Top international showjumper Edwina Alexander will be sharing the highs and lows of her preparations for the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games on HorseandHound.co.uk each month in the run up to the event (25 Sept – 10 Oct).
What is a typical training day for you?
I normally wake up at 7am and I’m in the stables by 8am ready to ride. Every day is a little bit different, but on average I ride between 6 and 8 horses each day, and I will be riding until 1pm. I’ll ride again for a couple of hours after lunch, before spending some time in the office catching up with emails, organising travel arrangements for upcoming shows, sending videos to clients. I feel more relaxed if I know exactly what’s going on!
Have you been busy since your Rolex FEI World Cup Jumping series win in Vigo?
I kept Socrates (Cevo Socrates) and Itot (Cevo Itot Du Château) busy in the lead up to Gothenburg, where they both jumped well. Since Gothenburg they have both had a break from competing enjoying some hacking in the woods, dressage and a bit of a lunge in the afternoon. I have been to Australia since Gothenburg but they have both been kept active with some small jumps work.
What kind of character is Itot?
I’ve had him for two years and he’s a funny horse and extremely sensitive. He can be hard to catch in the stables and to get out of the box, and more often than not my groom will have some carrots or sugar when I’m trying to get on him!
Who are your main threats at the Rolex FEI World Cup™ Final in Geneva?
I would have to say Jessica (Kürten) is probably my biggest threat because she and her horse are both very competitive. I admire her a lot because she is tough and determined, and she seems to have that edge. Pénélope (Leprevost) is another rider that I admire as she is so quick. You never know with Marcus (Ehning), but he’s one of the best riders in the world and it will depend on how well he has his horse organised.
How do you rate your chances at the Rolex FEI World Cup Final?
After how well Itot jumped at ‘s-Hertogenbosch, I feel really confident and relaxed. Itot jumped very well in Gothenburg and he definitely feels better than ever at the moment. At the last World Cup Final in Las Vegas, I wasn’t anywhere near as well prepared as I am now. This time around Itot doesn’t have to travel as far and he and I both know the arena in Geneva very well.
How will you be preparing for WEG?
This year is one of my biggest years ever. I have the Rolex FEI World Cup Final and WEG and also the Global Champions Tour, which I need to qualify for. I’ll use the Global Champions Tour shows to prepare Itot for WEG, but I’m conscious that I don’t want him to do too many shows or too much travelling.
Edwina Alexander, Olympic and World Equestrian Games Jumper, is a friend of Rolex. Edwina will be competing at the 2010 Alltech FEI World Equestrian Games.
