DressageDaily:In Memoriam – The Baroness von Aachen

Monday, September 26, 2005

In Memoriam – The Baroness von Aachen

The Baroness von Aachen It is with deep sadness we report the loss of one of the dressage world’s most beloved and regal canine companions, Betsy Steiner’s beloved West Highland terrier Aachie. Betsy had been searching for a Westie for over 2 years when in 1990 Ruth Klimke, who had her Aachie’s sister in Germany, helped her to find a puppy from the same father, Asterix, the famous Best in Show West Highland Terrier. Steiner’s trainer at the time, the late Herbert Rehbein gave her the name of Baroness von Aachen, after Steiner had just come home from the show in Aachen where she and Unanimous had been named to the US Dressage team for the World Equestrian Games in Stockholm.

“Aachie's registered name was, appropriately "Joy The Blizzard"!” Betsy told DressageDaily. ”She was my joy, my love, my faithful shadow and example of unconditional love & devotion 24/7 for the past 15 years. I feel privileged and so blessed to have had such an incredible friend for so long -- she was a real gift who I will sorely miss every day!”

Aachie and DressageDaily’s Winnie the late beloved corgi owned by Mary Phelps briefly had a column on HorsesDaily.com, called the Canine Corner, where they held “chats” about their owners. But nearing retirement, both decided that due to the demands of their owners much needed constant attention, they were unable to keep up with the responsibilities required for managing a website section.

In lieu of flowers, donations can me made in Aachie’s memory to the USEF Hurricane Equine Relief Fund. Every dollar of the money donated to the fund will be used to support efforts to deliver food, veterinary services, and shelter for horses and ponies in the stricken areas. All donations are tax deductible. Donations can be made online at www.usef.org or by check made out to the USEF Hurricane Equine Relief Fund and sent to:

The United States Equestrian Federation
4047 Iron Works Parkway
Lexington, KY
40511
To Donate by Fax: 859-231-6662