classical training in Portugal
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New Bairn / Nytt Barn & New Barn
Once again there are only a few weeks to Christmas and there are so many things to fit in between now and then. The last few months have been very busy too, what with my growing family and horses to train and clinics to teach. I feel very lucky though, that I have been able…
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Demonstration and a clinic, New Barn, Cheshire
There’s a lot for me to look forward to this autumn – three trips to Sweden for clinics; clients horses coming to stay with us for training, and some students coming for short courses here on our farm in Cheshire. I’ll also be giving a demonstration just down the road at New Barn, Ollerton, Cheshire on Friday the…
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It’s the little things that matter
The summer is soon changing to autumn and I am aware that it has been another long absense in my writing. The family is now one person larger and our daughter Sigrid has already been introduced into the horse world. I am very grateful for our ‘Baby Björn’ that allows me to combine my work with motherhood. It…
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When One Door Closes, Another Door Opens
We’ve had some beautiful early Spring weather here in Cheshire and the land is shaking off its winter coat. It’s been a fitting backdrop to my first visitor from Sweden – my friend Ulrika Malm. For reasons I’m sure you’ll be able to see, I’m having to take a short break from riding my horses…
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Back in the Saddle
Long time no see! This time there really has been a loooong wait between posts, for which I must apologise. But, these last few months have been a big adventure. More of that later. First, to more familiar matters. There have been some wonderful courses held at Quinta do Brejo in Portugal – not least…
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Saudade
Saudade is a Portuguese word without direct translation in English, but which characterises so much of the Portuguese national character. It is a kind of deep, melancholic longing for something cherished but absent. The traditional Portuguese folk music, Fado, expresses this notion through beautiful, lyrical stories, usually sung with guitar accompaniment. A group of my…
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Cross Country Jumps
It’s been a while since my last post and there’s a lot to write about. The biggest development is that I’ve moved myself and my little family – human, equine and canine – to be closer to my nearest and dearest ones in Sweden. In some ways it’s the end of a very important era…
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Rein, Rein, Go Away!
Teaching clinics in different countries shows me that there are still cultural differences in this global age. In Portugal, a spot of rain or a cool breeze is reason enough to hide indoors. In Sweden – where I have been teaching clinics for much of the last month – temperatures of -22 degrees aren’t sufficient…
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Step Back; Collect; Allow Forward
Greetings from snowy Sweden! I’m enjoying a few quiet days with my family before heading north to teach clinics this coming week. I hope 2013 has started well for all of you. The beginning of each new year can bring forth a mixture of feelings – excitement and apprehension for what is to come, of…
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December Reflections
And so to December: the closing of the year. At this time, I – like many of you, I’m sure – often find myself reflecting on the achievements of the preceding months while looking forward to new plans for January. It has been a very rewarding and busy year at Quinta do Brejo so far…
Charlotte Wittbom 