Westewind and Julia Battams.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
By Roger Fitzhardinge
It’s not often that a special horse comes into a rider’s life that simply is understanding, uncomplicated and demure with all the heart and willingness to do his utmost at every ride. That horse was owned by Julia Battams and was Westewind.
Westie, as he was known, was bought by Julia Battams and Kevin Mita as a foal in Holland. Westewind was by Krack C out of a Ramiro mare by the name of Horrita. After his purchase, he stayed on in Holland until he was broken in and started as a three year old and then brought back to Australia. This stallion was a bright bay with four long stockings and a blaze, and he knew he was a good looker. His attitude was one of modesty, but full of pride. He always tried no matter what, when or where, and perhaps to his detriment at times as he was an over-achiever and tried too hard.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
Julia took him through all the grades from Novice to Grand Prix, winning at all levels along the journey to Grand Prix and she relates:
“He was so easy and uncomplicated and there are no stories of woe or condemnation in any way shape or form… He was sort of unexciting yet exhilarating in the same moment. He simply was a model student and was always on your side.”
Jamie Mita and Westewind.
Photo supplied
At his first start at Grand Prix, Westie scored a cracking 68%. He made several Grand Prix tests and then Julia’s daughter Jamie started to ride him in some young rider competitions at Prix St Georges when she was simply 15, and also in CDI-Y competitions with excellent placings and percentages. Their partnership culminated in winning the Oceanic Region World Dressage Challenge for Small Tour in 2017.
Westie was able to make all the Grand Prix movements with ease and excelled in the extended trot and the piaffe and passage tour. However, in the passage he was so pleased to let rip and show off his exuberance and joy to work would see him get so expressive that he would bubble over and make some irregular steps from simply being the eternal over-achiever.
© Roger Fitzhardinge
Simone Pearce had seen Jamie and Westie a year ago in a clinic in Victoria and loved him back then. When Simone was invited to ride in the masterclass in Sydney in December she asked if there was any way she could get the ride on Westewind? The Battams obliged immediately and brought the stallion to SIEC for the weekend. Jamie had two lessons with Simone and at the end of her last lesson, one to be her last ride, Simone got on to have a feel of the movements she was going to show in the masterclass, and honed in on the passage as it was his forte, where Westie obliged and gave his all. Simone beaming and praising him and asked a little more and he obliged willingly. More praise and it was as if he knew and tried again so hard. On having a walk break, Westie suffered what was thought to have been probably and aortic aneurism, and collapsed and died instantly — falling on top of Simone who suffered bilateral punctured lungs, a broken collar bone and internal bleeding and was subsequently admitted to intensive care. She is now recovering well but it’s going to take a while to be back in the saddle.
It was a seriously devastating moment and one that could never be seen coming. For a totally healthy horse it was shocking to say the least and inexplicable and beyond anyone’s imagination. Life deals some serious blows and this for sure to Julia and the family is one of those overwhelming moments when you think why and what for…
© Roger Fitzhardinge
Westie will not only be missed by the family and all who saw him daily at Balmoral Equestrian Centre where he was loved, spoilt and respected, but by the dressage community who realise the worth of such a beautiful stallion in the sport and for all who watched his journey through the ranks. Westie has a son in BWS Diego, a beautiful five year old with Jamie who is following in his father’s footsteps.
Westewind was a horse of a lifetime and his trust and generous nature will never be forgotten. Nor will that fabulously fancy footwork and balance that he always showed. Those tremendous long stockinged legs, and that great white blaze with the expression of intelligence and honesty. You will be missed and your memories for all who crossed your path will forever live on. Enjoy your retirement with the elite Grand Prix horses in the green pastures far away.
READ THE LATEST NEWS ARTICLES HERE
