Emma Flavelle-Watts and Cabaret C 

© Roger Fitzhardinge

By Equestrian Life
 
The best horses are never the easy ones. Just ask FEI dressage rider Emma Flavelle-Watts — she’s had a number of very good horses over the years, and those with that bit of extra talent are rarely straightforward.
 
Her latest Grand Prix horse, Cabaret C, is no exception. “She’s an alpha mare, so I’ve got to be tactful in terms of how I get her through a test,” laughs Emma. The pair have certainly had their ups and downs, however the mare’s evident talent has seen Emma and the mare’s owner persist. 
 
Cabaret C (who’s stable name coincidentally is Emma!) was purchased from Germany as a four year old by Kim Tenkate. Kim’s daughter, Caitlin Cullen, is listed as the mare’s official owner. Emma has been riding the mare, who is now 12 years old, ever since she was imported to Australia.

Emma Flavelle-Watts and Cabaret C 

© Roger Fitzhardinge

 
“The journey to Grand Prix has been challenging, all horses have their weaknesses and strengths. As Emma (Cabaret C) is an alpha mare, there have been compromises along the way. Our first competition together I was led around the arena in hand, and then just hoped for the best!” laughs Emma.
 
“Our first real hurdle came with the flying changes! It took us 12 months to establish one clean change. It didn't help that she is bred for jumping, as she cleared the arena fence a couple of times during that period! I'm happy to say her changes are now a real highlight!”
 
At the 2019 Australian Dressage Championships, the pair competed in the Inter II, Grand Prix CDI-W, Grand Prix CDI-W Freestyle, and Grand Prix Special CDN; it was the definition of a rollercoaster ride. The Inter II didn’t exactly go to plan and they were unfortunately eliminated, however in the Grand Prix Cabaret C got it together and produced a great test to score 66.174% — her best GP CDI score to date. A little more atmosphere for the Freestyle saw a lovely test come undone midway through when Cabaret C decided to dance to her own beat for half a lap; while their scores did take a knock, it was beautifully recovered by Emma and they managed to push through to the end, showing glimpses of serious talent. On the final day in the Grand Prix Special CDN, it all came together for a win on a score of 68.596%... with three judges awarding over 70%. It was a fitting end to their event and made the trip down from Queensland well worth it!

When things went amiss in the Freestyle!

© Roger Fitzhardinge

 
 “It’s just trying to get everything together on the day — especially the mind, with her,” explains Emma. “She’s green at this level obviously, and still developing a lot of confidence, but I’m very happy with her.”
 
Equestrian Life’s live stream commentator, Roger Fitzhardinge, was impressed by the mare and could certainly see the potential. “She was super in the contact with a beautiful topline and frame, and super energy,” he says.
 
Away from the competition arena, Emma explains that many people are surprised to find that Cabaret C is very pleasant to be around. “To handle, she is the softest most gentle horse you will meet. Some people are surprised at this, as she can be a bit temperamental in a competition environment at times. I have learnt she needs a little more time than what some other horses might need, and if things are rushed it usually doesn't end well.”
 
When handling a tricky mare like Cabaret C, the focus is often on getting the mind right. Of course, Grand Prix horses are elite athletes and therefore keeping them in good physical shape is also essential. A long time user of Interpath’s 4CYTE joint health supplement, Emma has recently become a brand ambassador. 
 
“It’s the best!” she says. “Cabaret C and all my team have been on the 4CYTE for many, many years now, and I’ve recently started with the Epiitalis gel, which they all love. They hang over the stable door begging for it!” she laughs. 
 
“It’s a fabulous product that’s scientifically proven. One of my previous Grand Prix horses, Andiamo, had a tendon injury and the prognosis at the time wasn’t good. I straightaway put him on 4CYTE and he’s good as gold. Overall, I find my horses are freer on it; they’re sound and I just love it, it’s fabulous stuff. Keeping them sound up until they reach the top level, that’s a hard thing to do. 4CYTE makes it easier. For me, it’s part of the management of my performance horses; start early before you see anything wrong.”

Emma Flavelle-Watts and Cabaret C looking good in the canter half pass 

© Roger Fitzhardinge

 
Looking to the future, Emma notes that Cabaret C has four embryo transfer foals on the ground. It will be exciting to see the development of their riding careers over the coming years. In terms of the mare’s progress at Big Tour, Emma is very positive. “I love the feeling every time I sit on her,” she says. “She’s a bit complicated, but we’re working through it. They’ve all got something, and you’ve just got to figure that out as a rider.”
 
“I am excited for the future. It's only very early days at this level, so the next 12 months I hope to really solidify the Grand Prix work and continue building her strength and confidence, minimising the compromise!”
 

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