Australian riders take Barbury Castle

Australian based riders Robert Palm and Christine Bates will compete in their first event since heading off on their international mission this weekend at the St James’s Place Barbury International Horse Trials. This event forms the fourth leg of the popular Event Rider Masters Series and will be an important acid test for both riders as they aim towards representing Australia at Chio Aachen later this month.

We spoke to Christine Bates about how her and Adelaide Hill have been adapting to their new surroundings and routine in the English countryside.  

How are they settling into the Northern Hemisphere?

“Adelaide Hill and I have both settled well into our new life in the UK. We are extremely lucky to be based at Wiggy and Andrew Nicholson’s beautiful property in Marlborough, Wiltshire. 

We have excellent facilities to continue our training and campaigning with the added bonus of access to great gallops. 

Adelaide Hill is pleased with his new feed and the ability to actually eat grass which is something we have not had back home for some time. Plus, the added bonus of awesome weather. Can’t believe how lucky we have been.” 

What are your expectations going into Barbury Castle this weekend?

“My expectations for Barbury are pretty simple. Perform our usual solid dressage test, a clear showjumping round and give Adelaide a nice confident cross-country run in preparation for Aachen in a couple of weeks. Due to the likelihood of the going been on the firm side we won’t be chasing down the time.”

And looking forward a few weeks, thoughts on Aachen?

“Having Adelaide Hill in peak condition and form for Aachen is our main goal over the next couple of weeks. 

We have a couple of training clinics coming up with Nelson Pessoa and Gareth Hughes. I’m very much looking forward to representing Australia at Aachen and will be looking to continue our run of good form.”

Christine joins a big list of Australian riders who will compete at the Barbury Castle International Horse Trials this weekend.