Tim Rogers Blog – International Event Rider
Annapurna are proud sponsors of Tim Rogers Eventing.
Tim is currently training in Germany & will be giving Annapurna weekly diary entries of his journey.
Week 1: Diary of my time at Markus Gribbe’s yard in Germany
Quick flight from Stansted to Bremen (in the north of Germany) and was relieved to be picked up by another Brit as my German is useless! Back to yard and on first impressions it’s exactly what you would expect from a German yard. Very neat. Very tidy and very efficient. Lovely big indoor arena and a lot of quality horses.
First few days and I am expected to fit right into their routine. 6.45 start mucking out then try to get most of the riding done by lunch time. Afternoons for me; more riding of young horses on another yard and then finishing horses ready for the night.
In the equestrian world there is an assumption that as I am an event rider, we are jack of all trades having to do dressage, showjumping and cross country. That stereotype was definitely put on me, so when I was put on my first pure dressage horse I really wanted to show what I have been working on for the last 10 years! It’s very much a different way of riding, as these horses are almost 2 meters tall and one big power house, specifically bred and trained for one job. It’s hard work but very rewarding and when it goes right it like taming a lion to be able to ballroom dance, and when it’s not, it’s like being eaten by it!
Over the past few days I have had the privilege of riding some real top horses and some of the best training in the world. I am told that next week, the training is upped again so hopefully I won’t be too out of my depth! So far I’m keeping head above water and I’m really enjoying it.
For more information on Tim & to follow him live, check out his twitter.
