Australian Grand Prix rider Chantal Wigan has reunited with her FEI mount Ferero and returned to competition. Wigan and her dark bay gelding scored 65.41% in the CDI Achleiten Grand Prix two weeks ago.
Chantal has been based in Europe since 2006 when she was vying for selection for the Beijing Olympics. Although she gained the required MES’s (Minimum Eligibility Scores) to qualify she did not make the team. Although disappointing the stint provided a valuable lesson:
“The greatest experience in my life so far has been to focus on that goal and not be drawn into the politics. It was a very steep learning curve but you cannot be deterred when enormous tasks are ahead of you.”
Chantal continues to campaign her 12-year old gelding, Ferero (by Ferro x Wellington) who she bought in Germany in April 2007: “He’d never competed in Grand Prix and my first outing with him was colourful. I would have to say he is cheeky, very sensitive and inquisitive.”
Since basing in Europe Chantal has returned to Australia once in 2009 to seek sponsorship. She acknowledges the expense of pursuing her dream: “It’s certainly a huge commitment financially as it has been spread over four years. The team selection is only a small part of the overall preparation and without any sponsorship it is difficult.”
While Chantal was back down under, Ferero was competed by her trainer Imke Schellekens-Bartels. However, zealous Wigan is back for the 2010 show season and has busy schedule this summer: “I’ve set out a schedule for multiple shows in July which will take me to Pompadour and Hickstead. Then in August I will compete in Verden.”
Equestrian Australia has certainly not supported the undertaking: “Apart from sending my entries to the European organisers so I can gain entry for the shows, I don't think I’m on the EFA's radar. But I would love to hear from a selector or anyone in the management team.”
Chantal talked about Academy Bartels: “What attracted me the most is their honesty and empathy towards the horse as an athlete. They have a proven record and an experienced team of advisers including; Tineke, an Olympic medallist, Imke, also an Olympic medallist and Joep, who has published numerous books on the subject.”
Source: Horse Magazine
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Imke Schellekens-Bartels and Ferero at 2009 CDI Hagen
Steffen Peters Rides Ferero at the 2009 Global Dressage Forum