Dressage rider Francesca Nicoletti from the USA, was tired but happy after her ride on Neversfelde Kudu at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre on Thursday, and with good reason.
She only arrived in Sydney last Saturday and it was only the third time she had ridden the 14-year-old Australian mare. She was still getting used to the horse just hours before the event.
Despite the rushed preparation, she was pleased with the horse's performance. "The great thing about her (Neversfelde Kudu) is that she's happy with herself and that really comes through in her performance. But she did get a little sweaty in there," she said.
It may be her first time competing in Sydney, but she is certainly no stranger to high level competition, having received medals from the United States Dressage Federation and the North American Young Riders Association.
Countryman Todd Bryan, who owns, trains and rides horses through to the Grand Prix ( Olympic) level of dressage in the USA, is also in Sydney for the Sydney CDI*** International Grand Prix competition. He has also won medals in United States Dressage Federation events, in addition to being a 1996 Olympic and 1999 and 2003 Pan American Games candidate.
Like Nicoletti, he only arrived three days ago and was still getting over a hurried lead-up into the event. "The biggest challenge is getting to know the horse (Glencoe Aathens) in three days," he said. "Thankfully the horse's trainer has been helping me through the difficulties. I would really like to win today, so any score that will let me win would be great."
Nicoletti finished 10th and Bryan 11th in Thursday's competition.
Image copyright Main Event Photography