FEATURE: ESNZ May High Performance Squad Training

FEATURE: ESNZ May High Performance Squad Training

13 May 2012 - Newbury, GBR

 

Well, TINGLES do NOT begin to describe being present on the ESNZ High Performance Squad Training yesterday wtih  Erik Duvander (ESNZ HP COACH) & Luis Alvarez Cervera (ESP - HP SJ COACH).

 (Above: L-R)
LUIS ALVARES CERVERA
LUIS; ERIK; MARK
MARK TODD & ERIC DUVANDER

It was held at a stunning property in Newbury, which is very close to the hub of where the NZL riders are based here in the UK, and a nice, comfy trundle in my Little Turtle from Cirencester/Marlborough which I feel will be my "Ping-Point" this season!

I was a little  upset to find out that Lizzie Brown had just finished her session when I arrived, her time being pushed forward due to her competing at a Horse Trial a little later in the morning, such a shame as I was very excited to get the opportunity to capture her and Frank - but, especially with the cancellations of events, the riders are juggling better than seasoned circus performers to get their horses running and ultimately capturing the attention of the Olympic Selectors!  I will see her at Houghton Hall in two weeks!

ABOVE: L-R
Neil Spratt (FERNHILL QUALITY STREET)
Mark Todd (LEONARDO)
Tim Price (WESKO)

THE TALENT OF THE NZL TEAM AND HORSES IS INCREDIBLE!  Not only did the riders have their top horses, but some up-and-coming-SUPERSTARS - that caused me to catch my breath on a number of occasions!  We are defininitley seeing not only the 2012 London Olympic prospects here, but 2014 WEG Normandie & 2016 Rio Olympics!

(ABOVE: Lucy Jackson (GURTERA CHER) do some drills!)

 ABOVE: Clockwise
Jesse Campbell (LANCELOT) -new to Jesse's Yard (Syndicate Shares Available)
Tonka - Tim & Jonelle's Right-Hoof-Man
Lucy Jackson (WILLIE DO) - one of Lucy's 4* Super-Stars
Jonelle Richards (FAERIE DIANIMO) - an absolute young-STUNNER
Meagan Heath (SAINT DANIEL) - gorgeous German Warmblood about to do his first 4*

I always enjoy and appreciate watching these combinations train, it gives me the opportunity to get to know them through my lens in the hope to capture them at the perfect moments, and boy, ESNZ has (in my opinion) not only an incredibly talented team, BUT, and I don't think anyone will protest on this statement (LLP-Statement of course!), that we have the most GORGEOUS coaches, supporters, riders and horses!!!  Bias - I don't know what you are talking about!!!  I will just say I am really enjoying my zoom-lens!!!



ABOVE: L-R
Neil Spratt; Erik Duvander & Lucy Jackson; Jonelle Richards (ALOHA) - BEAUTIFUL!

I HOPE YOU HAVE A SAFETY RAIL IN FRONT OF YOUR SEATS - YOU ARE GOING TO NEED IT TO PREVENT YOU FROM FALLING OFF IN AWW OF THESE TALENTED COMBINATIONS!!!

LIBBY-LIVE

FEATURE: BEHIND THE SCENES - GBR-Price-Richards Yard

 

FEATURE:  BEHIND THE SCENES

PRICE-RICHARDS YARD

A look at this very successful and vibrant yard where all the hard work gets put in prior/post events...

4 May 2012

THE ENERGY IS AMAZING - even on this chilly spring day in Marlborough - GBR!

Tim Price & Jonelle Richards made the move to the UK from NZL seven years ago now, and came upon this property, which, back then was rather derilect, but had potential - if there was the incredible need for the time & energy to put in to cleaning, rebuilding, repairing and maintianing - and these two kiwis's certainly have plenty of it!!!



Along with the huge task of doing this, these talented riders had horses to train and compete at the same time, so what you see in these images is many years of dedication!  The outcome - BREATHTAKING!

  

Unlike a lot of GBR Yards, their horses have a lot of outdoor time in glorious fields - however, when they are indoors, they certainly enjoy lovely accomodations!

I first visited last spring and learnt a little about these two.... not only were they immediately warm, generous, no-nonsence brilliance, but I just found it very special to get a glimpse at the goings on away from the flash and bling of the events here - this is where it all happens!  And they are busy!  Along with their own horses, they school, break, teach and host many other horses and riders - their count at the moment is over 30 horses...

I must highlight a few things:

The Tack Room: GORGEOUS - I have to STOP myself from taking a whole 8GB card of images in here!!!  


The Blue Room:  I am very priviliged and quietly proud to have a few of my images featured in here - this is a very substantial gallery!!!

I was lucky to have popped to the yard on this day to see Jonelle riding one of my favs: Faerie Dianimo, and Tim riding (?) - we shall call her "Subject-A" - I was able to have a chat with "Subject-A" Owner who was viewing.  I asked if she got nervous watching her horse getting schooled and she simply said: Not at all, I completely trust these two and how they do things... Take a look at the pics...

 




 Love this little argument Tim is having with "Subject-A"!!!  Thanks for having me...  I am hooked!!!

So, from here, I will certainly be seeing Tim & Jonelle and their stunning horses at a lot of events, and taking any opportunity to visit again... 

LIBBY-LIVE