News from Brett Parbery and Sam in Holland
Brett Parbery and Victory Salute 2009 Pacific League World Cup Final, Saddleworld Dressage Festival Photograph:Franz Venhaus |
"After a long winded journey of 52 hrs, we arrived at our final destination at the stables of Edward Gal and Nicole Werner in Harskamp, Holland. It is a wonderful facility owned by the Resim Investment Group and also is home to Hans Peter Minderhoud with his amazing team of horses.
On the first day I rode Sam in the indoor as it is absolutely freezing here. I thought prior to the ride that maybe I might be so lucky to watch Edward training Totilas at some stage during the day, but I am also very mindful of the privacy that these top guys need when they are training their top horses. Anyway, as I am walking around Edward rides in on a black horse and sure enough, its the superstar himself.
The next 45 mins were just amazing as I watched, and tried to stay out of the way of, Totilas and Edward going through their daily training routine. It was just beautiful to watch. This is truly a special combination that we may never see again in our lifetime. Everything that I saw could have been a 10. It was mindblowing and something that I will be looking forward to watching on a daily basis as we all prepare for Kentucky in September. But before then we have the World Cup Final to attend to and I have full intentions on giving Totilas a run for his money....wishful thinking I know but think of Stephen Bradbury and Ive got half a chance.
Until next time...."
Brett and Sam

