A dream came true for Natalie Blundell when the owners of her horse Algebra decided that they would like to see their horse compete in England at one of the most prestigious competitions in the World, Badminton Horse Trials in England.
As Algebra is 14 years old and reaching his peak it was now or never to give the combination a chance to see how they would fare against the worlds greatest event riders and with good results get selected for the World Equestrian Games in France in August.
Natalie had to fund herself during her stay and with her many supporters and sponsors she managed to raise enough for her stay in England. Natalie decided to board and train at Andrew Hoy’s stables in Somersby.
The amazing journey started with a long drive down to Melbourne Airport to meet the cargo plane that would take over 30 hours total travel to arrive at London Heathrow airport. ‘Sammi’ (Algebra), travelled well with this being his second overseas trip. Natalie travelled with a fellow competitor from Pakenham Victoria so they were able to keep a good eye on the horses wellbeing.
On arrival at Heathrow Airport a truck was waiting to take them to the respective stables. Sammi settled in well and after a few days off he was ready for some light training. Badminton Horse Trials which is 4 star level (only 6 of these competitions in the world) was held during the week of 6th May.
85 riders competed at this level, but unfortunately the new course builder made it the toughest course in 20 years. Only 32 riders managed to complete the event which was inundated with gale force winds and pouring rain. Natalie was going well until her horse skidded coming into a fence and horse and rider had a fall into the ditch under the jump. They both got up luckily with only a few bruises and stiffness. A fall of horse and rider is elimination these days for safety’s sake, so that ended the competition for Nat and ‘Sammi’.
After a weeks recovery it was decided between the selectors and owners that Natalie and ‘Sammi’ should be given another chance to prove themselves. With the World Equestrian Games only 3 1/2 months away they needed to prove they could finish at this level with good scores.
The next closest competitions were in Germany so Natalie headed off with Andrew Hoy’s team of horses to Wiesbaden. It was amazingly only a days travel by truck and ferry to reach another country! Weisbaden 3 Star was a gusty comp for Natalie and they came in with an 8th placing showing that the previous fall didn’t stop them.
Next comp in Germany was another 4 star which many riders that didn’t finish at Badminton had to make an appearance. Natalie blitzed around the cross country and came 13th overall.
After a quick trip home to do some teaching and check on her horse property Natalie will be headed back to England within the next couple of weeks.
