Dressage NZ Bulletin

Issue 30 | January 2019

NEW ZEALAND WINS ZONE 8 OF THE FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE

North Island young riders ready for the challenge EDUCATIONAL OPPORTUNITIES GALORE FOR EVERYONE!!

EDITORIAL

FROM THE EDITOR WELCOME TO ISSUE THIRTY OF THE DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN

The DressageNZ Bulletin is the official magazine of Dressage NZ - a discipline of Equestrian Sports NZ

Editor: Wendy Hamerton E: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz Graphic Design Sales & Advertising: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2018 Cover Image: Kieryn Walton & Rosari Don Carlos Photo Credit: Libby Law Photography

Until late 2018, it had been a very long time since I competed in any other discipline other than dressage. There was once also eventing, jumping and showing which now seem like a lifetime ago, but I still have a superb recall of a cross country round at a two day event at Gore on a fabulous little thoroughbred called Sir Boa. Then there was a young family and the selection was reduced to dressage and showing. The showing was relegated to the “memories only” section about twenty years ago - why it decided to resurface this year remains a bit of a mystery. But if I’m being honest with myself, the relegation was largely due to the height certificate hassle for one local show. But then along came the Sterling Warmbloods Small Stars League and there was a new incentive to get the measure done and suddenly I could go to the local show again.

Lesson one: Unless something really is your passion - it doesn’t take much to find an excuse not to do it.

So show ring preparation leapt to the top of the shopping list. It seemed I was going to need a whole new outfit. I am incredibly grateful to the very kind riders in the dressage community - you know who you are - who had once strutted the show ring, and felt they could contribute to the outfitting dilemma of Shadowhunter and his discipline confused rider. So they didn’t look too much like the square peg in the round hole. The wrong shaped arena.

Lesson two: We have a wonderful community to reach out to when you need help. Just ask…

But then came the rules…

Lesson three: It’s all very well being able to read the rule book but there are nuances, etiquette and a whole raft off other things that dyed in the wool enthusiasts take for granted.

Lesson four: There must be the same quandaries and “why did I even consider doing this moments” for newcomers to our sport. It’s one of the reasons our stewards are so important. Not to be the police, but to be the first aiders - the go to guys. If you see someone new, reach out and give them a hand. Help keep them in our arena long term because they had an enjoyable experience. It’s easy to forget we all once rode down that centre line the first time.

Happy New Year to you all

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CONTENTS

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8

14

20

4

8

FANTASTIC IN FRANKFURT

CONTENT

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12

15

Sue, Helen and Betty report from the FEI Judges clinic and IDOC General Assembly...

NZL WINS THE WDC

THE DANGER OF MYCOTOXINS

GOOD SORTS SHOUT OUT

We celebrate the wonderful success of our New Zealand FEI WDC team...

Mitavite shares some tips and advice on how to prevent Mycotoxin illness...

We share with you the volunteer and official of the month...

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26

30

34

OUR PEOPLE

OUT AND ABOUT

WHAT CAN I ENTER?

WHAT'S ON

this month we profile Sue Hobson and Paula Brown as our good sorts...

We share the results and a few snaps from across the country...

We've updated the series and future championship classes you can enter for the season ahead...

The calender of upcoming events on the NZL circuit...

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

From left: Betty Brown, Sue Hobson & Helen Hughes-Keen

W

FANTASTIC IN FRANKFURT Sue Hobson Reports from Frankfurt at the FEI Judges clinic and IDOC General Assembly

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hat a fantastic clinic this was with over 100 FEI and national judges, and many stewards from all over the world coming together in Frankfurt, and coinciding with the Frankfurt CDI 4*. It has to go down as the best one yet! It was all superbly organised by IDOC secretary Olivier Smeets (BEL) who is also an 4* FEI judge. Practical sessions were led by FEI 5* judges Hans-Christian Matthiesen (DEN) who is the current IDOC chair, and Katrina Wuest (GER). Huge thanks have to go to these three key players as they all did an excellent job to make this such a special event.

NZL was well represented by Helen Hughes-Keen, Betty Brown and Mary Robins (who resides in the UK) and myself.

Helen, Betty and I arrived late on the Wednesday to a very cold (2 deg) but clear weather, taking time to catch up with other colleagues from around the world before heading off to catch up on some sleep. Thursday was our free day. Of course we checked out the main show venue

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Spot the familiar faces!

100 FEI and National judges attended the clinic

The ladies having a snuggle with the legendary dressage stallion, Totilas

which was very conveniently next door and also the shopping mall and trade stands! After some exciting purchases we caught a cab to one of the largest Xmas markets in Europe.

It was fantastic, great atmosphere and although very bracing was dry and clear. Home again to the Maritim hotel and dinner with colleagues.

Friday morning it was down to work. Katrina Wuest commenced the practical session with a very informative Grand Prix 4* commentary for each horse, followed by another full commentary with

Hans-Christian of the Louisdor Prize preliminary test for Young Grand Prix horses age 8-10 years.

This was really inspiring and clearly showed some super potential Grand Prix horses. It was amazing to see in the young horse Prix St Georges and Grand Prix classes - the future stars. All were showing cadence and elastic paces, in well balanced uphill frames with soft confident contact, the comment “too tight in neck” or “contact issues” no longer heard.

Then after a quick lunch it was on the buses to Gestut Schafhof for

the IDOC General Assembly and official dinner. Gestut Schafhof is the home of Klaus-Martin Rath and Ann-Kathrin Linsenhoff and has to be described as “amazing”. It was very generous of them to invite us all and we were met by an entranceway with a huge Christmas tree (with real candles) that was two stories high and then up a winding staircase to our meeting room. We had an update from FEI headquarters and an Introduction to Para-Judging by Marco Orsini Judge General Paradressage. We were all a little taken aback by the entire experience. The room overlooked the indoor arena and followed onto one stable block that was home to Totilas. We were taken on a guided tour of all the stables. There are sixty-five horses on the property and they certainly live in luxury with glazed tiled stables. Every horse was a delight. They were all obviously very used to having visitors and this on this occasion there were

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JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS The dressage prizegiving inside the spectacular Frankfurt Festhalle

120 of us walking through the stables.

It was all pretty special.

After the stable tour, it was back upstairs for dinner. All in all it was a very special occasion and we were all very grateful to Gestut Schafhof for sharing their home with us.

Saturday morning was an early start with the Grand Prix Special with commentary on each horse again by Katrina, followed by the Nurnberger Burg-Pokal Prix St Georges Special commentary for 7-9 year old horses by HansChristian. Again, we saw some super combinations and especially really promising young PSG horses.

Following a leisurely lunch, it was into the theory session taken by Katrina and Hans-Christian. It was a long but very educational afternoon embracing some exciting discussion and excellent videos provided by Katrina A lot of “what if” scenarios were discussed and how to deal with them which was very interesting.

Sunday morning we woke up to a super snow storm at 6am. It was white all over which to the “locals” was not a special deal at all but to the

kiwis it was fantastic finale to our trip. Obviously many pics were taken before our final morning of practical sessions with Hans-Christian on the Youngster Grand Prix for 8 – 10 year olds followed by Katrina commentating on the Grand Prix freestyle. The freestyle was especially interesting and instructive, Katrina wanted to only discuss the “Artistic” marks so each horse she would not worry about the technical just talk through how she would be thinking about her final Artistic. This was exceptionally interesting as Katrina is an expert in her field here and

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she made it so easy to follow and understand of her thinking as each test progressed and everything was very structured.

So it was the end of the 2018 IDOC experience. Everyone said their goodbyes, we watched the final prizegiving and went back to the hotel to collect our luggage for our long trip home.

We all thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Yes, it was a long way to go for four days but so very worth it.

We just wish we had stayed on the extra days for Olympia in London.

Bucket list for 2019.

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NATIONAL NEWS

From left Team NZ; Kieryn Walton, Judy Alderdice, Julie Flintoff, Kerri Beatson, Jan Mitchell, Lucarne Dolley, Christine Lovelady and Melissa Galloway

NEW ZEALAND WINS ZONE 8 OF THE FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE Photos by Libby Law Photography Article by Jess Roberts

O

ver 50 countries take part in the annual FEI World Dressage Challenge. The globe is divided into nine Zones, with New Zealand competing in the AsiaPacific Zone 8: this sees us up against Australia, Chinese Taipei, South Africa and Hong Kong.

Our Kiwi team took part early in the competition – last April – but have emerged as Zone 8 Team Champions as the Challenge wrapped up with a winning score of 246.265, well ahead of closest rival Australia who had to settle for second place on 231.823.

We also had the highest participation in Zone 8, with 39 riders proudly representing New Zealand.

CATCH US IF YOU CAN… Individual Standouts as NZL wins three of the five individual WDC divisions: Melissa Galloway and Windermere JObèi W enjoyed a stellar season

in small tour wrapping it up at the World Challenge with a narrow win from Aussie rival Rilee Alexander on MI Sirtainly Sir and Furstin Friendship who were second and third respectively. There seems to be no stopping Galloway with this stunning horse as she has since moved on to FEI Intermediate Tour (Level 8) with equally impressive scores.

Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson spearheaded a very strong field of 41 competitors to take out the Zone 8 Senior I class. She just edged in front of South Africa’s Katherine Keller and Davenport Ratification (68.839) with a super-classy test to win on a score of 69.464.

This was quite the achievement considering the pair had only just jumped up to L4 from their

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very first season competing at L1.

Lennard and her 7-year-old gelding are now cracking L5: due to a truck malfunction they only managed to get to one show before Christmas – the 2018 Waitemata Championships - but came home with the purple ribbon.

Lennard has been riding dressage for eight years now, after making

NATIONAL NEWS Melissa Galloway & Windermere J Obèi W

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the switch from a very successful showing career. She is one of our bestperformed show riders, having won major titles multiple times in NZ with El Sid before campaigning him successfully in Australia, which granted her well-earned induction into the Hall of Fame.

“I needed a new challenge,” says Lennard. “Dressage is a totally different kettle of fish, the horses are different – everything is different. It took me a couple of years to make the change but I am definitely a true dressage person!”

She is looking toward a Grand Prix future with Jax Johnson – “that’s definitely the plan” – and they both look to be well on track to achieve this. Lennard has ridden Grand Prix before, having a couple of GP starts on her previous horse Donzello, before an injury put him out of action for several months. During this time she began riding Jax, (who sounds like he was quite the handful early on!) and the pair have since gone from strength to strength.

SWEET SURPRISE FOR YOUTH RIDER SACHLEEN KAUR “I was so excited, I was just over the moon because it is such a big achievement!” says the 15-yr-old from Drury, after discovering she not only won the Youth 12-16 class at Taupo but also topped the whole of Zone 8. Riding HPH Levitate, Kaur was just one of two riders in the 25-strong field to score in the seventies.

She fended off her rivals by posting a strong 71.058%, although Australian pair Jasmine Abernethy and Rebel M chased her closely (70.673).

While she is the only ‘horsey’ person in her family, Sachleen says they are all very supportive of her chosen sport and enjoy coming to watch and support her.

She had only had HPH Levitate (Limonit) for six months when she took part in the Challenge and he was her first horse after coming off ponies – and she had only just begun riding at L4, so it was indeed a great achievement for her.

Sachleen and the 10-year-old gelding

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NATIONAL NEWS

Sachleen Kaur & HPH Levitate

continue to compete at L4 this season and she says she has well and truly caught the dressage bug (she did try jumping when she first started riding but much prefers dressage), and trains with Jeanette Benzie in south Auckland. “I’m planning to carry on riding for my whole life!”

GREAT TEAM WORK FOR ANOTHER TEAM WIN: The selectors got it right - the NZ team of Melissa Galloway (Windermere J’Obei W), Lucarne Dolley (Ardmore), Julie Flintoff (Belladonna MH) and Kieryn Walton (Rosari Don Carlos) supported by Chef d”Equipe Christine Lovelady, were just too good for the other countries.

Kieryn Walton was our bestperformed NZ rider in the Int I class, coming second overall in Zone 8 just behind Megan Berning and Ultimate SLV (RSA). This was the first time Walton had taken part in the WDC and although they did well, she felt at the time that it was not one of her – and lovely chestnut gelding Rosari Don Carlos’ – better tests, and afterwards soon found out why.

“I had tipped off a young horse two weeks before the show and ended up in hospital. I couldn’t ride for a week as my back was so sore, so my groom ticked him over for me. I had a CT scan about two months after the WDC and it turned out I had broken my L4 and L5 [vertebra]! I broke L1 to L5 back in 2000 but it didn’t hurt

as much this time as they were only hairline fractures. Then, also a couple of months after the WDC we had Carlos scoped and discovered that he was a grade four roarer!”

Relieved to find out both horse and rider had genuine reasons for feeling not quite right on the day, the pair have been onwards and upwards since: this season they will contest Level 8 and Carlos, Walton says, is currently schooling all the Grand Prix movements.

The talented Don Frederico gelding can be quite cheeky and quirky, says Walton. “At times not easy and at other times a total lamb! He is quite a character.” Last year the combination was named on the Futures High

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Performance Squad.

As well as her team of three competition horses, Walton is kept busy with a raft of young ones coming up at home. She’s also welcomed the arrival of three gorgeous foals this season (with some seriously flash bloodlines including Secret, Franziskus and For Romance II). You’ll find her out on the yard at 5 in the mornings before heading off to her ‘day job’ as a detective – “it’s a demanding role but it suits my nature – and then back home to ride several more after work. “I finally got floodlights last winter – now I just need a roof to ride under!” she jokes.

Walton continues to train with long-term coach Christine Weal.

“Christine has an exercise for every little training issue or weakness, she always finds the problem and has a solution that makes sense and encourages the horse to use their body and mind in a positive, happy way,” she notes. “She is a good friend and mentor and we work well together.”

Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore (Waikato) took 5th place in the Prix St Georges helping the team to maintain a good ranking. This combination has also since moved up to Level 8 and is showing a lot of talent for the higher levels. “It was an awesome experience being a part of such an exciting team!

Everybody rode so well, and to even be selected was an amazing feeling, so winning was just an incredible bonus for Ardmore and I”

NATIONAL NEWS Julie Flintoff and Belladonna MH (Northland) This combination tucked neatly into sixth place behind Dolley in the Prix St Georges cementing a great team score. Julie has had this mare since a youngster and has carefully bought her through the levels since winning the Elite Equine national young horse championship.

Now as a ten year old the tall and elegant Brentano II & Grandessa bay is proving to be very competitive at Level 7. The pair must travel many kilometers from Kerikeri to get to anywhere and this adds another dimension to their competition planning.

CHRIS LOVELADY CHEF D'EQUIPE What a thrill it was to learn just prior to Christmas that the Livamol sponsored NZL team of Melissa Galloway, Kieryn Walton, Lucarne Dolley and Julie Flintoff had won the FEI Zone 8 FEI World Challenge.

It was a long wait since our team competed in April at Taupo, and we watched with interest as the other countries scores came on line, with NZL continuing to hold first place.

The riders, their support crew and their lovely horses were a pleasure to be involved with in my role as Chef dEquipe. With the team announced only the night before this competition, there is a very short time for the riders to gel together as a team, but these riders did that with absolute ease. They all showed why NZL has continued to succeed in this competition with their preparation, presentation and execution of their tests, and genuine support of each other throughout the competition.

Congratulations to you all and thank you to Livamol for continuing to support this very worthwhile competition and to Dressage (** LIVAMOL) INTERMEDIATE

I

New Zealand for giving us all the opportunity to be involved. https://inside.fei.org/fei/events/fei-world-challenge/dressage/results World Rankings are yet to be published and can be found here

- 10 starters

1

Megan Berning

RSA

Ultimate STV

68.676

2

Kieryn Walton

NZL

Rosari Don Carlos

66.471

3

Wendy Lai

TPE

Don Soprano

65.809

4

Neil Lin

TPE

Lucky Lordi

65.294

5

Mandy Littlejohn

NZL

Sparks Will Fly

64.779

5

Adriaan Van Wyk

RSA

Flaneur

64.779

7

Victoria Wall

NZL

Letty Lei EDH

63.882

(** SYNCROFLEX)

PRIX ST GEORGES

- 28 starters

1

Melissa Galloway

NZL

Windermere JObèi W

71.985

2

Riley Alexander

AUS

MI Sirtainly Sir

71.25

3

Riley Alexander

AUS

Furstin Friendship

69.78

4

Vanessa Way

NZL

NSC Pronto

68.309

5

Lucarne Dolley

NZL

Ardmore

66.765

6

Julie Flintoff

NZL

Belladonna MH

65.662

(** RIVER PARK FARM)

SENIOR II

- 31 starters

1

Shanon McKimmie

AUS

Jaybee Ali

70.91

2

Shanon McKimmie

AUS

Free Cloud

70

3

Kaitlyn McGill

AUS

Flowervale Sancierra

67.803

4

Isabelle Luxmoore

AUS

Linus WK

67.727

5

Hannah Shippen

AUS

Yarramee B Bear

67.273

6

Christine Weal

NZL

Schindlers Liszt

67.273

69.464

(** EQUISSAGE)

SENIOR I

- 41 starters

1

Gaylene Lennard

NZL

Jax Johnson

2

Katherine Keller

RSA

Davenport Ratification

68.839

3

Catherine Berning

RSA

Kuda Insurances Compton House Quantico

68.215 68.125

4

Jodie Newall

AUS

The Royal Huntsman C

4

Calet De Vos

RSA

Duzelma Slottie

68.125

6

Jade Woodhead

AUS

Royal Commander

66.608

(** EXCLUSIVELY YOURS) YOUTH - 25 starters 1

Sachleen Kaur

NZL

HPH Levitate

71.058

2

Jasmine Abernethy

AUS

Rebel M

70.673

3

Jasmine Haynes

AUS

Steendieks Champ Of Glory

68.558

4

Alyssa Harrison

NZL

Da Vinci Code

66.231

5

Bella Plumridge

AUS

Illawong Harvest Moon

66.058

6

Sophie Taylor

AUS

Raven Lodge Aura

65.942

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JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11

NUTRITION

THE DANGERS OF MYCOTOXINS WHAT ARE MYCOTOXINS? Mycotoxins are naturally occurring substances produced by moulds and fungi dependent on growing, harvesting or storage conditions, such as temperature and humidity.

Mycotoxins are common on grain, forage and pasture, so they are almost impossible to avoid completely.

SYMPTOMS OF MYCOTOXIN EXPOSURE Mycotoxins can produce a wide range of adverse health effects depending upon the toxin or toxins involved and the levels present.

• Digestive disturbance, such as diarrhoea and colic • Weight loss • Respiratory effects • Inflammation • Immune suppression • Neurological effects, such as loss of coordination, staggers, dullness • Reproductive disorders • Decreased growth in young animals • Damage to internal organs, such as the liver or kidneys • DNA damage and cancer REDUCING THE RISK OF MYCOTOXIN EXPOSURE • Avoid feeding any feed or forage showing visible signs of mould or with a mouldy or musty smell.

• Keep all feed and forage in clean and dry conditions.

• Dispose of any feed or forage that has got damp, especially in warm weather.

• Good stock rotation – use the oldest feed first.

• Clean feed storage bins thoroughly between batches.

• Use feeds produced by reputable manufacturers, who test and monitor feed ingredients for common mycotoxins • Seeking advice on pasture management to reduce exposure from grasses.

• Consider feeding a mycotoxin binder, which are commonly made from yeasts, and can help reduce the absorption of mycotoxins.

• Consider testing forage for mycotoxins If mycotoxin poisoning is suspected seek veterinary advice early and try to reduce the risk to any other horses.

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JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

NATIONAL NEWS

Rebecca Williamson Photo: Libby Law Photography

NORTH ISLAND YOUNG RIDERS READY FOR THE CHALLENGE

A

strong North Island Young Rider team has been selected to contest the first leg of the York Corporation Interisland Team Challenge to be held at the Harcourts Four Seasons South Island Festival from 25-27 January at McLeans Island National Equestrian Center.

The competition is again generously sponsored by Nelson based Richmond Saddlery and the North Island team is proudly supported

by Canterbury based company WIS (Wallboard & Insulation Supplies) The SI Challengers will be selected from equivalent grades of horses at the close of entries for the event.

Becki Williamson (Waitemata), Willa Aitken (Nth Hawke’s Bay) and Emma Harding (Wellington) will compete on loan horses at Levels 2, 3 & 4. This will all make for another

very exciting annual interisland challenge.

Thank you to the generous owners, Robert Kofoed (First Choice), Joy White (Astek Gangstar Girl) and Mette Neilsen (Geneva Star). South Island Challenge organiser Mel Bruce provides a reserve horse.

Round 2 will be held at the Equestrian Entries Under 25 Champs in April where the SI team will ride loan horses.

NORTH ISLAND TEAM WILLA AITKEN From Waipawa in Northern Hawke’s Bay, twenty year old Willa is in her final year as a young rider, having just returned from a gap year in the UK working six months at Sheepcote Stud under the guidance of David Pincus, at the Mount St John Stud and in Germany.

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She is currently studying a triple major (in Environmental studies, History and Law) at Victoria University of Wellington.

During the 2017-18 season she competed Alpha Beta at Level 4, and was the Young Rider level 3 champion on this ride. She has competed to Level 5 and trained at PSG “I have always wanted to be a part of a New Zealand Dressage team.

Last year I was selected for the NZ Young Rider Training Squad.

However when the opportunity to ride in England arose it was too good to miss. I love being a part of a team as I work well with others and always bring a positive and perky angle to everything. Being a member of this NI team brings me one step closer to representing New Zealand”

NATIONAL NEWS

Top right: Emma Harding Photo: B & D photography Below right: Willa Aitken Photo: Dark Horse Photography

REBECCA WILLIAMSON Sixteen year old Becki has grown up with dressage being a daily part of family life being the younger generation of Waitemata based Team Williamson. Becki sees this opportunity and a great way to develop her own skill set. She was a member of the NI Talent ID Squad 2018 and the winning North Island team on Don Tobio at the 2018 Interisland Challenge in Taupo. Now gets to experience the unique factors loan horse experience presents.

“This will be a great opportunity for me to compete in an unfamiliar environment and improve my riding ability. Mom (Wendi) always says that one way to improve riding is to take opportunities to ride different horses; each horse teaches you something new abouthow to train horses for dressage. Competing on a borrowed horse will provide me with a chance to build my confidence, improve my riding, and provide me with new techniques to use when training my own young horses, Don Tobio and Schnapps MH”.

EMMA HARDING Wellington’s Emma Harding (18) has been competing in Level 3 on her pony Poetic Ruby and has recently been lucky enough to secure her first horse Vollrath Lush. She was a member of the 2018 NI Talent ID Squad. She enjoys schooling other horses at a variety of levels, passed her pony Club C+ certificate on a borrowed mount, and has successfully competed a borrowed mount in an individual competition.

“So while I have not ridden a loan horse in a team competition situation, I feel that this Team Challenge will be a fantastic way to consolidate these skills and knowledge that I learnt whilst being in the TID squad. I also believe that riding a number of horses is instrumental in ultimately improving my riding and overall knowledge”

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JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

NATIONAL NEWS

SOUTH ISLAND YOUNG RIDER CONVENOR CHANGE Dressage NZ wishes to thank Julia Thomson for the huge contribution she made to young rider development in the South Island during her term.

A

new career has means Julia no longer has the time to dedicate to the role, and we wish her well in her new assignment.

Canterbury’s Rebecca Copplestone has stepped up to the role to complete the two year term until 2019, and then for a further two year term which will provide important continuity.

“An equine passion is full of challenges which can only be measured on how we support each other to overcome difficulties” said Rebecca. “It has been great to see

the communication channels via Social Media so all riders can benefit from what’s happening and how individuals can support the journeys” As the mother of a young dressage rider, Rebecca recognised and experienced first hand at the SI TID Camp the hard work and opportunities that Dressage NZ has created for young riders via the Performance Pathway. Having a daughter striving to gain as much knowledge as possible so that she can continue to grow in her equine passion gave her the insight as to

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what this journey can look like and how best to support her to achieve her goals. This has included a network of fellow competitors and important information / contacts on the overall care and training required to succeed.

“I consider it a privilege to give back and see the progression of talented younger riders first hand.”

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16 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JANUARY 2019

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17

NATIONAL NEWS

MAJA STUKELJ INTERNATIONAL EXPERTISE

DNZ TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT

P N

ew Zealand will offer a warm welcome to 4* Maja Stukelj from Slovenia as she escapes the European winter to enjoy a summer judging sojourn starting at the Harcourts Four Seasons South Island Festival, then the Widespan Sheds Waikato Championships and culminating at the Bates National Championships.

Maja began riding in 1970, firstly jumping and eventing, but also some dressage. In 1976, she joined an Education Programme in our University for Sports Equestrian and soon after in 1978 began judging jumping and dressage nationally In 1980 came the opportunity to work at a Stud Farm Lipica, and to work with some of the best dressage trainers including Mr Georg Wahl. “This left the most of the imprint in my future philosophy and work with horses” said Maja Her interest in both dressage and jumping continues and in Maja was promoted as 3* FEI Judge in both disciplines and as a 4* in 1996. In 2011 she was appointed as an FEI Technical Delegate.

Nowadays she judges mostly dressage, with rround150 CDI including different Championships, Balkan Games, SEA Games, Pony European, Children, Juniors, YR European, and Young Horses Championships on her records.

Maja was instrumental in assisting her own NF of Slovenia establish an education and competing systems and structures, and was utilised on the FEI Mission (Development Department) to help Turkey NF, then later India, Egypt, and Estonia, which was also combined with helping riders, trainers and judges. Alongside these projects, Maja enjoys giving riders clinics at home and abroad.

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rogress is being made regarding the possible transition to for NZL to adopt the Equestrian Australia version of the USDF tests which will become effective in Australia early in the New Year. For further information and how to feedback to your rider reps go to https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2019/01/ dressage-nz-tests-review-underway/ The Dressage Board has appointed a sub-committee comprising the Judges Sub-committee (Sue Hobson, Linda Warren-Davey and Judith Cunningham) Island Rider representatives Alicia Collin & Jude Nickolls, Bill Noble & Andrea Raves (Trainers) and the Sport Manager to review the JSC proposal. The first review meeting will be held on 15th January.

THE TERMS OF REFERENCE FOR THE REVIEW • Any potential Financial impact for the sport • Advantages/Disadvantages for judges • Advantages/Disadvantages for competitors across all levels • Advantages/Disadvantages for coaches • Horse welfare & progression through the grades • Any impact on current grading of horses • Any impact on stakeholder groups • Overall development of the sport in NZ • An on line survey to be conducted following the review findings and recommendations ISOBEL WESSELS WORKSHOP FOR JUDGES, RIDERS, COACHES & FANS Isobel is an FEI 5* Judge and Grand Prix Coach & Rider and is also the dressage coach of HP Eventing This workshop is a wonderful opportunity Save the date…. Taupo NEC Saturday 2nd March 9.30am - 3.30pm.

Registrations and payments in advance to Sue Hobson by 22nd February ($40pp) Young Horses, Advanced horses, Freestyles for all levels of judges. More information on the link below. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2018/12/dressagetraining-development-opportunities-for-judges-eventmanagers/

NATIONAL NEWS EVENT MANAGER WORKSHOP – NATIONALS 'FROM THE INSIDE OUT' Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th February at Manfeild Park As part of the Dressage strategy to support volunteers, Celine Filbee will facilitate an Event management workshop. Dressage NZ invites existing or prospective event managers to attend. Workshop applications close on 20th January 2019. Attendance is free. Costs for the area group or individual will be travel and accommodation only. Limited spaces. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2018/12/dressage-training-developmentopportunities-for-judges-event-managers/

STEWARDS TRAINING & WORKSHOPS North Island (Taupo NEC) February 1-3 2019 Facilitator: Murray Anderson FEI Level 1 Steward To be held in conjunction with the Dressage Waikato Premier League event. For anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a steward, those already on the list working toward National Level 1 and for stewards wishing to maintain their status.

Theory Session: Friday 1st February 6.00pm Taupo NEC Anyone is welcome to attend this session – riders, judges, officials, and other interested parties.

Practical Work: Saturday /Sunday 2nd & 3rd Those doing the course to become stewards or maintain their status will be stewarding at the competition.

Murray will require a number of tasks and observations to be completed at this time. These requirements will be discussed at the theory session on Friday Registrations By: January 20th 2019 to Murray Anderson ammoanderson@gmail.com Link to registration form: https://www.nzequestrian.org. nz/disciplines/dressage/resources/officials/ South Island (Christchurch - McLeans Is NEC ) January 24-26 2019 Facilitator: Jane Robertson FEI Level 3 Steward To be held in conjunction with the Dressage Waikato Premier league. For anyone interested in finding out more about becoming a steward, those already on the list working toward National Level 1 and for stewards wishing to maintain their status.

Theory Session: Friday 24th January 7.00pm Glynn East Hall, McLeans Island Anyone is welcome to attend this session – riders, judges, officials, and other interested parties.

Practical Work: Saturday 25th January Those doing the course to maintain their status or become stewards will be stewarding at the competition.

Jane will require a number of tasks and observations to be completed at this time. These requirements will be discussed at the Theory session on Friday. A small open book quiz and a summing up session will be held on Saturday or Sunday depending on people’s arrangements.

Registrations By: January 15th 2019 to Jane Robertson at baroness@xtra.co.nz or 190 Hayes Road, R D 4 Christchurch 7674 Link to registration form: https://www.nzequestrian.org. nz/disciplines/dressage/resources/officials/

ARMISTICE DAY CELEBRATIONS AT MEMORIAL PARK HAMILTON Article by Noeline Jeffries Photo by Tylah Lang

B

ella, a 25 year old mare owned by Sue Brown proved to be an attraction for the children who attended the Family Community Picnic in the Park at Memorial Park, Hamilton on Armistice Day. The November celebration was organised by Tracey Wood, the Hamilton City Council’s Events Manager.

Bella only has one eye as it was injured with a barbery thorn. When she arrived at the Park and saw Gunner the War Horse Memorial, she thought it was a real horse and whinnied out to him.

The children were delighted at having the opportunity to pat her and feed her carrots which she loved. Bella was perfectly behaved and didn’t even flinch when the boats whizzed past in the Bridge to Bridge Race.

The War Horse statue also attracted a lot of attention with photos being taken of families sitting on the war horse.

Purple poppies were available for people to either wear or put by the War Horse. A big thanks to Bridget Cameron for organising these.

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19

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OUR PEOPLE

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH PAULA BROWN Sponsored by AllinFlex

P

aula was the event secretary at the Wellington Back on Track Premier League event back in November, tackling the task in a professional and measured way, dealing with everyone’s requests and demands. She somehow managed to balance having a full time job, riding, training and competing two horses, running her lifestyle block, mother to a teenage daughter who also rides, and the busy life of her husband who runs a number of businesses and also be the behind the scenes secretary.

Paula has been riding since she was about 10 years old, mainly involved in pony club and eventing. She became really interested in dressage in her twenties and got her first serious dressage horse Vollrath Le Vivre as a yearling in her mid thirties, training him through to Prix St Georges.

Paula is “lucky” to have a husband (Wade) who is not particularly interested in horses but has supported, sponsored and helped her on her journey, and along the way built her a very smart horse truck.

(Good work Wade). Their sixteen year old daughter Tylah started competing in dressage about four years ago so they travel around to the regional shows in the lower north island together.

Her favourite all time horse is Vollrath Le Vivre, being the first horse Paula trained and competed

above Level 3. He is now twelve years old and about 18hh, and has his own opinion about what is required in the dressage arena, but says they are slowly getting it together. Paula has a second horse Winslet, who is competing at Level 3, and a two old year in the paddock as she looks positively to the future.

Paula has worked as National Administration Manager at the Master Painters NZ Assn for eleven years. In her “spare time” she also does all the accounts for her husband’s group of companies.

Paula commented that she has met a lot of very nice people through competing, training and volunteering on the Dressage

Wellington committee. “I enjoy the challenges of dressage, and enjoy the social environment of competing at dressage shows. When everything falls into place you really do feel like you are dancing with horses”.

Paula has a quiet, friendly manner and is always ready with a smile and an encouraging comment and is fully worthy of this month’s AllinFlex Volunteer prize. Check out their range of products at www.allinflex.co.nz Paula Brown - you are a legend and wonderful inspiration to other budding volunteers. Your contribution to dressage amidst all else you do is a credit to you and a classic example of what keeps our sport vibrant. Thank you from us all.

Paula Brown and Vollrath Le Vivre Photo: Dark Horse Photography

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

OUR PEOPLE Sue Hobson Photo: Libby Law Photography

2

380 points on her annual judges card - the most judging credits earned by any judge across NZ in the 2017/18 year. What does this mean? It means 181 graded dressage tests including 105 tests of the highest level permitted, 10 non graded tests, 3 official FEI clinics, and 23 national events outside her home area.

Sue Hobson has an incredible history as an official for Dressage in NZ. After moving to NZ at just 20 years of age in the early 70’s with husband Brian, Sue met with Claire Daniel and was convinced to take up judging, quickly moving through the national ranks, and then being awarded a Prime Minister’s scholarship in 2006 which allowed her to travel overseas to begin the

journey to become becoming an FEI Judge. She now judges forty plus weekends a year and is one of only two FEI 4* Judges in NZ. Sue is currently the National Judges Officer on the Dressage NZ Board.

The role includes chairing the Judges sub-committee, overseeing judge’s training and promotion, ensuring the judges’ manual is kept up to date, assisting with judges’ timetables for our national events and generally being the go to person for nearly two hundred national judges. This is all in addition to the board governance and decision making role on a whole Pandora’s Box of agenda items for Dressage NZ. As well as being a 4* judge, Sue is an FEI judge mentor. She regularly

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judges at CDI events throughout the Asia Pacific region meaning she is often on a plane jet setting off to a show. These trips can be gruelling, backing several days judging onto long-haul flights results in very little rest for an international judge, but Sue’s friendly positive demeanour means she makes the most of every opportunity and has friends and colleagues all over the world. This comes in very useful when sourcing international officials for our home grown CDI Shows. Sue also travels widely throughout New Zealand Sue’s riding career has also been notable. She has represented NZL at Grand Prix level in Australia on Ikandanz, this pair also competed at Asia Pacific Equestrian Championships in the mid 90’s. At the 2009 Kelt Capital Horse of the Year Show, Sue won the Level 4 title with six-year-old gelding Aristoc. The pair were also crowned level four Champions at the Bates Nationals and won both the Zilco Musical and NRM National Accumulator competitions that same season. She went on to win the coveted Young Dressage Horse title on Solo at the 2013 Bates Nationals.

Over the years Sue hosted a number of international instructors in her indoor school benefitting hundreds of riders and has also hosted squad clinics there and has been an enthusiastic advocate of all things Dressage.

Until last year she was co-director of Hobsons’ Horsecoaches with husband Brian who were loyal sponsors of Dressage for over 30 years. Brian has been an incredible supporter of Sue’s judging career.

Sue is the recipient of this month’s AR Dressage Official’s prize. For further information on AR Dressage contact Andrea at tetch@xtra.co.nz

Dressage NZ is delighted to host an exceptional learning opportunity with

ISOBEL WESSELS judge, (GBR) 5*GPFEI level Trainer,

GP Rider, N Z Eventing Team dressage coach

Dressage Clinic

at Young Horse, Prix St Georges and Grand Prix level Your chance to understand what is required at these levels and what judges are looking for Saturday, 2nd March 2019 Venue: National Equestrian Centre, Taupo Registration: 8.30am Duration: 9.30am - 3.00pm Tea and coffee will be provided BYO lunch

Please register with Sue Hobson by 22 February 2019 $40 payable to Dressage NZ Bank account number: 15 3950047117601 ( Dressage New Zealand Bank Hawera) Include Name and JCL as reference Thanks to ESNZ High Performance and the HPSNZ Prime Minister’s Scholarship Scheme, Dressage NZ is able to offer this opportunity at a JANUARY rate.

2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23 subsidised

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Hans Peter Minderhoud NED riding Glock’s Dream Boy N.O.P

DREAM WIN FOR GLOCK’S DREAM BOY Photos by FEI/Dirk Caremans Article by Louise Parkes

G

lock’s Dream Boy NOP lived up to his name when carrying 2016 champion Hans Peter Minderhoud (45) from The Netherlands to victory at the seventh leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2018/2019 Western European League in Mechelen, Belgium At just 10 years of age this young stallion demonstrates colossal potential, and his score of 83.665 pinned 2013 series winner Helen Langehanenberg (36) from Germany and Damsey FRH into second, while the super-exciting Portuguese

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JANUARY 2019

partnership of Maria Caetano (32) and Coroado strutted their way into third.

The final five all produced stunning performances, Sweden’s Therese Nilshagen (35) finishing fourth with Dante Weltino OLD despite some miscommunications early in their test, and Ireland’s Judy Reynolds (37) making a great come-back with Vancouver K to line up in fifth place.

Mechelen was also making a welcome come-back this week after a few years absence from the FEI Dressage World Cup™ circuit. So just before today’s prizegiving ceremony was perfect timing

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Maria Caetano from Portugal riding Coroado

for an emotional farewell tribute to Tiamo, the 18-year-old gelding that carried Belgium’s Jorinde Verwimp to many great moments and who finished eighth on their very last outing together this afternoon.

Minderhoud’s win is another milestone in the rapid progression being made by this still quite inexperienced young horse that won the Grand Prix and finished third in the Freestyle at Olympia, London (GBR) just before Christmas.

“He only did a few Grand Prix competitions before qualifying for Tryon (FEI World Equestrian Games) this year - it was a bit early for him in his career, so after that I gave him a long rest and then restarted at Olympia. That wasn’t the easiest show for him to come back to, and I was not so happy with how he felt… he had been going so well at home.

But then I bring him to another show here in Mechelen ten days later and he is super - I mean super!” said the delighted Dutchman.

“Here he was much more focused, not like at Olympia where I had to survive it a little! Today I could ride to the point, and he was really trying for me!” Hans Peter Minderhoud Caetano and her adorable grey Lusitano, Coroado, set a whole new standard when posting 80.160 when

fifth last to go of the 15 starters.

At the fourth leg of the Western European League in Madrid (ESP) last month they scored 77.655 for third place, but things didn’t go to plan at Olympia where their mark of 73.900 left them well down the line. There’s something really special about this pair who have sprung to prominence recently. They both looked radiant after showing the most fabulous passage and piaffe, and a great sense of harmony during today’s wonderful performance.

Langehanenberg bettered that when scoring 82.880 despite testing the nerve of Judge at C, Belgium’s Jacques van Daele, as she powered to a very late halt. And although Judy Reynolds

and her 16-year-old gelding didn’t challenge for the top spot, their new routine to a wonderful compilation of traditional Irish music had the spectators’ toes tapping and put 78.570 on the board.

Nilshagen’s chances were hampered when her horse dropped the contact early in their test, but with a degree of difficulty of 10 and the stallion’s breathtaking extended canter they clawed it back to put 80.090 on the board. So Minderhoud was chasing Langehanenberg’s leading score as he set off, last to go, and Dream Boy didn’t let him down. He’s a horse that’s growing in confidence all the time, and after winning yesterday’s Grand Prix he was always the one to beat.

“He’s a very sweet horse, and because he’s seen all the things that approved stallions see at a young age he’s not really spooky or anything. In the beginning I felt he went into himself a bit in big arenas, but yesterday and today he was much happier” Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED) With just three more qualifiers to go in the Western European League, the next port of call is on Minderhoud’s home turf in the Dutch capital city of Amsterdam at the end of January.

And having moved up to joint-third on the leaderboard he’s looking forward to getting to the 2019 Final next April in Gothenburg, Sweden, which is where he won the coveted FEI Dressage World Cup™ title two years ago.

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

OUT AND ABOUT

TAIHAPE CHRISTMAS CHEER Photos by Harry Nicol

RESULTS: NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD L1-L4 Kathryn Corry & Ganache MH NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD L5-L9 Paula Stuart & Aztec Lad YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION Emily Shepard & Rakanui Grace N Dazzle RESERVE Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair LEVEL 1 AMATEUR CHAMPION Lucy Russell & Donnerroyale RESERVE Lenore McIvor & Anaruby II LEVEL 2 AMATEUR CHAMPION Natalie van Bijon & Donnerliebe RESERVE Emily Shepard & Rakanui Grace N Dazzle LEVEL 1 CHAMPION Rosanne Rix & Lindisfarne Danseur RESERVE Pamela Payne & Winstar Go for Gold LEVEL 2 CHAMPION Kathryn Corry & Ganache MH RESERVE Debbie Barke & RM Astek Glamorous LEVEL 3 CHAMPION Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair RESERVE Leia McEvoy & Amon Ra LEVEL 4 CHAMPION: Bronwyn Cooper & Kalimania Prestige RESERVE Tania Smith & Donnerbella II LEVEL 5 CHAMPION: Jutta Rosenblatt & Vollrath Gershwin RESERVE Vicki Reid & Oakridge LEVEL 6 CHAMPION Brenda Bellringer & Truly Smitten RESERVE Peter Barke & Parkridge Donnamour LEVEL 7 CHAMPION Madison Schollum & Amador RESERVE Liz Hutson & Hapsburg PSH LEVEL 8 CHAMPION Susan Tomlin & Relexions RESERVE Jacqui Thompson & Georgio LEVEL 9 CHAMPION Paula Stuart & Aztec Lad RESERVE Julie Pearson & Zinstar

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OUT AND ABOUT

RESULTS: NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD L1-L4 Jeanette Benzie & Libretto

NORTHLAND DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Photo by Judith Matthews

T

he weather gods turned it all on for the Dressage Northland Championships held at Barge Showgrounds in December. Despite the thunder and lightning, an almighty downpour and hail, the event carried on and eighty riders with around 100 horses from Waikato in the south to Ahipara in the north enjoyed the Whangarei experience. Local support was enthusiastic with over half the competitors originating from Northland and all thirty-five classes sponsored by local riders, judges and businesses.

Six arenas were in action running all weekend including the advantage of the RDA Indoor Arena.

Northland riders weren’t just there to make up the numbers though and they were prominent on the podium throughout the weekend. Special mention must go to Julie Flintoff in Level 7, Casey Burton in Levels 4 & 5, Jo Shepherd in Levels 1, 4 & 6, and Brigitte Harper in Level 3.

NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD L5-L9 Julie Flintoff & Belladonna MH LEVEL 1 CHAMPION Reece Downham & Remi Fiderdancer RESERVE Jo Shepherd & Dunstan Centapiece LEVEL 2 CHAMPION Miriam De Valk & Don Debonaire RESERVE Reece Downham & Georgia MH LEVEL 3 CHAMPION Jeanette Benzie & Libretto RESERVE Brigitte Harper & Ocean Spirit LEVEL 4 CHAMPION: Casey Burton & Aroha MH RESERVE Jo Shepherd & Dunstan Monarch LEVEL 5 CHAMPION: Casey Burton & AJ Jeffs RESERVE Sarah Morgan & Seraphim FE LEVEL 6 CHAMPION Jo Shepherd & Dunstan Arnadude RESERVE Chanel Flyger & Hot Chocolate MH LEVEL 7 CHAMPION Julie Flintoff & Belladonna MH RESERVE Jennifer Sim & Stoneylea Lancelot LEVEL 8 CHAMPION Cassandra Dally & Jazdan D'Moviestar CD RESERVE Wendy Skelton & Arkansas LEVEL 9 CHAMPION William Millar & Centurion III

AMATEUR

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sponsors

R

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

WORLD CUP WOWED BY WANDRES AT OLYMPIA Photos by FEI/Dirk Caremans Article by Louise Parkes

Frederic Wandres (GER) and Duke of Britain on their way to the top spot at Olympia

G

ermany’s Frederic Wandres (31) and the aptly-named gelding, Duke of Britain, created a major sensation when reigning supreme in the sixth leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2018/2019 Western European League at the London International Horse Show at Olympia (GBR). Not just because the man who rides for the world-famous Hof Kasselmann produced a spectacular personalbest score of 80.030 on his way to victory, but also because he matched the result posted by British superstar Charlotte Dujardin (33) riding Hawtins Delicato and pinned her into runner-up spot when achieving higher artistic marks.

“To reach the magical 80 percent is a real WOW for me!” Frederic Wandres (GER).

Wandres has been rapidly rising to the top of sport over the past year.

So much so that he is now listed in the German B squad going into 2019. He only posted his very first big international win at the Central European League FEI Dressage World Cup™ qualifier in Zakrzow, Poland two months ago, but his consistently impressive performances with the 11-year-old Duke of Britain have not gone unnoticed.

Third-last to go in the field of 12, he broke the mould when sporting a bow-tie throughout his lovely test that oozed “partnership” from start to finish. And he knew he’d done a good job when he rode to a halt and broke into a huge smile.

On a night when the electric Olympia atmosphere proved difficult for many others, Duke of Britain was in his element.

“That’s his big plus - I can always trust him, he’s completely chilled and not at all spooky, and if I don’t

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make a mistake then he won’t either!”

Frederic Wandres (GER).

Olympia hosted the pilot for a shortened Grand Prix, together with a whole new presentation concept which was trialled for the first time at the London venue, including in-arena athlete interviews immediately after their test. Almost instant scoring, while the athletes were still in the arena, proved a real crowd-pleaser, and it was The Netherlands’ Han s Peter Minderhoud who came out on top ahead of Dujardin in second and Wandres in third. Last to go in the Freestyle however, the Dutchman’s 10-year-old stallion Glock’s Dream Boy NOP, who showed fantastic spring, power and elevation, was tense and sometimes hesitant, and their score of 77.990 was only good enough for third this time around.

When Dujardin was asked if she’d ever been beaten by another rider who

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Just pipped by a difference in artistic marks, Charlotte Dujardin and Delicato settled for a tight second place

posted exactly the same score, the three-time Olympic gold medallist replied tonight “no never - that’s the first time! It was extremely close and I feel like a joint-winner really!”

“I was really happy with Delicato, he’s a young inexperienced horse.

I rode him as a youngster through Small Tour levels and he did his first Grand Prix in January and then Carl (Hester) took over the ride. I literally got on him three weeks ago… I didn’t know what to expect from him in this environment and I’m pleased with our clear round, there’s so much more to come from him”, she said of the 10-year-old which, ridden by Hester, helped clinch team bronze for Britain at the FEI World Equestrian Games last September.

Wandres, who also specialises in producing young horses, has been riding Duke of Britain for three years. “Last December we competed in the Louisdor Cup Finals for developing horses in Frankfurt, and the way he has developed since then to win two World Cup classes is really unbelievable! It speaks for the character, the ability and the

willingness of this horse!” he said.

But now he finds himself in exactly the same position as compatriot Benjamin Werndl who won the previous leg of the Western European series in Salzburg, Austria two weeks ago and currently leads the league table. Only three riders per nation are permitted to compete at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2019 Final in Gothenburg, Sweden next April, and the battle between the leading Germans is a ferocious one. Even though today’s result has catapulted him to third on the leaderboard, it’s no guarantee Wandres will make the cut. He’s going to give his horse an eight-week break and bring him out again for penultimate qualifier of the 10-leg series on home ground in Neumunster in February and see how it goes from there.

“I spoke to Monica (Theodorescu, German team coach) and she said if you have the chance to ride at these super shows then you take it, so that’s what I’m going to do. Because in the end you never know what might happen, and for sure I want to go to Gothenburg if I can!” he said.

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

NATIONAL SERIES

WHICH EVENTS AND SERIES ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON? BATES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: MANFEILD PARK 14-17 FEB 2019 ENTRIES CLOSE FRIDAY 18th JANUARY Includes a CDI3*, CDI 2*, CDIY, Young Horses, Bates National Open Championships from levels 1-9, National Amateur Championships from levels 1-5 ** NEW VW DRESSAGE PRO-AM CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR LEVELS 6-9 VW Dressage Pro Am Championships for level 6 – 9 Championship rug and sash for the winner, and sash for runner up. Winners will be decided using the Event championships scoring system. In level 9, the points will be allocated in both the national class and CDI where applicable. Rider must nominate eligibility at time of entry, no late nominations will be accepted. Eligibility will be at the date of close of entries: · Level 6 – Rider with no points at Level 7 or above · Level 7 – Rider with no points at level 8 or above · Level 8 – Rider with no points in Level 9 · Level 9 – Rider not to have achieved 60% in a Grand Prix at a CDI 3* event NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE BATES NATIONALS Amateur Championships at Levels 1 to 5 will be held at the Bates National Dressage Championships as separate classes. Eligibility is based around rider categories and horse grades.

Qualification for the Championships will be at Regional Events with the same qualification for both championships. The term “Amateur” is connected to rider category status and bears no reference to the term amateur vs professional in terms of earning income in the sport. Amateur Riders are C5 and below (ie - not more than 15pts in level 6)

QUALIFICATIONS FOR OPEN & AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS Combination of horse and rider must attain one qualifying score as set out below at the championship level entered at a Premier League or Island Championship between 1st January 2018 and date of close of entries.

Qualification after date of close of entries. Riders who intend to qualify at Premier League or Island Events after close of entries must still enter by the closing date and notify Event Secretary of qualification within 48 hours of achieving qualification. Levels 1-2: 63% and over | Levels 3-5: 60% and over | Levels 6-7: 57% and over Level 6, 7, 8, 9 Championships: Under special conditions, grading points at date of close of entry (18th January 2019) Young Horse Championships: No prior performance qualification. Age verification only

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NATIONAL SERIES HORSE OF THE YEAR - DRESSAGE SECTION 2019 Title Classes Eligibility 2019: (Graded competitions only) From 1 Sept 2018 – 3 Feb 2019 plus Bates NCH (13 -17Feb) for Grand Prix & CDIY Horses only Level

MES

Event Classification (Graded competitions only)

Level 1 Horse

65%

Premier League L1 or Zilco L2

Level 2 Horse

64%

Premier League Zilco L2

Level 3 Horse

64%

Premier League Zilco L3

Level 4 Horse

64%

Premier League Zilco L4

Level 5 Horse

60%

Premier League Zilco L5

Level 6 Horse

60%

Premier League PSG, 6B, FEI YR IND Test

Level 7 Horse

60%

Premier League Int1, 7A or 7B

Level 8 Horse

58%

Premier League Int A, Int B or Int II

Grand Prix (FEI 3* & Nat)

58%

Premier League GP or GPS

CDI Y (FEI Young Rider)

60%

Premier League: 6B, FEI YR Test, PSG or Int I

Title & Non-Title Pony Classes Eligibility (Graded competitions only) Level 1 Pony

60%

Any graded competition

Level 2 Pony

60%

Any graded competition

Level 3 Pony

60%

Any graded competition

Pony of the Year (L4) (L3 & above)

60%

Any graded competition

Non-title classes Horses Eligibility 2019: (Graded competitions only) Level 1 Horse

65%

Premier League

Level 2 Horse

64%

Premier League Level 2 or Zilco L2

Level 3 Horse

64%

Premier League Level 3 or Zilco L3

Level 4 Horse

64%

Premier League Level 4 or Zilco L4

Young Dressage Horse Classes No prior qualification. Proof of age of horse must be supplied with entry. ESNZ ID papers will be accepted but must be signed by a veterinarian

EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES NZ U25 NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS APRIL 13/14 - TAUPO NEC Featuring the Hyland Pony Championship & Waldebago Young Rider Championship, York Corporation Inter-Island Team Challenge and the final round of the AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance League.. No prior qualification required.

Entries only on www.equestrianentries.co.nz

SERIES SUPER 5 DRESSAGE LEAGUE We welcome back all Super 5 League sponsors for the 2018-19 season The 2018-19 Super 5 League comprises a points series in each island at all graded Levels 1-9 (top 5 points only to count) plus an island final at both the South Island Festival of Dressage and the Bates National Championships. National Super 5 rankings will be determined from % in each level at both these events.

Tests used for Super 5 League at Premier League Events: Levels 1 to 5 - C Tests, Level 6 - FEI PSG v 2018, Level 7 - FEI Intermediate I v 2018, Level 8 FEI Intermediate B v 2018, Level 9 Regional Events - FEI Intermediate II, Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special 2018. South Island Festival of Dressage & Bates National Championships SRS Final - FEI Intermediate II 2018.

Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

NATIONAL SERIES LIVAMOL FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2019 Friday 4/5 April McLeans Island NEC Dressage NZ again welcome IAH Livamol as the new naming rights partner for the 2019 FEI World Dressage Challenge. Schedule will be available and nominations will be open Equestrian Entries from 1 February 2019. Combinations nominated must have earned grading points in the Level equivalent to the FEI test Youth (Level 3) Senior I (Level 3), Senior II (Level 5), PSG Int I All tests and rules can be https://inside.fei.org/fei/events/fei-world-challenge/dressage found on the link ELITE EQUINE YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS The purpose of the competitions are to select the best young horse which is progressing on the correct way of training, with the potential to capably perform at International Dressage level. The Elite Equine National Young Horse Dressage Championship & Age Group Championships will be held at the Bates National Championships 14 –16 Feb 2019 at Manfeild Park. Elite Equine are also naming rights sponsors of the NI Young Horse Festival at Taupo NEC April 11/12 2019 ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES The crowd pleasing Zilco Musical Freestyle Series will be a feature again this season. A change for this season will see the small tour levels divided into separate Level 6 and 7 Leaderboards. The Level 6 will use the FEI Young Rider Freestyle and Level 7 will use the FEI Intermediate I Freestyle. Go to the FEI web site for guidelines for these tests. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/FEI%20Freestyle%20Directives%20for%20Judges_final-19.04.2017.pdf

The competition comprises two Island Series contested at Premier League Events (Top 5 scores to count). The North Island Series completes at the Horse of the Year Show and the South Island Series completes at the South Island Festival of Dressage. The series includes Levels 2 to 9. Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE FUTURES PRIZE The Prestige Equestrian Futures Prize will be awarded to the best performed combination competing in the Super 5 League at Premier League Events from 1 September 2018 – 28 February 2019 and meeting the following eligibility conditions.

4 -10 year old horses competing at Levels 1 - 7 with riders who have no grading points in Level 8 or above on any horse. The prize is a fabulous Prestige Saddle. (Riders may only win the saddle prize once) Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ AMS SADDLERY PONY & YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE LEAGUE AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance League aims to increase participation at a Pony & Young Rider level and to establish a culture where these riders compete against their peers of a similar age and experience. Scores will be taken from Super 5 tests in every level at Premier League events. Points are allocated to top 5 placed eligible Pony or Young Rider in each class. The league will culminate at the U25 NZ Pony & Championships in April 2019. Competitors must be 20 years or under at 1 August 2018 to participate. AMS League winner to receive a fabulous dressage saddle prize generously sponsored by AMS Saddlery (Auckland). Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ TOP TEN LEAGUES

Entries for all Top Ten Leagues are now closed. Follow the results on www.equestrianentries.org.nz

Riders love the Top Ten Leagues for a number of reasons but the biggest draw card is that they can simply enter online with no fee attached and then can see how their performances are stacking up against other riders in the same league and category from throughout New Zealand. And then of course there is the chance to win stylish sponsor rosettes at area level and fabulous sashes and rugs at national level All Top Ten Leagues accrue points from 1/8/18 - 30/4/19 All Points: 57 – 59.99% =1pt; 60 - 62.99%=3pts; 63 - 66.99%=5pts; 67 - 69.99%=7pts; >70% =10pts 32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JANUARY 2019

NATIONAL SERIES

THE STERLING WARMBLOODS SMALL STARS TOP TEN LEAGUE Important note: Entries are now closed but the deadline for height certificates to be submitted is now 20 January 2019. No further extension will be permitted after these dates FLYING HORSE NZ MASTERS For riders at least 50yrs on 1 Jan 2018 on horses or ponies Pewter (Area and National) For CN – C2 Riders on horses competing at Level 1 & above Bronze (Area and National) For C3 & C4 Riders on horses on competing Level 1 & above Silver (Area and National) For C3 & C4 Riders on horses competing at Level 3 & above Gold (Area and National) For C5 - C9 Riders on horses competing at Level 1, 2 & 3 Platinum (Area and National) For C5 - C9 Riders on horses competing at Level 4 & above EQUISSAGE AMATEUR TOP TEN LEAGUE The competition is open to riders 21yrs at 1/8/18 and over and is run in four National divisions plus special awards, with twenty area winners.

Bronze

Area & National

Level 1 R iders CN - C3 at 1/8/2018

Silver

Area & National

Level 2 Riders CN - C4 at 1/8/2018

Gold

Area & National

Level 3 Riders CN - C5 at 1/8/2018

Platinum

Area & National

Level 4 R iders CN - C5 at 1/8/2018

Newcomer

(First year member)

Rider no grading points in Dressage prior to 1/4/2018

Island Hi-Points Award

Highest Score in each Island

Amateur Owner

Horse with zero grading points at date of purchase by current owner and may not have earned any grading points with any other rider at any time.

EQUIZEE PONY & YOUNG RIDER AMATEUR TOP TEN LEAGUE Ponies: Riders 16yrs and under at 1/8/18 Pony Bronze: Level 1 ponies

Riders CN – C3 at 1/8/2018

Pony Silver: Level 2 ponies

Riders CN – C4 at 1/8/2018

Pony Gold:

Level 3 & 4 ponies Riders CN – C5 at 1/8/2018

Horses: Riders must turn at least 12yrs during 2018, and be 20yrs or under at 1 August 2018/9 Horse Bronze: Level 1 horses.

Riders CN – C3 at 1/8/2018

Horse Silver: Level 2 horses.

Riders CN – C4 at 1/8/2018

Horse Gold: Level 3 & 4 horses. Riders CN – C5 at 1/8/2018 Top Score Rider North Island 12yrs & under at 1/8/18 Top Score Rider South Island 12yrs & under at 1/8/18 Newcomer ESNZ graded Dressage rider. Must have never earned any dressage grading points on any horse or pony prior to 1/4/18

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2019 | SOUTH ISLAND 12/13

Nelson Area Richmond Roast House Championships

Local

12/13

Southland Summer

Local

20

Day one NLEC Summer Series

Local

25/27

South Island Festival of Dressage & SI Championships

Premier League

FEBRUARY 2019 | SOUTH ISLAND 9/10

Dressage Otago Tournament

Local

16/17

Southland Autumn

Local

17

Day Two NLEC Summer series

Local

23/24

SCNO Dressage Summer Championship Tournament

Local

24

Northern Equestrian Group Training

Training

MARCH 2019 | SOUTH ISLAND 3

Canterbury Dresage Autumn Series Day 1

Local

3

Marlborough Dressage FMG Summer Series #3

Local

9/10

Dressage Otago Autumn Tournament

Local

17

North Loburn EC Summer series Day Three

Local

23/24

Dressage Southland

Local

31

Northern EG Autum Series Day 1

Local

PREMIER LEAGUE CALENDAR 18/19 DECEMBER 2018 15/16

Northland Premier League Show

15/16

Taihape Xmas Premier League

JANUARY 2019 12/13

Dressage Taranaki Premier League

18/20

Auckland-Manukau Premier League

19/20

Wairarapa Dressage Premier League

25/27

South Island Festival of Dressage Premier League

FEBRUARY 2019 2/3

Waikato Premier League

13/17

Dressage NZ National Championships

MARCH 2019 12/17

Land Rover Horse of the Year Premier League (Zilco only)

APRIL 2019 11/14

North Island Future Stars & U25 National Championships

34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JANUARY 2019

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

WHAT’S ON JANUARY 2019 | NORTH ISLAND Jan 2019 11/13

WEVC Dressage Taranaki Premier League Event

Back on Track Premier League

13**

Warkworth Dressage Local Day - **Changed from 20th Jan

Local

18/20

Auckland-Manukau Dressage Group Championship

Back on Track Premier League

19/20

Wairarapa Dressage Championships

Back on Track Premier League

28

Dressage Waitemata Summer Series #1

Local

28

Rotorua Anniversary Day Show

Local

FEBRUARY 2019 | NORTH ISLAND Jan 2019 Feb 2019 2/3

Wide Span Sheds Waikato Premier League

Back on Track Premier League

10

Dressage Tauranga

Local

10

Dressage Waitemata Summer Series #2

Local

10

Dressage Northland

Local

10

Wellington Summer Series

Training

13/17

Bates NZ National Dressage Championships Para National Championships

Back on Track Premier League & National Championships

17

Taupo Dressage Group

Training

23

Gisborne Dressage Summer Tournament

Local

MARCH 2019 | NORTH ISLAND 3

Dressage Bay of Islands

Local

3

Dressage Wellington Summer Series

Training

9

Waikato Equestrian Centre Autumn Dressage Show

Local

12/17

Land Rover Horse of the Year

National / CDI

24

Dressage Waitemata Autumn #1

Local

24

Dressage Gisborne Autumn Series - Day 1

Local

31

Dressage Waikato March

Local

31

Dressage Horowhenua Group Autumn Tournament

Local

31

Dressage Taupo Group Ribbon Day

Training

31

Dressage Warkworth

Local

For more details of each event & venue, and contact details go to www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage/competition/calendar NATIONAL

EVENT Sponsors

NZ

JANUARY 2019| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

DIRECTORY

DRESSAGE DIRECTORY Dressage Area Group Websites and other useful links.

Equestrian Sports NZ/Dressage www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage www.facebook.com/DressageNZ www.facebook.com/EquestrianSportsNZ www.facebook.com/DressageNZU25Championships www.facebook.com/StableoftheStallions Dressage Bay of Islands www.sporty.co.nz/bayofislandsdressagegroup Dressage Northland www.sporty.co.nz/dressagenorthland Dressage Waitemata www.dressagewaitemata.co.nz Dressage Warkworth www.warkworthdressage.webs.com Dressage Auckland - Manukau www.amdg.org.nz Dressage Waikato www.dressagewaikato.co.nz Dressage Morrinsville -Te Aroha www.mtdg.co.nz Dressage Gisborne www.gisbornedressage.org.nz Dressage Bay of Plenty www.dressagebayofplenty.co.nz Dressage Eastern Bay of Plenty www.sportsground.co.nz/ebd Dressage Rotorua www.sporty.co.nz/dressagerotorua Dressage Tauranga www.dressagetauranga.co.nz Dressage Taupo www.sporty.co.nz/taupodressagegroup Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay www.sporty.co.nz/dressagenhb

36 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JANUARY 2019

Dressage Central Hawkes Bay www.sportsground.co.nz/chbdressage Dressage Southern Hawkes Bay www.sportsground.co.nz/shbdressage Dressage Central Districts www.sportsground.co.nz/dressagecentraldistricts Dressage Taranaki www.dressagetaranaki.co.nz Dressage Wellington www.dressagewellington.org.nz Dressage Horowhenua www.horowhenuadressage.com Dressage Wairarapa www.dressagewairarapa.com Dressage Nelson www.nelsondressage.webs.com Dressage Marlborough

www.sporty.co.nz/marlboroughdressage Dressage Canterbury

www.canterburydressage.co.nz Dressage Otago www.dressageotago.webs.com Dressage Southland www.dressage-southland.com National Equestrian Centres www.nzequestrian.org.nz Tielcey Park Equestrian Centre www.tielceypark.co.nz (Manawatu) Northern Equestrian Group www.freewebs.com/northerneq (North Canterbury) North Loburn Equestrian Centre www.nlec.co.nz (North Canterbury)