I received a phonecall from my trainer in Germany, this morning, asking if I wanted to go over for another training stint at the end of next month. I had to agree on the basis of the competition chances over there. I went over for a few months last year and thoroughly enjoyed my time there. I was given an absolutely brilliant horse to ride called Saph, a black Trakhener-Arabian cross, formally known as Sapphire Shimmer. She is only young, but shows great promise for the future. Her self-carriage is amazing, perfect balance and the most graceful mover you will ever see. I was also allowed to ride her sire and dam while I was there, when they were sent to the yard to do some flat work. The mother, a former showjumping mare (Trakhener) was very well balanced and a elegant mover. The father was simply out of this world to ride. His trot work was effortlessly foot perfect at all times, and he had an amazing sense of balance. I was informed that he had done showjumping and dressage at the higher levels before his rider quit riding after her divorce a few years earlier. I did ask to meet his former rider, but she did not come to the yard while I was there, which was a shame as I would have liked to talk to her about competing at the highest level. I asked my trainer about the prospect of riding the stallion again this year only to be informed that he had sadly passed away late last year. He will be missed by all who knew him, and especially those who had the privalege to ride him. An amazing horse whose ability lives on through his youngstock.
I am looking forwards to renewing my partenership with Saph when I go to Germany, if I am allowed. I know that it is the policy of my trainer to sell some of his horses, but he holds onto the good ones. Hopefully that is the case with Saph.