2400 dedicated dressage enthusiasts journeyed in icy conditions to enjoy a two day training convention by Klaus Balkenhol and Dr Wilfried Bechtolsheimer at The Albion National Convention 2010, Hartpury College 27-28 November.
The sell out event exceeded expectations as Laura Bechtolsheimer demonstrated grand prix training on her leading horses, the much celebrated WEG triple silver medallist Mistral Hojris and 2010 Dressage Deluxe National Champion Andretti H.
Appearances from Lara Griffith, Gareth Hughes, Matt Frost, Alex Hardwick and Alice Oppenheimer offered the audience an exclusive insight into the work behind their polished competition performances.
British Dressage members voiced their satisfaction with the 2010 convention on the website forum describing Klaus and Wilfried’s work as ‘Poetry in motion’, ‘True inspiration’ and a ‘Demonstration of correct training’.
Laura Bechtolsheimer, who regularly trains with Klaus and her father Wilfried, said of the convention, “It was fun showing people our training principles. The second day was good as it showed progression in the work. It was great for my youngster Kristjan to see the crowd and it is always nice to train away from home. We brought Andretti along on the Sunday as Alf became cast on the Saturday evening and we took him home as we are competing at Olympia in a few weeks time.”
Klaus and Wilfried’s talented pupils waxed lyrical about the training sessions as Alice Oppenheimer described working with Klaus as, “a great honour and privilege”. Alex Hardwick told British Dressage, “Training with Klaus and Wilfried was a fantastic opportunity. My horse (Calvin G) is young and not used to that environment; even I had a little bit of stage fright on the first day! However, Klaus was patient and really looked after us. Both Klaus and Wilfried gave me some great ideas to use in my training as they encouraged me to give away the reins and Calvin really worked down into the contact. The walk pirouette and collected canter work was fantastic, my horse just felt like bliss after!”
British Dressage Deputy Chief Executive Jo Brown praised everyone involved as she explained, “It was a real honour to be able to give so many BD members the chance to listen to and learn from one of the world’s top trainers. Klaus’ philosophy is based around quiet clear communication, a partnership with your horse and the importance of having the basics right at any age or level. We are very grateful to the Bechtolsheimer family, convention sponsor Albion Saddlemakers, the staff from BD and Hartpury College who all worked so hard to make the event a success.”
Text and Photo © British Dressage
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