Australia's many dressage enthusiasts were thrilled to
learn that one of the most respected and popular heroines of the sport
would be visiting to conduct three clinics with our elite riders and that
this may lead to Ulla agreeing to become more involved in the advancement
of the sport.
Ulla's trip was arranged by Deborah McNicol, the
Chairperson of the EFA's National Dressage Sub-Committee. When I
asked Deb was this to be the first of more visits, said that we must
just take first things first and recognise that no firm plans for the
future have been made. Deb said that Ulla had agreed to
come here and give three clinics - one in Victoria, then in NSW and on to
Queensland where the country's 'elite' riders have been invited to work
with Ulla for 3 days, and from here Ulla will consider if .... and how ...
she would like to work with Australian riders.
The riders who have been invited to take part are ...
from Victoria, Mary Hanna (2 horses) Leslie-Anne Taylor from SA, Renee Pedretti, Maree Tomkinson, Dirk Dijkstra, Sally Latona from Tasmania,
Nadine O'Sullivan (who decided not to attend the BBQ with the other
riders) Kate Boyes and Kerry Mack.
At the NSW clinic Ulla will meet Anne Serrao, Heath and
Rozzie Ryan, Vicky Robertson, Sue Hearn, Maurice Bruce, Matthew Dowsley,
Kate Taylor, Glennis Barrey, Shane Ackerley & Brett Parbury.
In "beautiful one day, perfect the next", Queensland, Ulla will put the sun-baking on hold to meet Australian Olympic
representative Ricky McMillan along with Di Jenkyn, Kelly Layne (who has spent
9 months in Germany working with Ulla), Paula Price (the 2003 EFA PSG
Challenge winner), Anjanette Harten, Shane Davidson (who has spent some
time training in Europe), Jenny Gerke, Jackie Hibbert, Denise Rogan, Liz
Owens (Olympic equine nutritional
adviser), Clair Wallace and Sally Evans.
I cannot help but feel that she will be pleasantly
surprised by the wonderful horses that we have ... and given the talent and
dedication of this bunch of riders, it seems that we may be looking at the
first stage of a similar 'turnaround' that fellow German team star Klaus Balkenhaul was able to effect, following his appointment as the USA
Dressage Coach - wouldn't that be a great outcome for Australia !!!
On the two occasions that I have had the chance of a
brief interaction with Ulla, I was struck by her focus and instant grasp
of the issues. Listening to
her speak at several press conferences in Athens she is a perfect
competitor and takes not short cuts to ensure that she is well prepared to
perform a 'personal best' - this experience will be a very positive
help to Australian riders who get so little chance to compete with the
best in the world.
In Athens on the 21st September Ulla & Rusty were
sensational and ended the first day's competition almost 4% ahead of the
2nd place combination. On the
23rd when the Special was contested, weather conditions were extreme with
heat, high humidity and gale force winds gusting and affecting some
performances more than others. This day was not kind to Ulla and saw
her rival, Anky Van Grunsven and Salinero record a higher score for the
day. Ulla & Rusty maintained their
lead, but it was now less than 1% and the pressure was on to win the Kur.
The picture below was taken during a training session on the 24th September, the
day between the Special and the Kur. I had 'butterflies' thinking
about what would be going through Ulla's mind this day. Watching the
majestic Rusty schooling with the backdrop of unique Greek colours and
architecture, was a special highlight of my Olympic assignment and still
gives me 'goosebumps'!
The outdoor training arenas
in Athens were elevated and the terra cotta
roof tops of the stable blocks can be seen at ground level beyond the
metronomic rhythm of Rusty's legs - a perfect picture.
At Ulla's request ... all three clinics were closed to
spectators and the press. Deb McNicol told me that this was to give
the riders the best possible chance to work with Ulla, in an open and
confident manner. So my report will not cover the lessons.
Deb realised that I was keen to bring some news
to the many Dressage fans who would be relying on the Internet for some
feedback, so I was invited along to join Ulla and the riders for the
Victorian "Welcome BBQ" at
Rob & Mary Hanna's beautiful Macedon property. on Friday night (21st Jan)
after the first day of the clinic
This privilege was made a little more special,
as Mary introduced the two new members of the Hanna family. The
first newcomer, a very appealing and friendly 2 week old filly by Kerry
Mack's exciting stallion Whisper
(Mary and Whisper had their first Grand
Prix start at Dressage with the Stars in Nov 2004) - the other, a strikingly marked 1
day old Rituel foal that was a great joy to Mary as she carries a double
cross to the wonderful German mare Erica (the dam of both Donnerheist and
Rituel). The filly's dam is by Donnerheist and, as she is by Rituel,
this gives her a strong infusion of Erica's highly respected genes which
are sure to make their mark on Australia's performance horses of the
future.
