British Dressage News

Evi Strasser's Foto Tyme Sold to Be Richard Davison's New Ride

December 23, 2007

Evi Strasser's Westfalian gelding Foto Tyme has been sold to the Countess of Derby and John Dodd to become British Olympian Richard Davison's hopeful for the 2012 Olympic Games in London, Great Britain.

Davison discovered the 8-year old Westfalian gelding by Florestan x Delphi at Norbert van Laak's stable in July 2007, where Canadian Evi Strasser was residing for summer showing in Europe.

"I love the horse from the first moment I sat on him," Davison told Eurodressage. " I think he is incredibly talented – I’ve never sat on anything so amazing and natural in piaffe and passage, yet with a really cool temperament. In an instant he can switch from a passage that bounces off the floor like one of Federer’s tennis balls to a totally relaxed extended walk with half a meter over-track!"

Foto Tyme was competed at Prix St Georges level, placing second in the Intermediaire I, for instance, at the 2007 CDI-W Marianske Lazne, Czech Republic. He also represented Canada at the 2004 World Championships for Young Dressage Horses.

Davison recently took up the job of team captain of the British Dressage Team that will compete at the 2008 Olympic Games in Hong Kong. His job entails, "co-ordinating the roles and work of the World Class Support Team of Vet, Physio, Farrier, Team Coach, Psychologist, Fitness Coach, etc. Helping the riders, and their own support teams to draw up, and constantly review, their own individual plans. Additionally there are decisions to make regarding the practicalities of the Pre Export Quarantine programme, arrangements for flying the horses to Hong Kong. Preparation and briefings for owners and grooms," Davison explained. His role is a mixture of being "a facilitator, planner, communicator, and motivator."

Davison also clarified that he has no involvement in the selection of the combinations. "I think we have some fantastic combinations lining up for Hong Kong and I want them to have the best possible preparation for the Games," he added.