Corona Times: Hit & Run with Kristy Oatley

Sat, 04/04/2020 - 19:05
Hit & Run
Kristy Oatley at the 2016 Olympic Games in Rio :: Photo © Astrid Appels

In corona times we are all ordered to stay at home, self quarantine, and do social distancing. With more time on your hands to spend online, Eurodressage launches a "Hit & Run" interview series so that you get to know the world's most famous dressage riders and personalities more closely. 

Australian Grand Prix rider Kristy Oatley is a 5-time Olympian for Australia and seeking her sixth Olympic nomination in Tokyo. She moved to Germany as a young adult and was trained by Karin and Herbert Rehbein. Initially she competed for Germany at the European Young Riders Championships, before switching to Australia for her Grand Prix career. She lives in Hamburg, Germany, and is mother to three children. Daughter Rose is the 2019 German Pony Champion. 

Hit & Run - Kristy Oatley

What is your earliest memory? 

Playing eye spy with my grand parents, and eating ice cream with my grand mother 

Which person alive do you admire the most and why?

People who work hard 

When were you the happiest?

Watching my children laugh and have fun! 

What is your biggest fear?

Loosing someone/something close to my heart 

What was your first thought today?

I ask myself how do I feel! 

What is your most annoying character trait?

Keeping my car clean 

Which trait do you dislike the most in other people?

People who boast and people who are dishonest 

What is your dearest possession?

My family and horses and animals 

If you look into the future, what do you see?

My kids growing up

What makes you unhappy?

When someone close to me is hurting 

What is the love of your life?

My family and horses 

What was the best choice you ever took in life?

Be spontaneous

What's your guilty pleasure?

Chocolate and Ice cream 

What do you owe your parents?

I owe my grandfather and my mother everything  for guiding me in my life and helping me to make my dreams into reality

Who can sit next to you at your dream dinner table?

One more meal with my grandfather! And family 

What was the worst job you ever did?

I can usually turn everything into a situation that tells a story. Everything is a learning curve.

What was your biggest disappointment in life?

Having to split my life in two, between home in Sydney and home in Hamburg! You can look at it both ways! It’s my dream to be here and ride, but I miss out with what’s happening with my family in Sydney who I am really close to. 

What would you change if you can go back into the past?

Listen more 

Name one thing that would improve your quality of life?

Having my horses at home 

What is your biggest achievement?

My kids

What is the most important life lesson you have learnt?

Never to set high expectations on others, only yourself and work hard. 

Where would you like to be right now? 

Here and now

What's your favourite scent?

Chanel: Coco

Which character would you dress up in for Halloween?

The last time it was an angry bird

To whom would you like to say sorry?

I normally admit straight away if I’m wrong and do it straight away 

What does love feel like for you?

That special look and smile and the warmth of a good hug

When are you most relaxed?

In bed  and a hot bath

What super power would you like to have?

Time machine to travel faster between Sydney and Hamburg 

When did you last cry, and why?

Writing some of these answers.

When were you closest to death?

Never...... thank god! 

How do you want to be remembered?

As a great mum and daughter! 

Related Links
Kristy Oatley Cleans Up Competition at 2019 CDI-W Budapast World Cup Qualifier
Kristy Oatley Rides Australian Record at 2018 World Equestrian Games
Kristy Oatley and Du Soleil On the Road to Omaha
Photo Report: Kristy Oatley Bags World Cup Victory at 2016 CDI-W Zakrzow
Kristy Oatley and Ronan Take Out Kur Victory at 2014 CDI Deauville
Kristy Oatley Wins Grand Prix Kur at 2012 CDI Compiegne