Dressage in the Rockies Profile
Grant Schneidman - Page 2

Like any other older athlete, some days Pyrok gets up and he’s stiff one place and the next day he’s stiff somewhere else, according to Grant. His workout depends on what part of his body is sore.

“He’s a good old guy,” remarked Grant. “I made a couple of mistakes when it was so hot (in the afternoon class) because I had to push him harder. He wasn’t offering as much as he did in the spring when the weather was cooler and he was enjoying it more. He has a tremendous work ethic and really tries, and the next day he tries, and the next. He’s very honest, never spooks--you could put an inexperienced rider on him and send them for a trail ride and he’ll take care of them. Yet, when the wind is whipping and he feels good, he’ll dance around with me,” he smiled. “He’s a good, salt of the earth, honest, hard working fellow.”

Another horse Grant is just moving up to Grand Prix is the 13 year old Russian gelding Nostrum. At 16h, he is a compact little horse, reminding one of a bulldog. Sharon Schneidman guessed that as a Russian horse, he could have almost anything in him, but most probably Trakehner and Arab. He has a nice lift to the piaffe and passage and his tempi changes, but he still has work to do on his pirouettes. He came in second to Pyrok.

“He’s an easy horse to package,” said Grant. “He came from the German trainer Uwe Schwanz and did well competing at the European small tour. He was then purchased for a Young Rider and is now for sale. He’s like a puppy dog—he has a sweet personality, he loves to show off and is a little opinionated but agreeable.”