Dressage Daily Coverage of Red Hawk’s Young Horse Program
Dressage Daily (January 26, 2007)
Spotlight on Young Horse Training with Katrin Burger — Part 1
By text and photos by Charlene Strickland
Murrieta, California, January 14-15, 2007
To bring a young horse to FEI level requires basic training focused on classical principles. California trainers absorbed an intensive short course in correct dressage training at the Young Horse Development Program, instructed by Katrin Burger of the Verband der Züchter des Oldenburger Pferdes.
Burger is the Deputy Director of the Verband, based in Vechta, Germany. She holds the German Gold Riding Badge, and in 2004 rode “French Kiss” to the World Championship as a 6-year-old.
Red Hawk Ranch hosted the program, attended by over 100 West Coast riders, trainers, and judges. Owners Bob and Lynn DeGour, breeders since 1990, have 43 horses at their ranch and in Germany that represent top European bloodlines. Twelve demonstration riders worked with Burger over the two days.
In this installment, join us to learn German approaches to training young horses that are only a year under saddle. Burger focused on basic elements of the training scale: rhythm, suppleness, and swing. For these young horses, she said, “Think about making the gaits correct. For me, the gaits are the most important thing. In the first year, you can think only about making the gaits perfect.”
She emphasized rhythm in walk, trot, and canter, and how the rider can help the horse move in tempo. With every young horse, Burger repeated variations of “forward and active behind.” Volando demonstrated a ground-covering canter. “Ride him with the leg to the hand, and over the back,” Burger told rider Niki Hall. “He has to learn to hold the rhythm.”
January 29, 2007
Dressage Daily Coverage of Young Horse Program
Friday January 26, 2007
Spotlight on Young Horse Training With Katrin Burger Part 2
By text and photos by Charlene Strickland
To prepare a horse for the FEI 5-year-old or 6-year-old test requires a talented prospect and correct training. At the Young Horse Development Program at Red Hawk Ranch, California trainers practiced elements of these tests. This installment follows Part 1 of our coverage of this program.
Katrin Burger of the Verband der Züchter des Oldenburger Pferdes instructed riders of young horses. She described the Young Horse tests as “not a dressage test. It’s more important to see the potential, and to see a good ridden horse. It is not so important if there are small mistakes.” Quality of gaits remains a major factor in the tests. In trot and canter, the judges score the gait from the first step, looking for energy and activity. Judges want to see uphill movement.
“You should start to canter up with the withers, not with the croup,” said Burger. Manhattan, ridden by Sheryl Kunkle, showed an uphill canter. Burger described the horse as, “The hocks are going under the body, and it looks very easy.”
She also praised Welcome, who demonstrated the 5-year-old test with David Wightman, for the walk. “The walk is very good in the rhythm.” She added, “Most people only look at the hoofprint in the walk, but the activity is more important.”
And she suggested getting maximum points for a good walk, even before the test begins. “Come in at a good walk. Even though you are not being judged yet, the judges can remember what they first see.”
January 26, 2007
Feedback from the 1st-ever Young Horse Development Program Hosted by the German Oldenburg Verband and Red Hawk Ranch
westwind: Posted: Wed Jan 17, 2007 7:42 pm
Post subject: Young Horse Specialist [Professional Development] Program
I was there. Yes, it was freezing! I applaud the riders who had the nerve to ride Monday in that bone-chilling wind. It was incredibly valuable for me to see horses less than 6 mos. under saddle, 6-12 mos., 1 yr, 2 yr., & 3 yr. under saddle.
Seeing the handling, training & expectations of these various levels in a strange situation was fantastic!
Also the in-hand work & commentary was great! Katrin welcomed questions from the auditors & gave thoughtful, insightful answers.
I also really appreciated that each horse’s breeding & level of training were announced, and Katrin commented on how the various bloodlines affect their movement & training.
Thanks to the riders for showing us the range of what young horses can do, & what we can expect from them—both the truly inspiring & the not-so-perfect horses were great learning experiences.
Thanks also to Lynn & Bob for making it happen, for being such gracious hosts, & for sharing their lovely yearlings & 2-yr-old moving free in the arena while Katrin commented on their qualities, movement, & how the various stages of growth affect those aspects.
Also, thanks to Holly for encouraging the Verband to send Katrin out for this most valuable seminar—I hope it is the first of many more!
Finally, thanks to Katrin for her unwavering energy in that bitter cold, her tremendous patience in answering our questions, & for sharing her vast experience with us over 2 very full & enlightening days.
Vice World Champion “Sir Donnerhall”
2001 Dark Bay 16.2 hands
11/06/2005 Sir Donnerhall Stuns the 70 Day Jury!
At his recent completion of his 70 day stallion performance test, Sir Donnerhall delighted everybody with his grace and athletic ability, not to mention his wonderful and calm temperament. He received 9.5 on trot, 9.8 on canter, 8.3 on walk, 10 on rideability. With an amazing 163 points in dressage, Sir Donnerhall has received the highest score since records were started over 100 years ago. The Oldenburg Verband Approved Sir Donnerhall last year after judging his wonderful gaits, good jumping technique and an super willingness to work. Everyone expects the Hanoverian Verband to approve Sir Donnerhall for their mares also. He is a half-brother to 2005 Bundeschampion participant SAMARANT. Sir Donnerhall’s combined\overall score was the best in class, 151.
“Fidertanz”
Bay, 2002, 16.2 hands
“Fidertanz” was the absolute star at the 2004 Westphalian Main Stallion Approvals. He inspired standing ovations as the undisputed Champion Stallion. He has three exceptional gaits, skill at the fence, an easy going temperament and an overall impression that leaves nothing to be desired.
His sire, “Fidermark,” was his Stallion Performance Test winner and Bundeschampion. He also has wins at Grand Prix. The grandsire, “Ravallo,” also won his Stallion Performance Test with an index of 155 (dressage 157.52 – 1st place, jumping 127.7 – 5th place).
“Frühlingstraum II” is deemed one of the pillars of Westphalian breeding.
Through “Romadour II,” “Fidermark” is inbred three times (in the fourth through six generations) with founding stallion, “Ramzes” (Anglo-Arab). The dam, granddam and great granddam were all State Premium mares and competed in final rings at their respective Mare Performance Tests. This dam line has produced numerous licensed sons and many of their off-spring that have competed at FEI levels.
“Fidertanz” completed his 30 Day Stallion Performance Test in Neustadt/Dosse as the winner with very high scores and was Bundeschampionship Vice Champion where he received a score of 9.5 from the test riders.
A “Fidertanz” colt sold at the August 2006 Elite Oldenburg Foal Auction in Vechta for 62,000 Euro.
For 2007, “Fidertanz” is bred to “Red Hawk’s Delaware Bay,” purchased at Baden Württemberg’s Elite Auction in Riedlingen. Her sire is a “Donnerhall” son, named “Davignon,” whose damsire is Elite Trakhener “Caprimond” (sire of “Hohenstein”). This mare’s damsire is “Lanciano” (sire of “Lord Sinclair”). “Delaware Bay’s damline is further influenced by Hannoverian superstar “Grande.”
News on “Quaterback”
Judy Yancy 01/24/2007: We are getting close to delivery for our Quaterback semen. The technician has done an excellent job, and the Leader of Brandenburg gave us extra weeks for collection, so our supply will be fine. The price per dose will be $750. The quality of the semen looks great, with most collections being 50% progressive post thaw motility. He is an outcross type. He ’ s a Fidertanz type mover, very expressive, very kind, with old blood from Brandenburg; Quaterman (Quando-Quando by Quattro) out of a good stallion Brandenburger (Beach Boy - Wenderkreis) then out of the excellent mare Poesie by Brentano II -; she is dam of Poetin , and the Samba Hits I, II, III, and IV. Downside….he could be another “freak” like Florencio and not reproduce his quality. This is his first year of breeding.
December 1, 2006 e-warmblood forum
New sensation “Quaterback” made a huge debut in Oldenburg last weekend. He is stationed at the Brandenburg Landgestuet in Neustadt/Dosse. His sire is Quaterman (Quando - Quando by Quatro B) and his dam line is that of the good mare “Poesie” by Brentano II who produced “Poetin”, and all the Samba Hits.
Winner Bundeschampionat 3yo Stallion 2006
Scores for the Bundeschampionat: Trot; 9.5 Canter: 10, walk:
7.5 Conformation: 9.5 and Overall Impression: 9.5
I’ve just looked at the video of Quaterback now. It’s the first time I’ve seen it, and I can see what you’re all raving about! He really is just spectacular!!! Doing the Florencio comparison that everyone seems to be doing, I must admit I don’t think I like his hindleg action quite as much as Florencio’s [???], but, my god! This boy is only a baby. I’ve got footage of Florencio competing as a four year old, and I think Quaterback leaves him well behind overall at that age, so can only imagine how special he’ll be in the right hands as he matures
January 12, 2007
Young Horse Development Program
| January 14 and 15 (Sunday and Monday)
—————- Program 9:15 Starting the young horse (lunging and long-lining) 10:45 Break LUNCH 2:00 Expectations of the young horse with 2 yrs under saddle Day 1 focus will be on day-to-day exercises, Day 2 focus will be on the Young Horse Tests |
January 8, 2007
Young Horse Development Program Logistics
Quick answers to some common questions:
Plan on arriving on Sunday between 7:30 and 8:00 am to allow time for registering and getting a cup of coffee.
This is NOT an appropriate venue to bring children who are non-riders and/or cannot sit still for several hours at a time. Please be reminded that the tuition cost is $50 regardless of age.
This is NOT the time and place to bring your pet or barn dogs. They will not be allowed on the property during this event.
Lunch will be available to order when you register OR you can bring your own (see details below).
There will be signs directing you to the event once you get into La Cresta. Directions are on our website under “Facility.”
Rain backup will be at Kathleen Raine and David Wightman’s farm, Adventure Farms, five minutes away.
There will be no parking for auditors inside the gates of Red Hawk Ranch. Parking will be available along the lane leading up to the ranch (watch for signs). We need to leave complete fire access within the property as well as access for horses being trailered in and out. Volunteers will be parking at the back of the property.
We look forward to meeting you and sharing this opportunity to learn from one of Germany’s finest young horse specialists - see you Sunday!
January 5, 2007
Registration for Dinner/Discussion with Katrin Burger closes out on Sunday, January 7!!!
If you are planning on staying for the Sunday evening dinner/open discussion with Katrin, we need your reservation NO LATER THAN SUNDAY, January 7th.
For planning purposes, we will not be able to add anyone after this date.
If necessary, you can call us (again, NLT Sunday he 7th) at 951-696-0265 to let us know.
Young Horse Development Program Schedule
Sunday, Monday, January 14th and 15th, Red Hawk Ranch
Opening remarks will be at 8:30 each day, so auditors are reminded to plan on arriving between 7:30 and 8:00 to get registered, have a cup of coffee and get situated.
The morning will start with two demonstrations of in-hand work with young horses being prepared for backing, including one that may get backed for the first time that morning. This will be followed with two horse/rider demonstrations of training objectives and expectations for the young horse with less than 6 months under saddle, then two more horse/rider combinations demonstrating the training of a young horse from 6 months to a year.
The program will break for lunch at approximtaley 12 pm. Auditors should plan on bringing lunch, or can sign up for one of four lunch choices when registering.
- Turkey breast sub sandwich
- Italian meat sub sandwich
- Personal sized Peperoni and cheese pizza
- Personal sized cheese pizza
Purchased lunch will include a choice of beverage (soda or water) and chips. Cost is expected to be $8
Morning coffee and snacks as well as an afternoon snack break are being provided by Red Hawk Ranch.
The afternoon session will begin at 1pm with horse/rider combinations demonstrating training objectives for horses that are 1 year under saddle, then two years under saddle. The day will conclude with demonstration rides of horses with three years under saddle.
Each day’s riding program is expected to conclude around 4 pm. On Sunday, a wine tasting hosted by the Temecula Valley Wine Company is expected to start immediately after. The dinner and discussion with Katrin Berger will start after the wine tasting and is limite to those who have pre-registered on line by Sunday, January 7th.
Confirmed demonstration riders and their horses currently include Kathleen Raine and the mare, “Breanna,” David Wightman and the gelding, “Wellcome,” Jo Moran and the gelding, “Redondo,” Jaye Cherry and the mare, “Inspired,” Niki Hall and the gelding, “Volando,” as well as Laurie Falvo Doyle and Robin Garrett (horses to be determined).
Auditors currently represent five western states and Canada.