The Trainer's Voice
Did you ever wonder what it would be like to work with a trainer from Europe--or, specifically, from Germany? Did you ever wonder why German riders are so successful--or how their approach to riding and training differs from what we usually see in the United States?
If so, here's your chance to listen in as Tom Friedrich talks about the principles of classical German riding.
February 18th, 2011
Last season was a total success for Verden show team riders. Even though most of the team was very inexperienced at the start of the season, their progression was rapid throughout 2010. The AKF Summer series was a spring board for the junior team. With less than ten prior horse shows under their collective belts, these young riders dominated the indoor classes. My congratulations to Tori Snow, Jessica Doak, Chianne Degan, Ashley Merrill and Justine Searle for not only a job well done but the desire to learn and implement their knowledge into better rides. Justine Searle in her first show season captured the championship in both Groundpole Eq and Pleasure. Jessica Doak won the champion in the 2' #2division. Chianne Deegan took champion in x-rails 2 as well as reserve champion in x-rail. Chianne also took champion in the 2' division. Tori Snow came home champion in x-rail 1, 2' #1 division and reserve champion in 2'3. Tori also proudly achieved overall grand champion junior rider for the series. I am looking forward to the 2011 season at AKF where some of these young riders will begin competing in the outdoor ring and challenge themselves in the higher divisions. I'm also proud to say that the Varsity team will be riding at AKF this season to challenge the grand championship place for senior riders.
Our first steps into the eventing world in 2010 were through Amy Christensen who moved through BN and competed at such prestigeous events such as GHF, Valinor, Coursebrook and the Green Acres series. Having competed succesfully, Amy will be riding the rated Novice divisions in 2011. Her rides inspired other riders at the barn to experience eventing and for the first time in Verden history five riders competed at the Horse Trials at Green Acres Stables in Madbury NH. I think the eventing bug has bitten most of my riders and Verden will expand into this discipline for the 2011 season.
I was very pleased with the performance of our dressage team. Throughout the season they fine tuned their rides and we saw scores in the 60's and 70's become achievable expectations. Special thanks here to Christina Sieber who has been leading the dressage charge for years at Verden Stables.
The only setback last season, was that the long awaited Grande Prix debut of our Assistant Trainer Elena Pavlyukova was not able to happen. Ten days before the expected entry into the Fidelity, in a routine excercise session, Alfredo K her designated grande Prix jumper lost his footing in front of a warm up jump which resulted in a major concussion and multiple stitches not to mention and very heartbroken rider. Luckily for us and the show team, Elena is back to her old self giving everyone a hard time and asking for more than anyone wants to give. We're now looking forward to an even grander debut in this year's Grande Prix.
Overall I'm extremely proud to be with Verden and not on the receiving end of a major beating by our show riders in the 2011 season. If you thought we were strong in 2010, just wait and see what we do in 2011. I also want to acknowledge our first fan letter from Turkey. Thank you Oguz Demirbuken, we are putting together a special package for you!
Thomas Friedrich
Head Trainer, Verden Stables
