Word seems to be spreading around the world: respectful training, tailored to the needs of the horse, makes good sense and is highly desirable. Participants from 14 different countries arrived in Allgäu for the International Workshop to enjoy the benefits of seeing Anja Beran and her team at work, and to follow their presentations attentively for five days. On the basis of very different horse breeds – ranging from Arab, P.R.E., Lusitano, Lipizzaner, Kladruber and Friesian to warmbloods, some of them from the Principal and State Stud of Schwaiganger – the fundamental features of classical dressage were explained, demonstrated and experienced. From the initial work with the remonte, by means of step-by-step schooling to haute école – training of the seat as the basis of all work, culminating in a content, chewing horse which performs difficult movements such as the piaffe, passage or pirouettes with an air of lightness.
As always, the wonderful and inspiring week received plenty of positive feedback from the participants:
This was the second/third time we participated in the ”Get the spirit”-Workshop and we are impressed by the variation in content over the years, and in the program this year. We enjoyed all the practical examples very much, and feel that we have learned a lot from them. It was very interesting to see and explore differences between breeds, ages and types of horses and how this affects the training. For us, riding warmbloods, it was particularly interesting to see the similarities and differences between the work with that breed and the work with Iberian horses. We find this workshop extremely useful and inspiring and plan to return over the coming years!
Anna-Lena and Eva from Sweden
I am coming back every year since its inception in 2011 because there is always so much to learn that I can take home to my horses. I am using what I learn from these workshops instead of taking lessons and it has brought us much further than any instructor in my area would ever be able to. The images of beautiful riding and balance stay with me and improve my riding as I am aiming at achieving something similar.
Michaela Hempen (veterinarian and equine clicker trainer) from Italy
Thank you for another great Workshop. Once again I came home equipped with knowledge and tools to help me continue the journey with my horse and in the constant pursuit of improving my own riding and training abilities.
Diane Gifford from U.S.A.
It was a most inspiring and helpful clinic and Gut Rosenhof is just beautiful. To be surrounded by like-minded classical dressage enthusiasts was a lovely experience and I valued every moment. All of the demonstrations and lectures were very informative and have certainly given me lots of homework!
Sarah from Cyprus
We definitely “Got the spirit” and the inspiration from the Workshop! Loved every minute of it. Learned a lot. It is always a joy to come together with people who share a vision, and listening to everything you tell/explain and show is so inspiring.
Beda from the Netherlands
This is a truly outstanding view into how dressage is for the horse and not the horse is for dressage! Truly beautiful and an inspiration in my daily work at home with my horses – thank you! We will be back annually.
Claire from South Africa
It is wonderful to see how the riders and horses progress year by year, particularly the young ones we have seen from the start like the Malakil, Safi and Nadal. It is difficult to imagine where any student could go to learn more, to find such variety of horses to ride, the stimulation of new disciplines to try, and such exemplary classical trainers than at Gut Rosenhof.
Mary from UK
For me as a riding instructor, participating in this workshop is always like a little vacation. The atmosphere is great and you can watch only good, harmonious riding the whole week – a recovery for all senses. At the same time, the event is a great source of inspiration for my own work. There is a lot to see and to learn everytime, that’s why the workshop is an absolute highlight for me every year.
Claudia (riding instructor) from Germany
