Wilberforce eventer Christine Bates has announced her intention to campaign for a berth on the Australian team for the 2018 World Equestrian Games.
In a statement released on her website, Bates said she had always dreamed of representing Australia and her recent win in the CCI3* at Sydney International Horse Trials had opened the door for her and the 16-year-old gelding Adelaide Hill to be eligible for selection.
“With the opportunity missed for the 2016 Rio Olympics, I’ve now set the new goal of representing Australia in the eventing equestrian team riding my horse, Adelaide Hill, at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA,” a statement on her website said.
”The old saying “you’re only as good as the horse you’re sitting on” is both true and relevant. Right now, I have the best horse of my career.”
“With 20 years of elite level experience and a more than capable horse, I feel that the next step to achieve selection is to gain valuable international experience and begin campaigning in the UK and Europe, which will offer Adelaide Hill and I the best preparation possible in gaining selection for WEG.”
Bates has prepared an intensive campaign of overseas competition to maximise her chances of being selected.
She has listed two options with key dates for the campaign on her website, however is seeking support to help get herself and her horse overseas in the run-up to the September showcase event.
“As a small business owner, it is nearly impossible to fund a trip like this without financial support,” she said.
“I am extremely lucky to have family, friends and clients who will contribute as much as they can afford. However, I know realistically without additional sponsorship this trip will not be possible.
“I believe that the program I’ve set out for 2018 will maximise my chances of gaining selection.”
She is planning on travelling to the UK with Adelaide Hill early next month to compete at two major targeted events; Barbury International CIC in the United Kingdom, and Aachen CIC – Nations Cup held in Germany.
“Experience and participation in these events will not only provide exposure to international audiences but will also offer the best chance of selection,” Bates stated.
“History has shown that previous Australian gold medalists have been successful by following a British and European campaign.”
Originally from Perth, Bates has produced many horses to international level. Together with husband, Matthew, and with the help of 11-year-old son William, she runs Bates Equestrian at Wilberforce.
The business sports its own dedicated cross-country training course, with a core focus of their activities the regular hosting of riding clinics and cross-country training series aimed at supporting the skill development of all participants.
Bates has set up a gofundme page – https://www.gofundme.com/christinebatesWEGcampaign – and an online auction will also be set up to help raise money.
The campaign is set to cost the combination about $90,000 in total, she stated.
The World Equestrian Games is set to take place from September 11 to 23 of this year in Tryon, North Carolina.
