Booth and Zidane on target

Australia’s Para-Equestrian athletes were in full force at today’s Sydney CDI with 2016 Rio Paralympics representative Emma Booth and her horse Mogelvangs Zidane starring.

They won today’s FEI Para-Equestrian Team Test with a strong score of 73.28 % and also dominated yesterday’s Individual Test .

Most pleasing for Emma and the combination’s many fans is that Mogelvangs Zidane is proving he’s well and truly on the comeback trail from colic surgery last year. The Danish Warmblood has performed impeccably over the two days of competition so far.

“He was absolutely awesome. I could not have asked for a better test. He tries so hard which I love him for.”

“He’s feeling back to his old normal self now which is exciting going forward,” said Emma.

This is good news as the pair vie for selection for the FEI World Equestrian Games in Tryon this September.

“He’s in the right spot and starting to peak at the right time but there’s a little bit more left in the tank.”

Another Australian Equestrian Team member that appeared at today’s Sydney CDI was Lyndal Oatley.

The two-time Australian Olympic Dressage representative is currently home in Australia visiting family and didn’t miss the opportunity to come to the Sydney International Equestrian Centre to support her fellow riders and many friends in the Equestrian community.

“I’m super excited to be here. It was a last minute decision to come after being at Haagen. I love being home especially for the CDI as it’s an important show and I want to support my fellow riders.”

Lyndal is married to Swedish coach Patrik Kittel and has been based in Europe for the past 10 years. She likes to visit Australia at least twice per year.

“It’s like nothing has changed for me when I come back. I still have all the same friends and support. It might be a big distance in terms of miles from where I am based but I feel a very strong pull being home with Australian riders,” she said.

For full results and draws for Day 3 of the Sydney CDI please follow the link HERE.