Introducing Eventing star, Claudia Graham
Interview with Berni Saunders
Claudia grew up with her 3 older brothers at Argyle, a 16 thousand acre sheep, cattle and cropping property near Harden in NSW. After completing Primary School in Harden she attended boarding school in Sydney at Kincoppal in the beautiful harbour-side suburb of Rose Bay. She spent the time from year 7 to 12 when she completed her HSC, at Kincoppal.
Claudia worked for the successful Eventing couple Prue and Craig Barrett as a working pupil during her first year out of school. When she was with the Barrett's, Claudia brought two of her own horses with her and learned much from the day to day training and planning for their outings. After 3 years working she went back to study and completed a year at College in Sydney and gained a Diploma in Graphic Design. With a degree behind her, Claudia returned home to Harden to set about starting her own equestrian business which would include teaching, schooling horses, competing and selling horses for clients.
Diamond B Vogue at Sydney
Claudia says... "At the beginning of 98 I bought Diamond B Vogue from Chris and Helen Chugg she was then a Preliminary Eventer and by the end of 99 we were competing 3 star at Adelaide, where I won "Most Promising Young Rider" award and was selected on the NSW Institute of Sport Elite Squad . I have remained on the squad to this date. Diamond B Vogue went on to be 3rd at Adelaide the next year with other placings such as 1st at Goulburn 3 star State Championships in 2002 and 2003, 3rd at Melbourne World Cup 3 star and 2nd at Sydney 3 Star in 2004.
Blazing Chief at Melbourne
We represented Australia as team members for the Trans Tasman in Taupo NZ in 2003 and we flew to the UK as the traveling reserve for the Athens Olympics in 2004. Diamond B Vogue unfortunately suffered travel sickness on the flight to the UK and was retired on returning home. Fortunately she has become a promising broodmare, having 2 beautiful Vivant foals on the ground by embryo transfer and she is now in foal again.
In 2000 I bought Blazing Chief, a 6 year old race horse off a local trainer from Harden. He recently won the 3 Star at Lakes and Craters 3 Day Event in December 2005 and again the 3 star at Camden in February 2006. We have been selected on the National A Squad and are looking at team selection for the World Equestrian Games this year and Beijing Olympics in 2008."
Sentry Vision
The oldest of Claudia's homebred horses is the 5 years old called Sentry Vision and he is now is competing successfully. Sentry Vision is by the imported stallion, Salute out of a TB mare. Claudia adds... "He is very competitive with a big future. His performances for 2006 are 1st at SIEC, 1st at Camden, 1st at Macarthur and 3rd at Albury at Pre-Novice level. With lots of young homebred babies in the paddocks I am excited about their futures."
Diamond B Vogue at Melbourne
Claudia feeds all her horses on Prydes Easi Result. Claudia says... "It is my dream feed! They have never felt or looked better. I find it is fantastic for all types of horses; it does not heat up a fragile TB and yet still provides enough energy for a quiet Warmblood. It seems the perfect formula of extruded feed that the horses never turn sour on ... and I can guarantee that it will keep difficult fussy eaters happy.
I add Prydes Rebuild when I feel it is necessary to promote topline and muscle build up and have had amazing results. You can easily see the improvement in a matter of weeks. Thanks again Prydes"
Prydes Feedsafe Certificate
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