Jan Brons, 2009 Lavell Advanced Prize Recipient, trains in Holland

Jan is currently in Holland training with Anky van Grunsven, thanks to the $25,000 Carol Lavell Advanced Dressage Prize.  Follow along with Jan as he sends regular updates to the Foundation:

November 25, 2010

My horse is going just beautifully. Anky rode him while I was gone.  It is always helpful I think to have your trainer also sit on the horse(s),as sometimes it gives a clearer picture to the rider and the trainer.  The points she made before I left - the reaction of the horse to the aids and contol of the speed and size of the gaits were worked on a lot.  It is one of the main parts in the training with her, to have contol of the speed of the horse at all times.  Of course that is a lot easier said than done, but it has been what I have been working on at home with my other horses and at the clinic that I teach. 

Also when the horse has to go forward, they really mean it.  Way more then what we see here in the US.  It makes the Dutch team very good, the ability to make a gait very small, but to keep the horse thinking forward at the same time. 

So what is happening now is that my horse is staying over in Holland for the winter.  I will make several trips to train and comes spring all should be in place for me to show him in Europe.  It will give me some time to get all the paperwork organized, and plan my schedule here in the US.  I am lucky to have Teutobod here to show this winter.  He will start in 2 weeks with Inter II and Grand Prix.  Also there are two younger horses for me to take to shows, and I am looking forward to them showing their stuff.

My chance to go to Europe and train has allowed me to step it up several levels in my riding, and will continue to do so, as now it seems almost easy to get on a plane and fly over.  I want to thank Carol Lavell and The Dressage Foundation once more for the wonderful work they are doing to help riders in the US to continue pushing themselves and keep following their dreams.
 
As Always, Jan Brons

October 13, 2010

It keeps amazing me how the equestrian world is being treated in Europe.  Upon their return (from WEG) several of the riders / drivers were on national tv being interviewed.  Life at the stable very quickly returned to normal as if nobody was ever gone.  The progress we are making is starting to really show in the reactions I'm getting when asking a question.  I think also being able to watch a lot of the riding helps me very much.  Anky is very easy to get along with, and very willing to listen when there is a different thought.  Very openminded.

I am returning to the US to do some work, life does go on.  Returning to Europe the beginning of November.  Slowly starting to make plans to return to the US for the winterseason.

September 22, 2010

I am enjoying the weather very much. It's been between 17 and 22 degrees celsius, and needed to ride in the indoor maybe 3 times because of rain. Also I have been able to watch some of my training on dvd. That has been very helpful. I like it when there are mirrors, but seeing the whole training afterwards allows me to just sit and watch. Also listening to what is being said helps a lot as sometimes when I'm riding there are so many thing to worry about that I miss some instructions.

I can start to see a difference in Rasputin's body and shape - more active with his hindlegs - it being one of the points that is worked on daily. His responses to my aids are getting faster and bigger, giving a very different feeling. I can't wait to continue working with Anky to make him still better,and to show him this winter. It has also been motivating to watch Painted Black train as he got ready for a show. He is an amazing horse to see.

September 6, 2010

Here is my first update from Holland. I`m glad to report we all got here fine. It was probably the biggest stress maker for me worrying that the trip would work out,and there would be no problems to deal with.

The training has been going very well. Anky could not be more positive in the way she teaches. She is a stickler for details but doesn`t mind mistakes. It is better when things don`t work out as well, since then we can try to find solutions. There are  a lot of horses here, and I am very impressed with the quality of horses and riding.

Everybody has been very supportive and easy to work with. And even though I am not training with Sjef, he always askes how things are going or if I need anything. I am looking very forward to this week of training and can`t wait to send you my next email.

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