After looking at many young horses by Weltmeyer, we finally drove to Bendigo, Victoria to look at BJ. He was five months old, very hairy and not very attractive at that age. We bought him and Rashelle and I drove home wondering what everyone would say when they saw him!

Luckily he grew into the gorgeous boy that he is today!

I showed him in led classes when he was younger, his best win being Grand Champion at the ISSA Hilltop Farm Foal Show 2003, Melbourne.

He was first ridden (twice only), when he was about 2 and ½ years old as my husband could not wait any longer to see him under saddle!

When he was 3 he went out to the track at Hawkesbury. Edgar Lichtwark had told me it was fine to ride him at this age as long as the circles were not too small. Well I think the track at Clarendon is about 2000 metres! He spent about 3 weeks in the racing stables getting a lot of comments about his size, he has always been a big boy. I think working with the other horses on the track was very good for him. He came home and had a one month spell, and then I started him with Edgar’s help.

He was a colt until he was nearly 5 years old, but he was far too lazy. After he was gelded things really started to hum along. He discovered a very elevated trot, but could not always maintain it, but with time, strength and balance, it is now the norm!

When he was broken in I told a friend he was going to win DWTS and I would be taking him to Germany. I don’t think I really believe it.

I have been training with Clemens Dierks who is also responsible for getting the ball rolling for our trip!  Germany here we come! It is all a little serene.

We leave on the 6th of June 2007. Our destination is the stables of Klaus Balkenhol at Rosenelahl. Stefan Wolff will be riding BJ in the World Young Horse Championships. He will be doing a couple of small competitions leading up to the championships.

Please keep an eye on my news section and I will keep you updated with our progress.

Dianne White & BJ

Photo by Roger Fitzharding