Mary Hanna and Calanta – simply outstanding
© Roger Fitzhardinge
By Roger Fitzhardinge
It’s 10.25pm. The VIP area is partying. I’m in the media office at Willinga Park alone, and about to tell the truth about the pinnacle of dressage in Australia. I am going to say it’s Roger here and talking from the heart. From nearly 50 years of passion in a sport that is fraught with difficulties, being in Australia. With the opinion that Australia is behind the eight ball in the sport. Tonight was simply amazing. Please read on…
Willinga Park has produced a venue that is beyond one’s imagination. If you have not been here it should be one that must go on the bucket list with Aachen, the Olympics and any international competition.
It’s firstly Australian. It’s exceptional in every way. It’s architectural world class. The surrounds are beautiful. The indoor and outdoor ebb and flow surfaces are world class. The staff are so friendly and helpful. The stables better than any in the world, with rubber mattress floors for all. The huge mirrored warm up. The heated swimming pool for everyone and the BBQ areas for everyone to enjoy. The restaurant and the live coverage on screens all over the grounds. The international judges including several from the ground jury for Tokyo. The accommodation that is second to none. The restaurant and the food that is five star and diverse and wonderful. The gardens and the sculpture parks and the water features and lawned areas and forests all nestled into the equestrian facility with environmental ease. With Terry and Ginette Snow, whose private property, ingratiates every equestrian person in to the family property with open arms and generosity with no other intention than to see people smile, it’s no wonder that the sport of dressage has reached yet another level.
Mary Hanna tonight – amongst an amazingly educated crowd of dressage enthusiasts and five star judges – has scored an unprecedented win with an Australian best ever percentage internationally of 80.15% in the Grand Prix CDI 4* Freestyle.
I am sorry but all the other competition results as amazing as they were as well, pale in to insignificance in comparison to this score and performance. Mary Hanna and Calanta and husband Rob, being nervous on the side have made history here at Willinga Park for all of the above reasons. The mare was amazing, showing evenness and ease and not a mistake in sight. The choreography and music in sync and seamless. Patrick and Lyndal back in Germany have had a huge input into Mary’s success and they are all for the progress of the sport and for Australian dressage…. It’s a huge plus! For Mary, five times Olympian, it’s a test that will remain in her mind forever. Thanks to Willinga Park for getting the horses and riders to feel at ease, allowing the best performances. Terry Snow your input to the sport as a provider is exceptional. Ask any rider, coach, owner, groom or simply a visitor about their enjoyment and the smile is overwhelming. Willinga Park has provided the ambience and facilities for horse rider and judge to come together with a positive appraisal.
Mary Hanna and Calanta were all smiles after their epic win!
© Roger Fitzhardinge
Congratulations to Mary Hanna and Calanta for exceeding an Australian dream. To Cathie and Trevor Drury-Klein, Event Directors who give their all, to every volunteer, to the unbelievable fire fighters who saved the property and as a consequence Bawley Point. To Gai Waterhouse for her generous donation that was auctioned to fundraise for the fire charity in the area.
Mary Hanna congratulations! Well done and a deserved score indeed.
By the way, the NZ team were awesome and as with the All Blacks, as if they will ever give in!!
Melissa Galloway, as Tim Dreverman mentioned at the presentation: ”Melissa – you are 26, and double your age and you are still younger than Mary – what does the future hold!!!”
Melissa Galloway and J’Obei were extremely impressive
© Roger Fitzhardinge
Melissa Galloway on the Johnson horse that, when she was 18, everyone advised her not to buy, she went against them all, went on her gut instinct and bought not one but two from David Woolley, and now has two Grand Prix horses!!!
David Woolley, breeder of J’Obei
© Roger Fitzhardinge
What a rider and what a performance, and at 26 Melissa has produced her first Grand Prix horse, and what a great job. To be second here was a true feat, and the harmony and understanding was endearing to all who were there.
Second to the Zealand pair in Melissa and J’Obei and then John Thompson on the fabulous JHT Chemistry, a seriously great performance on a horse that was competing elementary 12 months ago!!!
There is no question that J’Obei will continue to improve….This was only his 7th Grand Prix test…………Look out!!!!!
It’s time to sign off but seriously what an amazing night of dressage!
What a night, what a competition, good night – what a night and what a venue!!! Mary and Calanta an Australian record. AMAZNG and totally deserved!!!! GO AUSSIES!!!
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