News
Here’s a belated update for January!
This month was packed with events and interviews. It started with a symposium on reproduction, organized by Desiree Gebbink from Pasedes. After that, I attended the OS/OLDBG stallion approvals, which was particularly special for me since I had done all the research on the stallions presented there.
Following this event, I went to Jumping Amsterdam, where my first column for Hoefslag was published:
https://www.dehoefslag.nl/nieuws/sport/105088/column-adriana-van-tilburg-pensionstallen-en-maneges-neem-je-
Afterwards, I attended the KWPN stallion approvals, where an interesting breeders’ congress was held. I wrapped up January by attending a clinic with Franke Sloothaak, organized as part of the KNHS College Tour.
Meanwhile, ClipMyHorse aired two episodes featuring their visit to Harm Thormählen last year, where they also interviewed me about my book:
📺 https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/ondemand/event/2398/competition/328285?start_at=12785598
📺 https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/ondemand/event/2398/competition/328363?start_at=12825547
Photo of the statue of Concorde that stands with Kees van de Oetelaar, made during my interview with Kees.
February
February was a rollercoaster, with highs and lows. The flu hit me hard, forcing me to cancel a few commitments so I could recover in time for the Spoga Creator Days. I was determined to be fit enough to take part in the panel talk on 'Smart Breeding', discussing the digital equestrian world for breeding, raising, and selling horses.
These two days were absolutely incredible. The discussion with Juliane Barth, Christoph Wahler, Susanne Casper (Equistro), and Kristina Sehr (SehrWieviel, the organizer) was inspiring, offering new perspectives on how to enhance my work and share my knowledge and expertise.
🎥 Watch the panel talk here: https://www.clipmyhorse.tv/en_EU/ondemand/event/15382/competition/330065?start_at=12953468
One of my annual highlights is attending the Salon des Étalons de Sport in Saint-Lô, France. Seeing so many top stallions together in one weekend, reconnecting with breeders, and confirming the strength of proven bloodlines—this event is truly special.
For me personally, this year’s Salon revolved around Vigo Cece and Untouched Son JPS, the full brother of United Touch S.
It’s incredible to think that the first two months of the year are already behind us!
© Mélina Massias
March
Looking back at March...
This month has been great for my motivation. It was truly exciting, and the coming weeks promise to be even more thrilling! I went to 🇱🇺 for a special meeting.March was special because of Indoor Brabant with the Rolex Grand Slam and all the incredible people I met and reconnected with. Cayman Jolly Jumper will be the focus of my new breeding story for the Rolex Grand Slam, and I also had a few other special meetings for upcoming articles.
It is always special to see my own mare L-Texas and Comme il faut 🐴
I returned to Hof Thormählen to work on my book and took Harm with me to visit Stefan Aust and see horses from his breeding program. Unexpectedly, I received some valuable advice and even an offer of support when the book is published.
Exciting times ahead!
#thebestisyettocome #dontgiveup #journalist #author #carpediem
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© Rolex/ThomasLovelock
April was an inspiring month
In the first week of April, I visited Jos Lansink in Belgium together with the DBFS. It was fascinating to see several offspring of Valentina van 't Heike. Later that week, I travelled to Holstein, and shortly after returning, I headed to Luxembourg for my first breeder talk of the year at K-Stables. That same day, I drove to Belgium again to support friends competing at a show in Sentower Park. I ended up writing only my second-ever column about this experience, and I’m still surprised by all the reactions it received.
Two weeks later, another column was published — this time about my role as a mystery guest during the NK SoSo Bixie Springen, where I had the honour of presenting the Care & Harmony Award by Skycooler to young riders.
https://https://www.dehoefslag.nl/nieuws/sport/119908/column-adriana-van-tilburg-een-zaadje-planten-bij-de-ponykind
Now it's time to reflect on how we can continue from here and explore new ideas to further improve the welfare of ponies and horses.
The day after the show in Sentower Park, I visited a very interesting breeder to learn more about a specific bloodline. That visit marked the beginning of what will become my next long-term project!
© Ashley Claus