Natalie Blundell and Algebra skim a jump in Melbourne recently.
According to Yass’ Natalie Blundell, her Olympic dream is now “in the hands of the gods”.
Sometime next week she will find out if she has made the final cut of the Olympic equestrian team and with it, have the honour of heading to London and representing her country.
Natalie and her horse Algebra’s recent, impressive results speak for themselves but despite them, a place is not yet guaranteed.
Last weekend she competed in the Melbourne Three Day Trial event and performed strongly, particularly in the dressage event. Her sport of eventing involves three different criteria but dressage is what the selectors are currently focusing on.
Front-runners for selection Stuart Tinney, Megan Jones, Emma Mason, Christine Bates and Emma Scott were all there and put in good showings. Natalie came in third place.
“It was a good result for me,” she said.
“It showed that my horse was up there in the dressage as well and that’s important. If your horse looks good that helps a lot.”
Natalie missed out on selection for the games in 2000 when her horse was injury. In 2004 and 2008 she didn’t have a horse that was up to par, and then Algebra or ‘Sammi’ as she is known on the paddock, came along.
“I just didn’t have a good horse so I couldn’t go to the last two Games, but he’s a great horse and he is looking good at the moment.
“He’s on the elite squad and he is easily good enough to go to the Olympics.”
For Natalie going to London next month would mean everything.
“It would just be a childhood dream come true. I have always loved horses, I grew up with them and it would be amazing to go.”
Natalie is expecting a phone call early next week but the results may not be available to the public for another couple of weeks as to allow for potential protests.