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Abbie O'Brien and Rajahs Rave in Sydney
It’s the 1st of August and if horsey people need an excuse to have a party it may was well be because it’s the Horse’s birthday. Hip hip hooraaaaaay !!!
My official Financial Sponsor (long time suffering husband) and I packed our overnight bags, checked into a fabulous hotel in Launceston. We lunched at the award winning Stillwater and we experienced what life might be like without early morning starts, long days at clinics, competitions, feedout commitments etc.
Tonight my-self and fellow dressage enthusiasts swapped johds, boots and puffer jackets for more glamourous outfits befitting a fundraising ball. The funds raised are to go towards the very enthusiastic Young Rider Squad led by the busy, busy, busy Jill Schwartz. Social gatherings such as this are a great way to connect with your competitors without the rigors and stresses of competition. Thank you to Dressage Tas for organising the event with a special mention to Jess Van der Vlist who has worked tirelessly to pull it all together.
HOTY Celebrations
Abbie O’Brien and Caitlin Radford are the special guest speakers. Two amazing young women making their mark in the dressage world. Abbie with her statuesque Rajah’s Rave dipping their toes in National and CDI FEI classes and finding that they can “swim” with the best of Australia’s professional competitors. Then there is Caitlin who has recently returned from representing AUSTRALIA INTERNATIONALLY at Hartpury CPEDI 3* Oh and met Valegro and Charlotte !!! Both from little ole Tassie, who would have thought?
Caitlin Radford gets some tips from VALEGRO!
Cailtin prepared a powerful video collage of her Hartpury experience. My chest swelled with pride of her achievements. Caitlin is only 16 years of age I am in total awe of her and I have no doubt that there before our eyes is our next Olympian. Abbie addressed the room of over 100 supporters and had them all on their edge of their seats. Her journey with Rajah had many of us in tears. It has been a tumultuous journey and as Abbie read through her notes she too became overwhelmed as she realised how far they have come together. In my humble opinion I think their recent achievements, including winning the 21-25yr PSG Challenge at the National Young Rider Championships, comes down to TRUST. As I listened to Abbie speak I visualised Rajah covered in chains, interlinked, held together with locks. Over the years with Abbie’s infinite patience beyond her young age, she found the key to unlock the chains that bound Rajah. They are planning their first Grand Prix start in the next 18 months, with no chain in sight to hold them back. Go Abbie and Rajah !!! I see another Olympian in the making.
Caitlin Radford Hartbury Photo Collage
I had a chance to speak with them both. I asked them both two questions. What is the key to your success? And What’s next?
Abbie and Rajah strut their stuff in Sydney
Abbie’s Key to her success.
· Solid routine: Regular coaching, planning work and riding commitments, regular care for horses (farrier, dentist, chiro etc).
· Support network: Support in all aspects of life from family, coach, fellow competitors.
What’s next for Abbie? Next year I aim to beak in our 007 youngster here in Victoria which will require transporting him from Tasmania. Revelwood Fleur will step up to Medium level by the end of this year. Aiming to have Rajah schooling most of the Grand Prix movements by the end of the year. With a Grand Prix start within the next 18 months.
Caitlin Radford and her Hartpury mount "Milo"
Caitlin’s Key to her success.
· Is the support of my team. Without them none of my success would happen. I really do owe it to everyone that has ever helped me on my journey and especially my trip representing Australia at the Hartpury CPEDI 3*, it was the most incredible trip and I feel as though I have grown as a rider and am always trying to work harder and try new things.
What’s next for Caitlin? Good question ( Thanks Caitlin J ) I have a busy few months coming up. Mid September I will travel to Canberra to Susan Elekessy’s property to train with Jay and Boy. A competition at Wagga Wagga ( say hi to Jodie Dunstan for me ). Then on to Boneo for the CDI then on to Sydney for the National Interschools Championships. In December it’s the Dressage Festival followed by the CPEDI 3* at Boneo. Then Jay will come home to Tassie where we can get to know each other and have some fun along the way.
OMG !!!! I am exhausted just typing this itinerary!!!
The future of dressage is in such great hands with Abbie and Caitlin and all of the other dedicated Young Riders who dare to live beyond their dreams.
The Ball is also the forum, for the first time, for the announcement of the Horse of the Year Awards (HOTY). It’s a fabulous way to recognise the dedication, focus and hard work of Dressage Tasmania members and their beautiful equine partners. I am here to collect Tiny’s award, HOTY FEI Medium Tour!!!! A beautiful rug donated by Horseland, a certificate and a BOX OF SUGAR CUBES !!!
Tiny's Award and Sugar Cubes too!
Tiny’s award means so much to me. Not because of me as his owner/rider but because it is just recognition of his brilliance! The past season for which he is being recognised, he faced the challenges of competing in the FEI Medium Tour classes. The landscape had changed, for it wasn’t him teaching me it was BOTH of us learning TOGETHER. Together with our long time coaches Lydia Jackson, Roger Fitzhardinge and Charlotte Pedersen we explored the nuances of piaffe, passage, one time changes, steeper angles, and urgh those zig zags !
Then we tested our training in the competition arena. Every test he tried his hardest, he concentrated on what was being asked of him and he never lost his focus. Every time we enter at A he knows he is there to perform, to dance with pride, he puffs out his chest, pricks his ears and gives his best. When I got it wrong he forgives me, when we get it right I felt like I am on cloud 9. What Tiny lacks in expression, impulsion and extravagance he more than makes up for in trust, giving everything he has and making me smile every stride. He has a fan club that love watching him and he loves performing for them, he is that horse that you look at and think “He looks like such a fun ride”. The support from his fans is humbling, to own such a personality is surreal. Tiny would like to thank you for your support, pats, “well done”, sneaky sugar cubes and of course your rounds of applause.
So when you think of Horse of the Year, remember it’s the Horse we are recognising, not our goals, not our dreams, not our hardwork and sacrifice, the HORSE, ALWAYS the HORSE.
Congratulations Tiny you are so deserving of this award.
The night wasn’t just about Tiny, I would like to introduce to you the very worthy HOTY recipients.
If anyone needs to borrow a trophy rug just ask BOY it looks like he has a collection – well done to all the clever horses and ponies.
HOTY PRELIMINARY: ARIEL HUSTLER, Runner up WALDEN PARK SANTANA
HOTY PRELIMINARY PONY: BILLYONAIRE
HOTY NOVICE: SOUTHERN LIGHTS, Runner up SANGIOVESE
HOTY NOVICE PONY: BOY, Runner up SANLIRRA CAMELOT
HOTY ELEMENTARY: ARIEL MANHATTAN, Runner up CLEARVIEW ROSHEEM
HOTY ELEMENTARY PONY: BOY, Runner up SANLIRRA CAMELOT
HOTY MEDIUM: VOLTAIRE, Runner up KAI
HOTY MEDIUM PONY: BOY
HOTY ADVANCED: ARGO
HOTY FEI SMALL TOUR: SIR ARCHIEBALD, Runner up WILHELM OF XANTHE
HOTY FEI MEDIUM TOUR: SUNBURY LODGE TORONTO
HOTY FEI PARA: BOY
Live beyond your dreams.
For dreams can create boundaries.
Live your joy.
Live your life.
Live your Equestrian Life.
©Mim Coleman 2015
Photos supplied by Mim Coleman. See more photos from the night below!
Young Riders night out
The Wonderful O'Briens
Happy faces at the Ball
Bev Morris Life Member of Dressage Tasmania
Annika and Caitlin
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