What a coincidence, blog post number 25 is about the 2025 World Show. It’s as if I had planned it that way, but it really is just a coincidence. The World Show, where I went as a visitor without my own horse back in 2015, and now, 10 years later, I get to compete myself with two horses. Normally held every five years, but due to COVID-19, it’s only happening now after a 10-year gap. And i'm so excited, what an experience to be a part of this.

This grand spectacle will take place in Ebbs from May 28 to June 1, 2025. And as I type this, nearly a year has passed, so let’s look back on those amazing days!

Tuesday 27 May.

Julia came from the Netherlands to support me this week, but also to keep everything under control at the stable back home and take care of the dogs. Mom and Dad are here too, and I’ll be staying with them in Ebbs so we can get everything organized.

Impressive and Incredible are being washed and packed. We’re already gathering all our gear. You need a lot of stuff when you’re going away for a few days with two horses.

I bought a large storage box. Everything fits in here, and we can take it with us to Ebbs. So what do you need? We’re packing: grooming supplies (everything you can think of), show halters, whips, gloves, baby wipes, extra halters and ropes, horse treats, lunging gear, supplies to wash the horses again, buckets, a wheelbarrow, and a manure fork because we’ll need to muck out the stalls, hooks to hang everything up, and so on. The list is endless!

Wednesday 28 May.

All the packed gear goes into the car and the trailer, and at the end of the day we take the horses to Ebbs, where they each get their own stall. There are 14 tents, and we, the Zillertal Haflinger Association, are in tent 5. We’re at the back of the tent, and our association has 19 horses. Press and Credi are facing each other and settle in pretty quickly.

Today they have a chance to acclimate, and tomorrow the inspection will really get started.

Thursday 29 May.

Today is a good day to ease into things. I can watch the others for a bit first, and then it’ll be my turn later today. Impressive is in Class 22, which starts at 1:45 p.m. It has rained a lot. The fields are nothing but mud. Julia is driving back from the Zillertal to Ebbs, but is having trouble parking the car. Keeping my shoes clean is also proving to be a problem, but luckily I have Mom and Dad to help with that.

We’re third up in our class, and luckily it’s dry now. Press is incredibly well-behaved and puts on a great show. I’m extremely pleased! We have a very strong class, so I’m really here just for the experience. Of course, placing high in the rankings is something you want to achieve, but I’m also realistic and know I’m not among the top. Just being here is a gift in itself!

There’s also a photographer on site where you can stop by with your horse at a specific time to have your picture taken against a black backdrop. Today, I get to stop by with Incredible. A standing photo wasn’t possible, Credi wouldn’t stay still, but we did manage to take a nice front-facing photo.

Credi always has a lot of energy, and she had to let everyone know that again today. As we walked back to the tent, she decided to let off some steam. I wanted to walk around a bit so she could stretch her legs, and I certainly felt it. She broke free and bucked wildly, hitting my arm and hip. She ran off, but luckily we were able to catch her again quickly near another tent. The pain wasn’t too bad, but it’s something to keep in mind for tomorrow and to be careful about with Credi.

Tonight we have tickets for the Haflinger Show at the Arena. The show will showcase the breed’s versatility, featuring all disciplines, from dressage to show jumping, from driving to western riding, and everything in between.

Friday 30 May.

Today was a bit of a busy day for me. Incredible had to go into the ring, Press and Credi had their final ring walk, and I still had to take some photos with Press.

Since Credi had been so restless yesterday, I decided to lunge her today. In the morning, before the visitors arrive, you’re allowed to take your horse into the ring to give them a bit of exercise. I waited for a quiet moment and took her out on the lunge line with a rope halter. I was a bit nervous, though, what if she pulled away again? But I was prepared this time. When I tried to send her around a circle, she bucked, but I was able to hold her. After a nice trot, she relaxed, she really needed that!

Incredible is in the 26th class. This class runs from 12:15 PM to 1:15 PM. At the same time, Impressive’s final round is also scheduled to start. So, a minor issue. I consult with the ring master, and he allows me to start with Incredible first in my class instead of near the end, so I can then proceed immediately with Impressive to the final round.

I warm up with Incredible, and in the tent, they make sure Press is also getting ready. I immediately notice that Credi is a lot more relaxed after this morning’s lunging. I still have to pay attention, but she lets me lead her around obediently.

I take Credi back to the tent and bring Press with me. We have to go to the Arena, where all the horses from the class gather for the final round. The results of the class will also be announced there. I receive a 1c rating with Impressive. Many of those who received this rating were not happy about it. But as I said before, it’s all about the experience for me, and I was glad to be there!

After Press’s final run, I get a moment to rest. It’s warm today, so I make sure to stay hydrated, and in the tent I take a moment to go through the catalog and see what the rest of the day has in store. I also have time to take some photos with my mares—it’s nice to have as a keepsake!

Press still has to go to the photo shoot for the black screen. Press can’t stand still for a posed photo either, so we take another nice front shot. Against the beautiful wall of the Fohlenhof, we manage to take a nice posed photo.

Finally, today I have to take Credi to the Arena for the final round. Incredible also received a 1C rating. But I’m more than satisfied.

We've reserved a table in the hall for this evening. You can enjoy some food and drinks there, and there will be music. There will also be an auction tonight for a painting, with the proceeds going to a member of our association.

Saturday 31 May.

Today I can relax and enjoy everything the day has to offer. We take another group photo with the club, and in the evening we all have a cozy pizza dinner together at our tent. A spontaneous idea comes up, and together with another member of the club, we decide to give it a try. And it works, we get to take a ride on Claus Luber’s battle wagon!

It’s truly fantastic to be able to do this!

Sunday 1 June.

The last day of the World Show. We thought we were done, but today we’re told that all the horses have to go back into the Arena. This time, by country, and for Austria, by association.

One last photo with my two stars! Then it’s time to pack everything up, load the horses onto the trailer, and head home after this fantastic adventure! See you in five years!

Love, Fabiënne