Basing in New Zealand

Since when did most of our top event riders pack up and move their stables overseas? What do countries like England have that New Zealand is lacking? Is it the competition or the atmosphere that lures people in? The obsession with riding amongst the professionals?

The 2004 Olympic team consisted of only two kiwi based riders, Matthew Grayling and Heelan Tompkins. Both Revo and Glengarrick were flown to Athens on Sunday 4th July, with competition commencing on the 14th August.
Yes, both riders had spent time in England prior to 2004, gaining international experience to compete against some of the world’s best. However, the point of difference for Matthew and Heelan was that they spent majority of their time riding in New Zealand, going about their day to day activities as per the usual. Interestingly enough these two riders were placed above the rest of the team, with the results proving that campaigning from New Zealand was completely achievable. Heelan was placed 7th and Matthew 15th.
However, it seems now that times have changed. It makes me wonder how feasible it is to base your Olympic campaign from within the walls of our home country. I have to agree that courses like Badminton and Kentucky are most likely going to better prepare you for what the Olympics has to offer, but that’s not to say that Kihikihi and The National 3-day don’t. By all accounts it is safe to say that these events hardly ever disappoint, being fair tests that equal anything internationally.

So why, if we have events like these, are people chasing the dream to compete overseas? Is it the glitz and glamour and overseas experience? But is this at the expense of a true kiwi rider’s chance of securing a place in the team?
Every single ‘kiwi’ in the 2012 Olympic team was based in England, which raises the point about if any New Zealand based riders are ever going to make the team again. Those riders can hardly call themselves kiwis anymore; they’ve been over there that long! Are those based in New Zealand going to have a competitive chance against those based in England? I would say probably not. Would they have more of a chance if they were based in England? Hell yes.

Can it ever be like the good old days?