1996-2000
If you don't have money, you need some talent and lots of luck. I was so lucky to learn on Wendigo a 4th level dressage horse and then continue my learning on Waipiti and Primeur that were both Prix St. George horses. After Primeur and Waipiti were retired I rode Whoopy and Armani, both young horses of Waipitis owner and both in training with Christoph. The death of my beloved Pitti and the sale of Whoopy changed my relationship to Anne in a way that could not be fixed by Armani and decided to stop riding for her.
Me on Whoopy
Whoopy
4 yo Warmblood Mare
Befor Anne bought Armani she had Whoopy. Whoopy looked like Waipiti but I think was unable to cope with the expectations of Christoph and Anne. I got the feeling she became insecure because she was given the feeling she was not good enough and this is something that destroys a horse from the inside. I never gave her that feeling, but always told her that she is good the way she is and that she can reach the stars if she wants to. Because Anne was so disappointed with Whoopy she stopped spending money at training with Christoph and I rode Whoopy. I remember her watching me one day and saying: "She is better with you than with Christoph." Next thing I remember was that Whoopy and I were taken to Christoph's barn for a lesson. The last thing you need as a trainer is a girl riding horses betten than you and so Christoph pretend giving me a lesson, but then went to the farest corner of the arena where Anne couldn't hear and he told me to take the reins short and push with the leg in walk and that made her lose her pure walk and turn into camel walk. Anne didn't hear what Christoph was telling me, but saw what Whoopy was doing and she freaked out. The last thing you want to see in a dressage horse is the camel walk and so I was not allowed to ride Whoopy again. And short after she was sold.
Me on Armani
Armani
6 yo Warmblood Gelding sired by Airport
After Whoopy was sold and Waipiti had to be put to sleep Anne asked me to ride her newcomer Armani. This amazing gelding was trained by Christoph Kleimeyer and was showing high level dressage at his very young age. It was really a pleasure to work him.