The Ones to Watch Out for at the 2013 Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships

By: Hannah Brooks

The countdown to the 2013 Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships is upon us. As Australia’s best horse and rider combinations compete later this month - we have profiled two exciting, up and coming partnerships to watch out for at this year’s championships. 

Years of hard work and dedication go into producing world class dressage horses. Going behind the scenes; we asked Lisa Martin and Kate Taylor-Wheat to outline their criteria for selecting and training a champion of tomorrow...

Lisa Martin and First Famous  (Photo: Franz Venhaus)

Lisa Martin and First Famous

Where did you find First Famous?

We found First Famous in Germany at SL Sporthorses, we had looked at over 200 horses been to three countries and had been traveling for six weeks, she was found four days out from leaving Europe .

What characteristics do you look for in a new/young horse?

There are many things I look for in a young horse:

• Temperament in the stable, yard etc. usually tells me what kind of temperament it's going to have when riding it.
• Conformation.
• The feel of it when riding it, the horse should feel light and I like a motor not something you have to push each stride.
• One thing that I believe is very important is to take the horse out of its work area and hack it out to see how it's going to react to different things, after all you will be taking it out at different competitions.

What about First Famous stood out for you?

First Famous was not the biggest moving or the most educated, it was my gut feeling when I rode her and her amazing temperament but also the company we bought her from allowed me to spend a few days riding her and spending time with her, this was important.

To date, which achievements are you most proud of with First Famous?

Winning the NSW Elementary Champion and being selected for the Future Talent squad and Equitana.

What movements have you been working on in training lately?

I have started her FEI work and very soon will do a Med/ Advanced test.

What do you like most about competing at The Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships/Sydney International Equestrian Centre?

After travelling for hours at a time to get to comps, training in dreadful weather, getting up with the chooks, all to hopefully qualify for the Australian dressage champs with the best riders in the country - it is fantastic and rewarding.

Who is your mentor?

I have been very lucky to have one of the best in the business to advise me and guide me since I was 8 years old, I have been a student with Rozzie Ryan right from the days of being in the opening of the NSW Equestrian Centre at Lockinvar. Rozzie is an inspiration and a wonderful mentor she has shown me how to be very focused.

Do you have any supporters or sponsors you would like to thank?

My family is amazing, my husband Jason has supported me through thick and thin, my daughter Jessica has also put up with her mum doing so many comps. But my mum has shared a dream with me since I was a very small child, taking me all over Australia to comps, lessons twice a week and giving up so much for me, thank you for believing. Thank you also to my wonderful friends who help. Sponsors: family and Karina Pablo Freestyles.

In your opinion – which horse and rider combinations will be the ones to look out for at this year’s Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships?

I think Qualifying for the Australian Championships is getting harder and harder each year as the standard is becoming so high. Any combination competing at the Nationals has had to have amazing % as only 30-35 horse/rider combinations are selected so that leaves a very impressive group of competitors to watch.

What’s in the future for you and First Famous?

In the near future we are looking at taking In Time and First Famous back to Europe to prepare for the Olympics.

 

Kate Taylor-Wheat and Flowervale Florenz (Photo: Toni Venhaus)

Kate Taylor-Wheat and Flowervale Florenz

Where did you find Flowervale Florenz?

I bought Flowervale Florenz from Case Wientjens at ‘Flowervale Warmbloods’.

What characteristics do you look for in a new/young horse?

I like to buy horses when they are around 3 or 4 years old. When looking at young horses, I like the horse to have a natural rhythm and balance in all three paces. Temperament is also important, as a good temperament makes my job a lot easier.

What about Flowervale Florenz stood out for you?

Florenz was unbroken when I saw him first on a video, he stood out as he had great rhythm and scope for a big young horse, he went in such an uphill balanced way, I had to go look at him. When I saw him in person, I really liked the way he moved - he had great ground cover and a big canter!

To date, which achievements are you most proud of with Flowervale Florenz?

Florenz did his first ever dressage test in February this year, he then went on to win his first 5 tests with great percentages! Every day I ride Florenz he surprises me with his ability and talent. Movements I thought he may have found hard, he has taken to like a pro! Recently at the NSW Dressage Championships we took home ‘Reserve Novice Champion’. I was so proud of him at his first big show he was an absolute star.

What movements have you been working on in training lately?

He is nearly ready to go out Medium which is what we have been working on. Although as we head into Nationals, I back off the harder movements and just focus on keeping all the basics really grounded and keep his brain and body nice and fresh as he has had a really big year. The horses can all start to get a bit over dressage come the end of the year, so keeping them fit and happy is a priority.

What do you like most about competing at The Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships/Sydney International Equestrian Centre?

Unfortunately due to illness I wasn’t able to compete at the Australian Championshipslast year. It was the first Australian Championships that I have missed since 2000! I really missed not being there as it’s a fantastic show where all Australia’s top riders and new and upcoming riders battle it out throughout all the levels of competition. I love the atmosphere these big shows attract it really makes you perform at your best.

Who are your mentors and which athletes/riders inspire you?

Anyone who has overcome challenges and obstacles life has thrown at them, to then keep striving forward to achieve their dreams are an inspiration to me. My coach Roger Fitzhardinge always knows how to get the best out of me and my horses; he has been an incredible support over the past few years in both the good and not so good times. Also without the amazing support of my family I would not be able to be doing what I do, they are up with me at 5am cleaning out boxes or feeding horses when needed or doing all the work so I can go away to teach my clinics!

Do you have any supporters or sponsors you would like to thank?

I would like to say a big Thank you to Brighton Saddlery, Vega Dressage Saddles, Kingsland Equestrian Wear and Rosehip Vital Equine for their wonderful support of me and my team.

In your opinion – which horse and rider combinations will be the ones to look out for at this year’s Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships?

There are so many amazing riders and horses going to be competing at The 2013 Saddleworld Australian Dressage Championships. I myself am interested in the Grand Prix class this year. We haven’t seen much of our top GP combinations this year, and with WEG just around the corner everyone will be starting to crank things up, so should be exciting to watch!

What’s in the future for you and Flowervale Florenz?

If nothing else the past 2 years have taught me to enjoy every moment in life! So that’s what I’m going to do with Florenz and all my horses, I believe Florenz has the ability and talent to keep climbing through the levels. I am really excited about what next year and beyond holds for me and my team.

You will be able to see both these impressive horse and rider combinations at theSaddleworld Australian Dressage Championships. The full Time Draw is available at www.dressagensw.com.au/nationals

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