He is also the trainer of many international grand prix riders and is the winner of 50 international grand prix himself. In addition to the 2004 Olympic medals, Bemelmans has coached the Spanish team to the silver medal the 2002 World Championships and the 2003 European Championships. Watching them prepare for the Olympics was fascinating. At Gut Auric, our second home for the horses this summer, we worked our horses alongside the Spanish Olympic team. She recalled, “Many mornings I would watch the horses in work. Offield not only rode, but also took every opportunity to absorb quality training and riding. It was difficult for me to do that before training in Europe.” I am now able to ride my horses in their snaffle bridles. “When you focus on the basics, the movements take care of themselves. “I am learning to work always on improving rhythm, whether it is in collected canter or piaffe, as well as suppleness and contact,” Offield said. To be around so many top horses and riders forces one to think and ride at a higher level.” Although Offield is a four-time USDF Regional FEI Champion, her lessons continue to emphasize the importance of perfecting the basics to make the upper level movements approach the highest possible quality. “Even though I train every day at home, this type of submersion into dressage is a real luxury,” Offield stated. While in Europe, she trained at three different stables to learn a variety of techniques, including with Olympic coach Jean Bemelmans at Gut Auric outside of Dusseldorf, Germany. Offield traveled to Holland and Germany for four months of intensive training. Harbor Springs, MI- Amateur American FEI rider Karin Offield has fulfilled a lifelong dream by training extensively in Europe.

Karin Offield Trains With Olympic Coach Jean Bemelmans During Four Month European Trip

Ferdi weischenberg