KTW Dressage

Kate Taylor-Wheat - a Sydney CDI story

from Peter Haynes

What a great few days. I am so proud of World Star; he was so brave in his two demonstration sessions with HansPeter Minderhoud and Edward Gal.

The first demonstration was on the Thursday and after a short but very valuable lesson with Edward in the morning, it was our turn to perform to the crowd in the 20mx20m arena located between well over 100 trade stands. Even though it was the first day of Equitana, the stands were full and there was standing room only. more...

The boys and I all arrived home safe and sound after a very disappointing but a big learning experience National campaign.

Oscar B was a little too much like an on heat stallion in the trot up and must have banged or over-extended his leg, as he went lame in the Grand Prix on Friday. After a few days rest he is trotting sound again but on vets advice he will not make it to Equitana.

World Star again was very fresh!!! As it was only his second show of the year, we were both lacking match practice and exposure as all little noises sent him off. Although he was tense and at times sky wood bound in his test, the judges were lovely in their comments. Stephen Clarke who is the head judge at next years Olympic Games wrote at the bottom of my test papers "Fantastic Horse! International quality; pity he was behind the vertical."

This is just a strength issue for World Star at the minute, so look out next year!!! World Star will now head to Equitana and some lessons with Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud. I am so excited!!!

We have all arrived home safe and sound from a great time away at the NSW State Dressage Championships in Tamworth. World Star and Oscar B were great and after a long time out of the competition arena I am thrilled with them both. World Star was VERY fresh!!! due to his lack of competition practise this year. He hasn’t been out since Oct 2010 due to a bad virus which saw him have many visits to Randwick Equine hospital. So it was nice to see him feeling well again.

World Star was first up in the Prix St George on Thursday. World Star was good although quite tense and fresh, after a few leaps, bounds and squeals in the warm up arena we went for a safe hold it together test. more...

For the last couple of years I have been quietly looking for a new young horse unfortunately we just couldn’t afford to import another at present. So the hunt was on; World Star has left very big shoes to fill. I saw a few horses that were interesting but nothing that was really special in my eyes. I received a video from Flowervale Stud of a young horse they had for sale.

As soon as I watched the video I knew I had to have a look at this one. more...

KTW Dressage is delighted to announce our new sponsor Kingsland Equestrian.

Kingsland have been a well known and respected name in the world of Showjumping for many years, outfitting well known Australian Showjumper Edwina Alexander. As Kingsland looks to expand into the Dressage world, I am honoured to be given this wonderful opportunity by Jenny Alexander to wear and promote the fantastic Kingsland clothing. more...

One of the most common problems I see when doing clinic and just travelling around is how so many people ride in saddles that don’t fit!

I love my Vega saddles (pictured) for both World Star and Oscar B. The Vega’s fit so well and is so comfy for both horse and rider.

Riders commonly add a pad or another saddlecloth to try and make the saddle fit rather than getting the saddle to fit the horse first.

Since joining to wonderful team at Brighten Saddleworld and having Tony Flynn's expertise looking after how my saddles fit, I have discovered how crucial a proper fitting saddle is to the performance of the horse.

Tony said to me today “You wouldn’t wear two or three pairs of socks to make your shoes fit, you buy the right size.”

I highly recommend getting your saddle checked regularly as horses change and saddles wear. If you would like your saddle checked and properly fitted contact Tony or visit the Brighton Saddleworld Sydney website www.saddlery.com.au.

PO Box 97 Glenorie NSW 2157 Australia Phone: +61 414 288 400 Email: info@ktwdressage.com.au