work sessions will not be taking place again until May 2011, Anja Beran will be presenting her work on 5 December 2010 at the first symposium of the Anja Beran Foundation at the Circus Krone in Munich. Together with Krone Junior Director, Jana Mandana, Anja Beran will be giving some insight into free dressage.

Beautiful late summer weather and the opportunity to gain some new ideas and impressions on the subject of classical dressage once again attracted a considerable number of visitors to Gut Rosenhof on the first Sunday in September.
There was indeed plenty for them to see: practical presentations covering the entire spectrum of classical dressage – from breaking in the young horse to high school dressage movements with horses at an advanced stage of training. Anja Beran informed spectators about the theory, explained the method of procedure and referred to some aspects which require particular attention. She clarified these points by presenting problem horses for which Anja Beran was working on solutions based on calm, patience and gymnasticising.
The informed and qualified visitors were able to ask their own specific questions after every horse, thus collecting valuable advice about how to work with their own horses at home.
The two-hour work session was followed by a lunch break after which the vet Georg Rattenhuber gave a talk about equine dentistry.
During the break visitors furthermore had the opportunity of contacting the "Pferd und Mehr" stand to find out more about the “Anja Beran” saddle made by Passier.
The artist Maike Josupeit from Berlin exhibited her pictures – dedicated exclusively to the mounted shepherds and cattle of the Italian Maremma - in the round arena where visitors also were able to admire them at their leisure.
Particularly attractive on account of the wonderful weather was a walk around Gut Rosenhof where our guests were able to take a look at our "zoo" with rabbits, hens, ducks, pigeons, pot-bellied pigs and red deer.

On the first Sunday in August the gates at Gut Rosenhof were once again open for a Sunday morning work session.
In beautiful summer weather and with all seats fully booked, Anja Beran and her team provided interesting insight into Classical Dressage. The programme began as usual with Anja Beran and her impressive Lusitano stallion Regedor, which she rode as guests were arriving.
After the words of welcome by Professor Volkmar Nüssler, Phönix entered the arena. With the three-year-old Appaloosa Anja Beran demonstrated the first steps on the lunge, tacking up and becoming accustomed to the rider. Above all Anja Beran pointed out what it is essential to avoid with a young horse and what is absolutely necessary as far as fundamental training is concerned.
Afterwards Vera Munderloh presented the Lipizzaner stallion Favory Toscana. The very supple stallion can meanwhile do initial lateral movements at walk and trot, canter on confidently as well as first attempts at piaffe, passage and Spanish walk. Finally Anja Beran also demonstrated with him how she teaches a horse to do a typical circus movement, in other words kneeling.
Next it was the turn of the Lusitano stallion Novilunio under Astrid  Galipo. Following the suppling up phase, he already showed lateral movements at canter, counter canter and some very nice flying changes.
Regular visitors to the Sunday morning work sessions always await him eagerly: Olé, Anja Beran’s charming grey Lusitano is always an integral part of the programme. In-hand and with only a neck band, he showed fine reactions and great application in all movements.
Just as Olé, the dun stallion Ramsés features regularly in the presentation. On Ramsés, Jasmin Gärtner gave an impressive demonstration of a calm, supple rider’s seat. Flying changes on the circle, Spanish walk and Spanish trot are the movements at which Ramsés particularly excels – his enthusiasm for them is obvious.
The last horse in the Sunday morning work session was the Westphalian Flamingo under his regular rider Vera Munderloh. Our former “problem horse” performed well. Although bursting with temperament, he remained controllable and demonstrated – for the first time in front of a large number of spectators – calmly executed flying changes and his impressive extended trot out of the passage.
In the lunch break guests had the opportunity to admire the pictures of the famous equestrian painter Renate Blank, before continuing at 14.00h with a lecture by the vet Georg Rattenhuber on the subject of “Healthy Teeth for Horses”.
Most of the guests stayed on a lot longer at Gut Rosenhof and enjoyed a stroll around the well-kept grounds and the opportunity to look at the horses and all the other animals.