Christine Bates & Adelaide Hill WEG Campaign

Ever since I can remember, I have dreamt of representing my country and my sport at the highest level. With the opportunity missed for the 2016 Rio Olympics. I’ve now set the new goal of representing Australia in the Eventing Equestrian Team riding my horse, Adelaide Hill at the World Equestrian Games in Tryon, USA. I have been riding horses all my life and have specialised in the equestrian sport of Eventing. 

Eventing is Similar to an athletics triathlon, Eventing consists of three distinctive phases; Dressage, Show Jumping and Cross Country. A demanding sport physically, mentally and emotionally, Eventing is built upon the strength of the partnership between horse and rider. The old saying “You’re only as good as the horse you’re sitting on” is both true and relevant. Right now, I have the best horse of my career. In April 2018, Adelaide Hill and I won the CCI3* at the Sydney International Three-Day Event, making us eligible for selection in the 2018 Australian team. With 20 years of elite level experience and a more than capable horse, I feel that the next step to achieve selection is to gain valuable international experience and begin campaigning in the UK and Europe which will offer Adelaide Hill and I the best preparation possible in gaining selection for WEG.

As a mother to my 11-year-old son William, wife to my husband Matthew, business owner and operator of Bates Equestrian Pty Ltd and an elite level competitor, I know what it is like to be busy. I take great pride in being a sportswoman and mother, competing at the highest level. As a small business owner, it is nearly impossible to fund a trip like this without financial support. I am extremely lucky to have family, friends and clients who will contribute as much as they can afford. However, I know realistically without additional sponsorship this trip will not be possible.

I believe that the program I’ve set out for 2018 will maximise my chances of gaining selection. As a precursor to Europe, I competed in a number of major, international events within Australia. These events included competitions at the 2000 Olympic venue at Horsley Park, Sydney Eventing – International CIC (Feb 2018) and Berrima International CIC (March 2018), Equestriad National One day Event (April 2018) and our final event in Australia and the all-important qualifier for the World Equestrian Games Sydney International Three-Day Event (April 2018). The Australian component of my preparation is a key feature of my campaign, allowing me access to my support network and maximise local endorsements.

Following these events, Adelaide Hill and I will travel to the UK in early June 2018 where we will compete at two major targeted events. The first of these events is Barbury International CIC in the United Kingdom, the second event is probably the most famous International event in the world, Aachen CIC – Nations Cup held in Germany. Experience and participation in these events will not only provide exposure to international audiences but will also offer the best chance of selection. History has shown that previous Australian Gold medallists have been successful by following a British and European campaign. The cost is significant, and I will be unable to fulfil my dream alone. My goal is to raise $95,000. 00. To date we have raised just under $60,000 which is fantastic.I believe that I would be a worthwhile asset and ambassador to a company willing to contribute as a sponsor and become a part of this story.

Adelaide and I are very grateful for those who have supported us thus far in our journey and without those people we would not be were we are today, by taking part in this auction wether it be through offering items to donate or taking part in the auction you are supporting us and from the bottom of our hearts- we thank you.

We hope you enjoy the amazing items we have for offer, so please get bidding!

Thank you,
Christine and Adelaide.

asf.org.au/athletes/christine-bates-campaign-tryon-2018/

www.gofundme.com/christinebatesWEGcampaign