Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar continue to dominate in the Grand Prix at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)

Wellington, Florida (February 9, 2015)— As Katherine Bateson-Chandler and her partner of four years— Jane Clark’s dark bay gelding Alcazar— made their victory lap around The Stadium at the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival, the rest of their competitive season looked full of promise. Bateson-Chandler, a U.K. native and student of 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Carl Hester, was pleased with their performances during weeks three, four, and five of the show series in Wellington, Florida.

The young Grand Prix pair’s dynamic ride in week three, at the largest CDI week ever in the history of the Global Dressage Festival, also earned Bateston-Chandler the inaugural HORSE GYM USA® Top Equine Athlete Award, presented by founder and president, dressage horseman Henrik Gundersen.

“It’s really exciting being in the Grand Prix. Alcazar is still a young, green horse. He’s ready to step up but there’s no rush. He’ll do it when he’s ready, so we’ll see what he says,” says Bateson-Chandler, who took the ride on the nine year-old KWPN (Contango x Polina/Ferro) gelding over from Robert Dover (with whom she started grooming with as a girl) after the U.S. Olympian retired from competition. From the rising trajectory of their week three scores, starting with a Friday Grand Prix Open reserve of 67.60 percent to a Saturday Grand Prix Open win at 70.40 percent, this 2015 Adequan USDF Dressage (Intermediate II) Horse of the Year is implying that he’s getting more ready by the day.

“Alcazar’s owner, Jane Clark, has so kindly brought us along. She’s been an amazing supporter,” said the Bateson-Chandler, who spends her seasons in Wellington and her summers “across The Pond” with Carl Hester. Hester and Bateson-Chandler’s 2014 year was successful and busy, including delivering a series of educational events in England last October with Hester, putting in a stellar European Grand Prix CDI debut in September, riding Jane Clark’s KWPN (Hexagon’s Louisville x Rubiquil) mare Wellnetta to the reserve title in the Hartpury (Great Britain) CDI3*, and being named to the US Nations Cup squad for the Hickstead CDIO3*. Soon after, she was signed to a sponsorship contract with Samshield Headwear.

Following an extremely successful week three, week four of the Adequan Global Dressage Festival was no disappointment to Bateson-Chandler. She and Alcazar once again won the Grand Prix with a score of 72.8 percent. Week five followed suit with another Grand Prix win for the pair at 71.5 percent.

When not competing, Bateson-Chandler offers training and coaching services to horses and riders across the United States and Europe. She has also worked with acclaimed trainer and U.S. Olympian, Debbie McDonald. Bateson-Chandler’s experience at the international Grand Prix level gives students a competitive edge— whether through coaching as an eye on the ground, bringing young horses up the levels, or campaigning seasoned FEI competitors. Her “KBC Dressage” provides training, lessons, clinics, and coaching; as well as scouting and prospect selection for clients. As the Grand Prix champion looks forward to continuing her successful show season in Wellington, learn more about her and KBC Dressage at www.kbcdressage.com.