By
Kitson
 |
| Katherine on Zandi (aka Zandreau) |
International
dressage rider Katherine Bateson Chandler has her work cut out for her this
season in Wellington, Florida with green competition horses.
“It’s a fun
challenge,” she says. I’m sure she’s up to the task – Katherine is a smart and
talented rider with a knack for bringing out the best in her horses. I got to
know her a bit in 2011 while working on a story for Dressage Today (it’s the cover story for the December 2012 issue). The
story focused on how she met her 2010 World Equestrian Games horse, Nartan, and
how she honed their relationship on a very short timeframe.
I chatted
with Katherine recently, here’s what she’s up to:
How will you juggle
holiday plans with the season gearing up in Wellington?
I
have to say as mine and my husbands’ families all live in other countries (mine
in England and his in New Zealand!) then our holidays are quite quiet and spent
with our animals!
Who are your primary horses
now with Nartan retired?
I
have some younger horses coming along. First and foremost Alcazar who will
compete small tour this year hopefully both here in the states and in Europe. I
have my own seven-year old who will also start in the Prix St. Georges after
the new year and an eight year old named Zandreau who I hope will do some
fourth levels early in the season!
What do you love most about
being in Wellington during the winter?
I
have been coming to Wellington in the season all of my adult life! For me it's
like summer camp in the winter!!! I get to see all my friends who come down
here for the season and enjoy picking and choosing what shows to compete at.
This year we have the choice of shows as there is something every weekend. I
love seeing all the new horses and how the ones I know have progressed. It's so
educational and I can't get enough.
What shows are you most
looking forward to?
I am
of course looking forward to watching the dressage masters. It's great to see
the Europeans. Also the Nations Cup in April will be a highlight.
Are you doing any horsey
décor in your new home?
I'm
embarrassed to say I don't really have a lot of other interests other than the
horses, so my house has a constant horsey theme. My poor husband!!
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