Photo highlights from the 13th International Workshop – Get the Spirit!
Day 1
We dedicated the opening of our 13th International Workshop entirely to the training of young horses—and our up-and-coming talents could hardly have presented themselves better. Despite the unfamiliar setting and the large audience, all the horses remained focused, calm, and trusting. It was truly wonderful to see the confidence and ease with which these young horses carried themselves in such a unique atmosphere—a start that left us feeling proud and grateful.
The day’s topics included:
- What are the first steps with a young horse? How do you begin?
- Getting to know the horse and building trust is the top priority!
- The horse’s individual traits?
- Basic groundwork depends on the horse’s character and physical strength.
- For us, it’s about building a lifelong relationship!
Ernst Lorenz captured some lovely impressions of this first day.
Day 2
The second day of our “Get the Spirit” international workshop focused on one of the core tasks of classical training: how to successfully improve a horse’s balance and straightness through systematic work. After all, rhythm, balance, and well-developed musculature are far more than just training goals—they form the foundation for keeping a horse healthy and capable of performing over the long term. Through both theory and practice, it became clear how classical gymnastic exercises can help correct natural crookedness and guide the horse, step by step, toward greater physical balance.
The day’s topics included:
- Analysis of the horse regarding weaknesses, crookedness, and the selection of the next training steps – a list of priorities!
- What should be improved first?
- Don’t try to work on everything at once!
- How do I build up training and at what intensity?
Maresa Mader accompanied us during this workshop day and captured many wonderful moments.
Tag 3
Coming soon…
The day’s topics included:
- Which high school movements should I start with?
- What makes sense for the individual horse?
- When should certain exercises initially be left out?
- What can a logical training progression look like in general?
- Choice of bit?
Maresa Mader accompanied us during this workshop day and captured many wonderful moments.
Day 4 – A Tribute to Nuno Oliveira!
A truly special evening took place at Gut Rosenhof as part of the international workshop! Anja Beran had the honor of welcoming Pureza Oliveira, daughter of the Portuguese riding master Nuno Oliveira—what an honor it was! Pureza began by giving a presentation about her father, highlighting key milestones in his life. Nuno Oliveira loved the music of Verdi, so the indoor arena was subsequently transformed into an opera hall; a female vocalist and a tenor gave a magnificent performance while Anja Beran presented the Lusitano stallion Osama. It was an unforgettable moment that gave everyone goosebumps and even moved most of the guests to tears—pure emotion! Thank you to Pureza Oliveira, Nicole Ciroth, and Timo Pfeffer!
The day’s topics included:
- What role do circus (trick) exercises play?
- Is in-hand work a must?
- When is it useful?
- Variety in the daily training routine.
Maresa Mader accompanied us during this workshop day and captured many wonderful moments.
Tag 5
Coming soon…
The day’s topics included:
- Das Pferd wird vorwärts-aufwärts geritten – Versammlung entsteht auf natürliche Weise als Ergebnis guter gymnastischer Arbeit!
- Die Persönlichkeit unseres Pferdes ist nun voll gereift und tritt in den Vordergrund. Möge sie stolz, schön und voller Selbstvertrauen sein.
Maresa Mader accompanied us during this workshop day and captured many wonderful moments.
