Open House - 2006

We did it! After years of talking about it, we finally made open house!

We want to share the story of our Open House. It's not easy in a few short words to relate it, but we will try. There are actually, a lot of stories in the story. Many little stories adding up into one big story. It is actually a story that started back in 2003. Many of the people who visited or were involved did so because of the bonds we have all built over the years. We hope you enjoy our tale, and can sit back and relax and see at least some of what happened at a very old farm in the Austrian Alps.

Getting started! (Click Here)

As most things were already set up the day before, there were only a couple of things to do in the morning as the people started to arrive and Children's Program began. To get everyone in the mood, a short presentation of Curly History was given by Karen who rode *RR Rescue Me western style while Julia presented Rescue Me's filly, *ZZ Diamond Rain. Angie Stingl was kind enough to read the history to our visitors during the demonstration. Eva, Kerstin and Kristina had a lot on their hands as folks lined up with their children. Friends from far and wide began to arrive. Click on the above link to see images of the start of the day!

Eating and more arrivals! (Click Here)

While folks began to enjoy the food, our show participants began to arrive. Mitch Wilkinson rode up on Wera, Nicole Sprickler's Haflinger, in full Commanche dress. Walter Lukas came with his tournament horse, Joe in the trailer and brought him into a comfortable stall. Nicole Sprickler arrived to prepare *RR Rescue Me for the show, and Sandra Haslbauer rode over on her stallion, J.W. Panic Power. At 1 pm the show was to begin, so the karaoke system was brought down. People made their way to the riding field. Click on the above link to see images of the arrivals!

The Show! (Click Here)

The show was great, and we couldn't have been more happy with the high quality of performers we were able to invite! Walter Lukas, Sandra Haslbauer, Nicole Sprickler and Mitch Wilkinson amazed and entertained our audience. Karen tried to use the microphone to explain the various riding techniques until Erwin ran over the generator with the car :). Regardless, with Mitch's demonstration music wasn't necessary as he explained to the public all the various pieces a Commanche warrior needs for riding. Lots of visitors were on hand to see all the goings on. Please see the link above for images and more explanation!

The show isn't over until the Fat Lady sings! Or is that the Thin Man blows fire! (Click Here)

We let everyone have a break until 4 pm so they could get food and drink. Then it was time to present the stallions on hand. Sadly, no one took images of the stallions! Karen and Nici made it short and sweet. Then afterwards, our big finale was on! Franz Treml and the Special Effects. We've got some fabulous images of their show thanks to the Seidls! Enjoy seeing Franz in action. Click on the above link to see Franz!

After the Show! (Click Here)

While Mitch taught Karen a little about Commanche riding, Cheryl, his wife, and a group of English speaking Austrians who took Cheryl under their wing, went off to see the Gmunden Ceramics Market that takes place once a year. Cheryl, Eva, Mandy and Suzie had a great time. When they got back it was time for us to head to Windlegen, an Austrian Inn in the mountains where our friends Suz, Eva, Mandy and Suzie taught Cheryl about Austrian cooking. We have some images for you! See the above link!