There and Back Again - A Horse Trainers' Tale

Well, here we are, at the end of the first ever Youth Olympic Games. What an amazing time the last couple of weeks have been, with the culmination of a year's dedicated work and a wonderful outcome. The horses totally stepped up to the mark and all were stars, doing their absolute best for their riders and living up to the faith we had in them.

From the start of the Team Competition, through to the nail biting jump off for Individual gold, an exhilarating week of showjumping was enjoyed by all involved. It was very rewarding - not to mention a real pleasure - watching the horses we had chosen so carefully and dedicated our lives to training, bonding so well with their young riders from all over the world. Several combinations were a match made in heaven right from the start, where others took a little longer to get to know each other. You could see the improvement every day as most horses and riders developed into very capable partnerships. If a rider got into trouble, it was excellent to see the horses' training and braveness come to the fore and help those riders who were not so experienced. It was especially rewarding to witness riders' skills improving as a result of their relationship with their horse. We are hoping that all Youth Olympic equestrian athletes, will go home feeling their horsemanship has advanced after the unique opportunity of riding an unfamiliar horse in a high level competition.

The success of this event wasn't only in feeling great about the riders and horses getting on so well. It was proven by the cold hard facts of the horses jumping 6 courses of solid 1.20jumps, only 2 eliminations out of a total of 141 rounds and 18 horses earning medals for their riders.

The stunning jump offs for medals in both the team and individual events were edge-of-seat stuff and the entire Glen Haven Team were behind the riders (literally! it's a miracle the horses got around with us all on board!) Several beautiful partnerships developed throughout the competitions, including Marcelo Chirico (URU) and Links Hot Gossip, the very worthy recipients of the individual gold, who only had 4 faults for the entire week; Martin Fuchs (SUI) with Midnight Mist and Carian Scudamore (GBR) on Mighty McGyver, who clinched gold for Europe in the Team Competition; gorgeous girls, Samantha McIntosh (RSA) and Little Miss Sunshine, who helped Africa clinch bronze in the Team Competition and just missed out on a medal in the Individual Competition, finishing 4th; Tom McDermott (AUS) and Hugo, who were unlucky in the Individual Competition (finished 8th) but contributed with two beautiful clears for Australasia's silver in the Team Competition; Mario Gamboa (COL) and Titan whose bond improved so much throughout the competition, with a result of two good clears in the Individual Competition and the silver medal; and Dalma Rushdi H Malhas (KSA) and Flash Top Hat who provided a faultless and fast clear in the jump off to clinch individual bronze. As the first ever Saudi Arabian female athlete to compete in an Olympic event, Dalma and poster-boy Flash, were a stunning pair as they scorched around the jump off.

There were many more horse and rider partnerships whose harmony brought joy to our lives, including Guilherme Foroni (BRA) and The Hec Man; Mohamed Abdalla (EGY) and Buzzword; Dominque Shone (CAN) and Roxy Girl; and Jasmine Lai (HKG) and Butterfly Kisses, just to mention a few!

The team here at Glen Haven Park feel very proud to know that the horses we put so much time and effort into, have now helped to write a new chapter in history and partnered these young riders to their own Olympic dreams. Medal or no medal, each rider must have wonderful memories of their time in Singapore, where they were able to bond not only with athletes from other countries, but also with a very special horse from down under, who was their partner for the once in a life time Youth Olympic experience.

We look forward to hearing of the horses progress in their new homes in Singapore, knowing that their talents and skills will now be used to teach Singaporeans the joy of horses. Of course, we also look forward to seeing the young athletes in future, maybe in London 2012 or Rio 2016!

It certainly has been a great ride!

First Youth Olympic Competition Tomorrow!

Tomorrow is the first day of the Youth Olympic Games jumping competitions - round 1 of the teams event. Looking back over our exciting year, this is a day that everyone at Glen Haven Park has been working towards - to see the horses that Paula and her team purchased, trained and cared for - finally compete with their young riders in a Youth Olympics event. Everyone has enjoyed watching the international riders bond with their horses and some great partnerships have been forged. The solid training given by Glen Haven riders has proven its excellence in the fact that all horses are equal in their level of education and that most riders are able to step aboard and after only 4 rides, feel ready for their first competition.

Life for Glen Haven Park is business as usual in Singapore, with the grooms still caring for all horses and the riders continuing to work the reserve horses. Everyone is looking forward to the start of the teams event at 9.30am tomorrow morning. Best of luck to all riders who are now on their own Olympic journey!

Team Member of the Month - Rachel Berry

Everyone has been so busy recently with training the horses, getting them (and all the gear) to Singapore, settling them into their new home and there literally hasn't been time to stop! However, Paula was adamant about finding time (we've been trying for over a week, actually) for everyone to pause and come together to celebrate Glen Haven Park's latest Team Member of the Month - Groom, Rachel Berry. All Glen Haven team members have been doing a great job and working really hard here in Singapore and all deserve a huge pat on the back for rising to the challenge, however, Rachel's performance in her role as groom has improved immensely and she has been outstanding, making her the very worthy recipient of Team Member of the Month. Moving to another country is difficult enough, factor in moving to another country with 38 horses and all their gear; living in extra close quarters with your work mates; and being locked into quarantine for two weeks - it's enough to make even the hardiest souls quake at the prospect. Rachel, however, has shown admirable character and truly risen to the occasion, as circumstances have demanded. She has positively thrived in the challenging conditions and shown real excellence in her work. Just goes to prove that behind her tiny exterior, Rachel is made of steel! A big congratulations to Rachel!

Trot Up and Horse Draw!

Today was D-day for the Youth Olympic Games horses - they had to be trotted up in front of the veterinary panel and assessed sound for competition and the riders drew their mount for the events! The trot up went well with most of the horses obliging nicely, some felt a little lazy, some a little fresh - as horses do - however, most importantly, all 35 presented were accepted as sound!! Great job Team Glen Haven!

Another big excitement at the YOG today was the arrival of the athletes, who watched the trot up with great interest and eagerly awaited the draw. It was thrilling to see all the international competitors proudly sporting their country's colours and showing such happiness at being part of the equestrian events at the Youth Olympic Games.

The Technical Brief followed the trot up and then it was time for the highlight of the day - the riders to be drawn for each of the horses. There was much anticipation leading up to the draw and as each horse was led into the ring, a competitor's name was drawn out and announced as that horse's rider for the Olympic competitions. Stay tuned for more details on who drew which horses!

Last Day of Training

Today was a very significant day for the riders of Glen Haven Park - it was the last day of training for the Youth Olympic Games horses with our riders on board. It was the very last time Paula, Olivia, Emma and Tom would ride the horses they put so much time and effort into training, before the riders draw them tomorrow. All GHP riders should be feeling a great sense of accomplishment during their final ride, through their dedication and training skills, the horses are today, a much improved version of the animals who arrived at Glen Haven Park over 8 months ago. Where did the time go? Having witnessed the transformation of these horses from good horses into Youth Olympic standard horses -experienced showjumpers who are finely muscled and beautifully conditioned - it is a true testimony to the talents of this small bunch of horsewomen (and horseman) from down under. Congratulations to Paula and her riders on a job very well done!

Singapore Polo Club

After the successful dress rehearsal on Saturday, all the Glen Haven Park staff were ready to let their hair down and relax. Therefore, it was greatly appreciated when Fiona and Peter, parents of two of our lovely volunteer helpers, invited us all to the Singapore Polo Club. The Polo Club is a very prestigious and grand establishment, with heaps of character - this was the perfect place to spend a relaxed Saturday afternoon and evening. We all enjoyed watching the polo and our young Polo Club members were more than happy to show us around the charmlingly rustic stables (complete with clock tower), point out their favourite horses and share stories of the equine personalities inhabiting the hallowed buildings. After the exertion of our stable tour and cheering on the polo game, everyone enjoyed the delicious food and reviving drinks, so when the band started up all were keen for a singalong and a bit of dancing. a BIG thank you to Fiona and Peter for a wonderful night!

(photos - top to bottom: Tom, Paula and Jacobine enjoying the polo; Polo club member, Gladys, with one of her favourite ponies; Fiona explaining finer points of polo to Tom; entry into Polo Club guarded by resident security guard, cute kitty 'Ginger'; and the beautiful statue and decor of the Polo Club.)

Youth Olympic Games Dress Rehearsal

Saturday 7 August arrived with angry skies and high humidity (not unusal for Singapore), however, most importantly, it was dress rehearsal day for the Olympic showjumping events! The program was run as if it was a real Olympic competition, to ensure all personnel were familiar with their tasks and responsibilites during the different stages of the events. It was also an excellent opportunity for all the Olympic horses to be jumped over an Olympic standard practice course - with a crowd, announcer and music - to ensure they are comfortable with the atmosphere. After a deafening storm, the competition commenced and all horses competed with Glen Haven Park riders, Paula, Olivia, Emma and Tom in the saddle. The horses, who will be in the final 31, handled the course and intense competition environment with confidence and jumped well. After the competition a simulated medal presentation was held, complete with flag raising, national anthem and laps of honour by the three 'medalist' horses and riders. I think Paula, Emma and Tom really enjoyed their laps! All ran smoothly and is looking well on track for the first competition on 18 August.

Glen Haven Park's Happy Helpers!

As a means of involving the community in the Youth Olympic Games, Singaporeans have been invited to act as volunteers at various venues and sports. Of course, the equestrian events are very popular and we have lots of happy helpers! The young volunteers are proving to be a great help to the grooms and are enjoying daily interaction with the beautiful Olympic horses, who seem to be lapping up all the attention!

Happy 18th Birthday Olivia!

The 5th of August marked a very important day for the Hamood family and Glen Haven Park team - it was Olivia's 18th Birthday! After morning training at the YOG venue, it was back to our accommodation for some serious celebrations. Festivites commenced with Olivia's beautiful Birthday cake (chocolate ice cream cake - yum!) and her first taste of champagne (and something more sinister if that pic above right is anything to go by!). Cake demolished, everyone frocked up (ok, not the boys) and headed into Singapore for some pre-dinner wine and cheese, before making our way to the very glamorous restaurant, Prime Society, for wonderful Australian steak. Everyone has been indulging in the delicious local cuisine since arriving in Singapore, but the good Aussie beef was much appreciated and a marvellous night was had by all. Happy 18th Birthday Olivia and many, many happy returns!