Wellington, Florida (March 9, 2015)— “He seems to be telling me he’s ready,” said Katherine Bateson-Chandler about the Grand Prix winning streak (four Grand Prixs and a Grand Prix Special) that Jane Clark’s Alcazar has ignited during the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival in Wellington, Florida.

The bay gelding’s Week Seven scores in particular— a 69.80 percent in the FEI Grand Prix and a soaring 73.137 percent in the FEI Grand Prix Special – have Bateson-Chandler “to the moon.”

“I’m so proud of how ‘Lonzie’ has grown and his honesty in the ring. I had a specific plan to compete as many times in the national Grand Prix ring as needed until he gained confidence. I didn’t want to put too much pressure on him. He has a special personality that you cannot rush or bully,” said the U.K. native and student of 2012 Olympic Gold medalist Carl Hester.

“I have purposely not shown him with a whip so I could see what I really have. In the international arena, a whip isn’t allowed. He’s become better with each class and judges seem excited about his future. I feel he’s ready now to step up to some international shows.”

Before the pair’s immensely successful winter show season began, Bateson-Chandler took Alcazar to the 2014 Adequan USDF Dressage (Intermediate II) Horse of the Year title. “It’s exciting when you develop a horse to Grand Prix and people start taking notice. I’m proud he seems to trust that I won’t over face him. It’s his time to shine.”

“Alcazar’s owner, Jane Clark, has been amazing,” adds Bateson-Chandler, who took over the ride on the nine-year-old KWPN (Contango x Polina/Ferro) in 2011 from Robert Dover (with whom she had groomed for as a girl) after the U.S. Olympian retired from competition.

By Week Three at the Adequan Global Dressage Festival this season, both the horse and his rider’s winning presence were made known, thanks to a 70.40 percent score in that Saturday’s Grand Prix. Weeks Four and Five saw even more Grands Prix wins (72.8 percent and 71.5 percent, respectively).

In 2014, Bateson-Chandler delivered a series of educational events in England with Carl Hester, made her European Grand Prix CDI debut on Clark’s KWPN (Hexagon’s Louisville x Rubiquil) mare Wellnetta as reserve champion at the Hartpury (Great Britain) CDI3*, and was named to the US Nations Cup squad for the Hickstead CDIO3*, amongst other accomplishments.

At KBC Dressage in Wellington, Bateson-Chandler offers training, coaching, lessons, and clinics for horses and riders from the United States and Europe; as well as scouting and prospect selection for clients. In addition to her work with acclaimed trainer and U.S. Olympian, Debbie McDonald, Bateson-Chandler’s experience at the international Grand Prix level offers riders a competitive edge— whether through coaching as an eye on the ground, bringing young horses up the levels, or campaigning seasoned FEI competitors. Learn more at www.kbcdressage.com.

Photo: Katherine Bateson-Chandler and Alcazar are raking in the Grand Prix wins throughout the 2015 Adequan Global Dressage Festival (Photo courtesy of Susan J Stickle)