2014 Winner of Contenda Service - Katja Weimann - Enter the 2015 Comp Now for Your Chance to Win!

Katja Weimann riding BP Cosmopolitan at Adelaide 3 DE

"Contenda is the stallion I have been looking for to breed the next generation of successful 4* eventers, with amazing movement and jumping ability." Katja Weimann's winning entry in 2014.

Selecting the winner in our "Win a Service to Contenda " competition is always difficult. With so many wonderful and deserving entries it is very hard to select just one winner. However there can be only one winner and in 2014 the winning entry came from Katja Weimann of Dewhurst, Victoria.

In the days leading up to the announcement of the 2015 winner of a service to Contenda Justine Donohoe interviewed Katja about herself and her plans for the future.

Katja, please tell us a bit about you...
I work full-time with horses, riding and coaching at Bimbimbie Park stud in Victoria. My passion is eventing however I also ride dressage and some showjumping. I compete all year round in Victoria, NSW and South Australia.
The highlight of my riding career to date would have to be winning the Melbourne CCI*** in 2013 and being selected on the Australian Oceania Team in 2015.My ultimate goal is to compete at the Olympics!

Are you a regular horse breeder and if so why?
Yes, we have been breeding horses for 15 years with the oldest progeny all competing 3* and 4* level in Eventing. We started breeding as I couldn't afford to buy a really nice horse and then it has grown from there.

What do you see as the benefits of riding homebred horses?
I really like having them from the beginning and breaking them in. I find I can develop a really strong relationship with them and also have a clear understanding of their personality and their experiences.

What attributes do you look for when selecting a stallion to breed to?
I would look at their temperament, type and trainability. I really like to try and use stallions that have been out and about competing, so you know they aren't just a pretty face but they can also get the job done.

How did you first find out about Contenda?
I saw him out competing with Chris Burton and then Shane Rose.

What prompted you to enter the Win a service to Contenda competition?
I had always liked Contenda and was wowed by his movement and outstanding jumping ability.

Which mare are you breeding to Contenda and what is the plan with their offspring?
I am using a mare that is a full sister to my 4* horse BP Cosmopolitan, the plan is that the foal will be a 4* eventer in the future.

Have you had any experiences with any of Contenda's progeny so far?
I was lucky enough to ride a couple when I stayed at Shane Rose's place. They were nice types, and were quite big horses with good movement and looked to jump really well, I only rode them on the flat. I was impressed and the experience made me even more excited about getting a Contenda baby!

What advice would you give anyone who was considering breeding their own dream eventer?
Make sure you have a good mare! And choose a stallion to compliment the mare. Its a long slow process, but definately worth it in the long run.

THE COMPETITION WILL BE DRAWN ON MONDAY 22 NOVEMBER AT THE COMPLETION OF ADELAIDE 3DE. FOR YOUR CHANCE TO WIN A SERVICE TO CONTENDA ENTER HERE