NZ Team WEG Update - Testing Race Ahead for Kiwi Endurance Riders

It's all systems go for the three Kiwi endurance riders. Jenny Chandler (Te Awamutu), Alison Higgins (Nelson) and Debby Worsfold (Rangiora) will be the first Kiwis out at these games when they line up for the vet check with their horses on Saturday, followed by their 160-kilometre race on Sunday.

The team has been based on a farm not far from the Kentucky Equestrian Park, but will move in to their official stables on Friday.

Endurance chef d'equipe Madonna Harris says it will be a testing race, although she has every confidence in her trio of riders. “Of all the disciplines, this really is the toughest,” she says. “Throughout the race we present to the vets seven times.”
And at any time, if the horse's heartbeat doesn't come down fast enough or there is a niggle of any sort, a combination can be pulled from the race. With just three in the New Zealand team, there is no room for error, with no chance of any team accomplishment if all don't finish the race.

The input of those supporting the riders is just as important as those on the horses.
“Our grooms have to be particularly adaptable and malleable to ensure we get through this,” says Harris. “After looking at the layout of the course and the vet gates, we've had to make a few changes to our strategies and learn some new techniques.”

The heat will be another big challenge for the endurance competitors, as will the mass start. Around 130 combinations are expected on the start line. Anxiety levels will be fever-pitch and that half hour before the race, and half hour into the race, can be make or break.

“Everyone is wired,” says Harris. “There are flags, banners and general mayhem going on – our riders just need to find an area and remain calm.” Combinations will do six loops of varying distances throughout the race – the shortest is 18 kilometres, and the longest 39.9 kilometres. “This is a four star rated race and calls for courage and control.” That's the highest ranking, and only held at World Games or World Championships. “As good as these riders are, they are completely inexperienced at this level, so it is a big ask for all.”

The Kiwi horses left New Zealand late August and have now acclimatised well. Harris says each is in peak condition and ready to race. In recent days they've had plenty of attention, including the magic hands of New Zealand team equine physiotherapist Nikki Lourie.

Harris is picking a Spanish combination to take the individual and perhaps United Arab Emirates for the individual.

“But I am very confident about the quality of our own horses and our ability to ride at speed...we just need that bit of luck to go our way.”

New Zealand's eventing horses arrived from Europe this morning, and the riders Mark Todd, Andrew Nicholson, Caroline Powell and Jonathan Paget all flew in this afternoon to join their team-mate Clarke Johnstone who arrived with the Australian team earlier in the week.

On the jumping front, Katie McVean (Mystery Creek) is the only showjumper already settled in Lexington, with the rest set to arrive next week.

The equestrian park is brimming with colour, excitement and anticipation from riders from all over the globe. This is the first time the games have been held outside of Europe and will attract more than 800 riders from nearly 60 countries. It is expected to be worth around $US150 million to the economy.