We knew that Meredith Michaels-Beerbaum/GER retired her Shutterfly in Aachen/GER. What we didn't know, but saw by chance on the billboard in Rotterdam/NED, is that she must have switched to dressage. Instead of riding a course with fences up to 1.60 meters high, it seems that they must be practicing piaffes, passage and pirouettes. This I've got to see!

So, we passed the first hurdle! Augustin OLD behaved himself at the vet check - even though it took place in the dressage ring which is unusual. It is usually held near the stables. There was nothing wrong with the horses on the Austrian team, so we can all start. ...

They are really large, mobile and covered with conspicuous blue plastic sheets - and they stand directly in front of the dressage ring. "They" are the TV cameras that were set up in Rotterdam/NED today, to tranmit EC happenings via TV.  Augustin was not bothered by them while we were training today and I hope that they will not bother him when we ride our into the ring for out test either.

Preparation for the Grand Prix with Augustin OLD went exactly according to schedule. He has gotten used to the atmosphere in the stadium and is as fit as a tennis shoe. 

As announced, we were allowed to ride in the stadium today. Augustin OLD was really cool and everything went off like it should - and gave me a really good feeling. 

Championships like the upcoming EC would be practically unthinkable without Dr. Uschi Barth, our veterinarian. We have trusted her good advice concerning the health of our horses for decades. And we are so thankful that she could find the time to come with us to Rotterdam/NED .