Save the date for our 12th International Workshop – Get the Spirit! from 04.-09. August 2025 – further information: >> 12th-international-workshop-2025
Impressions of a very special event at Gut Rosenhof
captured on camera by Maresa Mader Photography
Day 1 – Morning
The International Workshop has started! After a small welcome with guests from 15 nations, the 11th International Workshop starts with a lecture on the main topic of this year: transitions. Three horses of different breeds – a thoroughbred, a warmblood and a coldblood – then show immediately afterwards how classical dressage – when used correctly – helps every horse to achieve more balance, suppleness and musculature, the basis for smooth transitions.
Day 1 – Afternoon
On the afternoon of the first day, a tour of the farm was a must: our guests were able to get to know almost all of the animal residents of Gut Rosenhof. After that, the focus was initially on working with young horses – presented in practice with a Lusitano, a Freiberger and an Arabian – before Maja Tomaszewska demonstrated the correct seat and influence during transitions.
Day 2
Not only the variety of breeds, but also the age of the horses and thus their level of training determined the second day of our International Workshop.
Only a straight horse is able to perform transitions smoothly and correctly. The topic of this day was therefore natural crookedness and how to straighten the horse with the help of lateral movements. Transitions in and between the lateral movements were demonstrated under the saddle and in hand.
Day 3
The program for this day was to work on and refine the transitions within and between gaits, as well as to improve collection through transitions. Again with very different breeds of horses – under the saddle, but also from the ground – all variations were demonstrated to encourage the participants to be creative and to constantly strive for lightness. From that day on, 18 nations were guests at Gut Rosenhof – it was a very special atmosphere!
Day 4
Transitions serve as preparation for many lessons, both for piaffe, passage, as well as for flying changes and canter pirouettes. On this day we gave insights into how to work on these, as well as transitions between the lessons, but also the fair and understandable use of the touch whip, as an extended arm, was explained.
Day 5
Precise and playfully ridden transitions are the basis for successful working equitation courses. The course work with all the associated obstacles was illustrated and explained. In addition, we explained the transition from classical training to circus skills and looked at the Spanish walk, kneeling and other lessons that fall into this category.
During the lunch break, visitors had the opportunity to enjoy the idyllic nature and Gut Rosenhof with interesting conversations among like-minded people. Excellent catering and the opportunity to buy a pair of super-fitting riding pants from Good Fellow rounded off the offer during the break.
The atmosphere with participants from 18 nations was unique and makes this event a very special event every year! Thank you to EVERYONE who came to celebrate this week with us and who are helping to keep classical riding alive and to spread it around the world!
We are already looking forward to next year!
>> 12th International Workshop 2025
Here are some impressions from the last afternoon of our workshop: The correct riding of a trail course was the main topic.
