haha yes i was petrified on the few days leading up to the course! Dont worry it has such a laid back atmosphere and Alex is quite a charmer.
I thought my school horse was extremely educated and they all are, but a tip for your first ride: get on and think "you are a school horse and you must do what i say" because they will try you on and not work for you because they know the drill. Get stuck into them (obviously not abusively haha!) and tell them who is boss and Alex will be impressed with the confidence.

yes we spent every night at the hotel pub with alex and the rest so you should be able to spend plenty of time with Horsty!!! Dont forget to mention me (casey) and say i was the one with my mum and grandma!!!

I agree with you that germany is better value for money but Talland is definately a must-do for any dressage/jumping rider.

hey!
oh thats great you are going u will have the time of your life! Are you staying at Hotel Tannenhof? highly recommended... Horst is the funniest guy i have met in my life!
Yes there is a local tack shop in the town of Vechta that you will get a chance to go to many times with the group and you get a big discount! It is called Reiter Eck. Also nearby there is the biggest tack store i've seen and its called Reitsport Schokemoehle. No doubt you can find boots in there.... and also Iris from Reiter Eck can order you some in easily.
Where did you hear of the course?