12/08/2024
I love your words and thoughts, dear Bettina! Unfortunately, there it happened that we did not talk to each other longer this year.🥲 Looking forward to meet you again!🙂
Every year, the Summer Academy reminds me that the art of riding is not only something which happens in the private space between me and my horse, but that it’s also a community effort.
During the last four days, we got together at Bent Branderup’s place Lindegård in Denmark. We started with our yearly meeting of the licensed trainers and continued with two days of program for the Knighthood of the Academic Art of Riding. On the last day, we welcomed the new members into the knighthood and voted about rules changes.
During Summer Academy, we watched Bent’s and Kathrin’s training, listened to lectures, attended demos and lessons, we ate together, and we had plenty of time to sit by the fireplace and talk.
Everyone contributes to the event in their own way. Some organize, some clean, some make coffee, some collect trash, some develop structures so the art of riding has a home for the future. Some teach, some train, some present, some ask critical questions. Some fill the place with laughter, some refill wine glasses, some tell stories, some give good advice, some watch the kids.
The Summer Academy inspires us, but it can also give us comfort. It’s tradition that on the first day, all members of a country meet and exchange what has happened in their country. Since I am a member, I am alone in representing my country, but luckily others are in the same situation. So we usually gather together and tell about how our last year was. We all have similar struggles: making ends meet by driving teaching tours, convincing students of the importance of basics, work life balance. Sometimes you don’t need solutions but open ears and a hug.
On the second day, we have our “brain pool”, in which we divide into groups and discuss one question or topic which interests us. This year I joined the group which talked about the horse’s mental state in collection/ while working with the bending of the haunches. We took turns to tell about the learnings and challenges with our horses, but mostly we listened. It was not about giving advice, it was about sharing. I found it remarkable how close everyone was to their horses and how much concern and love everyone showed.
The members of the knighthood all train and ride on a high level. For me the best thing is, that it’s not only about showing a test with certain exercises, but that it has to be shown with a certain kind of connection and suppleness. Everyone constantly thinks about how to improve things for their horses. I was very touched by the level of care that was shown.
I also loved that all riders who presented didn’t make a show. The main concern was always connection. We often heard: On a regular day, I would do this and this now (for example higher collection). However, for today I’m satisfied and I’m happy that my horse did so well although I’m a bit nervous. And it always earned a big applause (sometimes just inwardly so as not to scare the horses who performed in front of an audience for the first time).
During the last two weeks, I lived and worked with three exceptional young people. Jenna, Ania and Sina are half my age or less, and I enjoyed their point of views and our conversations. Many complain about the young people today, but I found these three extremely committed, hard working, and dedicated to the art. If this is the future of the art of riding, it certainly looks bright.
Now I’m on the way home. I’m full of inspiration and look forward to bringing a taste of the last days to my students around the world. See you all next year
