"As an owner, I want to show the world, through my horse [Ravel] and talented rider [Steffen Peters], that there is a way of riding that is 'American.' ... America, through its unique history, has been able to produce the best in every field because it draws from the best in the world. Ravel's team includes a Dutch-bred horse, a German-born rider, a Mexican-born groom and vet, a French-born farrier, a therapist who lives in a town called Rough-and-Ready, a freestyle person of Italian descent, and an owner who is of Japanese descent, born in Costa Rica. Where else does something like that happen and create something greater than the sum of its parts? Only in America!"-Akiko Yamazaki
Heintzberger, Amber, and Akiko Yamazaki. "Made in America." USDF Connection October 2010: pg. 60
Great quote!Also nice that it's coming from a team that don't seem to need to torture their horse to succeed.
ReplyDeleteI'm enjoying your blog.
Yes, I love Team Ravel! Steffen is a good, gentle rider (and he wears a helmet!) and Ravel shows so much elasticity and collection under saddle. His movements aren't Totilas-flashy, but they are elegant and wonderful and correct (or so I think). I'd much rather have that than flashy!
ReplyDeleteThanks :)