Here we are, now at the end of the first ever Youth Olympic Games, which was an amazing event and a fantastic outcome after a year's dedicated work. 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!  We are now looking forward to working on future projects of a similar nature and training more potentially great jumping horses and young riders.

News & Clips from Singapore

Individual Event Coverage

Round One
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=G3Hp_WdnI9E&feature=related

Round Two
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9lfMjPIrgw0&feature=related

Team Event Coverage

Round 1
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AAfPOVSSrWE&NR=1

Round 2
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FdX_xXZ02dk&feature=related

In August 2010 the first ever Youth Olympic Games are being held in Singapore and Glen Haven Park, based in Kilcoy South East Queensland, have been contracted to procure and train 38 horses for the equestrian/showjumping events at the Youth Olympic Games.  In August 2009,  Glen Haven Park Australia submitted a tender for the contract to train and procure the horses and were all very excited when we were announced as the successful tenderers!

Procurement of the horses commenced in August 2009 and after trying over 100 horses across Australia, the final 38 were chosen and all horses had arrived at Glen Haven Park by 24 December 2009.   Work with the horses has been ongoing since the arrival of the first 9 in August  and the care and training of Team Singapore horses is what life at Glen Haven Park is all about!

We have 12 full time staff here at Glen Haven Park, including 4 riders/trainers, 5 grooms, showjumping manager, farm manager and office manager.  Most of the staff are in their late teens or early 20s – some have travelled from as far as the Netherlands, Wales and New Zealand – and all are thrilled to be a part of such an important project as the Youth Olympic Games.  All these people are dedicated to the well being and training of the Singapore horses and to ensuring they are ready for the big competition in August.

Prior to leaving for Singapore the horses will undergo the 14-day pre-export quarantine in their own stables at Glen Haven Park, before travelling to Brisbane Airport on 15 July where they will be loaded onto a customised plane for the eight hour flight to Singapore.  On arrival in Singapore the horses will spend time in quarantine before moving on to the brand new, state of the art equestrian facility, constructed just for the Olympic Games.  Prior to the Olympic competition a draw will take place to decide which horse and rider will be paired off and that partnership will remain together for the duration of the competition.

Be sure to follow the progress of the Singapore horses on our Blog.

On Saturday 22 August, Mr Patrick Lee – Director of SPV and Mr Jeremy Edwards - Venue Manager Equestrian, for the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, visited Glen Haven Park to view the training facilities and horses purchased so far.  They had a great day meeting the horses and finding out all about the training of showjumping horses.

On 7 April 2010, Glen Haven Park held an Open Day for the many different people involved in the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Equestrian Events.  Amongst the very important visitors were members of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee (including Mr Ng Ser Miang the Chairman and Mr Goh Kee Nguan the CEO), Mr Chris Hodson 2nd Vice President FEI, Mr Russell Withers Executive Member Australian Olympic Committee, Mr Franz Venhaus CEO Equestrian Australia, Dr Melanie Chew President Equestrian Federation Singapore and many other distinguished guests including Queensland and Local Government Officials.

The visitors were given a tour of Glen Haven Park which commenced with a showjumping demonstration. Paula commentated the jumping display, explaining to the visitors what the horses and riders were doing and clarifying the finer points of showjumping for the fascinated spectators. Olivia Hamood, Emma Smith and Tom Sedger rode 15 different Singapore Youth Olympic Games horses over a 1.20m course and thrilled our visitors with their skill and talent. All horses - who were immaculately turned out and fully plaited - jumped beautifully and were a credit to their riders/trainers.

After the jumping display it was time to visit the stables and meet more of the horses. This was an excellent opportunity for everyone to meet the Singapore horses in person, who to most people involved, had only been names on paper prior to this day.  After meeting the horses, the visitors gathered for a demonstration by attending vets Dr Julian Wilmore and Dr Paul Hatten, followed by a farriery display by our multi-talented rider/trainer, Tom Sedger (who is also a Master Farrier).  In addition to these informative displays, there was plenty to see with lunging in the indoor arena, horses on the automated horse walker and tours of the horse trucks.  For our visitors who had not previously had any experience with horses, the day was full of wonders!

Following lunch and some very flattering speeches, Mr Ng Ser Miang, Chairman of the Singapore Youth Olympic Games Organising Committee, on behalf of SYOGOC, presented Paula with a beautiful plaque, which declared that Glen Haven Park is the Official Equestrian Training Farm for the 2010 Youth Olympic Games.  The plaque now proudly hangs on display at Glen Haven Park.

Our distinguished guests seemed to enjoy the Open Day, where they were given the opportunity to see Glen Haven Park, meet the dedicated team and, of course, the horses who will be such an important part of the Youth Olympic Games in August.  (for more about the open day – view the video on the home page).

To ensure the Singapore horses are given the best possible care and training, elite showjumping riders Paula and Olivia Hamood (pictured above), are joined by a team of international standard riders, grooms and other specialised key personnel.  Everyone at Glen Haven Park are completely dedicated to the care and training of the team Singapore horses.  (For further information on Paula and Olivia Hamood, please see the 'About Us' page).

Emma Smith (Rider/Trainer) A keen showjumper since the tender age of six, Emma, now 21 is a valued member of the Glen Haven training team and is dedicated to training the Singapore horses.  Emma's parents, Sue and Geoff Smith, are both successful showjumping competitors and have always encouraged her in training and competition.  Over the past 15 years Emma has competed successfully through the Child, Junior and Young Rider ranks.  She trained on the National and State Young Rider squads and worked at Klatte Farm in Germany training young horses in 2007.  Emma has won many State Championships and Young Rider Championships in the past and is keen to continue with her success.  Emma's current goals are to continue to solidify her riding and training skills and to use all her considerable talent and experience to educate the wonderful horses Glen Haven Park have procured for the 2010 Youth Olympics.

Tom Sedger (Rider) 19 year old Tom hails from Toowoomba Queensland, has been riding since the age of 5 and competing on the showjumping circuit since he was 9.  Tom's parents are also horsey (father, Graham, competed on the showjumping circuit until recently) and have been a great influence on his career.  Tom started out in the  Junior ranks and competed successfully through to Young Rider and Senior level, at major showjumping competitions across Australia, including Royal Shows, State and Australian Championships. As well as his many successes at Australian shows, Tom was included on the National Young Rider squads that competed in Korea and New Zealand in 2008.   Tom is excited to be part of the Singapore training team and his goal is to train the horses to the best of their abilities, so they can excel at the Singapore Youth Olympics and go on to have successful careers after the Games.

Jacobine van Gijn (Groom) Due to having horses at home since she was 8 years old, Jacobine – from the Netherlands – is no stranger to the dedication needed when caring for valuable equines. She has previously worked as a showjumping groom in the Netherlands and followed two internships as a groom at a dressage stable, over a period of two years, where she well and truly learnt the daily tasks a groom must carry out.  Jacobine loves to work outside and with horses (office work was never an option!) As well as her grooming positions, Jacobine has been a veterinary assistant and worked in horse sales.  The opportunity to work in Australia, on a project as important as the Singapore Youth Olympics, is a dream come true for Jacobine who believes in taking chances in life to see more than what's outside your back door.

Nyssa Carter (Groom) Nyssa, a 20yr Kiwi girl, grew up around horses in beautiful New Zealand and has a passion for everything equine. She spent a year at Telford Polytechnic studying Equine, (where she realised that working with horses is definitely her niche), and from there has worked with sporthorses and most recently as a polo groom. Nyssa was after something new, and decided to cross the ditch to work at Glen Haven Park, taking care of the Singapore Youth Olympic Horses, where she is having a great time being part of such a dedicated international team.

Rachel Berry (Groom) Originally from London, 19 year old Rachel moved with her family to beautiful Samford Queensland and has lived there for the past 10 years.  Rachel has been involved with horses ever since moving to Australia and owned her first horse at the age of 10.  Rachel's early riding years were spent gaining experience and competing with her local Pony Club and from there moving onto dressage and eventing.  Rachel just loves horses – she adores being around them and caring for them.  After previously working in a grooming position with a local agistment property, Rachel was thrilled when the opportunity arose for her to work with the larger, more professional team here at Glen Haven Park and to discover the exciting world of showjumping!  Rachel loves being part of the dedicated group of grooms who care for the Singapore horses and is thoroughly enjoying her role at Glen Haven Park.

Sarah Ebbett (Groom) Sarah, originally from New Zealand, had been working in Australia for a high profile Thoroughbred stud in Victoria, when she heard about the grooming role at Glen Haven Park.  After conversations with Paula, Sarah was keen to jump on a plane and fly to Queensland, to be part of the excitement of preparing the horses for Singapore.  Sarah is now working in Singapore with the Glen Haven Team, caring for the horses in the final lead up to the Youth Olympic Games.  Sarah is dedicated to horses and even though her first love is Thoroughbred racing, she loves the world of showjumping and is thrilled to be part of such an exciting project as the Youth Olympic Games. Sarah is loving Singapore - the vibrancy of the city and opportunity to experience a different culture.

David Hamood (Farm Manager) David Hamood is a highly experienced horseman who has been involved with horses for his whole life, having grown up on and subsequently managed his family’s Thoroughbred stud, Glen Haven Stud in South Australia.  David has been involved in the showjumping industry for 20 years and provides invaluable management to his and Paula’s training establishment and show team with his attention to detail and organisational ability.  David’s expertise in horse management and breeding has assisted Paula with breeding and choosing prospects that have excelled in the showjumping world.  His dedication to Paula and the horses ensures that everything runs smoothly for the team at Glen Haven Park.  David’s management is invaluable and has been instrumental in ensuring all aspects of horse training and management are meticulously undertaken, with safety and security being high on his agenda.  David is also an experienced showjumping time keeper and steward and was Chef de Quip Hong Kong in 1995.

Brian Kennedy (Course Designer) Brian Kennedy, Paula’s father, has provided brilliant back up for Paula’s showjumping career from the start.  Brian has always supported Paula with assistance in choosing prospects and training and his many years of experience offer exceptional support to her every day training and management of the horses. Brian is a qualified level 3 course designer and has built at national level at several World Cup shows.  This ability assists Paula and the other riders at Glen Haven Park in their schooling and training of horses at home, as Brian is able to ensure that the distance between fences are rideable and confidence building, especially for young horses.

Jo Johnson (Office Manager) Jo has over 20 years administrative and secretarial experience and has brought her skills and expertise to Glen Haven Park to ensure all runs smoothly on the office front.  Jo is thrilled to be part of the Glen Haven Team, not only to utilise her years of administrative experience, but because she has been involved with horses since childhood (and is a self-confessed horseaholic).  She is also immensely excited and proud to be working on a project as important as the Singapore Youth Olympics.  In her rare spare time Jo trains and shows her Australian Champion Appaloosa, Teddy (Suthern Docs Dreamcat) in Western Performance events and writes a regular column on horsey life for national magazine, Australian Performance Horse.