IN OUR THOUGHTS

With deep sadness we announce that our colleague, friend and longtime companion Rider Harald Bauer has passed away. In this difficult time, we extend our condolences to his family and relatives.

The management and staff of the Spanish Riding School - Federal Stud Piber

 

If you would like to express your sympathy, please find a book of condolences for Harald Bauer in the visitor center of the Spanish Riding School.

For those who are not able to express their sympathy into the book of condolences personally, we offer the possibility to write an e-mail (info@srs.at), we will transfer your dedication into the book of condolences.

Harald you are invisible now but not absent! 

Spanische Hofreitschule Fotos IV

Here is the last photo for now. These last 3 photos were taken at about the same time. Atjan was helpful with the Courbette photo. He believes the rider is Irbinger. I believe they are from the 1940's. Thanks to all for your help.

Emil Volkers

Some of the works of Emil Volkers from "Abbildungen vorzüglicher Pferde-Rassen" (Illustrations of Excellent Breeds of Horses), by Emil Volkers 1880

Emil Volkers (1831-1905): German painter, lithographer. He is known for his landscape and animal scenes. For a time he worked for the Prince of Romania in Bucharest, but most of his career was spend in Düsseldorf.

Need help on my journey

Last year, when my Paint, Mingo, died, I bought myself a 4-year-old Morab stallion, had him gelded and planned to make him my next great trail horse.  He was untrained, so I was starting from the beginning.  His name is Smokin' Cole Train.

Training went well.  A week after starting to ride, I already had Cole on the trail, and he enjoyed it as much as I did.  I rode a little in the arena last fall, but with weekends and a lot of vacation time, I spent most of it on the trail.

When the weather got bad and the days got short, I brought him back into the arena on a regular basis.  It was slow going, at first.  The adjustment was tough for both of us.  A few months later, an amazing thing happened.  My little horse (14.2) transformed into something I never expected.  His trot became magical!  I spent several months riding him and seeing people's reaction to his movement before I could get my sister to video him for me.  Not only was I shocked by what I saw, he kept getting better and better.  I struggled to figure out how to ride it--there is so much impulsion--unlike any other horse I have ever ridden.

Come spring, I found myself back on the trail.  I can't resist trail riding.  It is my passion.  I have only been working him in the arena once or twice a week for months, now.

I've been told I should sell him and make a lot of money, but I know that I will probably never have such a talented horse, again.  Besides, he is a great trail horse! 

This winter, I am trying to work up a plan to school him in dressage.  My disadvantage is a lack of money.  There is no way I can afford lessons or a trainer.  I have to do this on my own.  As I have no intention of competing, I can take my time and just enjoy the journey.

Anyway, the reason I am writing this is that I could use some advice as to good books that might aid in my journey.  I have some and, for the most part, I understand the theories behind classical dressage.  I have always trained my horses in that direction, but we never got far because as soon as the weather warmed up, I was back out on the trail. 

With a horse with so much natural talent, I feel I would be doing a disservice to both of us not to see how far we can go. 

Any advice would be greatly appreciated.

Thank you in advance.