| 'On the recommendation of the late Franz Mairinger in the early part of 1966, I left for England to train with Robert Hall at the Fulmer school of Eqitation in Buckinghamshire. After three months with Robert Hall I travelled to Germany to train with Fritz Tempelmann, a legend in the German riding world. I was able to gain competition experience with Tempelmann's horses before buying my horse 'Clifton' a Brandenburg Warmblood gelding. I also spent a short time with von Neindorff, riding his superbly trained school stallions. I spent some time in Sweden at the National Stud watching the great trainer Vybke at work. But most of my training at that time was with Tempelmann, and when he took a break, I was fortunate to be able to train with the great perfectionist of the German Dressage world, General Albert Stecken. I was with Tempelmann for three years, who insisted that to expediate my training that I learn to speak German fluently, and so I did so. I then left for Vienna to train under George Wahl for twelve months. It was after this that I realized my dream of training with my idol, Colonel Alois Podhajsky, who was Director of the Spanish Riding School in Vienna. I trained with Col.Podhajsky for three and a half years as his only pupil. During this period, he published a well known book entitled "The Riding Teacher" and the rider featured with him on the cover was 'yours truly.' During this time, I successfully represented Australia at International level on 'Clifton' and was short listed to represent Australia in the Olympic Games in Munich in 1972. Unfortunately, due to ill health I was unable to ride, and returned to Australia to recuperate and get well. I went back to complete my training again in 1975 under Tempelmann, and again in 1978 under general Albert Stecken. I qualified as a National F.E.I. Grade A dressage judge. I have since retired as a judge to devote my time to training others at Clifton Court Stables at Scotsburn, near Ballarat, in Victoria, Australia.' Warrick Cozens * If you go here you can view photographs from my personal collection
concerned with Col.Podhajsky. |
