3min read
With the World Equestrian Games approaching fast, we sat down with Australian-based Dressage rider John Thompson who is making the big trip from Australia to Herning (Denmark) in August.
John Thompson may be a product of New Zealand, but us Australians like to claim him as our own! John moved to Australia with his family when he was young and dabbled in every equestrian discipline before setting his sights on dressage. He worked hard building a successful horse training business in Mount Gambier, South Australia and is now without a doubt one of the best Grand Prix dressage riders and trainers in the Oceania region.
We sat down with John to ask him a couple of questions about his upcoming trip to the World Equestrian Games in Herning, Denmark where he’ll represent New Zealand in the Dressage competition.
How excited were you to learn you were selected for the World Equestrian Games?
I was absolutely thrilled, Tommy (Chemistry) and I have been working towards competing at a major championship since the day after I found him as a 4-year-old. I think we can all relate to the fact we all have these crazy dreams so when at last they become a reality it’s quite surreal!
How do you get selected for the World Equestrian Games?
The first thing you need to do is to achieve your MER (minimal eligibility requirement). Once you have accomplished that, you then need to qualify with your country’s criteria. After meeting the qualification criteria you then go into the list of candidates to be selected to represent your country. If you happen to be at the top of the list then you’re likely to achieve your selection for the games! It’s one long, scary process and definitely involves a few sleepless nights that in this case ended with a glass of celebration bubbles… or two!
Is the Olympics and World Equestrian Games a similar type of competition?
Relatively. I’m sure someone that has competed at both would have a more in-depth answer, but personally I’m aiming for one or the other. The World Equestrian Games falls two years after each scheduled Olympics. One doesn’t replace the other, both feel just as important.
The Olympics brings together the best of every sporting body and is by far the most publicly known sporting event, while the World Equestrian Games is tailor made just for crazy horse mad lovers, such as myself, making it a life time goal for any equestrian. Both showcase the best in our sport.
What did you have to do in preparation for the flight with Chemistry?
The horses have their vaccinations starting a month out from their flight. For the trip over to Europe there is minimal quarantine, just a few blood test here and there. Whereas coming back to Australia there is a four week quarantine period.
We take some extra steps that aren’t strictly necessary by giving them a vitamin booster and IV fluids. Otherwise, we check their temperature regularly, adjust their diet and tape their shoes with Elastoplast to help prevent the shoe slipping or any nail heads becoming loose. We have always used IRT for flying our horses internationally so we know they are in incredible hands - it really takes a lot of the worry out of the whole ordeal. That and having our superstar stable manger Ellen accompany him the whole way really meant Tommy was in the best care possible.
What sort of training program will you do when you arrive? Does Chemistry get time off?
After arrival, I plan to take it easy for the first few days. Just a light hand walk while he settles in and rests after the flight - it’s a huge journey. We have two weeks training time to gently stretch and supple him before we head off for the World Games. We are now into his third season at Grand Prix together so we’ve developed a pretty established show day routine which won’t change to what we do at home. So it’s more of a matter of getting him feeling fresh and happy within himself and then we will try and pull off the same process we have each time we have competed in the past.
Although not all the teams and riders are selected yet, who are you most excited to see ride/compete?
Cathrine Laudrup-Dufour. I’m loving the easy way in which her horses get through the GP! I’m also excited of course to support my Kiwi teammates, Melissa and Gaylene who are two wonderful humans that I couldn’t be prouder to stand next to. Another thing I’m looking forward to is being able to get behind the Australian team. I grew up with and have been on young rider teams with both Simone and Jayden and I actually used to work for Mary back in the day, plus years ago I sold one of my favourite horses to Lyndal who does so much for the sport. It’s pretty special to be able to share this experience with them all.
What are your goals for this event?
To go out there and feel that I rode the best I could on the day. Identifying what would feel like a win is an interesting concept for any athlete to define. In my case if I can stick to my processes, not get overwhelmed by the occasion and be a great team member I would have achieved more than a personal best score. Ok ok I’m not that wise, I’ve worked through this with my sport psychologist! Thanks Warren…
We wish John, Chemistry and all connections the very best of luck at the 2022 World Equestrian Games. We can’t wait to follow their journey and look forward to watching the competition.
At Horseland we want to ensure you’re looking and performing your best at competitions. Browse our wide range of products at your local Horseland store or online, and take a read of our other blogs on competitions: 9 Tips And Tricks To Remembering Your Dressage Test and Competition Gear Must-Haves.
