NRHA Breeders Derby in Kreuth

I just got back to Sweden last night after spending 5 amazing days at the german breeders derby. Its just a big horse show for 5 and 6 year old and usually there is about 60 something entries in the Open and Non Pro Derby classes, one go round and 15 goes to a final. Its a big event with a lot of prestige and money to win. Im planning on getting my mare ready for next years Derby :-) If she will be good enough for a final I will for sure go down there with her!

I went to this Derby to spend time with friends, a couple of friends flew in from Sweden and then ofcourse there was a lot of german friends there. The good thing about not showing is that you can spend time with people you wouldnt have time for otherwise, such as the announcer, photographers and you can speak to the judges which you are not aloud to if you show.

Kreuth is really in the middle of nowhere, eastern bavaria, almost in chec republic, but somehow there is always a lot of spectators coming. There is no promotion about the show, its hard to get there and the hotel is always fully booked..its a wonder than anyone shows up at all. But there is something special about a hobby or interest that brings so many different people together, you meet people that you would never meet in "real" life and the one thing you share with them is the love for the reining horse - a beautiful and athletic equine.

"one of the hallmarks of reining is camaraderie between exhibitors. Yes, you are all out there to compete against one another, but asking for help is just a smile and a question away. Reiners are famous for their fellowship." from the book World Class Reining.

Show photographer Dirk and me

Me, Monica and Ulf, the 3 swedes..