Good-byes and New Beginnings

I have determined my schedule for the coming weeks: First Dortmund, then the World Cup Final in 's-Hertogenbosch. Also, I have almost returned to my former daily routine – almost. It is Federik, our six-kilo-sunshine, who determines that: Cuddling, sleeping, drinking, these are his favorite pastimes right now. Of course my wonderful team is a great help in making this work; everbody knows exactly what to do. Sadly, we're facing a change in this department, though. Our Australian Olympic rider Hayley Beresford is going to leave us after four great years in order to move to Switzerland – sadly, but understandably, since her husband Kian has found a good job there, and there's a great challenge waiting for Hayley as well. She will become the new trainer at Otto Hofer's stable, since Otto will stop riding actively and retire. We don't know exactly yet when she's going to start packing her suitcases. The only thing we do know is: We're going to miss her. Fortunately, we're not going to lose her entirely, since she will visit us regularly and train her horses here.

Hayley Beresford (left) trained more then four years with Isabell.
Fotograf: Barbara Schnell