TWH In Spotlight At Eurocheval

By Charles Hulsey
©Voice, September 2006

Eurocheval, one of the premier Horse Fairs and Expos was held July 19-23, 2006 in Offenburg, Germany, during a record breaking heat wave. A showcase for all major breeds, Eurocheval has been an important event on the TWHBEA^SM calendar for many years, and continues to pay dividends in the form of exposure to new potential enthusiasts, increased membership and in the actual sale of horses.

Activities are spearheaded by German Director Dr. Frank Jugert, and an impressive group of volunteers come together to present a show that not only shows the attributes of the Tennessee Walking Horses but is also appealing to all audiences as well.

Each day, there is a presentation in the main arena that draws large crowds, as well as two to three exhibitors in a smaller arena where more private conversations and test rides take place. This year, I was privileged to be offered the opportunity to ride an Icelandic horse named Haraldur and trained by Jens Fuchtenschnieder. In return the Icelandic riders asked to ride two of our Tennessee Walking Horses.

Our volunteers, the heart of the TWHBEA-Europe are a remarkable group. First, they volunteer their holiday time to attend the entire event to participate. They bring horses, for no pay and at their own expenses.
As mentioned earlier, a colorful show was planned and coordinated by Patric Mueller, and involved carriage driving by Russ Keyser, western riding by Nicole Liebelt and Denise Bader and English riding Franziska Liebelt, Cathleen Balz-Kaess, and Maryan Zyderveld, who came from the Netherlands to participate.

Other volunteers included Michaelle Hipp and Marguerite Malberg of Germany, and Monique Slagter of Netherlands, who worked in the booth, Herbert Koehler of Germany and Matthias Schneider of Switzerland both of whom participated in the show, along with Andrea Schneider of Switzerland.

Daily from 9:00 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. the booth was busy with inquisitive visitors watching videos, asking questions, and picking of literature.