Smashing Success for Mary Hanna and Australia's Young Guns in Europe

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2014 CDI Compiegne

Smashing her first international competition on her new dressage partner Boogie Woogie, Australian Olympian Mary Hanna is reaping the fruits of her structured and dedicated training at Patrik Kittel's stable in Germany. While she swept three small tour trophies at the 2014 CDI Hagen and CDI Compiegne with Boogie and had Sancette peaking to new heights, Hanna is thrilled that Australia's young guns follow in her wake with performances exceeding all expectations.

Mary credits Kittel's positive attitude and the synergy between them as rider and trainer as the boosting factors which propelled her dressage career to a new level. The dedicated traiing has enabled her to really make some great improvements.

Winning the Intermediare I with 74.895% at the 2014 CDI Hagen, Mary followed it up with a second win on the 8-year old Dutch warmblood Boogie Woogie (by Du Moulin x Florett As) in the Prix St Georges at the 2014 CDI Compiegne where she also broke into the 70’s with her second horse Sancette (by Sandro Hit), finishing second in the Grand Prix Special on 71.745%.

“Our success has come because firstly, Boogie has three very correct paces and also he just loves to perform. He really lifts in the ring," said Hanna. "He has a really big personality and is quite a prankster in the stables, especially if he feels he wants more attention. Most importantly though, I have great trust and respect for Patrik as a trainer. He is very fair to the horses and is always extremely positive in the way he teaches. He makes me feel that all things are possible and this has pushed me to a new level with both my horses.”

Mary on Boogie Woogie Mary bought Boogie over a year ago through Patrik. The athletic bay gelding was seven at the time and she was looking for a good young horse to train up to Grand Prix as Rio prospect.

“We have formed a good partnership and, as Hagen was our first international show, it was quite a thrill to follow up his second in the Prix St Georges with a win in the Inter1 with a score just under 75%," said Mary proudly.

Her Olympic Grand Prix ride Sancette has also greatly improved under Patrik’s training. Mary feel that that her Swedish coach seems really understands how to get the best from Sandro Hit offspring, horses which Mary says can be a bit quirky.

“Lyndal's Sandro Boy and my Sancette have a lot of common characteristics, so perhaps that's why Patrik has been able to help me so effectively with him," said Mary. "Although Patrik only had a short time to help me for the 2014 World Cup Finals, he already made an improvement with him. By the time we got to Compiègne, I could feel the work really paying off and was thrilled to achieve a solid 71.6% in the Grand Prix Special. Added to Boogie's win in the Prix St Georges, this completed a great show for us. It was good to achieve these results on my own, even though I missed the calming voice of my trainer.”

Unfortunately, Mary’s husband Rob fell ill shortly after the Compiègne CDI begin June and Mary had to come straight home to Australia. Though exiled back home with her horses in Europe, Mary is already bursting to get back and continue her training in preparation for the World Equestrian Games' selection events.

Mary at the 2014 CDI Hagen “There is a great atmosphere at Patrik’s stables and I love that we are three Aussies training there together," Mary explained. "Brianna Burgess, Lyndal and I get on really well together and support each other. I am also very lucky to have my super groom Carol Newby and friend Helen Klouss, who is a brilliant masseuse and looks after both my horses. It's a great environment to be in and we have a lot of fun.”

Non-European riders often feel uprooted when they stay in Europe for training. The little access to English speaking television or multi-cultural entertrainment on evenings alone after their riding can be tedious and lonely. Mary says this is totally different at Patrik's yard Outstanding Stables which is based near Munster in Appelhulsen, Germany. Some days the team even manages to get in a game of golf for relaxation and they have even convinced Lyndal to sign up for the golf program for a change of scenery.

“I think it is remarkable that Patrik has, in a relatively short period of time, gotten three Australian riders into the over 70% bracket and I think there are higher scores to come for all of us with such a positive approach and great training environment.”

When asked about his accomplishments training Australian routiniers as well as young guns at his yard Patrik admits he feels very proud and happy that his three students are now on the road to the WEG trail. Kittel added that No matter what level and success, if students want to learn, he really likes helping them!

Mary on Sancette “I do like to work with the Australians. They are a bit like Swedish people, very funny and good to work with and they work hard but still stay humble and that goes for all of them," Kittel commented. "We have a really relaxed atmosphere here, where everybody trains together and are happy for each other. It has to be that way. I don't like when it’s more about the things around the stable than about the actual horses."

Kittel appreciates hard work and the right mental attitude in order to improve in the sport. "The very famous alpine ski racer Ingemar Stenmark once said, 'the more I work, the more luck I have." I like that," Kittel stated. "Instead of complaining about everybody else, or what is going on around the horses, just ride and be happy."

Concentrating also on his own career, Patrik plans to compete at Falsterbo and Aachen, and then the World Equestrian Games if selected. “All students have their different trials but I hope that they all get selected," he said. "It would make me very proud and very happy as a trainer, as I feel they all have got the talent, the motivation, and the skills to do it.”