Katherine Bateson-Chandler of Wellington is representing the United States in the FEI Nations Cup Dressage competition, which is taking place this week in Uggerhalne, Denmark. The Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer is competing aboard Alcazar, a 12-year-old Dutch Warmblood gelding owned by Jane Forbes Clark.
“I’m really so honored to compete in this event. It’s always such a huge honor to represent one’s country in international competition, and especially to get the opportunity to ride alongside the best of the best,” Bateson-Chandler said. “As a rider, it’s definitely one of those moments that you are constantly working toward.”
Other riders on the U.S. team for Uggerhalne include Shelly Francis of Loxahatchee; Kathleen Raine of Murrieta, Calif.; and Mette Rosencrantz of Topanga, Calif.
Bateson-Chandler’s past achievements include being a member of the silver medal-winning Dutta Corp. U.S. Dressage Team at the 2016 Lambertz Nations Cup at CHIO Aachen, and being part of Team USA at the 2016 CDIO3* Odense Nations Cup in Denmark.
Earlier this year, Bateson-Chandler made a brilliant comeback aboard her well-known mount Alcazar, who had spent the summer months recovering from a serious colic surgery that took place after the two competed together in Aachen, Germany, in the 2016 World Equestrian Festival CHIO. After a successful reunion at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington this winter, the pair drew much attention with an unforgettable winning performance in the event’s CDI4* Grand Prix Freestyle.
Aside from this year’s competition successes, Bateson-Chandler also added a new mount to her stable’s lineup — a six-year-old Oldenburg mare named Fine Time, who was secured for her by longtime sponsor Jane Forbes Clark. Bateson-Chandler also accepted an appointment to the new USEF Dressage Sport Committee, which is responsible for the sport’s development, organization, rules and licensing changes.
Bateson-Chandler competes in Wellington during the winter while training with U.S. Olympian Debbie McDonald. During the summer months, she and her horses travel to the United Kingdom to compete and train with acclaimed British Olympic gold medalist Carl Hester.
Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services through KBC Dressage. Visit www.kbcdressage.com for more info.
ABOVE: Grand Prix dressage rider Katherine Bateson-Chandler.
