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Spring Farm is a 30 acre property in Rutland on the borders of Leicestershire. It was purchased by Di's husband, Dietmar Ackermann, in 1977 and developed over the years into an attractive and practical equestrian competiton/training facility.
Initially Dietmar concentrated on training and producing event horses with considerable success. However he also produced young top level showjumpers which were sold all over Europe, the United States and Canada.
Dietmar has also trained riders in all disciplines, and is particularly proud of Bridget McNally, who came to Spring Farm as a trainee, worked her way up to Head Girl and qualified as a BHSI. She was awarded the prestigious Lloyds Bank Young Instructor of the Year title in 1983.
Di transferred her string of horses to Spring Farm in 1989 and the foundations of the current successful partnership were created. At that time Di's top rides were Trinity Bristo, Master Bob and Seville. A couple of years later a nervous but talented liver chesnut 4 year old owned by Dina and Robert Verburgt arrived at Spring Farm. He was named Abbervail Dream and was to provide Di with the highlights of her career at the very highest level and some heartache.
His career covered 13 years and included home wins in the Queen Elizabeth 11 Cup in 1994 and 1998, Leading Show Jumper of the Year in 2001and Cock of the North - Di is the only lady rider ever to win this Yorkshire classic. Abbervail Dream was a member of the British Nations Cup Team on over 40 occasions, including for the European Championships in 1997, 1999 and 2001, and for the World Championships in 1998 and 2002. A team Bronze Medal at the Rome World Championships, with an individual 12th placing - the best British performance - was the highlight of his career. The disappointments were not making the final 4 for either the Atlanta or Sydney Olympics.
During this period Di travelled extensively all over Europe, to Canada and Australia. The back-up team included Jenny Willment's Equity, Audacity II and Leo Z; John & Bridie Simmonovich's Flaminka and Tri Star II; Ronnie Massarella and Phil Rea's Valentino R; Mrs Pearl Moore's Eperlan du Fouquet; Mariann Hugyecz's Carlucci 9; John and Sue Rogers' Contendra, and Diana Friend's William's Spirit.
Abbervail Dream's retirement in 2004 and Di's appointment as BSJA Consultant Head of Coaching have brought about a change in direction for Spring Farm.
The emphasis is no longer on competition purely and simply, although a small nucleus of jumpers remain. Training the next generation of horses and riders is the main occupation for Di, ably supported by Dietmar and her family. The facilities and training offered at Spring Farm can be checked out on the Spring Farm page.