Revving Up for Individual Comp

Happy Birthday Corinne Bracken (GBR)

Yesterday, rider Kelsey Bayley (BAR), celebrated her birthday and Corinne Bracken (GBR), Chef d'Equipe for the victorious European Team, enjoyed her special day today - Happy Birthday Kelsey and Corrine!!

Kelsey, a member of the Central and North America and Caribbean Islands team, is now revving up with all the other riders, for round 1 of the Individual Competition being held tomorrow.  Kelsey's horse during the Youth Olympics is Virtuous Flare (stable name Bella), and she is a sweet horse, however, things got off to a bit of a rough start when at their first meeting, on 13 August, Bella mistook Kelsey's finger for a carrot and had a nibble! Luckily horse and rider relations have since improved.

Another Birthday girl, Kelsey Bayley (BAR) at left, with
Dominique Shone (CAN) and Eirin Bruheim (USA)

Eirin Bruheim (USA) and Dominque Shone (CAN), after working their horses this morning, are looking forward to tomorrow's competition, which is a whole new ball game to the teams event.  Eirin, who is riding Lenny Hays here in Singapore, hails from Houston, Texas and says the weather here is fairly similar to her steamy home town.  To make it to the Youth Olympic Games, Eirin - who at a young age decided her future lay with showjumping instead of the more traditional discipline in Texas, western - was shortlisted with 12 other young riders and was chosen to represent USA after a Young Rider series held across the country.

Eirin Bruheim (USA) trotting up her horse, Lenny Hays,
who will be out 28th in tomorrow's competition

Dominique Shone (CAN) thought it was cool to be chosen as Canada's representative at the Youth Olympic Games and has been having a good show so far with mare, Roxy Girl, with only 4 faults over the 2 rounds of the teams competition.  Dominique says her inspiration in the showjumping world is renowned competitor, Rich Fellers (USA), who is also her coach - she describes training with Rich as an incredible experience.

We are sure these American girls will be keenly watching the Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games which are being held on their home continent, at beautiful Lextington, Kentucky USA, in a few weeks time.

The trot up and draw for tomorrow's Individual Competition was conducted today with the riders trotting up their own horses.  Following the draw, the first rider on course will be Alberto Schwalm (CHI) riding Stoneleigh Eddie at 9.30am.  Best of luck to all the riders!

The media were younger than ever at the trot up!

Yara Hanssen (ZIM) and AP Akermanis getting ready to trot up. They will compete in the 15th spot in round 1 of the Individual Competition

Alejandra Ortiz (PAN) and SP Fancy Pants, concentrating
in the walk phase of trot up.  This combination are
competing 9th tomorrow.