Traveling Germany, meeting horses, humans and history

I feel a little (just a little) guilty for writing this but…my absence from the internet has been a little bit fun. I did not intend or expect to be this ‘off-line’ while here in Germany but things have just seemed to work out to be that way.

The unintentional side effect of this trip has been similar to living a second childhood in a way. I haven’t cooked a single meal and we are fed very well…this country even promotes eating cake or sweets between lunch and dinner! We are chauffeured around by our host. Our site seeing, travel plans, places to eat, and times to do things are mostly set by our hosts…and it is completely relaxing. On top of that our phone and texting plan is limited and our access to the internet has been spotty. After stressing about this for a few days I actually began to enjoy this brief season of being largely ‘unplugged.’ It has even lead me to consider unplugging everything for one week a month when I return home….

On the other side this trip has been amazing. We have meet many people who share a passion for horses. We were spectators at an NRHA show here in Germany where I watched a Haflinger compete in reining. We have toured both public and private farms that were unique and amazing. The oldest we visited was the Hanoverian barn founded in the 1700’s.

I am fascinated by the equine history here and by how intertwined they are with the everyday life of people. Most of the homes I have visited are over 100 years old and the barn is attached to the house. I still can’t get used to the idea that when leaving my room I can turn left to head to the kitchen or right, open a door, and be in the barn!

Below I will post photos with descriptions that highlight some of the places we have been. I want to say that I will be online more…I have a USB internet card that should work, but it won’t. The directions are in German (lol) and when I had my translator take a look she ended up on the phone with the company. Still no success. Maybe it is a sign. Or maybe I will get it figured out next week. For right now I will have to settle for spotty internet and an amazing adventure:)

P.S.-I’m happy to report that I am fluent in ‘horse language’ even here in Germany! Even the Hanoverian I worked today agreed. Until next time, guten nacht.

This is a private home and indoor. Can you tell they like the American southwest? Nice custom paint job!

House, barn, garage and indoor arena are all attached.

Celle State Stud Farm, the beginning of the Hanoverian breed.

This is the TV in my room. Horses on TV is common, this show was over an hour long. I couldn’t understand the announcer but the performances were great!

Yes, ice cream and espresso are the perfect combination!