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2011 Annual Meeting & Education Forum
Steffen Peters Shares Secrets for Identifying Superstars
Plus - How Totilas Impacts Modern Breeding,
The Road to Grand Prix with Idocus and Other Hot Topics
If your goal is to breed, own or ride the next Ravel, Totilas, or Idocus, the KWPN-NA Annual Meeting added to your inspiration. With insights from Olympic medalist Steffen Peters and renowned breeder and KWPN judge Cor Loeffen, along with networking with some of the world's biggest and best KWPN horse breeders, the event was the largest in recent years. 200 enthusiastic equestrians gathered in Visalia, California to discuss and debate the best way to produce and manage superstar equines. Learning galore.....
To help breeders and trainers see the big picture, Cor Loeffen shared his knowledge of the KWPN's linear scoring method. This method is unique  within the sport horse breeding industry. This scoring assesses factors like the length and angle of bones and joints, which is then backed up with movement and jumping ability. For example, it is common to look at the shoulder angle to predict movement, but Cor explains that the length of the shoulder is more important than the position of the shoulder. And movement is more important than conformation when assessing potential as a riding horse. One extremely valuable session consisted of Steffen Peters and Cor Loeffen together answering questions from the audience. This combined perspective  of an Olympic medalist and KWPN judge and Olympic-level trainer provided insights that are not an everyday occurrence. Meeting attendees wanted to know how Steffen selects his horses, which he prefers to do at 6-7 years of age, but he has bought foals, as well young riding horses. New Video-Q & A with Cor Loeffen and Steffen Peters Questions such as what should you do with a 3 yr. old horse? How much resistance and playfullness should be accepted in a young horse? How does Steffen and Cor choose their own new young horses? What makes you think a young horse can make it to grand prix? With judging scores as high as they have been recently, what do you think is the future of that standard? What advice would Steffen give to sporthorse breeders? What do you like about Dutch breeding, what is it that you see? What is a realistic percentage of horses Steffen receives getting to olympic level grand prix? New Video-Steffen commentates as a top Idocus offspring is riden Strauss perfectly highlights the Idocus & KWPN breeding and specific traits that can be seen in the horse. This horse, as with the Idocus breeding line, possesses much talent for collection, which can especially be seen in the canter pirouettes. New Video-Evaluation of sporthorse with KWPN Judge Cor Loeffen Watch the movement and listen and learn from the scoring.
New Video-Review of top KWPN stallions 2010
New Video-Pedigree and Sport Results
The secret of reading pedigree charts unfolds.
New Video-From Breeding to FEI
Breeding goals, criteria, goals, conformation, body proportions, what to look for in a stallion and broodmare.
New Video-Veterinary breeding updates
Drugs and procedures affecting your breeding program
New Video-Evaluate and judge conformation and movement
Using video and still photos specific areas are highlighted and discussed in detail.
New Video-Steffen Peters rides his freestyle on KWPN horse.
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Last Newsletter Release
 Oliver Oelrich-GER
Currently training the German Young Rider team, already with many victories and success, Oliver is a competative champion currently and in years past. Young rider coach for the German team. He is a master horsemen winning titles such as the National Championships and World Championships for young dressage horses, as well as with the Nuremberg Cup in which he presented to Vice-Champion in 2007. Oelrich is experienced at training young talents as well as a top champion himself. New Video-3rd/M Level, Oliver prepares his assistant beautifully for flying change work. He then moves on to a lovely explanation and demonstration of using the half halt to increase the swing and hind leg activation. You can easily see a very different movement within this horse once the half halts come through. They introduce the half pass with a very useful exercise and end with a very useful discussion of how to build the fitness of a horse. (Watch more of Oliver as we release our YoungStar Spotlight tour and videos in the month of June!)
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 Dr. Ulf Moller-GER
Dr Ulf Moller was born in 1962, he was one of the great auction riders, producing a string of very expensive horses for the famed Hanoverian Verband auction. Ulf was also the sales manager at the Hanoverian Auction stables in Verden and in 1998 he joined the highly successful private barn, the PSI dressage stables where he is currently the manager under the direction of Ulrich Kasselmann. He has taken the PSI auction to new heights and the PSI horse are most sought after as their auction prices reflect where recently a dressage horse sold for two million euros. Ulf has a string of very impressive riding achievements. Riding the most impressive stallion, Sandro Hit, he won the best equine of the World Championships for Young Dressage Horses 1999. Also add to Ulf's list of accomplishments, five times Bundeschampion (German Young Horses Championship) from 1999 - 2002, World Champion with 5 year old Don Davidoff in 2000 and placed 2nd in the FEI breeding Championship for Young Dressage horses 2001 riding Placido.
New Video-2nd/3rd/M Level,In the rising trot Ulf wants the rider to start with a few strides in sitting first, to ensure the horse is sound, then go to your rising trot, and use this to allow your horse to find and establish his rhythm. Ulf explains that if something isnt working on one side, go to the good side, re-establish it and then go back to the bad side. He then has the rider begin the sitting trot, which you can see the horse raise the neck position at that time. To teach the horse that this raised poll is good, immediately reward by going back to the rising trot. They move onto transitions, and strive to get the horse to grow and come up in the withers during these transitions, think almost that you want him to come above the bit. Next they focus on the walk and practice it as though it were in a test. A tip he gives is to really use your corner to prepare for the diagonal. In the canter work, Ulf wants the rider to really bend and go for a long strided canter, before going to collection. Collect, using seat and leg, not hand, not changing the length of the neck you just achieved in the canter with the length of stride and bend. Free Sample Mini-Clip shown at reduced size ______________________________________________________ Past May Video Releases  Martin Schaudt-GER
Two time Olympian, German Gold Dressage Team. In 1996, Martin Schaudt was a ember of the German team at the Olympic Games in Atlanta. Ten years later, 2004, Schaudt qualified to return to the Olympics on the German team. Schaudt, well known and respected all over the world for his horsemanship and vast knowledge makes him a Dressage master you can learn from. New Video- 3rd/L level, The warm up begins in trot long, low, deep, work on getting the horse to activate the hind leg, work from behind, opening the neck. Martin continuously stresses that the rider must release the hand and look for the softness. You are able to really see this difference. They move into half pass work, beginning with a straighter half pass, not focusing on bend in this section, Martin feels the gait has been compromised, so he takes the rider back to work to improve that before they can move on. Next, they move into working on the flying changes, which arent what they should be at first. They focus on the rhythm and gait and getting the poll to soften and relax. Martin points out that you only ask for the upwards gait when the neck is soft and you can access the body. This is a great video for honing in on some of the basics that are compromised in order to get the movement.
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Peter Gmoser-AUT Since 1994 Peter Gmoser has been training horses to the highest level at his training establishment in Sieggraben, Austria. Precision, discipline and patience are the significant trademarks of this charismatic dressage rider. One highlight of his career was being placed 21st at the Sydney Olympics 2000, riding the holsteiner gelding Candidat. This achievement has been followed by many successes at Championship level, including the European championships in Verden, the World Equestrian Games in Jerez, the Olympic Games Athens 2004, riding Willibalds Don Debussy, as well as the European championships in Windsor 2009, where he finished 18th in the individual ranking and 6th in the Austrian team riding the Oldenburger stallion Cointreau. Peter has also qualified several horses for the World Championships for young horses in Verden including Ragazzo by Rohdiamant and Segenreich MJ. Additionally he has achieved many victories at National and International shows as well as The World Cup and has won the infamous Dressage Derby in Vienna, 7 times already.
New Video-Grand Prix/S Level, They focus is on getting a bigger stride from a choppier trot. Using shoulder in, to engage the hind end without also getting a ton of horse in your hands. Next they move into passage work, emphasizing the importance of catching the impulsion without holding the horse back. They use lots of transitions within the gaits to assist later in the transitions from one movement to another. Peter discusses riding your horse with the poll as the highest point, while remembering that you dot want to sacrifice movement over the back which cant be done if the horses head is too high. Flying change work begins. They start the horse on his best side and get him to soften on both sides first. Then they ask for the changes. You can really see the trial and error here. Free Sample Mini-Clip shown at reduced size
____________________________________________________ Past May Video Releases 
The Lusitano Collection, 2011 This prestigious auction gives interested buyers the opportunity to purchase Brazilian horses without the hassle of import fees or quarantine periods. The event provides interested buyers with the unique opportunity to meet with and buy directly from the breeders, rather than an agent, while enjoying the additional benefits of test-riding all of the horses and viewing their veterinarian records, including most recent x-rays. Since its debut in the United States in 2008, it has become an established presence in the equestrian event and social calendar of West Palm Beach, Florida. Our experienced professional team, composed of breeders, international riders and veterinarians, work together throughout the year to handpick the healthiest, most desirable FEI® quality sport horses for the auction. These Lusitanos, which are born on the breeders' farms, are carefully handled at every stage of development, from halter training to trailer loading and standing in cross ties before they even begin training under saddle. A supervised group of highly skilled riders works with the horses using classical dressage methods. Only the horses that possess three correct gaits, demonstrate a positive attitude, and are considered to be mature continue in the training program. Many of them compete in local horse shows before traveling to the United States. Free Sample Mini-Clip clips shown at reduced size New Video-Interview with Cecelia Gonzaga, Interagro Farms, discussing what are they working to achieve. AUCTION NIGHT....ready, set, go! New Video-Interview with Dr. Gonzaga, Founder of Interagro Farms of Brazil, discussing his beginnings and the journey of his breeding program. New Video-Interview with Manuel de Almeida, Founder and Breeder, do Vouga Farms of Brazil, discussing his beginnings and the journey of his breeding program. New Video-Lorie Brescia, Project Manager, The Lusitano Collection, gives you all the details and answers all the questions one might have of how to attend auction or buy from The Lusitano Collection. New Video-Guest Riders-if you've ever been afraid to test-ride, fear no more, watch attendees test-ride the horses during the tryout days and hear what they have to say!  Re-Released Video-Featuring Heather Bender, Head Trainer, USA, The Lusitano Collection. Heather rides Astyages Interagro, a 6 yr. old by Veiga (MAC). She focuses on correct rhythm, tempo and pureness of the gaits.
Re-Released Video-Featuring Heather Bender, Head Trainer, USA, The Lusitano Collection. Heather teaches two riders on 4 yr. olds from the Lusitano Collection, Cupido Interagro by Tufao and Cronus Interagro by Quinio Interagro. Within this video you see focus on the integral basics of the horse, unique points to remember when working with Luisitano's and how to get your horses attention back on you. Free Sample Mini-Clip clips shown at reduced size
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