Henning Lehrmann with Talent Development Squad Athlete Philippa McLeod during the training days
New Zealand dressage riders will certainly have benefitted from spending time with Olympic level FEI5* judge and official Henning Lehrmann, says ESNZ high performance dressage manager Christine Weal.
“It is invaluable to have quality international visitors who have judged at pinnacle events like the Olympic Games and also trained and produced horses to Grand Prix level,” said Christine. “They understand training horse and bring many benefits to our riders, trainers and judges, while ensuring we are all on the same pathway.”
Twelve combinations made the most of the high performance training clinic, which was held over two days in March after the New Zealand Dressage National Championships.
“Henning was very complementary about the quality of the New Zealand horses and riders,” says Christine, “and he also commented positively on the team culture and environment that we are focussed on building.”
Riders were encouraged to watch lessons, ask questions and learn from each other. “They also met socially with Henning between training days, helping build our team culture and connection within the high performance group, where they could ask questions on how things are done in Germany.”
Christine says Henning, who was a judge at the Paris Olympic Games, is keen to return to New Zealand for more training clinics.
“All of our riders showed great improvement through the lessons and more quality thanks to being asked to do more transitions within the pace. It led to having horses who were more adjustable and active.”
By Diana Dobson HP Media Liaison