Australian Olympian Returns Home to Support the Sydney CDI

Lyndal and Sandro Boy competing at the 2012 Olympics (Photo: Franz Venhaus)

Lyndal's favourite group of School Kids with old friend/teacher/rider, Elle Mangan

Lyndal enjoying a ride on Sandro Boy

Over the years there have been quite a few Australian dressage riders who have ended up being based in Europe, competing on the International Circuit. Some head back to Australia for clinics which is great for that small group of people involved but not many return to give a demonstration at a competition like the Sydney CDI which gives thousands of people the opportunity to learn from their experiences abroad.

As many dressage enthusiasts would already know, Lyndal Oatley will be sharing her ideas with the CDI audience this year. Like most of us, I have read many of the recent articles on Lyndal and have been fascinated by her journey in regards to the London 2012 Olympic Games. I knew she would have a very busy schedule so I was a bit apprehensive about asking her for another interview. On my initial contact Lyndal was very happy to do the article but was also quite aware that there has been a lot of press about her and questioned if another article was needed. How humble is that! With a bit of persuasion, she came on board.

Usually Lyndal's visits back home are to spend time with the family. "I actually come home a couple of times a year to catch up with everyone as the move to Europe was never part of my plan, but girl meets boy and you know how the story goes."

Lyndal has and always will be a huge supporter of dressage in Australia. "I am always glued to the internet watching the classes over 'Equestrian Life' and texting and calling those people I know who are there riding as this is very important to me." Lyndal also expressed her thoughts on being part of the Sydney CDI program. "Being based in Europe, I don't get the chance to participate in events at home any more. I'm really looking forward to the chance to ride on home soil, pass on a few things I've learnt along the way, have a laugh, even at my expense, and give the Australian Dressage supporters a chance to meet me and visa versa."

The demonstration will be on Saturday evening with Roger Fitzhardinge as facilitator. Lyndal tells me, they have been good mates for a long time. "This will be dangerous territory for me as I like to talk, and will be excited to be home at the CDI. So if they give me a microphone it could be trouble! Essentially I will be demonstrating the fundamental components of my training that I use on every horse. Each horse is unique and the approach to their training must be unique to ensure development in a positive and progressive way. However, there are several aspects of our training that remain consistent and I will talk about, and demonstrate those. I will also chat about what I have learnt along the way, and then focus on what I see is being essential for future improvement. I will also discuss movement preparation and some of the lessons I use to improve my performance in the test. Of course I will talk about the Olympics." Lyndal laughs, "I think it's going to be very difficult to stay in my scheduled time!"

The last competition Lyndal rode in Australia was at the Sydney CDI in 2006 at Small Tour with her beloved Weltspiel. "I never got to compete at Grand Prix at the CDI, and this was always a dream of mine, so now at least I can ride during the night and support the riders, dressage enthusiasts and organisers of Australian Dressage."

One of Lyndal's fondest memories of the Sydney CDI was the battle between Rachel Sanna and Brett Parbery in 2011. "Both riders rode really well and put in great performances, and they're both such good sports - this for me was one of Australia's greatest Dressage moments in many ways!"

During Lyndal's time in Australia she will be visiting a special group of children who sent her a photo wishing her good luck at the Games which was something very special to her. "After the Games I wrote to every single child who sent me a letter. To some of them I sent a signed piece of my uniform but this group of children really stayed with me so I really want to meet them and say thank you. I will be spending the rest of the time with my family and friends, and going for a few relaxing days up north!"

It was only recently that I read that Lyndal was now including Pilates into her training regime. I had to ask if this was now part of her daily routine? "I'll have a few gym visits with the family gym guru, Ryan Fraser, who has made it his goal to get me to juggle three or four balls on a Pilates ball which if nothing else will be amusing. I will have to do some gym work as when I'm home I end up turning my trip into Lyndal's Gastronomic Adventure as I make it my mission to fit in as many of my favourite restaurants as physically possible. Can't wait!"

From my brief communication with Lyndal I'm sure her demonstration at the Sydney CDI will not only be informative but probably quite humorous. I for one will ensure I have a front row seat.

The Sydney CDI is 'Where the Stars Gather' - Be Part Of It!

Quick Links

• Visit www.sydneycdi.com for more information
• View Dressage Horses for sale on Horsezone

By: Scott Pollock