Kelly Bauer Photography

Aussie Olympic Selection Event – Mannheim

Kelly — Thu, 10 May 2012 10:30:00 +0000

It was really impressive to see 8 Aussie combinations start in the Grand Prix at Mannheim May Market Show here in Germany. As the Aussie dressage selectors had this event as the first of the two final team selection events it was always going to be a ‘must do’ on my list.

I think the only downside was the weather. While Aussies are normally built tougher than alot of European riders when it comes to rain, the torrential downpours were somewhat badly timed. Lyndal Oatley suffered in both the GP and Special with no doubt everything from tophat to socks being drenched both days. Nonetheless our Aussies did a brilliant job under the circumstances. With Lyndal, Hayley & Kristy all going through to the Special on sunday where they got to run through the new Olympic GP Special test.

Sadly it wasn’t all brilliant news for the team. Brett & Lord of Loxley had a tough time trying to redeem their score when for some reason the horse thought it might be cool to stick his tongue out. Bugger, bugger, bugger. Not much else to say really! Rachael & Alabaster also had a very less than ideal test in the GP and whether it was weather related, or nerves or whatever, it was hard to watch. Mary, Rozzie & Chantal all produced solid tests and looked happy with their efforts. I think Rozzie & Chantal just needed a little more pzazz in their tests as while they were nice, they definately lacked the ‘eye catching’ appeal a little.

Onwards and upwards though. It will be interesting to see how the weather treats our Aussies in Compiegne, France for the next and final selection event… fingers crossed it is better than Mannheim! Then it is just a matter of sit and wait to hear who the team is going to be made up of!

Oh, and please excuse my bad photoshopping… thought this might be fitting for Lyndal after the weather she received over the weekend!

Rach & Will- S.A Medium Champions!

Kelly — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 12:28:04 +0000

Well what better way to end their weekend at the South Australian Dressage Championships than to take out a championship? Rach & Will produced two sensational medium tests on Sunday 15th April that saw them awarded a 72.431% score (where they held a 3.125% lead) in the first test and a 71.375% in the second where they manage to keep an impressive 3.473% lead! The trip across the border not only gave them the opportunity to test their skills infront of some new judges, but clearly has given them the message that they are definately on the right path! Congratulations to both Rachelle & her rising star Will!

Website Overhaul + Rach & Will Reserve Elementary Champions in SA.

Kelly — Sat, 14 Apr 2012 17:45:47 +0000

This is the first of the new blog posts on the updated website. It looks like there is a fair bit of work to do in order to get this newer, much better looking site fully fitted out but I think it will definately be worth the effort. Please be patient as we sort through converting content over.

In other news, our Sponsored Rider, Rachelle Wilson & her impressive gelding CJP Winchester have just taken out the Elementary Reserve Champion at the South Australian Dressage Championships. Not only is this an amazing achievement but they also managed to score an outstanding 73.938% in one of the two tests. Congratulations Rach & Will, and best of luck for the Medium rounds tomorrow!