Up until now it was very quiet around the TWH in Switzerland. Every now and then you would find a pleasure rider who enjoys the smooth gaits and the well behaved character of the horse. If you decide to take lessons to improve the horse gaits and start looking for a trainer, you will not be successful within the Swiss boarders. It was also out of a frustration that a small delegation from Switzerland travelled to the TWH European Championships held in Germany this past summer. It was our hope to find people that know more of TWH and could help us with our desperate need to train our horses. The journey paid out when we had the opportunity of meeting Sandra van den Hof, TWHBEA Director Region 1, who was willing to come to Switzerland to conduct a clinic.

A trainer and 3 horses were prepared to join the clinic. By word of mouth to all known owners of Tennessee Walking Horses in Switzerland this upcoming clinic was promoted, the news spread quickly and all spaces were filled. The list of participants was purely Canadian and 5 out of the 7 horses were from the same breeder in British Columbia, the other 2 were from a farm near by.

To be honest we have been a bit nervous when Sandra arrived 3 days before the clinic started to train our three horses intensively in 2 days. After what we have seen at the European Championship we had a feeling that our horses are far away from that standard and were not sure if our horses can perform such gaits at all. But under the professional training of Sandra a lot seems to be possible. We could not believe our eyes when we saw our horses after 2 days training. They performed a flat walk easily without falling back in speed as they used to. This was something that we could never manage properly before. Our nervousness was gone, and feeling of motivation overcame us.

On Saturday the other participants arrived. It was a very special moment when so many people with the same interest for the TWH gathered for the first time in Switzerland. It is needless to say that a common topic to talk about was found immediately. After the theory lessons owners could not wait to present their horses in the arena. From trot to pace the variety of improper gaits between the various horses was obvious. With the expertise of Sandra, all present were made aware that this variety of gaits was not correct and were educated the proper way. During this clinic all riders began training their horses and it was surprising how suddenly the rider was able to cue their horse for a proper flatwalk. The group of horses was rather small this time and therefore Sandra could focus on each and every participant individually. It was impressing to see that with a little longer stirrups here, a small seat correction there or another bit on the third horse, changes were very noticeable.

At the end of the clinic on Sunday we were happy to see that everyone went home with a great feeling and the confidence of the true value of buying a TWH.

In Switzerland there is a very strong desire to exchange knowledge within the Walker owners and to organize for instance trail rides together. In spring we will try to organize another clinic with Sandra to be ready in summer for the next European Championship. Europe, here we come!

Andrea & Matthias Schneider
With Dewey, Dancer and Inila