Tag Archives: Katherine Bateson-Chandler

Dressage, JRPR

Bateson-Chandler Takes Top American Placing at Palm Beach Dressage Derby Grand Prix Freestyle CDI-W

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Photo courtesy of JRPR.

Wellington, Florida (March 7, 2016) – International Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her partner, 11-year-old KWPN gelding Alcazar, owned by Jane F. Clark, have had a notable campaign so far this year in the Grand Prix division throughout the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. Their efforts came to fruition this past week during the Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W, sponsored by Everglades Dressage. The pair emerged as the highest placing American duo in the Grand Prix Freestyle with a 73.45 percent.

After performing an energetic and striking freestyle test, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar sat in the third place spot behind Danish riders Lars Petersen with Mariett and Mikala Gundersen with My Lady. Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar have been steadily improving throughout the 2016 winter competition series held in Wellington, Florida, and Bateson-Chandler was very pleased with her mount’s progress.

“He was quite nervous in the warm-up, and he’s been pretty solid the past couple of times that I’ve gone under the lights,” said Bateson-Chandler after her impressive ride e in front of a packed house at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival. “It threw me a little bit in the warm-up, but he came into the ring and actually is learning that it is his safe place, and he settles,” she said. “He’s still a green horse and is getting used to having more atmosphere, which is why I keep putting him into more ‘under the lights’ situations. He keeps stepping up to the plate, and I’m really proud of him.”

At last year’s Palm Beach Dressage Derby CDI-W, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar took first place, which marked the horse’s breakthrough performance in the Grand Prix level. That 2015 CDI class was their first, after competing successfully in the national Grand Prix classes throughout that winter series.

Bateson-Chandler plans to compete with Alcazar in the remaining two CDIs at the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, which will occur during Week 10 and Week 12.

“It’s a long season here, and you can get greedy with so many international shows. I have taken a couple of CDIs off, so he’s going to do the last two that are here because they’re spread out a bit more,” Bateson-Chandler noted.

After the completion of the 2016 winter competition series, the pair plans to return to England for the summer, where they will train with coach and mentor Carl Hester.

Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services through her business KBC Dressage. Her international Grand Prix experience ensures that her students – both human and equine – have the competitive edge necessary for success in the dressage ring. KBC Dressage offers training services, lessons, clinics, and prospect selection for clients. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit www.kbcdressage.com.

Contact: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
chandlercarlos@aol.com
908-391-9096

Dressage, JRPR

Grand Prix Rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler Champions Her First Dressage Show of 2016

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Photo courtesy of JRPR.

Wellington, Florida (January 13, 2016) — As the 2016 Adequan Global Dressage Festival is officially commencing, international Grand Prix dressage rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler got a head start to the season with her win at the Wellington Classic Dressage Season Kick Off show. The national competition, held on January 8-10 at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival show grounds in Wellington, Florida, set the stage for a successful run for Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar, a 10-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango x Polin, Ferro) known as “Lonzie” and owned by Jane Forbes Clark. The pair competed in the FEI Test of Choice. Fresh off of their sixth place finish at the U.S. Dressage Festival of Champions, they scored an impressive 73.50% in the FEI Grand Prix to claim first place in the hotly contended class.

“I’m really happy with Lonzie’s win this past weekend,” Bateson-Chandler said, praising her partner for their victory. “We competed him in this national show just to see what we need to be a bit sharper with. I’m thrilled with how he performed, and I know that there is still plenty more growing to do.”

Bateson-Chandler is grateful to her U.S. dressage coach Debbie McDonald for helping them achieve this success, and feels prepared and excited to go down centerline with Alcazar in the upcoming weeks in the Adequan Global Dressage Festival CDI competitions.

Bateson-Chandler opened last year’s Adequan Global Dressage Festival season with winning scores, and consistently impressed the judges during her and Alcazar’s first season in the Big Tour classes. Their exciting Grand Prix wins in the national and international arenas were proof that the duo is fierce competition in high performance dressage. The pair earned the 2015 Adequan USDF Dressage (Intermediate II) Horse of the Year title.

They then traveled to Europe for a summer of competition and training, wrapping up their summer European tour as the highest-placed American pair in the Grand Prix Freestyle at the Comite Equestre De Saumur CDI3* in France.

The U.K. native and naturalized U.S. citizen Bateson-Chandler divides her competition seasons between Wellington and Europe, where she trains with 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Carl Hester. Bateson-Chandler originally took over Alcazar’s reins from U.S. Olympian Robert Dover, for whom she used to groom for.

Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services to horses and riders across the U.S. and Europe. Her experience at the international Grand Prix level gives students a competitive edge, whether through coaching as an eye on the ground, bringing young horses up the levels, or campaigning seasoned FEI competitors. KBC Dressage offers training, lessons, clinics, and coaching, as well as scouting and prospect selection for clients. For more about Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit www.kbcdressage.com.

Contact: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
chandlercarlos@aol.com
908-391-9096

Dressage, JRPR

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

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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

Dressage, JRPR

Freestyle Competition Results in High Scores at Hickstead for Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar

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Photo courtesy of Risto Aaltonen.

Hickstead, West Sussex, UK (July 31, 2015) – When top-scoring American dressage rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler returned to her native United Kingdom this summer, she was ready to take on international competition with her partner Alcazar – a ten-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango X Polin, Ferro) owned by Jane Forbes Clark. Having just stepped Alcazar up to the international level at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival earlier this year (where the pair enjoyed a spectacular Grand Prix winning streak), Bateson-Chandler brought him to Europe for the summer with the intention of giving him more international exposure. The pair recently competed at the Dressage at Hickstead CDIO 3*, where they demonstrated impressive teamwork and showed that Alcazar is quickly gaining confidence in the international arena.

Recently Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar took on prestigious competition in the Hickstead CDIO 3* in the CDIO Nations Cup Grand Prix, placing in the top ten with a score of 67.520 percent. This qualified them to compete in the CDIO Grand Prix Freestyle.

“We ended up competing our new freestyle at Hickstead, which was a surprise,” laughed Bateson-Chandler. “I had planned on doing the Grand Prix special, but the format at Hickstead was different, and I ended up qualifying to do the freestyle instead after my Grand Prix result. In a panic, I had a friend grab my envelopes with my new music, which I hadn’t even opened yet! I hadn’t even listened to the new music or gone over the choreography because I had thought I had lots of time to work on it.”

The internationally successful rider and trainer said that she was nervous about how Lonzie – as he is known around the barn – would handle the freestyle, especially after their experience at the 2015 CDI Windsor. “Our last freestyle, which was a hand-me-down, and was Lonzie’s first attempt, had made him a bit terrified as the speakers had been way too loud,” she explained. “I was a bit unnerved by that experience, as was he!”

But Lonzie handled the unexpected routine with the maturity of a much more experienced mount, and the pair rounded off a solid performance, resulting in an impressive score of 71.350 percent. “I have to say he handled Hickstead better than I ever expected, and I was so very proud of my boy!” said Bateson-Chandler. “He showed himself off so well and trusted me.”

Born in the U.K., Bateson-Chandler moved to the U.S. in 1986 to be Robert Dover’s groom and assistant trainer. She began riding Alcazar in 2012 when Jane Forbes Clark purchased the horse. In 2014, Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar received the esteemed Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Award for the Intermediate II level with their year’s mean score of 71.941 percent.

“He is a horse with a fantastic hind leg in all his work,” said Bateson-Chandler of Alcazar. “He has no real weakness, and his piaffe and passage are very special. He hasn’t quite been able to show it off to the full extent in the arena, but when he does, look out!”

Next up for this dynamic duo are more competitions in Europe, where they are currently training with Olympian Carl Hester. Bateson-Chandler shared that she has applied for the CDI Perl at Gestüt Peterhof, Germany (September 9-13) and the CDI Saumur, France (September 24-27), and she may show Alcazar at one of these if qualified.

Bateson-Chandler owns KBC Dressage in Wellington, 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

Dressage, JRPR

Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar Claim FEI Grand Prix Special Victory

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Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar (Photo courtesy of JRPR)

Wellington, FL (March 20, 2015) – Katherine Bateson-Chandler snared the blue ribbon in the Grand Prix Special at the recent Adequan Global Dressage Festival 10 CDI-W against a strong field of competitors. She her longtime partner Alcazar, Jane Forbes Clark’s ten-year-old KWPN gelding (Cantango-Polin, Ferro), earned a 71.255 percent as the sun set on the international dressage series’ show grounds.

The victory was their first in the 2015 CDI season — following several Grand Prix wins in the national division — and she was thrilled with their results.

“I just can’t believe we won the Grand Prix Special!” Bateson-Chandler exclaimed. “I’m so, so proud of baby ‘Lonzie’ all grown up. He was brave under the lights and trusted me. I’m thankful to all our amazing supporters. For sure we couldn’t have done close to this without you.”

Bateson-Chandler explains that the gelding is a tricky horse, and his show anxiety causes him to appear lazy instead of nervous. She and her coach in the U.S., Debbie McDonald, have been working on improving his confidence — and as he showed in the Grand Prix Special, he is truly coming to trust his rider as they head down centerline.

“I’m overwhelmingly happy with my win,” Bateson-Chandler smiled. “My goal had been to go in and give my horse some confidence under the lights and he so beyond exceeded my expectations. I still can’t quite believe it! It’s so special to me that he could go in at night and pull off that test. It shows me how far we’ve come.”

The 39-year-old rider was born in the U.K., and moved to the U.S. in 1986 to be Robert Dover’s groom and assistant trainer. In 2008, she struck out on her own to begin her own training business.

In 2010, Bateson-Chandler represented the U.S. at the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games in Lexington, Kentucky, aboard Nartan, also owned by Clark. As part of Team USA, the pair earned a fourth-place team finish and individually qualified for the Grand Prix Special. After Nartan’s retirement, she took over Alcazar’s ride from Dover. In 2014, they claimed the 2014 Adequan USDF Horse of the Year title for the Intermediaire II.

The horse and rider began their big tour this winter show season. The pair will be heading to the U.K. in April to work with Carl Hester and to compete in Europe.

Bateson-Chandler owns KBC Dressage in Wellington, where she offers 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

Dressage, Jennifer Wood

Bateson Chandler and Alcazar Capture Their First Win of AGDF Season in FEI Grand Prix Special

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Katherine Bateson Chandler and Alcazar. Photo copyright SusanJStickle.com.

Wellington, FL – March 14, 2015 – Katherine Bateson Chandler (USA) and Alcazar performed a lovely test to win the Adequan® Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) FEI Grand Prix Special CDI-W3*, presented by Today’s Equestrian and Diane & George Fellows, on a score of 71.255%. It was determined that Cesar Parra (USA) and Van the Man placed second after tying with Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson-Silfven aboard Divertimento on a score of 70.569%. The final day of competition at AGDF 10 concludes tomorrow with Florida International Dressage Youth Championship classes along with the FEI Intermediaire 1 Freestyle CDI-W1*, presented by Michael and Roz Collins.

Watch the winning ride for Katherine and Alcazar!
Video courtesy of Campfield Videos.

Bateson Chandler was elated with Alcazar tonight, and it seems the two have truly hit their stride with great performances in both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Special this week. “He was great. He’s been a tricky horse in a lot of ways, and it has taken him a while to get over his own show nerves and let go,” she explained. “It has always been a tension thing with him, and he’s a very hot horse. He has his own show nerves, and I’ve had to work through that and this seems like finally it all came together. The relief is overwhelming.”

Alcazar, who is still very green at the Grand Prix level, has showed Bateson Chandler that he has all of the talent in the world, which is why she has chosen to be careful and not push him out of his comfort zone too quickly. “I think he’s a very complete horse and is going to have a lot of highlight movements in the future. His passage and piaffe are going to be quite special,” she commented. “He’s changed so much over the past few months and I think he also has a great hind end and his changes are ultimately going to be very good too.”

The pair continues to bond and Bateson Chandler noted that Alcazar is a mentally very sharp; she always has to stay one step ahead of the game with him. The pair has booked a flight back across the Atlantic to England where Bateson Chandler summers at Carl Hester’s training facility. “We really try to make decisions about his future as a team, and I have to give a huge thank you to (owner) Jane (Clark) for sticking by us. We had a lot of rough patches. She’s given me so many opportunities, we call it ‘Team Clark,’ and having that much support is really incredible,” she said.

Cesar Parra had two solid tests with Van the Man this week, placing sixth in a very large Grand Prix class this past Thursday and taking home a second in the Special today. The pair, who has been training diligently at home, was rewarded for their dedication this week. “He has been such a challenging ride for me, probably the most challenging in my life. He’s really become a different horse and we’ve seen a huge transformation in him, which is why we waited until the end of the season to bring him out,” remarked Parra. “He’s been great and I decided to stay home and do my homework because he knows the movements, but he was very insecure and it seemed to be too challenging, so we decided to take a step back.”

Parra continued to work on a routine with “Van” to help the horse relax and not become too over stimulated by different atmospheres. “The main thing we did was work in a routine each day. We gave him exposure to other things and tried to keep him as happy and healthy as you can. He gets a lot of time out of the stall, and he’s really changed. I really need to thank my groom, Jennifer Mandracia. She’s dedicated so much time to him in the past year to help him come out of his shell,” he expressed.

Both pairs will compete at the final week of AGDF competition in two weeks in the CDI 3* that will accompany the CDIO 3*.

Along with the FEI Grand Prix Special, several classes contributing towards the Florida International Dressage Youth Championships took place today, giving youth riders from around the world a chance to compete against each other in Wellington. Amanda Mcaullife (USA) and Da Kiekste won the FEI Pony Individual class, sponsored by The Axel Johnson Group, with a 65.683%. Antonia Arl (BEL) and Equestricons Ziggy placed first in the FEI Junior Individual, sponsored by Equisafe, receiving a 72.711%. Dana van Lierop (NED) and Equestricons Walküre scored an incredible 74.868% in the FEI Young Rider Individual class, sponsored by Yeguada de Ymas, for the win. All four of the divisions for the Florida International Dressage Youth Championships will have their presentations on Sunday morning to honor the winner and top riders in this year’s edition.

For more information on AGDF, please visit www.globaldressagefestival.com.

About the Adequan Global Dressage Festival:

The Adequan Global Dressage Festival (AGDF) is one of the world’s largest international and national dressage circuits featuring 7 FEI Dressage events, including a 5* and the only FEI Nations’ Cup Series CDIO in the Western Hemisphere. The AGDF offers more than $650,000 in prize money for the seven international competitions, making it one of the richest circuits in the world. The Stadium at Palm Beach International Equestrian Center facility includes the Van Kampen covered arena (made possible by Kimberly and Frederic Boyer and family) and four outdoor arenas with world-class footing, 200 permanent stalls, and a VIP seating area.

Please visit
www.globaldressagefestival.com
www.equestriansport.com
or call 561-793-5867 for more information.

Adequan Global Dressage Festival is located at
13500 South Shore Blvd, Wellington, Florida 33414

Jennifer Wood Media, Inc.
Equestrian Public Relations

Dressage, Training/Clinics

Katherine Bateson-Chandler Pays It Forward

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Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Carl Hester demonstrating how to produce a young Grand Prix Horse (Photo Credit – Kevin Sparrow).

Wellington, FL (December 22,2014) – Katherine Bateson-Chandler knows she is lucky to ride exceptional horses and to have experience training with Olympic athletes Carl Hester, Debbie McDonald, and Robert Dover. In order show her gratefulness for being able to live out her dressage dreams, Bateson-Chandler is giving back to the equestrian community by helping others pursue their own successful dressage careers.

The Grand Prix rider recently spent her sixth summer training with Hester, whom she works with for part of the year while working with USA’s McDonald during the rest of the year. She was also Robert Dover’s assistant trainer and groom before taking over Dover’s position of riding and training Jane Forbes Clark’s impressive horses. Now, the internationally acclaimed Bateson-Chandler is using her talents to help teach others.

She recently acted as a demo rider for Hester at educational events throughout the United Kingdom. The events included The Dressage Convention at Bury Farm in England on October 18-19, and Your Horse Live at Stoneleigh Park in Warwickshire, England on November 8-9. For Bateson-Chandler, providing educational opportunities in England was a sort of homecoming — the equestrian was born and raised in the U.K., and is now a U.S. citizen based out of Wellington, Florida.

“We showed everyone how we produce a young Grand Prix horse using Carl’s system,” Bateson-Chandler said about her experience as a demo rider with Hester. “We touched on most aspects of the Grand Prix, and showed how good basics can make life much simpler as you move up the levels.”

She rode Alcazar, a nine-year old KWPN gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark. Alcazar (Contango x Polina, Ferro) recently won the prestigious 2015 Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Award in the Intermediate II level after putting in some impressive scores. Bateson-Chandler has been competing on the dark bay gelding for the past two years when she took over the ride from Dover after he retired from competition.

While Bateson-Chandler enjoyed helping her British mentor, Hester, by riding in the educational demonstrations, she also thought it was good experience for Alcazar.

“Both master classes were amazing experiences for my horse as they gave me the unique opportunity to ride him in an electric environment where the audience claps on a regular basis through the ride,” she said. “He, of course, was a little tense in the beginning but got better and better the more we rode.”

Bateson-Chandler is eager to see where the coming year of equestrian competition season will lead her, and is looking forward to more opportunities to pass on her talents to others. For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her star equine partners, visit www.kbcdressage.com or follow the international competitor on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherine-Bateson-Chandler-Dressage/651928248221736?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark.

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

*Featured/Spotlights, Dressage

Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar Named USDF Horse of the Year at Intermediaire II

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Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar (Photo courtesy of Katherine Bateson-Chandler)

Wellington, FL (December 9, 2014) — The award that the United States Dressage Federation calls its “most prestigious honor” has been presented to a powerful, expressive KWPN gelding and his rider, Katherine Bateson-Chandler of Wellington, Florida. After a year of impressive achievements in the dressage arena, Alcazar — owned by Jane Forbes Clark — earned the Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Year-End Award for his performances with Bateson-Chandler in the Intermediate II level.

The Adequan/USDF Year-End Awards are presented to select riders and horses that have had not only a few successful shows, but an entire year of achieving high scores in competition. The most recent Year-End Awards were given after the close of the USDF competition year, which ran from October 1, 2013 to September 30, 2014. Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar (Contango x a Ferro mare) received the prestigious Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Award for the Intermediate II level with their year’s impressive mean score of 71.941 percent.

Internationally successful Grand Prix champion Bateson-Chandler has competed on Alcazar for the past two years, and is loving the experience. “He has the perfect temperament for a competition horse — very brave and self-confident. He has presence and is extremely trainable,” she once commented about her award-winning mount. The nine-year-old dark bay gelding and Bateson-Chandler have had numerous successes leading up to receiving this Year-End honor. Earlier this year, they earned the FEI High Point award after winning the FEI Intermediate II division at the Kentucky Dressage Association CDI in May.

Jane Forbes Clark, a long-time supporter of high-performance equestrian sports around the world, purchased Alcazar in 2012. The beautiful horse was an excellent fit for Bateson-Chandler, who has ridden and trained Clark’s horses for eight years. “I know how lucky I am and thank her every day,” Bateson-Chandler said about working with Clark. The equestrian took over the position from Robert Dover when he retired from competition, as she had worked as Dover’s groom and assistant trainer since the age of sixteen.

Bateson-Chandler spends her summers training and competing in Europe with Alcazar and her other top mounts, including Clark’s KWPN Wellnetta. In Europe, Bateson-Chandler trains with Olympic Gold Medalist Carl Hester. As many judges and spectators have done, Hester noticed something special about Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar. “Alcazar has beautiful hind legs and a great work ethic,” he once commented. Bateson-Chandler, too, is also impressed with Alcazar’s efforts and talent. She is thrilled to have had the opportunity and ability to ride him to earn the Adequan/USDF Dressage Horse of the Year Year-End Award. “You don’t get these sort of horses every day,” she said. “Maybe once in a lifetime.”

For more information about Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her star equine partners, visit www.kbcdressage.com or follow the international competitor on her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherine-Bateson-Chandler-Dressage/651928248221736?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark.

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

Dressage, JRPR

One-Two Finish for Hester and Bateson-Chandler in Hartpury CDI3* Grand Prix Special

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Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Welnetta competing during the 2014 Adequan Global Dressage Festival. (Photo courtesy of SusanJStickle.com)

London, United Kingdom (July 18, 2014) – In her first European Grand Prix CDI of the year, Katherine Bateson-Chandler has validated not only her own horsemanship but six years of instruction and mentorship from friend and trainer, Carl Hester, as the two clinched first and second places together on July 13 in the Hartpury (Great Britain) CDI3* Grand Prix Special.

“It’s great to have a top finish in your first European Grand Prix CDI of the year. It’s even sweeter when the only horse and rider combination to best you is your own coach,” laughed Bateson-Chandler, referring to the 2012 British Olympic Team Dressage Gold medalist. “Carl is a great friend and incredible person, who trains with total empathy for the horse. I could not be more pleased to return to his yard and compete with the best in the world in Europe.”

Hester won the Grand Prix Special on KWPN (Don Ruto x Animo) gelding, Nip Tuck, with a final score of 72.45%. Bateson-Chandler, on Jane Forbes Clark’s KWPN (Hexagon’s Louisville x Rubiquil) mare, Wellnetta, delivered a 66.16% finish for reserve honors against not only her trainer but an exceptionally diverse international field whose top ten riders included competitors representing Russia and Singapore. The pair had opened their weekend at Hartpury with a top ten (64.14%) finish in the CDI3* Grand Prix, also won by Hester, who posted the only (74.60%) score of the class to crack the 70s.

Welnetta, who was born and bred in Europe, and Bateson-Chandler, who was born in the United Kingdom, returned to their roots this season to compete. Based out of Hester’s personal yard, it marks the sixth summer that she and her horses have spent there: “Carl’s is very much like home to us. I have been training with him since 2007 and he and I have very similar thoughts on training and horsemanship. In addition to a structured training program, he believes in hacking horses and lots of turnout, which are also very important to me.” In addition to a long relationship with Hester, she has ridden horses for Forbes Clark for nine years, assuming the role after serving prior to that as Robert Dover’s assistant trainer.

Next is Germany, where its CDIO5*/CDIO4* at Aachen and CDIO4* in Cappeln await. Having set her sights on Europe, after a strong appearance at the US Dressage Festival of Champions in New Jersey earlier in July, the now-U.S. citizen and Wellington, FL, resident, has a strategy: “With the best of the best gearing up for the World Equestrian Games in Normandy, I plan to use the highly-competitive environment to gain more international exposure for both myself and Welnetta. Our European schedule will provide a great opportunity to ride in a number of prestigious shows and gain more experience.”

For more information on Katherine Bateson-Chandler, visit her Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/pages/Katherine-Bateson-Chandler-Dressage/651928248221736?ref=hl&ref_type=bookmark.

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

Contributors/Press, Disciplines, Dressage, Events, FEI, Media/Radio/TV Sources, World Equestrian Games

Dressage Radio Episode 70 by Back On Track – WEG Special Coverage

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Special daily coverage of the dressage competition at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games. Chris is joined by Carl Hester and Katherine Bateson-Chandler for same day coverage. This episode was recorded live in front of an audience at the Alltech Experience in the Kentucky Horse Park. Listen in…

Dressage Radio Episode 70 – Show Notes and Links:

  • Host: Chris Stafford
  • Co-Host: Carl Hester
  • Guest: Katherine Bateson-Chandler
  • World Equestrian Games Dressage Radio Show Recording Schedule at the Alltech Pavilion: (Recorded show will be posted within three hours of recording.)
    • Sept 27: Recording at 6-7 PM
    • Sept 28: Recording at 6-7 PM
    • Sept 29: Recording at 5:30-6:30 PM
    • Oct 2: Recording at 7:30-8:30 AM
  • Coverage: Follow all the coverage of the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on the Horse Radio Network.

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