on Submission on Hinnemann Hinnemann Grooms Top Tips from Johann Brought to you by VOL. 23

Amy K. Dragoo

SUBMISSION is the GOAL at Every Level

Johann Hinnemann 6–7 conference held at the Del Mar welcomes Adequan Fairgrounds. “A supple horse is not USDF FEI-level necessarily a submissive horse. But a German dressage trainer Johann Trainers Conference submissive horse is for sure supple.” Hinnemann finished each day He defined a submissive horse as one riding his client’s horse, Dark attendees to his who “does everything you ask from Dynamic, a Grand Prix veteran inner circle. behind to front, front to behind, left owned by U25 rider Sarah Runge. to right and right to left.” He em- A student of his in Germany, she Story and photos by phasized transitions because they are and the 15-year-old Hannoverian Kim F. Miller exercises that teach obedience while by Don Vino came to California for building suppleness. the Adequan West Coast Dressage ermany’s Johann Hinnemann described the horse’s Festival that surrounded Hinnemann offered intelligence and willingness to work the conference. attendees of the as “inside suppleness,” and stressed 2018 Adequan® U.S. that it was as critical as physical one year I asked him why they were Dressage Federatioin suppleness for success at every level. sold so fast. ‘They had no culture,’ he GFEI Trainers Conference in Del Mar, The opening halt on centerline and told me. If they stepped on his feet California, a glimpse into his train- immediate trot that follows in most in the barn aisle or something, they ing philosophies. With Steffen Peters dressage tests showcase the rider’s were gone.” and Kathleen Raine among the ability to attain the highest degree The conference began with two demo riders and Christine Traurig as of mental and physical suppleness. 4-year-olds, Raine’s Westfalian geld- Hinnemann’s assistant and translator, “First, the horse trusts us to stand ing Figaro and Emily Miles’ Rhein- the event had a family feel. The rest there, then he goes immediately into lander stallion Sole Mio. Both em- of the demo riders and the mostly the trot. That’s a point where we can bodied the clinician’s most preferred upper-level trainers watching and par- show how good our training is. That young-horse traits: intelligence and ticipating in post-ride discussions got is the art of all riding.” culture. It’s a look in the eye and a two-day immersion in Hinnemann’s the face indicating “there’s some- methods. A former coach of the Ger- Young Horses: Culture and thing going on between the ears,” man, Dutch and Canadian teams, the Telling Tails Hinnemann explained. He likes “an German Reitmeister is a sought-after Hinnemann first learned to gauge open eye with a trustful look. It’s a instructor and continues to ride, breed young-horse suitability from his window to the horse’s character and and develop young horses in Germa- grandfather, who worked with the temperament and to how he con- ny and California. family’s horses at their home farm nects to people.” “Submission is the most impor- in Germany. “Every year, one or two The two 4-year-olds received strong tant goal in every stage of train- youngsters were gone quickly after praise. “They carry their riders hap- ing,” Hinnemann began at the Feb. being brought in from the fields, and pily, wait for their riders and listen to

3 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 “I’m into intelligence,” said Hinnemann when asked about his favorite traits Secondly, there’s that “second trot” in a young horse. The 4-year-old Rheinlander stallion Sole Mio embodied that didn’t exist in the German master’s that and another trait, culture—a willingness to listen to and work happily early days. “When ’s Ahl- with his rider Emily Miles. Sole Mio is owned by breeder Leslie Waterman. erich won the 1984 , his normal working trot was like a carriage them. They have inside [mental] balance. lect, especially for an amateur rider, and horse,” Hinnemann recalled. “Today, They’re not against anything and they a smooth, relatively flat back with a place breeding has developed the ability of the try to work for us.” to put the saddle. trot, and as trainers we have learned to After culture and intelligence comes The tail plays a role in Hinnemann’s work more with it. Even with a young overall impression and rhythmic basic analysis. “I never bought a horse without horse, at 5 or 6, we can develop the gaits. A working hind leg and supple- touching the tail to find out about its muscles and train the horse in a way ness through the body are among the thickness,” he said. “I like a big, thick that does not at all go against classical desirable characteristics of a horse that’s tail. The theory behind that is that most training. I had a horse who trotted for “naturally closed up” in his body. At the of the time if there’s not much hair or a 5, but once he learned the passage, he same time, ground-covering strides are bone going into the back, you cannot trotted quite nicely.” Much of that work good, too. A short cannon bone in the expect much in the middle of the spine, to improve the trot is done at the canter, hind leg is a preferred conformational so there’s not much room for muscles. Hinnemann noted. trait because it enables the horse to bend I want to see a strong enough bridge to Another reason to prioritize canter more in the hock. carry me.” quality in a young horse is that the gait A longer body is appealing. “If there’s Questions from attendees were a makes up about 35 percent of upper-level more distance between the ribs, it’s easier big part of the conference and an early tests, Hinnemann estimated. “And, espe- for them to bend through the rib cage.” example was, “If you had to choose cially at my age, I go more to the canter That’s key to lateral suppleness, as was between a good trot and a good canter, than the trot!” demonstrated later in the clinic as the which would it be?” Hinnemann wanted The ideal starting process at his home older horses learned or refined zig-zag “both,” of course, but chooses canter if stable, Krüsterhoff in Voerde, Germany, half passes. He prefers a shorter neck needed. A good canter usually goes with begins when homebreds come to the because that’s easier to control and col- a good walk. training stable at 2½ years of age to “play

4 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 around with them.” They are saddled, Kathleen Raine and 4-year-old Figaro, a Westfalian by Fürstenball, exempli- longed, groomed and taught to lead and fied the culture and intelligence Hinnemann likes in a young horse. Figaro load into the trailer, everything except also has a short cannon bone, which helps a horse bend more in the hock. riding, and they spend their days out- doors. Intense training sessions at any age are limited to 20 to 30 minutes, cou- Tack Talk pled with as much active, light-contact ermany’s Johann Hinnemann is not a fan of a few new-fangled walking as possible and maximum time Gthings in the sport. Short girths and saddle blocks that lock the rider spent freely moving in pastures or turn- into place are among them. out. Hinnemann shared several instances Of short girths, he questioned how it’s possible to maintain the of horses greatly improving their fitness, saddle’s centered position on the horse’s back when the rider must lean relaxation and “inside suppleness” by over so far to adjust it. During his riding demonstration, he summoned more time spent walking and simply be- help from the ground to adjust his horse’s girth. ing out of their stalls. Hinnemann said he loves his own Passier saddle that “was invented The idea of brief intervals of intense just after the First World War.” He wondered aloud, “Is it possible to training was applied to horses of all ages buy a normal saddle anymore?” By “normal,” he meant a saddle that and experience during the conference. allows the rider enough room to move as needed to get and maintain his Whether introducing or refining a move- balance, rather than be “just stuck in the saddle.” ment, riders were coached to maintain it He acknowledged the young riders in his yard are very happy with for just a few strides before moving out in their modern saddles. He also shared the results of a visit from a saddle a relaxed, yet forward stride. fitter determining which saddles needed reflocking and where they needed it. “He had a blanket and a big computer and, putting the blanket Canter Depart on each horse, the computer showed where it needed to be restuffed. He Among the thousands of transitions tested 15 saddles and, at the end, I said, let’s try my old model. It was the executed during the weekend, the can- best and there was nothing wrong with it!” ter depart received the lion’s share of attention. Peters shared his experience

5 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 Hinnemann liked Lehua Custer’s 8-year-old KWPN, F.J. Ramzes, and while “Too often, that happens and the horse he expressed his loyalty to German-bred horses, he offered Custer his cell- thinks ‘Oh, now the walk.’ His back, phone number “in case [she] wanted to get rid of that one [horse].” belly and head go down.” He coached continuing 10 to 15 meters with contact getting Hinnemann’s help with the pas- down to the trot and repeat the canter and active walk aids to establish that as sage–canter transition during his heyday depart at the same spot on the next habit. “That way you don’t even have to with Ravel, who was “tricky” about that revolution. Precision is a big part of think about it in the test.” transition. “Jo said everything from the Hinnemann’s teaching, and cueing the Grand Prix is working,” Peters relayed. canter depart at the same place repeat- Push in Downward Transitions “It’s the Training Level transitions we’ve edly is a simple, clear way to teach and Working with more experienced horses, got to work on.” And this was when reinforce the aids to the horse. The next Hinnemann emphasized that, “You push Peters and Ravel were at their Aachen- step was walk–canter transitions, request- more in a downward transition than winning peak. ed with the same aids and at the same in a forward transition. I learned that With that in mind, Hinnemann dem- spot where the circle track hit the rail. from [German dressage legend] Georg onstrated how he trains the canter de- Working in both directions, “I like to stay Theodorescu and have always kept that part in young horses, the first of several on that exercise until the horse learns it sentence in mind.” A related idea is that exercises that require the understep and 100 percent,” Hinnemann said. “you have to passage into piaffe and power of the inside hind leg. “The canter Walk–canter and canter–walk transi- piaffe into passage,” said Hinnemann, all depart is the most important aid we have tions were used in every session, often in toward producing the quick step needed to teach. When we do a double pirouette, the midst of flying-changes work and to for high-level work. “You have to have every stride is a canter depart aid and this calm the horse or build his confidence by your horse in front of your leg so you is where we start.” returning to something he knows well. can push.” Trotting on a circle, Raine and Miles In the downward transition from canter The goal is a feeling Hinnemann de- were coached to cue the canter just as or trot to walk, however, “don’t [give] the scribed as a basic principal of training. they reached the rail, then come back reins immediately,” Hinnemann stressed. “It’s when you push from behind into

6 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 the bit and there is a reaction because on the short end. “A lot of horses natural attributes, Hinnemann told Pe- the impulsion is coming from behind,” [hold] their breath during changes,” ters to focus on getting the horse’s nose he said. “The hand is quiet, the with- Hinnemann noted. “A walk break in be- out more, developing more reach in the ers come high and the horse is sensitive tween shows them they’ve done well and front legs and a trot with more elevation to the bit.” Contact is maintained, the educates them how to breathe.” and power. “Concentrating on that will horse’s hindquarters are underneath him They finished the first day’s work by develop the muscles and strength needed and his back and withers are high. When cantering down centerline, collecting for passage later,” he said. Hinnemann requested Traurig’s help into a pirouette canter for a few strides With Peters alternating between articulating the idea, she described it as without turning, resuming a working collected, working and extended trots, “difficult terminology.” Traurig defined canter, then collecting again for another Hinnemann explained that the col- the sensation in her December 2016 few strides of pirouette canter in the oth- lected trot should have elevation and Dressage Today article titled “Pushing er half of the centerline, again without enough ground cover for the hind hoof Away from the Bit.” At the conference, turning into an actual partial pirouette. to nearly reach the imprint of the front she said, “It’s when the horse is pushed They were working on getting Silberpfeil hoof. The working trot should have a from a driving aid to the restraint of to sit and improve collection in canter to bit of overstep and the extended trot “as contact. It’s that moment of reaction prep for pirouette. much as possible.” when the desire to go to the bit is there The next day, Hinnemann observed In one of several anecdotes from coupled with a high degree of respect for that Silberpfeil’s canter was rounder dressage’s history, Hinnemann said that the contact.” and more through. They parlayed that ground coverage has always been an im- These ideas were put to practice as in-front-the-leg work into the day’s trot portant element of gait quality, but mea- California-based dressage trainer David focus, producing half-steps that begin suring methods have evolved. Approxi- Wightman prepped mately 25 years for the pirouette ago, Germany’s with the 8-year-old You push more in a downward Bundeschampionate Hanoverian gelding transition than in a forward for young horses Silberpfeil, who has required them to competed to Devel- transition. —Georg Theodorescu maintain certain oping Horse Prix ground coverage St. Georges. Seeking to take impulsion piaffe and passage work. Hinnemann of the gaits: 350 meters at the walk, 750 into collection and collection back into noted a common mistake with horses meters trotting and 1,500 meters at can- impulsion, Hinnemann first had Wight- who have a naturally big trot. “People ter, each in three minutes. Prior to that, man do simple changes, canter–walk, on want to develop the big trot. Then it’s Grand Prix tests had time limits, all in the diagonal to reinforce the canter aids, difficult to bring it back because they order to encourage horses to cover the then progress to three flying changes have this big, strong muscle and it’s hard ground nicely. on the diagonal, focusing on control- to get it back. So we do half-steps: always Peters and Demetrios moved on to ling the quality of canter strides between piaffe before passage. It’s the idea that in exercises to build more leg crossing in each change rather than the number the end you will put them together.” half-pass. When introducing the move- of strides in between. After the third ment, Hinnemann said horses are most change, Hinnemann asked for extended Gait Quality comfortable starting at the centerline and canter to set a forward frame of mind, Peters, who was 17 when he first started moving toward the rail. In a confirmed then to come back through the short riding with Hinnemann, rode a 6-year- half-pass, the horse is slightly flexed in side. The next step was a medium, then old Rheinlander stallion, Demetrios, dur- the direction of travel. However, he told extended, canter on the diagonal with ing the conference. Hinnemann noted Peters to begin like a leg yield, keep- a simple change at the rail. The idea is that the stallion had his sire’s (Diamond ing the horse straight in his body and to get the horse coming back by himself Hit) natural gift for piaffe and passage. He weighting his outside seat bone to help so the rider can push more because the complimented the uphill impression and the horse maintain balance and rhythm horse knows he needs to come back on self-carriage and predicted that the young while crossing his legs over. It’s gymnas- his own. stallion’s slightly “high behind” frame tic work that needs to develop step by Wightman next did a few diagonals would balance out as he aged and devel- step as the shoulder frees up and creates with three-tempis with walk breaks oped more muscle. To build Demetrios’ more reach and freedom.

7 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 Steffen Peters rides Demetrios, a 6-year-old Rheinlander stallion who has his good, smooth step into the difficult sire, Diamond Hit’s, natural carriage and an uphill impression. Goals in- exercises.” On Day 2, for example, he cluded getting the horse’s nose out more, developing more reach in the front used a longe whip to lightly touch each legs and a trot with more elevation and power. leg while D’Rosa stood in place. The goal was to get her to lift and hold each Play Time court, but he emphasized keeping the leg while breathing without stepping Hinnemann often talked about “play- work low pressure. Piaffe and passage forward, setting the stage for doing the ing” with the horse, and the idea was steps were mixed with halts in which same in piaffe. clearly demonstrated in groundwork whip touches reminded her to stand with the mare D’Rosa, a 10-year-old square and stay there. In the End Danish Warmblood that Raine trains Having learned it from “[his] friends “I hope we’ve given you a little view and competes for client Four Roses at the school in Vienna,” groundwork inside the kitchen of our inner circle,” Farm. Competing at Intermediaire I, the is a regular part of Hinnemann’s train- said Hinnemann at the end. “It has to mare has become “much more through ing routine and simpler than it is often be fun for the horse, and we’ve tried to and obedient, and I think it’s a result of portrayed. “People talk so much about show you how much fun we have with us playing with her collection and obe- the masters of hand work,” he said. our horses, teaching them and training dience with more difficult exercises.” “It’s just playing around with horses. them. We love the work and we do not The in-hand equipment involved It gives you a connection to the horse, do anything with cruelty. Where cruelty side reins and an extra rein secured you find out how he reacts and it’s a starts, intelligence finishes.” near the pommel to counter the mare’s habit of dropping her head too low.

Hinnemann’s secret weapon was having Germany’s Johann Hinnemann was awarded the rare title of a helper (Raine) stand near D’Rosa’s head Reitmeister (master rider) in 1996 and he has served as coach to reward with sugar at just the right for the German national team (with ), the Dutch moment. Too often, the reward, either national team and the Canadian Olympic squad. Steffen Peters a pat or treat, is too late, so “we reward and Christine Traurig are among the American Olympians he has them for stopping,” he said. Prompting coached along with two-time alternate Kathleen Raine. He contin- piaffe steps with verbal cues and light ues to breed and train horses at his farm in Germany and spends taps of a longe whip, Hinnemann several months a year at Hinnemann Farm’s base in Southern California. There his son, Stephan, and daughter-in-law, Natalie Hamilton-Hinnemann, operate a training, focused on two or three steps at a time, sales and young-horse development program. then rest and a sugar. At 10, the mare is strong enough to do a half-length of the

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THE LOOK OF A CHAMPION The world’s top grooms share their experiences of Countless hours of work and worry behind the scenes by devoted working with equine superstars and some secrets grooms help make the magic happen in the spotlight. Here, U.S. for success. Olympian Steffen Peters follows his groom, Eddie Garcia, and mount, By Jennifer M. Keeler Legolas, into the warm-up arena.

or dressage enthusiasts, there may be no sight more breathtaking than a superstardom, Davies was nominated stunning Grand Prix horse and rider passaging effortlessly down centerline for the 2014 FEI award for best groom. at a major international championship. But it’s the countless hours of work and worry behind the scenes by devoted grooms that help make that DT: What are your job responsibilities? happen. What does it take to keep elite equine athletes like Valegro and Davies: I have an apartment above FLegolas happy, healthy and performing at their best both at home and on the road? the stables so I am always close to the Dressage Today spoke with four top grooms from around the world to get a sneak peek horses, and I am responsible for the at their work behind the scenes as well as share some of their tips for success with day-to-day care of all the Grand Prix your own horses. Following are thoughts from Great Britain’s Alan Davies, America’s horses that are here at the barn. I am Eddie Garcia, the Netherlands’ Vanessa Ruiter and Germany’s Carmen Thiemann. in charge of all veterinary and shoeing details, and I have to organize travel Know Your Horse details for all competitions. I drive the Alan Davies is the ever-present guardian and friend of the dressage horses ridden horses and take care of their needs by Olympians and in Gloucestershire, Great Brit- while getting to all the major competi- ain, including international superstar Valegro, Uthopia, Nip Tuck and Wanadoo tions here and in Europe and manage as well as several up-and-coming youngsters. Known for the immaculate turnout everything for the horses at the show

Rebecca Neff and care of these mounts, who are constantly under the \spotlight of dressage for both Carl and Charlotte.

10 DRESSAGEDressage Today TODAY March EXTRA 2016 | VOLUME 23 I have a really important job keeping them fit, happy and well, so to see them progress and represent our country and win medals makes me so proud.

DT: What is the most challenging part of your work? Davies: Trying to keep the horses’ lives as normal as possible. They have be- come global celebrities and people want to get near them all the time, but they need time to be themselves and be horses.

DT: Does that celebrity status bring Valegro’s groom, Alan Davies, celebrates with British Olympian extra pressure for you? Charlotte Dujardin. Davies has developed a huge bond with Davies: Yes, that also brings a bit more Valegro during their travels around the world. “I love the way pressure on me to keep them at their he trusts me to put him on planes, trains, boats or whatever and peak. There is a lot of expectation on never questions anything,” he says of the horse. these horses and they are in my care. Because I take care of both Carl’s and Charlotte’s horses, it means I have to get DT: How long have you been in really admire him for all he has achieved half the British team to the champion-

Arnd Bronkhorst – Arnd.nl this position? so far. ships to represent their country. Luckily Davies: Six years ago Carl asked me to I’ve been doing this job a long time, so take four horses to Vidauban in the south DT: What’s a typical day like for you? I try not to let it bother me and keep of France for a two-week show. It was Davies: A normal day starts at 6 a.m. everything as relaxed and normal for the Valegro’s first international competition. with feeding and haying and mucking horses as possible. I was supposed to just do the one show, out. I usually get on Valegro at 7:30 a.m. but I wasn’t allowed to leave, and I’m and give him a short hack before he DT: Do you enjoy all of the traveling? still here. works in the arena with Charlotte and Davies: I love all aspects of traveling. Carl. I will cool him off after his work- Each show has its challenges, but I look DT: Do you have a favorite horse that out by either hacking in the fields or on at it as another adventure with my best you care for? the roads and then I’ll wash him off and friends, and we head off and deal with Davies: I hate to talk about favorites he will go in the paddock for an hour whatever might meet us. Sometimes I because I love and respect all my charges while I prepare another horse to be rid- might have to find overnight stabling en for varying reasons. Obviously, I have den. Afternoons are spent walking the route or may even have to reroute, but I developed a huge bond with Valegro. horses, sorting out equipment for shows, have a lot of friends on the circuit now We have been all over the world to- and I take Valegro and Uthopia to the so we always help each other out. gether, and I love the way he trusts me water treadmill twice a week to make to put him on planes, trains, boats or sure they are super fit to cope with their DT: What is your most memorable whatever and never questions anything. competitions. I feed at 5 p.m. and check competition? Uthopia is a beautiful stallion in looks that they have their legs banadaged, Davies: Obviously, grooming at and temperament and has never taken have the correct blankets on for the the Olympics is, of course, a very offense at being in Valegro’s shadow. night, et cetera. memorable time. I was at the Sydney Nip Tuck is the rising star and is very Olympics in 2000 and that was an different from the others: He is quite DT: What do you like best about incredible experience, and London was insecure and needs a lot of reassurance. your job? fantastic, too. It was so well organized I’ve watched him grow in confidence Davies: I love all aspects of my job! I but there was a lot of pressure and and become a star in his own right and I love being with the horses, and I think expectation on the team. Luckily we

11 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 did it and it was actually quite a relief leaving Greenwich Park.

DT: What grooming tips can you share for helping your horses look their best? Davies: To keep the horses at their peak and looking their best there is a combination of factors. Good feeding is very important, and I like to make sure I give them a good rubdown with a rubber curry comb at least once a day. I think it’s good for their coats and it helps circulation and is great for massag- ing the muscles, too. I like to keep their skin moisturized with baby oil as well. I use baby oil as a finishing touch for that glistening look on the face and it also helps moisturize the skin to keep it soft and prevent any sores from occurring. I apply it by soaking an old tea towel and then wiping gently around the muzzle and face area. I also wipe it over the quarters before I do quarter marks as it helps keep the hair in place. If applied sparingly it doesn’t attract dust. Eddie Garcia, pictured with Rosamunde, has worked as Peters’ groom for the last 10 years. DT: We have lots of debate in the U.S. While he admits that traveling can be hard, about how to care for horses’ tails. taking him away from his family, he says he What do you do—brush or no brush on look and feel great, loves what he does. “I love the horses! This is a daily basis? what would it be? my passion.” Davies: I wash Valegro’s tail at least Davies: I don’t Jennifer Keeler twice a week and spray it with detangler think there are any every day. I use only a big-toothed comb hidden secrets for keeping horses look- critical member of Team USA but also a to comb through once a day and the rest ing and feeling great. But I think the mentor for other grooms, and as a result of the time I just remove any shavings most important thing in my job is to was presented with the 2015 FEI award with my fingers. I never use a brush. get to know your horse. I love spending for best groom. time with them so that I know what DT: What advice would you have for they like and what they don’t like and DT: What’s a typical day like for you? someone thinking of pursuing a job as a what routine suits them best. Then you Garcia: Steffen likes to ride early, so my professional groom? can help them feel in top form. day starts before 6 a.m. because I take Davies: The best advice is to always be care of the morning feeding. I directly ready to learn. Get as much experience A Serious Commitment care for six horses, and first up is getting as possible and always be open-minded. For 10 years, Jose Eduardo (Eddie) Garcia Legolas ready—Steffen always rides him There are always new things to learn Luna, of Escondido, California, has been first. After all the riding is done, the tack from other grooms, vets and farriers. I entrusted with Steffen and Shannon and equipment are cleaned and some have friends in all disciplines and we are Peters’ stable of dressage champions, in- horses go on the treadmill while others always swapping ideas. cluding Ravel, Weltino’s Magic, Legolas are walked. We do have help—a crew 92 and new superstar, Rosamunde. With that cleans the stalls—so I can focus on DT: If you were to share one secret of suc- an ever-present smile and above-and- taking care of the horses. At home, all cess with horse owners for helping horses beyond attitude, Garcia is not only a the grooms work five days a week and we

12 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 take turns working on the weekends.

DT: What do you enjoy most about your job and what is most challenging? Garcia: I love the horses! This is my passion. I grew up with Western horses in a small town, so I’ve loved them from the start. The shows are tough because there’s so much more focus at a competi- tion. I make a detailed list for every show to make sure I have exactly what I need because otherwise you could fly halfway around the world and not have some- thing you need and no way to get it.

DT: Do you feel additional pressure as the groom for such high-profile horses? Garcia: Sometimes I think about it, but one of the things I like best about work- ing for Steffen is that he’s the best about not letting you feel pressure. He’s always very relaxed and he encourages everyone

around him to be the same way—“Take Arnd Bronkhorst – Arnd.nl your time and don’t worry.” It’s very different from other people I’ve worked with be- Vanessa Ruiter has worked for more fore. He’s not someone who than 12 years as a professional groom demands that everything be for Holland’s top-ranked dressage perfect all the time because, rider, Edward Gal. She accompanied in reality, it’s not possible. Totilas on his first plane ride and cared for him at the 2010 World Equestrian DT: Do you enjoy all of the Games in Kentucky. traveling to competitions? and chests to make them shine. I also Garcia: I do enjoy use fly spray on a towel and wipe it over traveling, but it’s difficult to them for even more shine. be away from my family. I have a wife there and had to really go for it. It was an and two young children, aged 9 and 5, incredible feeling! DT: How do you care for your horses’ at home, so it’s hard to leave. But they tails? understand that this is my job and this DT: Do you have a favorite product or Garcia: I wouldn’t brush the tail with- is what I love. grooming tool that you use? out using a good detangler or you’ll for Garcia: My grooming equipment is sure break the hairs. I also don’t sham- DT: What is the most memorable pretty standard. There’s no secret in using poo their tails too often. competition where you worked as a good brushes and equipment. I really like groom? using the rubber curry hand mitt, but I DT: What advice would you have Garcia: I think the Pan Am Games in don’t just use it in the standard circular for someone who is considering a job 2011 in Guadalajara, Mexico, when Stef- motion. I also use it with a firm stroke in like yours? fen won three gold medals. I remember the direction of the hair. It pulls the hair Garcia: Take some time to learn not that another rider put the pressure on and the oil out to the surface for more only how to properly groom a horse but with a big score right before he entered shine. I like to use some baby oil before what’s involved in being a groom at this the arena, and Steffen and Magic went in they go in the ring: a little on their faces level. It’s quite a commitment.

13 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 Ruiter says a groom has to have a big heart for horses and be willing to give up a big part of his or her normal life. “Horses take a lot of time and care, you work many hours a Gal, at the Glock Horse Performance world. I’m so happy that he can go in week and you’re going to be Center (GHPC) in Oosterbeek, the Neth- the field at the GHPC to have a well-de- tired and think, Is this really erlands, traveling with the team around served retirement and finally he can just worth it? But, yes, it is when the world for major international compe- eat as much as he wants. My other huge you see your ‘child ’ in the titions including Olympics, World Eques- crush is Risky Business, as I’ve known Arnd Bronkhorst – Arnd.nl arena giving his best.” trian Games and World Cup Finals. him the longest. He is still a stallion and sometimes acts like a 3 year old. He’s 25. DT: Which horses do you care for and He is the king of the stables, and I really do you have a favorite? adore him. DT: If you were to share one secret of Ruiter: At home we have a team of success with horse owners, what would grooms and we take care of all the hors- DT: What’s a typical day like for you? it be? es. At shows, I always take care of every- Ruiter: We always try to have the same Garcia: Take your time when groom- one. In general, I love all the horses, of schedule for the horses every day so ing. I see a lot of people in a hurry, and I course, but there are always the really that they know when they are going to think you have to be patient. No short- special ones that will steal your heart, be ridden or put in the field or on the cuts. Putting in the time not only makes and they’re all different and special in walker or aquatrainer or hand-walked, the horses look good, but they feel good their own way. Glock’s Undercover is a and we make sure that they will always spending time with you. very special and goofy horse. He’s always have some rest hours in between activ- happy and very social. Glock’s Voice al- ity. All the horses at the GHPC get out of Pride in Horse and Rider ways makes a lot of noise, but he always their stalls to do something three times a One of the lucky few to live and work wants to cuddle when you are in his day, and everyone goes out in the field or closely with dressage legend Totilas, box. He is very sweet. Two of my other paddock. We start at 7:30 in the morning Vanessa Ruiter has worked for more than favorites are Interfloor Next One, who is with feeding pellets and hay, and Edward 12 years as a professional groom for Hol- 20 years old now. It was always so much is riding his first horse around 8. Before land’s top-ranked dressage rider Edward fun to take him to shows all around the he gets on we walk them a bit in the are-

14 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 DT: Do you have a favorite product or grooming tool that you use? Ruiter: I think it’s important to bathe the horse with a really good shampoo, and what also really helps are good-quality brushes. I like brushes with long hairs that are not too hard and not too soft. For the face I prefer a very soft brush that’s almost fluffy. As a finishing touch I take a towel to take the last of any dust off and make them even shinier.

DT: What advice would you have for someone thinking of pursuing a job like yours? Ruiter: You have to have For more than two decades, Carmen Thiemann (right) has a big heart for horses and worked with the Klimke dressage dynasty—first with dressage be willing to give up a big master Reiner Klimke and now with his daughter, Ingrid (left). part of your normal life. na for a little warm- Horses take a lot of time up. When Edward and care, you work many is finished, he will take the saddle off the groom for such high-profile horses? hours a week and you’re going to be and we will walk them by hand for the Ruiter: Of course! I give my all for tired and think, Is this really worth it?

Horst Streitferdt cooling down, then they are washed and them. I make sure that they have or get But, yes, it is when you see your “child” they can dry under a solarium or hair anything they want or need. That’s my in the arena giving his best. Then you dryer. At noon they get fed again and the calling, so that’s what I want to do. will forget everything and the only horses who got ridden early are going in thing you can think about is how proud to the walker for some more exercising. DT: What is the most memorable com- you are of your horse and rider. Mid-afternoon we are starting with the petition where you worked as a groom? last round of taking all 34 horses out for Ruiter: There are a few special memo- DT: If you were to share one secret of the last time that day. Luckily we work ries—the 2010 World Equestrian Games success with horse owners, what would with a team of eight or nine grooms each in Kentucky, where we won three gold it be? day. At 4:30 the horses get their pellets medals. That was also the first flight Ruiter: The secret is to just love them again, and the last feeding of the day is (via airplane) for Totilas. Also the 2012 with your whole heart. Make them hap- around 7:30 p.m. with hay and mash. London Olympics, where Glock’s Un- py and keep them happy. dercover won team bronze and ninth DT: What do you enjoy most about individually. That was really amazing More Than a Job your job and what is most challenging? because not only was it my first Olym- For more than two decades, Carmen Ruiter: Sometimes you have bad days, pics but also because we had had him Thiemann has been an integral part of but then you see the goofy, sweet face of for only a few months and he did so the legendary Klimke dressage dynasty. Glock’s Undercover and your bad day is well. I had such a fantastic time there. She currently works as head groom and over because you have to smile. It always Everybody was nice, and it was awe- stable manager for in makes my day. The biggest challenge some to see Charlotte Dujardin win her Münster, Germany, home to Olympic- is keeping all the horses fit and happy. gold medals. I have many good memo- level eventing mounts as well as rising They have to feel good, and that’s ries also from Lingh, Gribaldi, Ravel, international dressage star Dresden the most important so they can be Sisther and, of course, Totilas. Now we Mann. In 2013, she was presented with happy athletes. have so many wonderful Glock horses, the FEI Best Groom Award. so hopefully many new memories will DT: Do you feel additional pressure as still be to come. DT: How long have you been working

15 DRESSAGE TODAY EXTRA | VOLUME 23 Some days we go out cantering Thiemann: I really do enjoy the on the hills, other days are traveling because at the shows it’s like jumping schools or dressage a big family and I enjoy seeing new training. Generally we start at places and learning new things from 7 a.m. to feed and turn out. All others. But I also love working at home, the horses go out in the fields especially bringing the youngsters for hours, and we think that’s along. I wouldn’t ever be disappointed part of why they stay so happy. to stay at home. We like to let them be horses. Then we start riding. Others DT: What is the most memorable competition where you worked as a groom? Thiemann says prospective grooms Thiemann: Our first Olympics in Syd- need to know that it’s not a job for ney (2000) was special, as it was the first everyone. “You can’t be looking Olympics for both Ingrid and me, and at your watch, and you have to be I loved Australia. London (2012) was willing to work hard every day, even also a wonderful atmosphere. On the Sundays. You have to have your flip side, I also enjoy some of our local heart in it.” shows that have really unique atmo- spheres to them.

DT: Do you have a favorite product or will be longed. Then we bring grooming tool that you use? the ones who were out in and Thiemann: I think it’s so important to start again for the afternoon. curry them really well. It gets the dirt off but it’s also good for the skin and muscles. DT: What do you enjoy most Of course, grooming only goes so far with- with Ingrid? about your job and what is out the horses having good food. They Thiemann: I started working for her most challenging? have to feel good from the inside out. father, Reiner Klimke, in 1990 when I Thiemann: The horses! I love being was right out of school. When Ingrid close to them and I also love working DT: How do you care for your horses’ started her own yard in 1998 she asked outdoors. I couldn’t work in an office tails? me if I’d like to come with her, so I did. all day. I also enjoy all the wonderful Thiemann: We don’t brush our That was our start together. It’s been a people I get to work with. I think horses’ tails because all of our horses go long time, but it’s still a lot of fun and I the most challenging thing is to get outside and roll in the mud. If we were love working with her. everything to come together at the right to brush them without washing them, it moment fitness-wise—having a horse in would damage the hair. So for a normal DT: Which horses do you care for and the right physical condition at the right day, we pick out the straw from the do you have a favorite? time to perform his best. tails and leave them as they are and just Thiemann: We have 15 horses on the wash for shows and special occasions. farm and I help care for all of them. We DT: Do you feel additional pressure as We keep them very natural. have student grooms who help. They are the groom for such high-profile horses? studying and working toward their Ger- Thiemann: I don’t allow myself to DT: What advice would you have for man Bereiter certification. They stay with think about it, because if I think about someone thinking of pursuing a job us for three years at a time and then can it then I’ll start to worry. You have to be like yours? take a test at the end to get their license, confident in what you’re doing and that Thiemann: It’s a really hard job, and so we’re helping teach the next genera- you know best for your horses. If I think you have to really love horses. You can’t tion of horsemen and women. about anything bad that might happen, be looking at your watch, and you have then it will happen. to be willing to work hard every day, DT: What’s a typical day like for you? even Sundays. It’s not for everyone. You Thiemann: There’s really no “typical” DT: Do you enjoy all of the traveling can’t just look at this as a job—you have day because every day’s a little different. to competitions? to have your heart in it.

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