30/ JANUARY 2012 THE RIDER
Mark Todd’s Overseas Excursion Proves a Triple Win for Canada!
By Jackie Bellamy
What do you do when you have won almost every prestigious event to be won in the world of eventing? If you are highly decorated 4 times Bad- minton winner, 2 time Olympic gold medalist and FEI rider of the 20th cen- tury Mark Todd - You keep it fresh by entering shows you have not been to before! Toronto, Ontario and sur- rounding area were privy to a real treat when living legend Mark Todd came to town showcasing his talents.
Humble as pie, the undisputed “Wayne Gretzky” of the eventing world came to Canada to “have a go” catch riding at the Royal Agricultural Winter Fair’s Good Crop Services Indoor Eventing competition, spanning the nights of Nov 4th and 5th 2011. When the three day eventing master was asked if he had competed in the unique new sport of indoor eventing; he answered quite simply, “oh once or twice”, but not with great success yet. Well the riders in the class knew better than to listen to Mr. Todd’s modesty. Even though Todd was on an unfamil- iar horse the competitors knew he would be tough to beat! Although, after Todd’s less than stellar first night of competition at the RAWF the hopes of his competitors were beginning to rise. These hopes were dashed for all
but two of the riders when on the sec- ond night, Todd turned in a flawless round on his newly borrowed mount, Charley Farley owned by Trudy Atrens. The eventing pro figured out Charley’s buttons overnight! Not only was his second night of competition clean - it was the fastest round of the indoor eventing competition gaining a $500 prize from SSG gloves.
Waylon Roberts of Perth Ontario, now the five-time winner of this unique event at The Royal Agricultural Winter Fair could barely contain his glee, emerging victorious over the undisputed master in the sport of eventing with his wonderful partner Evil Munchkin! Roberts, who is based in Uxbridge, ON, was quick to praise his mount redirecting the crowd applause to the “Munchkin” who is owned by Sable Geisler, silver medal- ist at NAJYRC 2011. Following a close second was Michelle Mueller on her lovely horse, Amistad.
The perks continued for young Waylon, Michelle and 14 more of Canada’s National Senior and Young Rider eventing team. International eventing legend, Mark Todd agreed to extend his stay and share his wisdom with a two-day clinic held at Ghost- wood Farm in Mono, Ontario orga- nized by Dr. Usha Knabe. It quickly
in every transition was a must! Quality in all the gaits was insisted upon. Quality results were evident in every attending rider after only 2 days with Mr. Todd.
Clinic participant Kendal Lehari comments, “We are all very grateful to Usha Knabe who brought in Mark Todd, a legend in the Eventing com- munity, to do a two day clinic. Mark Todd was a great clinician not only to ride with but also to watch as a specta- tor. His exercises all worked on the basics (rider position, straightness and having the horse always very attentive to the riders aids) and showed immedi- ate improvement in both the horse and rider. This was a wonderful experi- ence!”
Mark Todd, left. Photo by Al Cook
became clear why the legendary event rider is more than just “World famous in New Zealand.” Waylon summed the experience up stating, “It was a pleasure to work with one of the great- est horsemen ever. The encounter was far too brief.”
Armed with common sense, razor
sharp wit and consistency, Todd applied just the right corrections to allow each horse and rider combination of the Canadian team to make strides forward in their training programs. Solid basics were emphasized through- out the lessons, such as every transition being a schooling opportunity. Quality
“Auditors were treated to more than just Todd’s perceptive instruction. Between delivering comprehensive classes in “Horses 101”, Todd demon- strated his riding skills that put event- ing on the map in New Zealand by throwing a leg over various horses in the clinic. Once onboard, Todd would review the basics with each horse in what he nonchalantly described as “discussions” Through his patient and consistent corrections, the potential of
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