Dirk Schrade and Hop and Skip at the European Championships in Sweden in 2013 where they placed 6th individually and earned the team gold medal for Germany. Photo by Julia Rau.
We are saddened to share the news of the passing of Dirk Schrade’s championship partner, Hop and Skip a.k.a. “Baxter”, at the age of 23.
Baxter was purchased by Freya Rethmeier for Dirk in 2010 from Japan’s Kenki Sato, who piloted the British-bred gelding around the World Equestrian Games (WEG) in Lexington that year. Together, Dirk and Baxter completed eight Nations Cup legs, four five-stars, two European Championships, and the 2014 WEG where their double clear show jumping round helped to secure the team gold medal for Germany. After retiring in 2016, Baxter was able to enjoy a number of years retirement in Freya’s yard.
Rest in peace, Baxter.
Are you attending this year’s Land Rover Kentucky Three-Day Event? Join EN and Ride iQ for a ridiculously epic course walk led by Kyle Carter and Buck Davidson on Friday, April 29. If you register ahead of time, you’ll be entered to win prizes such as a limited edition signed tote bag and goodies from our sponsors. Click here to learn more.
U.S. Weekend Action:
The Fork at TIEC (Tryon, Nc.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]
Chattahoochee Hills International H.T. (Fairburn, Ga.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Ride Times] [Volunteer] [Live Scores] [EN’s Coverage]
CDCTA Spring H.T. (Berryville, Va.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]
Pine Hill Spring H.T. (Bellville, Tx.): [Website] [Entry Status] [Volunteer] [Live Scores]
Major International Events:
Strzegom Spring Open CCI4*-S (Poland): [Website] [Sunday XC Live Stream]
Sunday Links:
Behaviour of Retrained Thoroughbred Racehorses Studied
‘He’s a big, sexy, athletic lunatic!’ – the former problem horse getting set to tackle his first Badminton
Rule Refresher: Wait What Did that Bell Mean?
Strength, balance and athleticism of elite Eventing riders assessed in pilot study
From a coma to the World Cup Finals – the extraordinary story of Dressage rider Juan Matute Guimon in his own words….
Sunday Video: Take a ride with Dirk and Hop and Skip at Aachen in 2013:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6kgndHAhDuY?feature=oembed
Fairfax & Favor Find of the Week: