Hippoevent - Singles in Focus - Leslie Berndl USA

Leslie Berndl USA - Uminco “Travis"

Your horse – Uminco, “Travis”- what is special about him?

Uminco, “Travis” is a very special horse. He is a big, bay Royal Dutch Warmblood. It was love at first sight when I saw him being driven by Fritz Grupe 8 years ago. I continually worked on Fritz telling him that Travis was a “ladies horse” until one day, he allowed me to buy him. A day I shall never forget, as it was the same day that Travis and I won our first USEF National Championship!

His preferences?

Travis loves the dressage. He is a showman and I think he knows how beautiful he is. His real preference though, next to sugar cubes and carrots is what I call, “The Travis Show.” Others call this the vet inspection, but Travis is sure that EVERYONE has gotten dressed up to come see only him! He puts on quite a show of snorting and airs above the ground. Until he has been inspected, then he usually blows once more, puts his head down and walks like he’s asleep back to the stable!

His merits in the sport?

Travis is the reigning USEF National Champion Single Horse. He successfully defended his 2013 title at the Southern Pines CDE. He was the USEF Horse of the Year in 2012 and Reserve Champion Horse of the Year in 2013 with very limited showing! Travis has won the National Championship three times as a single horse and once as part of a pair. He has won every major competition in the United States!

Where are your strengths in Drivingsport?

My strength is my passion and love for the sport and for the horses. The beauty, grace and athletic ability are awe-inspiring. I come from a ridden background so my favourite event is the dressage. I am also an adrenaline junkie, making this the perfect sport for me.

What is important to you in the education and the training of Drivingsport Horses?

Training the driving sporthorse is also a passion I have. I feel that the driving horse must be an exceptional individual to start with in order to make it to the top. I take my time and make sure that the horse enjoys every step in the training. I want my horses to exhibit their natural beauty and athleticism easily and with joy. When a horse enjoys his work they can achieve greatness!! My horses are my friends, not my slaves!!!

What were your personally biggest sporty success in Drivingsport up to now?

Representing the United States of American at the FEI World Singles Championship in 2012 and coming away with a 6^th place finish in the dressage is something I shall never forget. Winning the USEF National Championship for the second year in a row has been a dream come true. Walking up on stage to receive the USEF Horse of the Year award was amazing! The friendships I have discovered and knowledge that I have received from so many great drivers and horsemen is my biggest success. The memories from the Drivingsport community are my greatest treasures!

3 words to the forthcoming WCH – the FEI Single Championship in September in Izsák, Hungary?

3 words??? Impossible, but if I must… I AM READY!!!

Regards from Team Leslie Berndl...