Testing Race ahead for Kiwi Endurance Riders at WEG

Excitement is building as the countdown to the 2010
World Equestrian Games in Kentucky begins. 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. 
Meanwhile it is all systems go for the three 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. 
And 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 of 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 now 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.” 
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. 
The World Equestrian Games are being hosted in
Lexington, Kentucky, and run through until October 10. New Zealand is
represented in showjumping and eventing as well as endurance. 
It 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. 
- Diana Dobson, NZ Team Media Liason

Posted by:
Anne Vallance

WEG News from Kentucky

Testing Race ahead for Kiwi Endurance Riders at WEG
Wednesday, 22 September 2010

WEG News from Kentucky

Testing Race ahead for Kiwi Endurance Riders at WEG Wednesday, 22 September 2010

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Testing Race ahead for Kiwi Endurance Riders at WEG
Wednesday, 22 September 2010