In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely.
Australian Grand Prix rider Kristy Oatley is a 5-time Olympian for Australia and seeking her sixth Olympic nomination in Tokyo. She moved to Germany as a young adult and was trained by Karin and Herbert Rehbein. Initially she competed for Germany at the European Young Riders Championships, before switching to Australia for her Grand Prix career. She lives in Hamburg, Germany, and is mother to three children. Daughter Rose is the 2019 German Pony Champion.
Hit & Run - Kristy Oatley
What is your earliest memory?
Playing eye spy with my grand parents, and eating ice cream with my grand mother
Which person alive do you admire the most and why?
People who work hard
When were you the happiest?
Watching my children laugh and have fun!
What is your biggest fear?
Loosing someone/something close to my heart
What was your first thought today?
I ask myself how do I feel!
What is your most annoying character trait?
Keeping my car clean
Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?
People who boast and people who are dishonest
What is your dearest possession?
My family and horses and animals
If you look into the future, what do you see?
My kids growing up
What makes you unhappy?
When someone close to me is hurting
What is the love of your life?
My family and horses
What was the best choice you ever took in life?
Be spontaneous
What's your guilty pleasure?
Chocolate and Ice cream
What do you owe your parents?
I owe my grandfather and my mother everything for guiding me in my life and helping me to make my dreams into reality
Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?
One more meal with my grandfather! And family
What was the worst job you ever did?
I can usually turn everything into a situation that tells a story. Everything is a learning curve.
What was your biggest disappointment in life?
Having to split my life in two, between home in Sydney and home in Hamburg! You can look at it both ways! It’s my dream to be here and ride, but I miss out with what’s happening with my family in Sydney who I am really close to.
What would you change if you can go back into the past?
Listen more
Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?
Having my horses at home
What is your biggest achievement?
My kids
What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?
Never to set high expectations on others, only yourself and work hard.
Where would you like to be right now?
Here and now
What's your favourite scent?
Chanel: Coco
Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?
The last time it was an angry bird
To whom would you like to say sorry?
I normally admit straight away if I’m wrong and do it straight away
What does love feel like for you?
That special look and smile and the warmth of a good hug
When are you most relaxed?
In bed and a hot bath
What super power would you like to have?
Time machine to travel faster between Sydney and Hamburg
When did you last cry, and why?
Writing some of these answers.
When were you closest to death?
Never...... thank god!
How do you want to be remembered?
As a great mum and daughter!
Related Links
Kristy Oatley Cleans Up Competition at 2019 CDI-W Budapast World Cup Qualifier
Kristy Oatley Rides Australian Record at 2018 World Equestrian Games
Kristy Oatley and Du Soleil On the Road to Omaha
Photo Report: Kristy Oatley Bags World Cup Victory at 2016 CDI-W Zakrzow
Kristy Oatley and Ronan Take Out Kur Victory at 2014 CDI Deauville
Kristy Oatley Wins Grand Prix Kur at 2012 CDI Compiegne