German based South African Grand Prix rider Natalie Hobday has been appointed South African Dressage Team Trainer with a contract running up to the 2018 World Equestrian Games in Toronto, Canada.
Hobday has represented South Africa at two World Equestrian Games and has been working closely together with German coach Jonny Hilberath for the past 18 years.
The South African Equestrian Federation decided to appoint a national dressage coach as it found itself with enough riders to create a long list for the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. South Africa currently has Nicole Smith, Denise Hallion, Tanya Seymour and Chere Burger as A-team listed Grand Prix riders.
"We are in the fortunate and incredible situation of having a number of other very exciting horse
and rider combinations, who will be campaigning this year. I will
predominantly be focussing on these riders," Hobday told Eurodressage. "Initially I will establish contact and build a relationship with the European based riders and their existing trainers. This involves initially spending a day with each rider and observing the training."
Hobday will maintain regular contact with the squad riders in order to keep an overview of their training and competitions. She will try to be present at shows where possible and to be available for any requested visits.
"I will also do progress reports for the Federation to assist in the selection process," said Natalie about her duties as national coach. "Regarding the South African riders, my duties within South Africa will be to monitor and assess the riders and develop a High Performance Squad for the future of the sport, with the aim of improving the standard and quality of the riding and training."
The South African Equestrian Federation and Hobday have set as main goal to develop a cohesive team with promise for the major intercontinental championships.
"We want to develop a knowledge of each prospective horse and rider combination, to build team cohesion, to act as a conduit between the riders and the federation, and to be available to the riders in whichever way my knowledge, skills and connections can add value to their current situations," said Hobday. "If I can be an asset to the Federation and the riders, and in any way positively influence the chance of getting a team to Rio, I feel I will have accomplished what I have set out to achieve."
South Africa might be staging a CDI 3* later in the year for South African riders to qualify as it is still a complicated and lengthy process to move horses from South Africa abroad. A CDI 2* is planned in Midrand on 7 - 10 May 2014 and in Kathu on 15 - 20 September 2015.
Photos © Barbara Schnell - Astrid Appels
Related Links
Natalie Hobday Qualified for the 2006 World Equestrian Games
Meet Jonny Hilberath
Presentation of the 2004 PSI Auction Collection