Vivian Chang competes with her gorgeous horses
on the international circuit. She is a dressage rider based in the UK where she
has been competing various horses since 2007. Her aim is to compete at CDI3* (Concours
de Dressage International) venues and 2014 Korea Asian Games.
Best wishes Vivian as you continue to wow the world with your amazing talent
and beautiful horses…
Where are you from?
I was
born and grew up in Taipei, Taiwan. I came to England to study PhD in chemistry
in Oxford since 2007.
How old were you when
you began riding?
I did
very little childhood riding and only restarted to learn properly when I was in
college at age 22.
Do you remember your
first horse?
My first
horse was a 6 year old, talented but spooky show jumper George. He and I did
lots of competitions together up to 1.20m classes and he was particularly good
at jump-offs.
Describe your daily
routine…
My horses
are worked 5 days a week. They go out hacking once or twice a week and have a
rest day. I try to build up within the five rides in a week. For example, I
focus on stretching and suppling on the first ride and keep it simple and a
relaxing session for the horses. From the second and third ride I would
emphasis more on the strength building and self carriage. They would be
expected to use themselves better. Sometimes a fun easy session such as pole
work or outdoor hacking would be mixed between intense schooling sessions just
to keep their mind and body refreshed and happy. As for myself, I try to do
weight training 2-3 times a week and some cardio exercise such as running or
swimming. I also make sure I do enough and good quality stretching after
exercises.
Where is your favorite
arena?
I always
enjoy competing at Addington in the UK.
What has been your greatest
equestrian experience?
In 2011,
Savio and I got into Intermediare I freestyle final at Biarritz CDI3*, France
and we got 65% in horrid heavy rain. It was definitely the most unforgettable
competition experience and ultimate challenge for horse/rider partnership.
Tell me about Savio H,
Nora and Solstice….
Savio H
is a 14 year old gelding by Welt Hit II bred in Holland. I've had him for over
3 years now. Together we began from Medium level and he stared his
international career at PSG/Inter1 level since 2011.
Nora is
an ex-showjumper mare by Nimmerdor line and started her career at age 10 in
2012. She's now competing at PSG level and did her first international this August.
I can't wait to go GrandPrix with her.
Solstice
is a 4 year old Trakhner gelding with the sweetest temperament. He's just been
broken and progressed slowly over the summer. Hopefully we will get to do some
young horse class in 2014.
Are you excited about
the 2014 Korea Asian Games?
Oh yes
definitely! It's every athlete's dream to represent their country in an
important event. I feel Taiwan will form a strong team this time and hopefully
we can bring home a medal!
How can we follow you
and cheer you on?
I always
enjoy reading other riders/horse lovers' stories as they can be such fun and
inspirational! I look forward to meeting more friends online and share our
lovely horsey moments!
Follow
Vivian…
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| Vivian and Saaf enjoying summer holidays. |
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