2004 Bundeschampionate

Octavia Mettenheimer Loves Going to the Bundeschampionate

September 11, 2004

It wasn't the first time that Octavia Mettenheimer went to the Bundeschampionate, but this year it was definitely her best time. Competing in the 6-year old Dressage Pony division with Nanos (by Nuts), Mettenheimer placed second with a 8.5 score and became reserve champion. "It is always fun to taste the atmosphere at the Bundeschampionate," Octavia said. "You can learn so much by watching the professional riders school their young horses."

Judge Christoph Hess praised the white pony for his excellent canter. "It's is uphill with good collection potential," he said. The only worry was the walk, which showed good overtrack but was not very ground covering in general. Yet, that minus didn't change the fact that the pair finished second in the 6-year old class.

"I got a bit nervous before I had to ride, but once I sat on my pony I calmed down and was focused," Mettenheimer explained. "This is a very positive development for me. Also, despite the many people in the stands, Nanos was easy to ride and most of the time he concentrated on me. This proves that we're on the right track."

Octavia Mettenheimer, who is based in Königstein, Germany, trains weekly with Willfried Schmidt, but twice per month Mr. Scholten comes over to train the Hessian Pony team. "It's a perfect mix for me, because Mr Schmidt focuses on looseness of the horse and rider. Mr Scholten knows the FEI pony tests by heart. He concentrates on the seat of the rider, correctness of the movements and the exercises in the test. It's a good combination because every two weeks I can check what I can improve and he sees my improvement."

Mettenheimer's Nanos was bred by Kerstin Busse from Bramsche, Germany, but the pony was purchased by Octavia and her father Konstantin from the Siemas family at stable Königshofer Heide in Sittensen.

According to Octavia, Nanos is quite a complex pony to handle. "He gets excited really easily and becomes a bit difficult to handle. Especially when something new approaches him, he doesn't know what to do and becomes tense."

Nevertheless, Nanos excels in his rideability and excellent gaits. "When you have a good connection with him, when you have convinced him, he will be very attached and will give his best every hour for 100 percent. This shows well in his willingness to collect. " Mettenheimer explained.

However, to Octavia, there is a main weakness to Nanos. It is his particular fondness of mud. "He just loves to make himself dirty. He will lie down in every spot of dirt he can find. I have to wash him almost every day!"

It is men's white pony burden.

Text and photos copyrighted Astrid Appels/Eurodressage - No reproduction allowed!

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