A Star is Born

Today marked a significant turning- point in Australian Dressage with Alexis Hellyer overcoming enormous challenges to ride the test of her life and assert herself as one of our sport’s brightest young stars.

Her chestnut stallion Bluefields Floreno was asked to re-present prior to competing which resulted in him remaining under review by the Ground Jury. The horse was monitored after the trot-up and during the warm-up until subsequent approval to allow her to compete.

The horse had been suffering a minor hoof infection but showed no signs of ill affect performing a stunning test on international debut to post a score of 67.360 %.

“I’m lost for words it’s an amazing experience being here. He tried so hard,” said Hellyer.

“He’s a great partner, I just absolutely adore that horse.”

Naturally, after such a strong performance under immense pressure, emotions ran high soon after she completed the test and the huge Australian crowd watching on cheered loudly as she left the arena.

The 29-year-old commended the team around her for helping ensure she could compete.

“I had a fantastic support team that ensured he stayed sound. I’m really proud of the whole team’s effort and could not ask for a better first go.”

Brett Parbery and DP Weltmieser were the next Australian combination to line up.

Bred in Australia by the Marheine family and still owned by them, DP Weltmieser and Parbery have had a long and successful partnership and today was one of their biggest highlights receiving a score of 70.109% to land them in 14^th place.  

“I was just happy that we could be consistent and solid. And a whole lot of credit must go to the owners they are fantastic,” said Parbery.

It was the first time his young son Jake, who has his own ambitions to ride for Australia one day, was able to be on site at a World Equestrian Games to watch and support his father.

The next Australian Dressage Team representatives that will line up will be the highly experienced former Olympians Mary Hanna and Kristy Oatley.

For draws and results of the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games go to;  https://tryon2018.com/officialresults and to watch go to https://tv.fei.org/