Bobby Fernandez de Bobadilla Keeping Spain in Centre Line

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Eurodressage F.O.C.U.S.

Beginning her work with the Spanish Equestrian Federation in the lead up to the Sydney Games in 2000, Bobby De Bobadilla did such a great job in the organisation that she was fully prepared to step up to her next big role!

"I was initially hired to organise and coordinate all the issues relative to the Sydney Olympic Games, as Spain was taking teams in all the three disciplines. Some months later, Teresa Fontan, the former Chef d’Equipe, was offered an opportunity to work with the Sunshine Tour, and I was approached and offered the chance to take over." 

Bobby felt "very honored" to be chosen to take on such a unique role, and remembers a strange and exciting feeling, knowing that others would be counting on her!

"I remember calling Jan Bemelmans and telling him that for me the job was something very new, but that I would try my best! On the other side of the line I got the feeling that he thought ‘lets hope so or I have a problem’."  Accompanying the Spanish Team on their trip to Kentucky in 2010, Bobby enjoyed the US experience, but was made very aware of all the logistical nightmares that can make things less than simple.

"Kentucky was well, just like any other show, except with much more paperwork! Traveling with horses over long distances, with all different veterinary rules to Europe is always complicated, you need to be well aware of every little detail. Once we got there though, it was very nice, I thought it was a wonderful job to undertake." 

Smooth sailing to and from the USA, Bobby says there were some interesting experiences, and some learning curves, but overall the trip was fun.

"It was a little funny when one of my riders began piaffing his horse in hand right outside his box, without evidently any steward watching him. When I told him that was not possible, he could not possibly understand why."  Sharing the Spanish team's highs and lows all the way to London, Bobby knew that the role of Chef d’Equipe at an Olympic Games would be something entirely different.

"You are sharing in the dreams of the riders! An Olympic Games is a unique moment that cannot be compared with a World Championship. Already qualifying is a success, and competing is extraordinary. The results obtained at the Games are very important as they directly influence the budget that will be assigned to that specific discipline during the next four years. If you win a medal, there are no words to describe that feeling."

For the members of the team it is a very unique moment in their lives. "All is magnified, the pressures are very big, sensibilities are on the edge; emotionally speaking it is a complicated situation to manage," Bobby admitted. "But the bottom line. I only have one word for London, wonderful."  

Bobby and the Spanish team at the 2010 CDIO Saumur Already very well acquainted with the team selected for London, Bobby was ready to take on her role as mentor/confidant/mum/organiser/secretary, and above all friend.

"I knew every member of the team very well, and some I have known for years. I have a very close personal and professional relationship with every one of them."  Once in London, all four members of the Spanish team came together upon arrival, with two of them having been together in Germany since the beginning of June. From there, Bobby hit the ground running, to make sure everything was set for a smooth and steady centreline debut. 

"The role of Chef d’Equipe at the Olympics involves the coordination of all aspects relative to transport of horses and riders, veterinary issues, forwarding of information relative to the competition, and specific needs of any kind involving either horse or rider."

Aside from her massive organisational task, Bobby says her biggest challenge in London, was "keeping her emotions under control", but the job's highlight made it all seem worthwhile.

  "It was amazing for me to help these riders achieve their life dream. It was meant to be four in a team, with two riders in the final, but with the withdrawal of Delgado, we had to adjust to the new situation. We are happy with the Olympic Diploma we obtained."

  Hoping that her nation can claim another medal in the future, Bobby pointed out that the first step, now that Jan Bemelmans is no longer with them, is to find another trainer who will give Spain the training and motivation it deserves.   

Overall, Bobby believes her role as Chef d’Equipe is crucial in creating a team bond, and she enjoys being there through the highs and lows of our sport, dressage.

"I see myself primarily as an organiser and a shoulder to lean on. A good Chef d’Equipe will foster a good ambiance amongst their team, allowing the team members to concentrate solely on their riding by creating a sense of peace."

by Sarah Warne for Eurodressage.com