Layne thrilled with Udon P comeback

Kelly Layne and Udon P have achieved a personal best Grand Prix score in the Wellington CDI-W over the weekend.

The pair placed 10th in the field of 30 and eclipsed their previous personal best Grand Prix score receiving a 69.500% from the judges, which included Australian FEI4* judge Maria Schwennesen (who will officiate at next month's Reem Acra FEI World Cup Final in Las Vegas).

Last year Udon P was sidelined for a period after being diagnosed with a Cardiac Arrhythmia and the illness prevented him from participating in Australia's nomination series for the 2014 FEI World Equestrian Games. Since regaining his health and returning to competition in late 2014, the 14 year old KWPN gelding has continued to improve with each outing, starting with a 66.580 at the Saugerties (NY) CDI-W Grand Prix in September. The combination followed this up a week later with a 66.180 at the Devon (PA) CDI-W GP, and more recently they have received scores of 66.080, 67.620 and 67.700 at Grand Prix events in Wellington (FL).

On Saturday, the pair combined to perform their Freestyle routine where they received a score of 72.150 which put them in 9th position. 

Layne is thrilled to see Udon P performing at his best again.

“Udon is gaining fitness and condition at each competition and is well on track for a shot at the team for Rio.

“The episode with A-Fib cost us about 6 months of training and competition and we are absolutely thrilled he has made a comeback.

“Last weekend I rode the Grand Prix Special in the CDI4* with Udon for a 69.5%. It was only his second time performing that test and the feeling got better and better as the test progressed. I still need to have him a little more settled in the beginning of the test for more points. We had several 8's and 9 for the piaffe on the final centreline.

To meet the challenge of competing against so many top horses Layne has produced a new Freestyle which has a special meaning.

“I choreographed the routine and Gary Patterson from England orchestrated the music.  The result is what I call a foot perfect freestyle. Every footfall and transition has been matched to the music so there is no room for error.

“We did two performances with mixed scores so I made some changes and this weekend we received a 72% after a 69.5% in the Grand Prix.

“Our Freestyle is all songs about the heart to celebrate Udon's return to the competition arena.

“Udon and I have been together for 2 years so we are just now starting to become a partnership in the arena. I am very proud to be representing Australia on the Florida circuit and competing among some of the world’s best riders. Without being based in Europe this is the best level of competition there is with 7 CDI's over 3 months. Also, the winter weather is incredible!”

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