Wendy Schaeffer became an eventing legend at the Atlanta Olympic Games in 1996.
Having broken her leg only nine weeks before the Games, many doubted she would be able to compete. But against all odds, she triumphed to win gold and the story of Wendy and Sunburst, the horse she had ridden since she was eleven years old went into the history books. Sadly Sunburst died only one year later but Wendy has continued to produce top horses and compete at the highest level in eventing and showjumping.
Her list of wins and placings since Atlanta is impressive for not only the results but the range of horses she has competed on. These include;
- 1998: Team Reserve for the Rome WEG on Sun Flair
- 2000: Winner M3DE CCI** on Sun Smart
- 2002: Winner Adelaide CCI**** on Koyuna Sun-Glo
- 2005: Winner, Sydney CCI*** on Koyuna Sun Magic
- 2007: 6th, Rolex Kentucky CCI**** on Koyuna Sun Magic
- Winner, Melbourne CCI*** on Koyuna Sun Dancer
- 2008: Winner, Melbourne CIC-W*** on Koyuna Sun Dancer
- A & B List Reserve for Beijing Olympics with Sun Magic and Sun Dancer
- 2009: Winner, Camperdown CIC*** Koyuna Sun Storm
- Winner, Lakes and Craters CCI*** Koyuna Sun Magic
In 2010, after a season on the international showjumping circuit in Europe with her top showjumping mare Koyuna Sun Set, Wendy returned to her home event at Adelaide International Three Day Event to claim the Australian Three Day Event Championship – the only Four Star eventing competition in Australia. Not only did she win on her horse Koyuna Sun Shine but she also took third place on Koyuna Sun Shine.
Wendy is not only a keen competitor in showjumping and eventing but is also well known for her coaching and teaching skills in both disciplines. She has a degree in physiotherapy and a Masters in Animal Physiotherapy – skills she intends to use professionally one day when she has finished competing!
Wendy usually is based in Hahndorf in the Adelaide Hills, South Australia however in the lead up to the 2012 London Olympic Games, she will be travelling between Australia and UK/Europe to compete her team of horses in eventing and showjumping.
You can read the full story of Wendy’s life in the book An Eventful Life – Life Stories of Eventing Champions
