Aussie Eventing Riders to Revise Olympic Games Preparations After Badminton Cancellation

Australia’s overseas eventing riders have had their Olympic Games preparations altered after event organisers of the Badminton Horse Trials in Great Britain were forced to cancel the event due to severe rain and flooding.

Although seven of Australia’s Olympic hopefuls were due to compete at Badminton this weekend, Equestrian Australia’s National Performance Director for Eventing Prue Barrett said they have strong back up options available for the riders.

“We are working with all our overseas based eventing riders to help them develop their individual programs ahead of team selection and the Olympic Games.

“There are many quality events throughout Europe including Saumur CCI3* (France), Tattersalls International Horse Trials CCI3* (Ireland), Bramham International Horse Trials CCI3* (Scotland), and Luhmuhlen (Germany) CCI4*, just to name a few. 

“We are working hard to secure starts for our riders at the events they wish to take part in.  There are also other one-day events that riders may choose to take part in to test their horses’ fitness and compliment the three-day 3* events.

“A lot of our riders were already planning to take part in other events and our team management will be working with them to ensure their preparations as part of the selection process and in the lead up to the Games is as smooth as possible.

While Badminton was a 4* event (the highest level of eventing competition) it is not deemed a ‘selection event’ for the Olympic Games.  As outlined in the Australian Olympic Team Nomination Criteria, selectors “will primarily consider performances of horses and Athletes at all CCI*** and CCI**** events from 1 January 2011.”

Australia’s riders that were due to take part in Badminton included:

1.       Paul Tapner and Innonothing

2.       Clayton Fredericks and Dunges Laurent Rose and Be My Guest

3.       Sam Griffiths and Happy Times

4.       Bill Levett and One Two Many NJ and Hipplyte

5.       Chris Burton and Holstein Park Leilani

6.       Wendy Schaefer and Koyuna Sun Dancer

7.       Catherine Burrell and Urzan

Revised event schedules for Australia’s eventing riders will be distributed once confirmation of event entries is secured.

Story: Michelle Cook/EA