Tag Archives: Saumur CDI3*

Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar to Finish Summer European Tour at Saumur CDI 3*

Photo courtesy of Risto Aaltonen.

Saumur, France (September 21, 2015) – Katherine Bateson-Chandler plans to wrap up her successful European summer dressage tour with a big finish at the Comite Equestre De Saumur, a CDI3* in Saumur, France on September 24-27. Bateson-Chandler will compete in the Grand Prix and Grand Prix Freestyle with her international partner Alcazar, a ten-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango x Polin, Ferro) owned by Jane Forbes Clark.

Bateson-Chandler brought the talented horse to Europe for the summer to give Alcazar, or “Lonzie” as he is known around the barn, exposure to different environments than he experienced in the United States. In fact, Saumur will be Alcazar’s first indoor competition. The duo hopes to continue their streak of a top-ten finish at each stop on their European campaign so far this summer.

Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar most recently competed at the Dressage at Hickstead CDIO 3*, where they were the highest-placed American combination. The pair demonstrated impressive teamwork and composure when they debuted their new freestyle a bit earlier than anticipated. Bateson-Chandler had expected to compete in the Grand Prix Special, but with the format of the show, she found herself qualified for the Freestyle. Without anytime to practice their new choreography, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar presented a solid performance and were rewarded with an impressive 71.350 percent.

In the weeks since Hickstead, Bateson-Chandler has been preparing for Saumur and fine-tuning the choreography and timing for the new freestyle. “I think Saumur will be a great show to give it a run through,” said Bateson-Chandler.

Bateson-Chandler has been working with British Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Hester during her time in Europe this summer. “Carl and I have worked hard on getting Lonzie more reliable and comfortable in the Grand Prix,” commented Bateson-Chandler. “Now I can start to ramp it up and take more risks, which is necessary for the very top level Grand Prix scores.”

Saumur is a historic town located between two rivers in Western France and surrounded by vineyards. The idyllic setting will be a wonderful close to the summer season for Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar. “We have had a great summer doing lots of different shows,” said Bateson-Chandler. “It’s so lovely being here.”

Bateson-Chandler owns KBC Dressage in Wellington, Florida, where she offers exceptional training, coaching, lessons, and clinics for horses and riders from the United States and Europe. She also offers scouting and prospect selection for clients seeking exceptional horses. Her experience at the international Grand Prix level offers riders a competitive edge – whether through coaching as an eye on the ground, bringing young horses up the levels, or campaigning seasoned FEI competitors. Learn more at www.kbcdressage.com.

Contact: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
Kbcdressage@me.com
908-391-9096