In the lead up to the World Equestrian Games in Kentucky I decided to get a little update from a few of our riders who will be making the trip over to represent Australia.

The first person to give us a little insight into how things are progressing pre-WEG is one of our European based dressage riders, Hayley Beresford. Hayley and her Bijing Olympic partner Relampago do Retiro (aka Reli) are one quarter of our very exciting dressage team and are really looking forward to hitting the competition arena in Kentucky.  

For this pair, their pre-WEG training is continuing as usual.  With the training concerntraing on gymnastic and firtness with plenty of riding out on the race track and forest to keep Reli fresh. This week the pair are headed to Aachen to concerntrate on some of the finer details and put the finishing touches on their preparation.

Hayley and Reli will be boarding their plane headed to Kentucky on the 18th September and Hayley will be the flight attendant for both Reli and his inflight neighbour, and team mate Lyndal Oatley’s gelding Potifar.  Here’s hoping that Reli can share some tips with his younger team mate on their flight over!   

Also making the trip over to Kentucky as part of Hayley & Reli’s support crew will be their groom, Sophie Akers, Hayley’s hubby Kian, Reli’s home team from Villa do Retiro in Brazil will all be there, Hayley’s Aunt and Uncle, along with lots of Aussie friends and of course her sponsor Bates Australia will also be there to cheer tha pair along. 

Hayley’s groom for WEG is Sophie Akers, a Kiwi who went to do some work experience at Isabell Werth’s at the end of 2007.  Hayley and Sophie got along really well and Sophie became Hayley & Reli’s groom throughout 2008 and half of 2009, which included grooming at the Beijing Olympics.  Hayley says she was a rock for Reli and I and I am really looking forward to seeing her again.

When I asked Hayley what her goal is for WEG, both personally and for the team she replied As a team we are aiming to post the highest team percentage and placing yet. Individully, I am aiming to do the best we can do. Reli is in good shape so why not?

When asked if she thinks it makes it easier heading to WEG with the experience of an Olympic Games behind them, Hayley said: Absolutely. From every detail from the flight, the preparation, the pressure...etc etc... I feel much more prepared. This year I am excited whereas in Hong Kong I was petrified on the inside and just acting tough
For Hayley & Reli this WEG preparation only differs from their Beijing Olympics Prep in that they are not working with Isabell.  The bonus being that this Aussie pair is now much more experienced (the Olympics was only their 11th Grand Prix start!). Similar to their Olympic prep with Isabell though, the emphasis will be on keeping the work fun and gymnastic with concerntration on the details inbetween.

What does Hayley think is going to be the highlight of WEG for her? Being part of such a cool team of people and riders. I cant wait!

After WEG team Beresford will be flying back to Europe, where they will have a short break to catch their breathes in Germany.  Then, this jetsetting duo will be boarding another flight to Sao Paulo (Brazil) in November where they will compete in a CDI 3* on Reli’s home turf.  After all that globetrotting, Reli will no doubt be recieving some superstar treatment during his breeding holiday at home in Brazil until the end of December.