Previewing Jumping and Dressage Olympic Games Nomination Events

Starting this weekend, Dressage and Jumping athletes on the Australian Olympic Shadow Team will compete in a series of European based nomination events and a good performance could reward them with a spot on the Australian team bound for the Games.

Australia’s national selectors have arrived in Europe for the first nomination events which will take place in Lummen, Belgium from 2-6 May (Jumping) and Mannheim, Germany from 3-8 May (Dressage).

Jumping selectors must choose four combinations to represent Australia at the Games.

“This process will allow us to assemble the best possible team to compete in London and improve upon the team’s recent performances at the 2010 World Equestrian Games and 2008 Beijing Olympic Games,” said Stephen Lamb, National Performance Director for Jumping.

With only three positions available on the Dressage team, competition will be just as fierce amongst the eight combinations which are in contention.

Lyndal Oatley has represented Australia at a World Equestrian Games and is aiming to make her first Olympic Games team.

“This weekend marks the first big challenge for all eight riders in the lead up to London. Right now I feel focused and ready to get down to business. My preparations for Mannheim have gone to plan and I am ready to go,” said Oatley.

“Based on the quality of the eight combinations battling it out for team positions we as a nation have the opportunity to send one of the strongest Dressage teams to an Olympic Games to date and this is very exciting for Australian Dressage,” she added

Following this weekend’s CDI3* in Mannheim the eight combinations will travel to the CDI3* in Compiegne (FRA) for a second chance to impress selectors.

Australia’s Dressage and Jumping teams will be announced on 6 June.

Jumping combinations competing at Lummen CSIO4*, 2 – 6 May

Paul Athanasoff Wirragulla Nicholas

Amy Graham Bella Baloubet

Julia Hargreaves Vedor

James Patterson-Robinson Lanosso

Reserves

James Passy Carry Star

Matt Williams Bolero Van ‘T Heike

Dressage combinations competing in Mannheim CDI3* 3-8 May

Hayley Beresford Bellisimo

Mary Hanna Sancette

Lyndal Oatley Sandro Boy

Brett Parbery Lord of Loxley

Rozzie Ryan GV Bullwinkle

Rachael Sanna Jaybee Alabaster

Chantal Wigan Ferero

Kristy Oatley Clive

Quick Links

• Visit the Equestrian Australia website
• Watch all the action from this weekend’s Jumping CSIO4* live at www.lummen-horses.be