My schooling for the Tranier C certificate with Levi in Dillenburg

Gina Rathmann Reports

From the 7th – 25th of April I was in Dillenburg to attain my Trainer C certificate; accompanied by the Curly stallion Levi. I am so proud to say that we mastered the exam!
Levi, who was the first Curly stallion in Dillenburg, was at first viewed sceptical. At first it bothered me that no one took us seriously, that slowly changed. The acceptance of the Curly stallion grew more and more each day. After our first challenges we both excelled beyond our own expectations. Because of this we were able to master dressage sessions a lot faster than the ranch owned horses. For the discipline jumping and jumping over stationary hindrances on the ranch grounds, a lot of dedication and discipline was required. I noticed that Levi will need some more practice with jumping in order to master it.
None the less we made a great team. This was proved again when I rode into
the town with Levi to go get groceries on a Saturday. The pedestrians stood still, many took pictures as we posed proudly for the people who were bedazzled by us.

I was also very happy when Family Wolf came to visit me. They were very happy to see the advances that both Levi and I made. We became praise which kicked in like a motivational needle.
With this the days turned into weeks. To ensure that everyone was up to speed on the theory lessons we got together every night, after our barn work was com- pleted, to learn together in groups. It was worth it. The last weeks exams inclu- ding theory, practical; of jumping; and terrain went really well. In dressage we also received a good mark.

How wonderful to be able to say that “We did it”. Now we are back home on Ranch Wolf with all the other Curly horses. I am proud of Levi and I know that
we will continue to work well together.

I have to look at that

My report about the wonderful time with the Curlys:

Unsuspecting I took my practicum interview to Bickenbach. What waited for me was mind blowing. I had the feeling that I was in another county, a horse country. Everywhere you looked there were horses, horses and horses. What a dream. Just when I thought it couldn’t get any better it did. For the first time in my whole life I had real Curly horses in front of me. A fascinating race of horse which; to that point in time; had only been talked about. Another escalation was that I got to work with a young horse; which was actually bigger than me!

I really enjoyed the work and the atmosphere but most of all I enjoyed the moti- vation and want to work of the horses. I have never seen horses that impatiently wait to finally get to work! Most horses I had been in contact with up to that point seemed to have the habit of pulling their ears back when approached by a hu- man.
The two weeks that I spent on Ranch Wolf for my practicum will remain memor- able. I gained a lot of positive experiences. I would like to give a big thank you to you for a wonderful time.

Christine

Invitation to the assembly of delegates

The Curly horse race was also represented

On Sunday the 6th of April 2008 the delegate meeting of the Bavarian Breeders Assosiation for Small Horses and Special Horse Races took place in Enkering. The large attendance of delegates agreed on the necessity of the meeting as well as voiced interest in an election of new board members. The order of business had 17 points.

After the welcome and updates from the president, his representative, the press officer, the treasurer, the administrator, the breeding manager, and the contro- llers we agreed on the discharge of board. We found the lecture and slideshow by Mrs. Dr. Ines Butler-Wemken about colour inheritance in small horses and special horse races extremely interesting.

Afterwards the vote for the new board of directors took place which came with many emotions. They were voted on as follows: 1st deputy – Mr. Dr. Otte, Schmidmühlen confirmed. 2nd deputy became the previous 3rd deputy Mr. Hel- muth Stöcklein. The 3rd deputy position will be currently held by Mr. Helmut Lux who was the previous 2nd deputy. Mr. Günter Schmid, Adelschlag was voted in to be the new treasurer. For many breeders it may not be common knowledge that in the 90’s he was president of the breeders union as well as an active New Forest and Shetland pony breeder. Again he is the newly voted deputy chairman of the breeder assembly for the race of “New Forest Pony”. The department of consul- ting for press and public relations also became a new leader. Angelika Gräfin Courten was voted in to head this department. She is currently an active press agent with the association of pony breeders of Oberbayern as well as a breeder of the Connemara pony. Again she is the newly voted representative breeding delegate for the Connemara pony.

As tradition many breeders were recognized for their past years work. The hono- rific speech was held by honorary member Wolfgan Kühlechner. He congratulated 1st deputy Dr. K.C. Otte and breeding manager Mrs. Claudia Sirzisko.

After six hours; which seemed to fly by in no time; we said our goodbyes and for the future we wished for a harmonious and constructive working environment be- tween the breeders and the council.

Instead of school a practicum

Meike surrounded by lots of Curly horses

From the 31st of March until the 11th of April I completed my school practicum at Ranch Wolf and their Curly horses. I cared for the horses six hours each day. My list of responsibilities included cleaning out the stalls as well as feeding, riding and lunging the horses. I took time each day to take the young stallion Aragon for a walk. At the beginning he was rather sceptical but that feeling quickly disappea- red.

I was also able to watch Petra and Klaus work with the horses on a daily basis. Through observing I was able to learn a great deal so I would like to take this moment to thank them for their insight. I was not familiar with the race of Curly horses before I started my practicum at Ranch Wolf. I found that they are very trusting and intelligent animals.
I really enjoyed my work and time on the Ranch and I would like to thank Family Wolf for trusting me to work with their horses.