We are just days away from knowing which combinations will comprise Australia's Dressage team at the 2012 London Olympic Games but before the team is revealed one final challenge stands in the way.
The second and final Dressage nomination event is taking place this weekend and riders have assembled in France to compete in the Compiegne CDI3*
A good result this weekend could put riders on the path to London and Olympic glory.
Lyndal Oatley is hoping she and her horse Sandro Boy, aptly nicknamed Storm Boy after they faced disastrous conditions at the first nomination event in Manheim (GER), fare better with the weather this weekend
“We have prepared well for this event and I am ready for whatever heads my way, although I would prefer better weather than in Mannheim,” Lyndal said. “I have checked the weather forecast and there is a chance of rain over the Grand Prix days so I’m hoping "Storm Boy" is not facing weather like last time but just in case I have extra gloves and a lot of towels and am off to find gumboots,” she added.
If Lyndal gets the call up from selectors, London will be her first Olympic Games.
“The feelings I have at the moment are exactly the same as they were leading up to Mannheim,” she said. “I feel anxious, excited but also focused on getting the job done. We all want one of the three places on the team and we know what we need to do to get there.”
With Dressage rider Rachael Sanna withdrawing from the event after veterinary advice sidelined her horse, the Bev and John Edwards owned Jaybee Alabaster, there are seven riders vying for three positions on the Dressage team.
Dressage combinations competing at Compiegne CDI3* 1 – 3 June 2012
Brett Parbery Lord of Loxley
Chantal Wigan Ferero
Hayley Beresford Belissimo NRW
Kristy Oatley Clive
Kristy Oatley Ronan 2
Lyndal Oatley Sandro Boy
Mary Hanna Sancette
Mary Hanna Umbro
Rozzie Ryan GV Bullwinkle
