Dressage NZ Bulletin Issue 33 May 2019

Issue 33 | May 2019

SYDNEY CDI

FEI Dressage World Challenge THE NZ NATIONAL PONY & YOUNG RIDER U25 CHAMPIONSHIPS

The Festival of Future Stars

EDITORIAL

FROM THE EDITOR

T

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 Š Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2018 Cover Image: Victoria Wall and Letty Lei EDH at the 2019 Sydney CDI Photo Credit: Amy-Sue Alston

2 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

his month’s edition comes to you from the Sydney CDI. The four riders who have made the trip with their horses are to be commended and congratulated for their commitment to invest in their own future. To compete at a CDI in Australia currently requires an investment of around twenty thousand dollars per horse on a return trip basis. This for one competition demonstrates real drive and dedication.

There are many fans and judges here for the Sunday clinic with FEI 5* Judge Stephen Clarke as well as cheering on the kiwi contingent.

Judges and officials also make considerable investments in their own pathway and a special mention here to two of our FEI Stewards, Rachel McCallum and Jos Gresham who are here at their own expense upskilling as part of the Sydney stewarding team. Now that Jos has seen the SIEC stables she may never return to NZL! Conference is coming up and topic that has been raised on many occasions this year deserves further discussion. Pony Dressage. As a sport, are we doing enough to foster and encourage participation of this sector? The popularity of classes for lead rein competitors, for 12 yrs and under, pony grade classes right through to the FEI level pony at the recent Equestrian Entries U25 Championships sends a message that our sport has much to offer pony riders. It was simply a joy to watch these youngsters and also the many dedicated young riders on horses who have transitioned from ponies and have now trained their own horses through to Grand Prix level.

Lets start to think outside the square how our sport can encourage more pony riders and those transitioning to horses, in a fun and enjoyable way. These riders must feel comfortable in their surrounds competing against their peers. Watching the comraderie and the atmosphere created at this event suggests we need to find a way to expand the concept into the regions.

CONTENTS

4

12

16

4

20

11

CONTENT

24

12

16

KIWI'S TAKE ON A NUTRITIONAL SYDNEY CDI APPROACH

BACK IN THE SADDLE AT 90

FEI WORLD CHALLENGE

We were there with our five NZL combinations who made us proud, very proud...

to 'Equine Puffs' and 'Dry Coat' with Mitavite. When your horse can't sweat...

Waikato's Molly Brownlee had one wish for her 90th birthday...

It was a wet and wild day, we review the results and celebrate the winners...

20

24

42

50

SI FESTIVAL OF NATIONAL U25 NI FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS CHAMPIONSHIPS FUTURE STARS A gorgeous photo report from this wonderful event sponsored by Syncroflex...

Celebrating 25 years of this incredible event, we review what was a great show...

The future is so bright, we review the champions and chat with the judges...

OUR PEOPLE We profile two Cantabrians as this months official and volunteer of the month...

NATIONAL NEWS

Holly Leach and HP Fresco receiving the NSW Young Horse seven year old Championship sponsored by Kohnke's Own Photo: Franz Venhaus

4 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

SYDNEY CDI SPECTACULAR AND INSPIRATIONAL Story by Wendy Hamerton Photos by Franz Venhaus and Amy-Sue Alston

An unprecedented five New Zealand combinations and their support teams, plus countless fans and judges were all there enjoying the atmosphere, the competition, and the education opportunities.

N

ew Zealand can be justifiably proud of the riders and horses who competed at Sydney, benchmarking our sport at home, coming home with ribbons having well proved their competitiveness, and many a valuable experience for the future.

HOLLY LEACH AND HP FRESCO – SEVEN YEAR OLD CLASSES

Holly has successfully targeted Fresco (OLD/Fackeltanz/HP Leibelie/ Lander) for young horse competitions since he was a four year old, and the Sydney CDI proved to be an exciting and deserved culmination of her strategy. On day one they used the national Prix St Georges class as a warm up, scoring 64.706% for 10th place in a class of twenty – seven. “He had a few baby moments” said Holly afterwards. “but I was very pleased with him all the same”.

The following day, they went on to score second place in the first seven year old round on 70.671%; the winner was Bradgate Park Amadeus on 73.043%. Round two was held in particularly difficult outdoor conditions following torrential overnight rain leaving the arenas very deep and water laden. But Fresco just pricked his ears and performed like a true professional for Holly who was ecstatic with both his attitude and his score of 75.093%, winning the class from Mindarah Park Ramirus on 73.018%. In this round, Fresco score 7.8 for trot, 7.5 for walk, 8.00 for

canter, 7.9 for submission and 8.00 for perspective combined with 71.79% for the technical test. The final round was indoors with guest rider Wendi Williamson assessing the rideability, her score adding to the judges’ marks.

(Stephen Clarke - GBR, Mariette Sanders van Gansewinkle - NED & Susie Hoevenaars – AUS).

Fresco’s finale to his young horse career was outstanding, winning the NSW Young Horse seven year old Championship from a field of nine regally bred young horses. All but one

ABOVE Pats for a good boy, Wendi Williamson thanks HP Fresco during the Guest Rider phase of the young horse championships Photo: Amy-Sue Alston

was Australian bred, and included five AUS warmbloods, and one each Hanoverian, Oldenburg, Holsteiner and KWPN. We wish Holly, John, Fresco and their team well as they prepare to move to Australia over the next few months and look forward to following the next stage of their dressage journey.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

NATIONAL NEWS

Bluefields Dankeschoen and Lisa Janke, champion six year old and winner of the Amanda Schoobridge Memorial Trophy Photo: Franz Venhaus

WENDI WILLIAMSON

The energy and commitment of Team Williamson shows no bounds. In addition to her six rides on Judith Matthews Decadance MH (small tour) and her own Don Amour MH in the Grand Prix, Wendi accepted the invitation to ride the eight finalists in the Young Dressage Horse competition on Saturday afternoon before the CDI freestyles.

magic. The horses responded positively to her quiet, no nonsense approach; all given the opportunity to show their qualities and stage of correct training for their age group. Her explanations to the audience and to the judges about the feel she got from each horse, and why she gave the marks for each component were respected and recognized by the crowd. “What a fantastic experience! I rode eight gorgeous young horses from four to seven years, from leggy extravagant 18hh plus mega movers to compact power house stallions; it was an experience I will never forget.

Australian Dressage certainly has a lineup of talent in the wings. The six year old winner, the stallion Bluefields Dankeshoen was undoubtedly one

THE YOUNG HORSES

The significant role of guest rider was a new experience for Wendi and she quietly admitted to seeking advice about how to handle what could potentially be a tricky situation on a spooky young horse, full of energy and most likely unaccustomed to a different rider. Whatever advice she took combined with her own experiences of young horses worked its

KOHNKE'S OWN YOUNG HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS FINAL RESULTS JUDGES: Stephen Clark (GBR), Mariette Sanders (NED), Susan Hoevenaars (AUS) GUEST RIDER: Wendi Williamson (NZL)

Wendi Williamson and Decadance MH Photo: Amy-Sue Alston

Winner of the Amanda Shoobridge Memorial Trophy - Bluefields Dankeschoen - Lisa Janke (NSW), Owner JJ Fuchs HORSE

RIDER

walk

trot

canter

submission

general impression

judge total

rider

total

Sonic K

Karen Blythe (VIC)

8.5

8.5

9

8.7

9.0

8.7

9.0

8.87

1

Willingapark Fangio

David Mckinnon (NSW)

7.0

7.5

8.0

7.5

8.0

7.6

8.5

8.05

2

Willingapark Emotion

Brett Parbery (NSW)

7.5

8.8

8.5

9.0

9.0

8.56

9.0

8.78

1

Valhalla I

Elliot Patterson (QLD)

8.0

7.9

8.0

8.7

8.5

8.22

8.5

8.36

2

Bluefields Dankeschoen

Lisa Janke (NSW)

10.0

8.8

9.0

8.3

9.5

9.12

9.5

9.31

1

Mi Aber Sienna

Riley Alexander (NSW)

7.5

8.8

8.0

7.5

8.50

8.06

8.0

8.03

2

HP Fresco

Holly Leach (NZL)

9.0

8.0

8.5

7.0

8.5

8.20

8.5

8.35

1

Mindarah Park Ramirus

Mary Warren (NSW)

7.0

7.1

7.0

7.5

7.8

7.28

7.0

7.14

2

6 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS of the nicest, if not the nicest horse I have ever ridden” Dankeshoen (AUS/ OLD/Desperados/Bluefields Filianova/ Florencio) had scored a phenomenal 93% in round one, 85.6% in round two and was a very worthy winner of his age group on a total of 9.31, Wendi scoring him a 9.5. Separate marks are given in the final for walk, trot, canter, submission, general impression and added to the rider score.

THE SMALL TOUR

“I was particularly pleased with Decadance, making her step up from 13th place in the PSG to eighth place in Int I on 65.824%”.

Decadance appeared more confident in the confined space of the indoor compared with the very open outdoor environment where the PSG was held in the main 2000 Olympic Games arena. The Int I Freestyle was held indoors evening with the atmosphere building as the competition progressed. A score of 67.41% put them in ninth place, 72.531 albeit the spectator judging saw them as 6th with 72.53%.

Rozzie Ryan and Jarrah R were unbeatable Photo: Franz Venhaus

Wendi Williamson in the Grand Prix with Don Amour MH Photo: Franz Venhaus

THE GRAND PRIX

Wendi (and all of the New Zealand supporters) could be justifiably disappointed that a win on the

Australian patch eluded her not once but twice by the narrowest of margins.

But she was gracious in her double defeat by Australian icon Rozzie Ryan and the homebred Jarrah R (Jive Magic/Samphire). In the Grand Prix it was Rozzie first on 67.522%; Wendi second 67.174%. In the Freestyle it was Rozzie 72.955%: Wendi 72.565%.

In fact, it was hard to separate these riders all weekend, even in the Special where they both scored 66.489%, Rozzie taking third on the countback, this time on Adonie.

Don Amour (Don Frederico/ Adelheid MH/Anamour) continues to mature in the Grand Prix work, showing some very expressive ground covering trot extensions, precise transitions, half passes with good balance, reach and positioning, and the piaffe and passage tour continuing to develop in strength. There is more to come from this horse who is still young in Grand Prix terms at just eleven years old “We take home lots of positive learnings. Don Amour showed that he can overcome his atmosphere nerves, from a shaky mistake filled but expressive Grand Prix to a confident and nearly mistake free Freestyle in a huge atmosphere” said Wendi.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

NATIONAL NEWS

Christine Weal and Schindlers Liszt Photo: Amy-Sue Alston

CHRISTINE WEAL

Christine is very much looking to the future with Schindlers Liszt, the imposing ten year old (Vollrath Lessing/Anna Berg/Anamour) that she paired up with at level 5 just eighteen months ago. She wanted to go to Sydney to see how the horse reacted to the travel and bigger atmosphere and she could have not been disappointed. A Prix St Georges CDI fourth place (68.559%) in a field of twenty set the scene on day one. The top three placings were dominated by the Boyzone of Australian dressage, David McKinnon on

Mark Dowling’s Woodside Lady Loxley, Riley Alexander on Julie Farrell’s (Team Mulawa) MI Sirtainly Sir and Brett Parbery on Terrance Snow’s Sky Diamond.

The Int I was held indoors in a totally different atmosphere the second day, and Liszt did not look quite so confident in these surrounds, appearing slightly distracted on occasion. “At least we didn’t have a spin around and leave!” said Christine. A 63.88% and 11th place was good enough to qualify them for the Saturday freestyle. Brett Parbery did an outstanding job with Sky Diamond, the Willinga Park owned, GER bred Hanoverian gelding by Sir Donnerhall to win the Int I on 72.47% Fourteen combinations went through to the Saturday night Freestyle and this time it was Riley Alexander’s turn to win on Team Mulawa’s Sir Donnerhall gelding, MI Sirtaianly Sir with 73.95%.

The spectator judging always proves to be interesting – the SAP judging app had Christine in 4th place on 73.778% but the official panel saw the NZL pair in 8th place on 68.26%. Less than 1% separated 6th to 8th place, so it was a great result to finish the tour for this combination and the experience will have set them up for an exciting season ahead in New Zealand.

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz

8 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

VICTORIA WALL

Victoria has been competing this elegant eleven year old Limonit mare Letty Lei EDH since 2013 when she had her first start in level 1. As she progressed through the grades, she more and more has shown her potential for the Grand Prix work.

In just her first season at this level Victoria has been rewarded for her belief in the mare’s ability with three top ten placings at the Sydney CDI. In the Grand Prix on day one, the pair scored a fifth placing from 21 starters on 66.217%, just 1.3% behind the winner, Jarrah R; the 5* judge at C, Mariette Sanders van Ganswinkel (NED) scored them in 2nd place (interestingly behind Wendi Williamson who was her winner). In the Special, the mare made a mistake in the first trot half pass, trying too hard and offering some canter steps which proved unsettling and then a course error later in the test was an expensive 2%, but 10th place on 60.81%. “Well, that didn’t quite go to plan” quipped Victoria afterwards.

This combination scored 69.95% in the Freestyle at Horse of the Year Show and they didn’t disappoint at Sydney either to finish 7th in the fifteen strong freestyle field on 68.65%. All in all, a very successful and inspirational first up off- shore international campaign for Victoria and Letty.

Victoria Wall and Letty Lei EDH Photo: Amy-Sue Alston

FULL RESULTS HERE

https://www.sydneycdi.equestrian.org.au/content/draws-and-results

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

TWO BRANDS. ONE VISION.

www.mitavite.com

Stronger Together.

When two innovative leaders work together to share their experience and expertise, truly great things can happen. Hygain & Mitavite are two brands united by a relentless focus on providing outstanding nutritional solutions that improve the health, performance and well-being of horses around the world.

Our collective knowledge spanning 70 years means you can be assured of superior quality with 100% Australian made feeds, from the same brands you know and trust.

For more information about Hygain & Mitavite’s premium horse feeds contact us at E: marketing@hygain.com.au W: hygain.com.au W: mitavite.com 10 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NUTRITION

A NUTRITIONAL APPROACH TO EQUINE 'PUFFS' AND 'DRY-COAT' It was once thought to be a problem of acclimatization failure in horses imported to the (sub)tropics, but a survey in Florida, USA has shown that as many or more native horse are affected. This is also the case in Northern Territory, Australia.

SYMPTOMS ARE, TO VARYING EXTENTS, A COMBINATION OF • High respiration rate (even over 100/minute) • Poor or absent sweating (even when injected with adrenalin) • Dull coat, scaly skin & crumbly brittle hooves When Mitavite’s researchers began to examine the problem, they found that in most of the sufferers there was a high calcium/trace mineral ratio in the diet e.g. Ca:Zn greater than 70.

Several researchers have attributed the puffs, or “panting” rapid respiration (hyperventilation) to an alternate attempt at cooling, like a panting dog.

The problem with this explanation is that the affected horse does not have his mouth open and his tongue out; also the horse will hyperventilate before it gets hot – i.e. a normal horse working beside it hasn’t begun to sweat.

Anhidrosis, or non-sweating, is a poorly understood condition affecting thousands of horses world-wide, mainly in tropics and sub-tropics.

If the non-sweating were left out, and the other symptoms considered, a pig veterinarian would probably diagnose parakeratosis. That is what the disease has been assumed to be– a secondary zinc deficiency (“secondary” because there is sufficient zinc in the diet for a normal horse), – a response to zinc therapy within a week for a “firsttime” sufferer is evidence that this theory is sound.

SO HOW ARE THE 3 SYMPTOMS CONNECTED? There are zinc-dependent metalloenzymes involved in each process – in the lungs, it is carbonic anhydrase, responsible for getting rid of carbon dioxide; similar enzymes in the sweat glands, and as in parakeratosis, scaly skin and brittle hooves respond to zinc supplementation.

SO THE TREATMENT IS: • Sufficient electrolytes to induce thirst • A natural anti-oxidant which enhances oxygen exchange • A strong zinc supplement which is “immune” to absorption

interference by calcium and other divalent (2+) metals • Of course, the best treatment of all includes an air-conditioned stable Since this research and the creation of “Sweat-Up”, there have been found occasional horses as far south as Barossa, South Australia which have poor zinc absorption and suffer from hyperventilation in spite of apparently normal lungs. So far, they have all improved dramatically with “Sweat-Up”.

The horses unable to sweat will sometimes take 6 weeks to recover, but most of the younger ones show improvement in the first week.

For more information on feeding your horse please contact Mitavite on: phone: (02) 4340 9615 and email: orders@mitavite.com

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11

NATIONAL NEWS

From left Marcia Bayley, Barbara Keyte, Noeline Jeffries, Aztec Lad with Molly Brownlee

MOLLY’S NINETIETH BIRTHDAY WISH COMES TRUE Story by Noeline Jeffries Photos by Paula Stuart

12 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

W

aikato’s Molly Brownlee turned 90 on 28th March and it was her birthday wish to ride a horse again. The wish was granted thanks to Paula Stuart and the Grand Prix horse, Billy (Aztec Lad). Although Molly had said she would just be happy having a sit on an old horse, but Paula thought it would fitting be for her to ride a Grand Prix dressage horse again.

Accompanied by her son Glenn and his wife Sheryn, Molly was delighted on her arrival at Billy’s yard to be greeted by her former riding companions Marcia Bayley and Barbara and Jim Keyte who were there to share the moment. Molly proved she is a spritely nonagenarian and with a just a little help she swung her leg over and sat just as perfectly in the saddle as she did all those years ago. Billy was the perfect gentleman just walking around the arena calmly.

But Molly decided walking was not going to satisfy the longing, so it was into trot. What a moment as her whole face lit up into a huge smile

NATIONAL NEWS accompanied by a victory fist pump as she rose to the trot for a few steps.

A few days later I visited Molly at her residence in Cambridge Resthaven, and we revisited Molly’s riding lifetime.

When she set about learning to ride, Molly never imagined that she would become one of New Zealand’s first Grand Prix riders. When she was just eight years old, Molly purchased her first pony from a local horse dealer for three pounds. She taught herself the riding basics, moved on to other ponies and became an avid hunter at twelve. She eventually got her first hack when she was sixteen.

Hunting and jumping were Molly’s first passion, but when she married and raised a family, riding was put to one side for several years. But after a time, the passion reignited, and she decided to get back into riding; to try this ‘Dressage Thing’. Off she went to a local horse sale, bought a little skewbald mare and subsequently set off to her first dressage competition in Te Awamutu.

“I really had no idea what I was doing” she admits. “I did a whole canter movement on the wrong leg and was completely oblivious as I didn’t know any better” After sadly losing her first dressage horse Molly was convinced to purchase Conway, a magnificent white station bred gelding with a dash of Arab. This was a new beginning.

This diminutive combination progressed to Grand Prix level and travelled to many shows in both Islands with Marcia Bayley, Val Donaldson, Barbara Keyte and Sue Hobson. Molly remembers fondly the fun they had on their road trips.

“In those days there weren’t the trainers we have now or even training videos. The progress to Grand Prix was done through reading books with the occasional lesson from Lockie Richards who travelled to NZ from the UK once a year”.

While still competing on Conway, Molly purchased Four Ports, a stunning thoroughbred by Harbour Prince. She successfully trained and

competed him to Prix St Georges, later passing him on to young rider Charlotte Bayliss (nee Shaw) who competed him with much success.

After she retired from dressage Molly took up lawn bowls competitively and now enjoys her retirement at the Resthaven Retirement Village in Cambridge, taking part in activities such as Fitness Classes!

Molly is a true inspiration to all riders who endure for the love of the sport. Her happy, friendly, and kind nature which made her a joy to interview, also typified her equestrian lifetime and love of horses.

Below left Molly & Conway at the Haig FEI World Dressage Challenge in Christchurch at the old Canterbury A & P Showgrounds 1992 Below right Molly & Four Ports at the FEI World Dressage Challenge Extra Class Taupo

presents

We are exclusive stockists of Cavallo, quality German riding apparel.

For personalised, friendly service anywhere in NZ, please contact us today. www.classicequestrian.co.nz e: info@classicequestrian.co.nz | p: +64 21 627 082

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

THE PERFECT SURFACE

COSTINGS

Ensure you specify the

Having a breakdown of thepurpose summary costarena is onesoofthat of the the most helpful tools in understanding a build because the design can reflect the it is created from the design plans. “majority” of its use.

FOR EXAMPLE

arena size:60m x 20m

number of posts required for border/perimeter:120 spacing between posts:1.5m

cost per post at $15 each: $1,800 (excludes freight) Freight/Cartage could add an extra $3-$7 per post to the cost depending on your location and available supply in your area.

This is where pricing variation in arena builds comes into play.

Other variations could include: • Base & Topsoil removal • Onsite placement How do you know if the price you are paying deals with landscaping the topsoil on site or taking away?.

This can only be revealed in a detailed quote, not a lump sum quote.

This is one of the biggest mistakes we see from clients who have started to build their arena and suddenly get hit with unexpected cost overruns.

ARENA DESIGN Expert arena builder Trevor Kouwenhoven discusses in part 2 of a 2-part article the importance of having clear and concise planning when taking on an arena project.

14 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

BEWARE OF THE MAGIC PRICE! Many clients get the “magic price” they want to hear and from that point all the key questions that needed to be asked are out the door.

There are some key things to watch out for. For example, if you get a price $10,000 cheaper than other quotes, you need to investigate why such a large difference in cost and are you comparing apples with apples?

This is the trap so many fall into and ultimately leads to a substandard result.

The costing details can reveal true figures required to build your arena to your design specifications. These figures are then carried through to the build section of the job where the costs are realised. Any cost overruns or underestimations soon become apparent and that “magic price” or $10,000 saving can soon become a painful $15,000 blowout!

Unfortunately, we are called in to repair and/or maintain substandard arenas with many common faults, some only 6 months old. The repetitive nature of these errors can be linked to particular design styles and products used.

On the upside, we have gained valuable knowledge in doing such repairs from others past mistakes for a better build result for future clients.

THE PERFECT SURFACE

Metal, Sand, Shell and other materials have a volume and weight differential that requires a conversion factor applied when calculating exact volumes. If not calculated correctly, cost overruns or surplus quantities can result.

Ask your contractor what conversion factor are they using and does the price for the volume allow for a percentage of error?

This all sounds very complicated and confusing however in this

instance you are trying to ascertain any possible variations that might occur or if they have been allowed for in the quote. If that volume is reached does this become refundable?

Remember, a contractor will have no issue in charging you extra should more materials be required.

If costs are based on a volume and documented throughout the quote system it becomes easy to sort out under/over volume quantities.

SPECIAL NOTE: A more complex issue is that of product/material moisture content.

Even the best estimations can be upset by an incorrect conversion factor being applied to material and not allowing for the moisture content of that product on the day of supply.

Ensure your contractor explains the importance of this during the quotation process.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

NATIONAL NEWS

The Livamol Senior II winner, Rebecca McKee and Solo

16 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CHALLENGE Story by Wendy Hamerton Photos by Mel's Moments Photography

F

rom the first horse inspection being held on a brilliantly fine Canterbury afternoon to the predicted heavy overnight rain and cold intermittent showers to follow – it was like being in a different world for competition day at this year’s FEI Dressage World Challenge.

The Challenge is all about experience and preparing several new riders for FEI competition later in their careers. For the first time an arrival inspection was held for the Challenge horses and ponies prior to the “trot up”.

With a number of withdrawals prior to the event and one horse not accepted at the trot up,

unfortunately the number of starters was reduced to 31 from the originally anticipated 42.

Naming right sponsor Livamol, again so cheerfully represented

by Kerrin Beatson treated riders and supporters to what seemed like limitless tasty canapés and a welcome drink as the draw for start order and team announcement got underway. Kerrin is a true team member as well as sponsor when it comes to the Challenge. He is our “can do man”, host and announcer.

Chair of Selectors, Judy Alderdice announced an experienced team of Diane Wallace (Int I) Karolyn Norton, Julie Fraser and Philippa McLeod

(all PSG). Under the rules for the competition, the percentage gained for these levels have a co-efficient of 1.2 adding considerable value to the team score.

The arenas had been groomed to perfection on warm up Thursday, riders had enjoyed an “in arena” familiarization but sadly early on Friday morning, the mirror like lakes that had formed meant the arenas caused some real issues for the first three starters in the Johnson and Couzins Senior I class, all choosing to retire before the end of the test. The youngest rider of the remaining four riders, local Lucy Cochrane and the eye catching Gymanji narrowly edged

The New Zealand team (from left) Chef d'Equipe Chris Lovelady with Karolyn Norton, Diane Wallace, Philippa McLeod and Julie Fraser with Judges Betty Brown and Vittorio Barba with sponsor Kerrin Beatson

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17

NATIONAL NEWS Lorraine Ward-Smith and Fernlea Diamond Day

a successful season, following two trips to the North island and to be the highest scoring team member at the highest level (65.221%) was a real thrill for her.

The judges Vittorio (Vic) Barba (FEI 3* PHI) and Betty Brown (FEI 3* NZL) had some sound advice for riders for the future. Both have been involved in the Challenge previously as competitors and judges. Vic has judged twice in Hong Kong, and in Taiwan, plus he competed in the event back in the Samsung and Haig sponsored era. Betty has shadow judged and competed at Taupo.

ON REVIEW - BETTY BROWN

out her rivals to win on 63.661% The Livamol Senior II riders were next up with Southland’s Rebecca McKee and Solo rounding out their season with a win from Lorraine Ward-Smith and Fernlea Diamond Day. These two combinations presented the top scores for the event with 68.33% and 67.197% respectively. Diamond day also won the Best Presented Award at the horse inspection for senior riders, Lorraine being very quick to credit husband Archie’s attention to detail and handiwork. Solo’s performance was the highlight of the event for NZL judge Betty Brown “I liked the forwardness and positive riding” she said afterwards.

The Youth section had just three starters following the withdrawal of Te Puke after the horse inspection.

Canterbury’s Charlotte Thomas put this disappointment behind her, and was a clear winner on her second entry, Time after Time, a 13-year-old TB chestnut mare by Legacy scoring 66.346% for a well prepared and accurate test. Emma Copplestone was second and third and also won the Junior Best Presented Award with SWE Sandera.

The Prix St Georges class presented six starters. Karolyn Norton and 18 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

the 11yr old imported mare (AUS) 11-year-old Larapinta Primadonna (Sir Donner Hall / Larapinta Dutch Tulip) have an exceptional Dressage Challenge record. Winner of the Preliminary in 2013, 3rd in the Medium is 2015, won the Senior II class in 2017 and in 2019, the Fetterman Trophy for a clear win in the Prix St Georges on 64.33%. Runner up was team member, Julie Fraser and Arnage Rhumba on 61.25%.

The Int I was reduced to two starters. Diane Wallace has enjoyed Diane Wallace and Profile pictured with Vitorrio Barba (left) and Kerrin Beatson

• Learn your tests backwards and forwards, practice parts everyday as part of your workout so you know the preparation required.

• Once you have made a mistake, try to put it behind you and make the next movement even better.

• See where the coefficients are and make sure you practice that movement especially.

• Practice centre lines and halts!

ON REVIEW - VITTORIO BARBA

• Don’t just memorize and practise the movements of the tests.

Memorize the directives of how the movement should be done, all goes back to respecting the Training Scale.

• For the Youth class, nail the use of the deep seat from the beginning.

• For the Senior classes, respect the training scale when you start doing

NATIONAL NEWS

From left Lindsay Colwell, Marlene Parkinson, Nicola Maley and Lucy Cochrane

the lateral movements. No use doing them if you don’t do it properly.

They are there to improve the training of the horse.

• For the Small Tour riders, do the small tour because your horse has achieved the correct degree of collection and not because your horse could go sideways and by luck do a couple of flying changes.

• I come from a family of teachers so a highlight for me after any judging stint is to be able to help and educate riders through my scores and comments, especially with the FEI Challenge where there is a chance for a general discussion and feedback. As a personal highlight; my score and that of Betty Brown’s were in such agreement of the performances.

• On three riders retiring - should they have carried on as some were close to the end of the test? They have their reasons for retiring as a rider. As a judge, one cannot argue with them especially if they site horse welfare because of the footing and weather conditions.

Charlotte Thomas and Time after Tiime

Karolyn Norton and Larapinta Primadonna

And so the 2019 NZL edition of the FEI World Dressage Challenge ended, with thanks to the FEI who support the international travel of the judges and manage the global competition, the judges, officials, volunteers and of course the sponsors and funders who make it all possible. We now have the long wait until 31 December to know the final world ranking results.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19

NATIONAL NEWS

SYNCROFLEX SOUTH ISLAND FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS Photos by Mel's Moments Photography Brooke Wendelken and Ridgevale Oyster Bay Photo: Mel's Moments

20 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS Amelia French and Wonderment Photo: Mel's Moments

Barbara Chalmers and Rossellini Photo: Mel's Moments

Para champion Winnie Taylor and Stoneleigh Koromoko Photo: Mel's Moments

Sophie Griffith and Zodiac DW Photo: Mel's Moments

Sharon Brown and Donna Bonita Photo: Mel's Moments

Candice Nichol and Falcon O Photo: Mel's Moments

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

NATIONAL NEWS Cherie Pearson and Donnerchino Photo: Mel's Moments

Tyler McKee and Genifique Photo: Mel's Moments

Marlene Parkinson and Parkridge Luke Photo: Mel's Moments

Nicola Maley and Henton Allouette Photo: Mel's Moments

Markus Cowie leading Jane Crichton's AHP Dynomite with Dunstan rep Janelle Proud supporters of NZ Dressage & we deliver Sangster-Ward nationwide... order now forPhoto: MothersMel's Day!Moments

22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

Jade Wills and Dionte Photo: Mel's Moments

NATIONAL NEWS

SYNCROFLEX SOUTH ISLAND FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS 2019 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS PONY LEVEL 1 Emily van Herpt & Westwood Dolmar Ricochet RESERVE Eleanor Bell & Kinloch Violet

HORSE LEVEL 9 Barbara Chalmers & Rossellini RESERVE Soo Wells & AJK Carronade

PONY LEVEL 2 Jorja Dann & Westbrook Diana RESERVE Meg Glassey & Maxwelton Sunday Sam

NON GRADED – INTRODUCTORY Jill Newman & Pico’s Saphira RESERVE Amy Stewart & KS Witchery

PONY LEVEL 3 Charlotte Thomas & Fairview Free Spirit RESERVE Meg Johnson & Little Blessing LEAD REIN: Champion: Brooke Wendelken & Ridgevale Oyster Bay RESERVE Anya Holdaway & Chocolate HORSE LEVEL 1 Sharon Brown & Fling VP RESERVE Angela Ruddenklau & Anthem HORSE LEVEL 2 Sarah Gray & Alasaan Wanderstarr RESERVE Amelia French & Wisdom WDS HORSE LEVEL 3 Nicola Maley & Henton Allouette RESERVE Charlotte Thomas & Time after Time HORSE LEVEL 4 Holly Merritt & Geppetto RESERVE Sarah Cornwall & Stellars Eagle HORSE LEVEL 5 Janelle Sangster-Ward & Vollrath Liaison RESERVE Millie Thomson & Isle of Mystique HORSE LEVEL 6 Karolyn Norton & Larapinta Primadonna RESERVE Rebecca McKee & Solo HORSE LEVEL 7 Diane Wallace & Profile RESERVE Pip Thompson & Gemstar HORSE LEVEL 8 Sharon Brown & Donna Bonita RESERVE Joy White & Gammon KS

NON GRADED – LEVEL 1 Tracy Hunt & Stormy RESERVE Dyarne Robson & Licorne Dior NON GRADED – LEVEL 2 Pip Thompson & Rocstar RESERVE Heather McMillian & A Fine Romance YDH 4 YEAR OLD Tyler McKee & Genifique RESERVE Mary Davis & Denzel MH YDH 5 YEAR OLD Vanessa Baxter & Jazzaway RESERVE Sandy Houston & Southwell Razzmataz YDH 7 YEAR OLD Jan Morice & Denmark RESERVE Amelia French & Wonderment INHAND RISING STAR CLASSES YEARLING COLT/GELDING 1st Jane Crichton & AHP Dynomite (Danciano) 2YO COLT/GELDING 1st Candice Nichol & Falcon O (Furstenball) 2nd Angela Ruddenklau & Danko 3YO COLT/GELDING 1st Janelle Sangster-Ward & SWE Neur Stern (Negro) 2nd Rebecca Nairn & Twin Blues Golden Legacy 2YO FILLY 1st Nicola Maley & Rohdiarose CDS (Rohdinger) CHAMPION OVERALL Candice Nichol & Falcon O RESERVE Jane Crichton & AHP Dynomite

PROUD SUPPORTERS OF NZ DRESSAGE, WE DELIVER NATIONWIDE.

Corporate . Bridal . Individual Creations . Giftware . Plants

CLICK HERE TO PLACE YOUR ORDER FOR MOTHER'S DAY TODAY!

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

NATIONAL NEWS

THE NZ NATIONAL PONY & YOUNG RIDER U25 CHAMPIONSHIPS Story by Jess Roberts Photos by Libby Law Photography

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

Competitors came from all corners of New Zealand, and we welcomed the Queensland team from Australia for the trans-Tasman contest. Bright sunshine with an autumn nip in the air kept the horses on their toes as two days of great competition unfolded…

T

here were some special moments to savour at the 2019 event – watching the under 8’s in the lead rein class was an absolute joy, as it was to welcome Special Olympics riders to the event for the first time. The celebration of twenty five years and to have

Shirley Hyland there, three U25 riders all having trained their own horses to Grand Prix and the overall atmosphere and rising standard made Dressage NZ feel proud to host the event under the guidance of Event Manager Debra Cowen and her fabulous team of volunteers.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

NATIONAL NEWS

(right) Charlotte Grant & Donnerco CDS (left) Courtney Manktelow & Cashin’s World Star Photo: Libby Law

LEVEL 1 open champion Charlotte Grant & Donnerco CDS Reserve Courtney Manktelow & Cashin’s World Star Daisy Fielding (AUS) and Foxleigh Mr Darcy (owned by Margs Carline) Photo: Libby Law

Holly Wickham (AUS) and Eton MVNZ (owned

by Denise Rushbrook) Photo: Libby Law Jesika Cunningham and Tironui Casino's Gold Photo: Libby Law

MIHI SHEPHERD BACK FOR PRIX ST GEORGES

It was great to see the familiar face of Mihi Shepherd back in the arena, this being her first competition in over two years since starting her veterinary studies. She rode Nikita Osborne’s big bay Anamour gelding Alacatraz (Alfie) to runner-up spot in the L6/7 championship, quite an achievement as this was her first ever attempt at Prix St Georges. “It was always a big dream of mine to do a PSG but for ages I couldn’t even do sitting trot on him!” Mihi laughs. “He is the best schoolmaster for me – I am so, so lucky.”

Mihi lives with the Osborne family up in Kerikeri when she isn’t at University and says Nikita is her “adopted big sister.” During summer Mihi was riding Nikita’s horses for her (following an accident), and Nikita gave her lessons on Alfie. “It is awesome because she is a vet too. And 26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

an amazing rider – and person – so it is the best,” says Mihi. She still has two and a half years of veterinary school ahead of her but has one of Nikita’s 3-year-olds at Massey University with her so she can still ride regularly.

THROUGH THE LEVELS…

There was a strong field in the Fountain City Saddlery Young Rider L1, with the championship going to Charlotte Grant and Donnerco CDS. After consistent performances in her previous three tests she went on to win the 1C final on Sunday (69.423) with the top four placegetters separated by less than a percent.

Reserve went to Courtney Manktelow riding Cashin’s World Star.

Jesika Cunningham took out the Gateshead Equestrian Pony L1 aboard her lovely palomino Tironui Casino’s Gold. From their four tests, they placed second twice and then won the last two with 72.5 and 73.84

scores. The Masterton pair also currently hold the L1 Dressage Pony of the Year title. It was a tussle for Reserve from the 20-strong line-up, which went to Fabriana McQuarrie and Yippee Ki Yay. Popular Christchurch combination Lucy Cochrane and the striking Gymanji romped home with the Maxisoy Young Rider L2 title, scoring well into the 70s in all three qualifying tests for two wins.

Matthews Hanoverians stable rider Reece Downham went into reserve with Georgia MH. “She is my favourite,” says Reece (20), who has been riding for Matthews Hanoverians since July last year. “I get on with her really well and she has taught me so much about dressage.

She’s only five but tries so hard every time – she’s an amazing horse.”

The 20-year-old from Palmerston North had never done any dressage before heading up to Kaitaia to work

NATIONAL NEWS Rebecca Williamson and Don Tobio Photo: Libby Law

Caitlin Benzie and Libretto Photo: Libby Law

Sophia Blackbourn (left) and Champions League, Sam Gradowski Smith (right) and Heritage Don Quilla Photo: Libby Law

Sophie Thomas and Toffee Du Lux Photo: Libby Law

for Matthews Hanoverians, and thought there was no way she would get chosen for the job. But after sending some video – Reece has done a lot of showing – and a trial run at Vanessa Way’s yard, she got the phone call from Judith Matthews straight away, and prepared for the long drive north. “I was nervous when I started because I wanted to do well for Judith, and the horses have got such a reputation. But I absolutely love it.

And everyone in dressage has been so supportive, they always congratulate me and say ‘you can do it!’”

It was a clean sweep in the Pelorus Trust Pony L2 for North Island team members Samantha Belsham and Alpine Park Watercolour, with a trio of wins in their 2C, 2B and Freestyle qualifiers. A handful of riders were super-close on points going into the final class, with reserve eventually going to Alexandra Hope and Oaklands Park Cloud 9.

Auckland’s Caitlin Benzie and Libretto took home the Equilibrium Australia Young Rider L3, adding one consistent test to another throughout the competition before winning Sunday’s 3C a mouse-whisker ahead of reserves Reece Downham and Fanfare MH. 6-year-old Libretto (by Limonit, out of imported mare Spellbound) won the Northland L3 Championship this season and placed in all his classes at the recent Nationals. Libretto is usually competed with Caitlin’s mum, Jeanette. “Caitlin and I very seldom ride each other’s horses so it was the third time she’d sat on him in the last year,” says Jeanette. “He has the most divine temperament is a lovely horse to ride. I thought she did an amazing job and each test got better as she got the feeling for him.”

Claiming the Lion Foundation Pony L3 title was a fairytale ending to Sam Gradowski Smith’s successful

season. Sam and his chestnut mare Heritage Don Quilla won the FEI CDI-Pony Medallist class at the Bates Nationals in February before going on to HOY, where they claimed the L3 Dressage Pony of the Year. Hot on his heels for reserve came the alwayscompetitive Sophia Blackbourn and Champions League (Waikato).

Over in the Affordable Pools Young Rider L4 Rebecca Williamson came oh-so-close to an unbeaten run for the championship. She won all her tests bar the Freestyle, where she and Kerry Goldthorpe riding JHT Chemistry tied for first place on 68.417, but Kerry won having the higher artistic score

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

NATIONAL NEWS

T

SPOTLIGHT ON LUCY COCHRANE AND GYMANJI

his eye-catching combination from the South Island have had a fantastic first season together. They competed at the 2018 NZPCA Dressage Championships after Gymanji qualified as top Intermediate at the Canterbury Area Trials (Canterbury then went on to win the National teams competition). The pair were then L1 title-winners at the South Island Dressage Championships, and, with 77%, won the highest-percent-over-all-grades garland. They also took part in the 2019 FEI Dressage World Challenge, and despite having to compete in the Senior I instead of the Youth class – due to where Lucy’s birthday falls on the calendar – took home the red ribbon.

The stunning nine year old ‘Splash’ is

by Gymnastik Star, out of an Anamour mare (Saffron). Splash gets his sprinkling of appaloosa spots from his dam-line greatgrandsire, Sundays Sensation. “Grandad bought Splash for me in February last year, when I lost my fabulous jumping pony Balrazie to colic.

Splash was spending his days as a casual trekker

28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

and adults riding horse at the time so this past year has been a bit of a change for him!” says Lucy. With the Pony Club eventing season approaching Splash learned to jump and, incredibly, in just one season progressed from 65 up to 105cm, culminating with a clear round at the 105cm Springston Trophy.

“To win the National U25 L2 title just puts the icing on the cake,” states Lucy. “This was our first trip to Taupo. He went better and better over the weekend, winning two of his three tests, as well as the Intermediate Equitation class on 87% with the Australian judge [Anita Barton].”

After a well-deserved winter break, Lucy plans to aim Splash for L4/5 next season, and will also be taking the reins of his half-sister, Lovely Rita, with the aim of riding some CDI-Y tests. Currently competing at L5 with Lucy’s mum Anne, Rita also has the trademark white appaloosa spots “so hopefully it will be a great season with two spotty horses!” she jokes.

NATIONAL NEWS Piper Crake and Glenvar Bramble

Kendall Hamilton rides Pied Piper Top Shelf in the Lead Rein Non Graded 8yrs and under

Amy Sage and BL All by Chance

https://libbylawphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/06-2019-Land-Rover-Horse-of-the-Year-Show-Hawkes-Bay/C0000SH_3WDh8_04 https://libbylawphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/06-2019-Land-Rover-Horse-of-the-Year-Show-Hawkes-Bay/C0000SH_3WDh8_04

Charlotte Aroa and Motu competing in the Special Olympics

The future is bright - the 2019 participants of the Equestrian Entries NZ National Pony and Young Rider Championships

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

NATIONAL NEWS

TRIPLE CROWN FOR AMY SAGE Young Rider of the Year, CDIY Young Rider Medallist and NZL Young Rider Champion

2

0-year-old Amy Sage now holds all three National Young Rider titles after pocketing the Waldebago Trophy. The talented former show rider won the Whakatane Dental Young Rider L5 and Exclusively Yours Young Rider L6/7 championships with BL All

By Chance and RM All About Me respectively. On top of this, she again took out the AMS Saddlery Pony and Young Rider Performance League Awards (she won in 2017, too). “I’m still in recovery!” she says. “It’s been a bit of a dream season, really.”

Amy has been a working pupil for Vanessa Way for the past year.

Before making the move to Taranaki, she was one year into a commerce degree at Auckland University but says the opportunity with Vanessa was too good to pass up,

30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

and has just committed to doing a further 12 months. It was Vanessa that suggested Amy ride Renee Etherington’s 8-year-old BL All By Chance (Anamour) at Champs. “He needed an outing and it was good for me to ride another horse,” says Amy. “I only had three weeks of riding him before the show.”

As for RM All About Me, or Acorn as she is known to her friends, Amy plans to work towards L8 with her this winter. She says the little mare just takes everything in her stride. “She’s become so reliable and consistent, I just go out there and know she’ll do the job now. Nothing phases her, no atmosphere or anything like that.”

Amy also has a 3-year-old Furstenball gelding who will make his way down to Taranaki after being broken in later this month.

It is a full-time position at Vanessa’s yard, and her students have a lot of responsibility. Horses are fed at 6am daily, with the first one ready to ride at 7.30am. Vanessa’s own horses are worked through until lunchtime, and the afternoons are dedicated to teaching: Amy has three lessons a week on her own horse. Mid-afternoon the horses come in again, and have their last feed of the day at 8pm. Amy says it has been very inspiring to see Vanessa’s previous working pupil, Lucarne Dolley, reach Grand Prix.

“She just confirmed that it is possible,” says Amy. “We’re great friends, and I watch her when she comes down and trains so I’ve been seeing her every step of the way – it’s been like riding her Grand Prix with her.”

NATIONAL NEWS

LUCARNE DOLLEY & ARDMORE CRACK THE FEI U25 GRAND PRIX

“

I’m stoked! It’s still a bit surreal, to be fair – I’m on a bit of a high,” says 20-year-old Lucarne after winning the Equissage Young Rider L9 title and the Fissenden Trophy for highest championship points. “I don’t think I’ve ever smiled so much at the end of a test. To actually make it through… that was the first time we’ve ever got our ones in a test.”

It was the first Grand Prix start ever for both horse and rider, and even more astounding when you consider that this is just Ardmore’s third season of dressage with Lucarne. They began their journey in level 2 at this same show in 2016.

She says the path to Grand Prix has “definitely not been easy. The step up from L6/7 to L8 and L9 has been a huge leap. Also he has been in and out all season with foot problems and things, so we only had three goes at L8 before we came to Taupo.”

Lucarne was previously a working student for Vanessa Way before

moving back up home to Waikato, where she has been based for a year now. She texted Vanessa as soon as she got out of the arena. “She was over the moon!” says Lucarne. “I owe a lot to Vanessa. I would not have done this without her. It was actually quite emotional, getting to the end of it, and hearing her say how proud she was.”

Coming back up to Waikato “definitely felt a bit strange and took a bit of adjusting to,” remembers Lucarne. “But I still go back to train almost every other week so I still feel part of it down there. Having the two years down there really helped to fast track it all, Vanessa has been able to sit on my horse and put some buttons in and really help me out.”

For now, it is back to work for Lucarne: she has just started a Bachelor of Physiotherapy (where she was one of just 20 accepted from 140 applicants), which will take four years, with a view to eventually branching into equine physio.

Fortunately it is run in alternate blocks of two weeks’ at Uni, five weeks studying from home, which fits in perfectly with keeping her horses in work. She is planning to consolidate all the Grand Prix work over winter and compete at this level next season.

What advice would she give to others with a goal of Grand Prix?

“Just don’t give up. Don’t worry if you’ve had a bad day. I’ve had my share of bad days but kept that one goal in mind, and kept on pushing.

And I got there.”

Catherine West (Amici II) and Devon Raos (Busuto) also contested the Grand Prix and rode capable tests for solid scores, with reserve Champion going to Catherine. Both these riders have also trained their own horses from scratch; to have three Under 25 lining up at this level is very positive for dressage in New Zealand.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

NATIONAL NEWS

New generation:

VANESSA WAY ON LUCARNE AND AMY Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore enjoying their self made debut at Grand Prix Photo: Libby Law

“

Weren’t they brilliant? Just amazing. I was blown away,” says Vanessa. But to get Luce and her own horse – who had done nothing – to Grand Prix, that’s just a massive wonderful feeling. To see your young rider who you know works so hard and has done it all herself… it’s brilliant. Trying to make the next generation better than what we were, with better knowledge and more opportunities.”

“They’re long-term, hard-working brilliant

32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

Amy Sage has had the perfect season and now looks forward to Grand Prix Photo: Libby Law

girls. You could send them anywhere in the world and they would do anyone proud. All of them doing their working pupil thing is what makes a huge difference. They are getting lessons every day. That’s what they do in Europe, and what we don’t have enough of over here.

It’s good for the kids who work so hard to get their rewards, but at the same time they’re also learning their trade,” she affirms. “Especially when they don’t come from horsey families”.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

NATIONAL NEWS Mackenzie Boundy (AUS) and Don Douglas CFH (owned by Rosie Richards)

Island Park Just Cruising with Jessica Lawrence

Sophia Blackbourn and Champions League

Ardmore checks out https://libbylawphotography.photoshelter.com/gallery-collection/06-2019-Land-Rover-Horse-of-the-Year-Show-Hawkes-Bay/C0000SH_3WDh8_04 the Fissenden Memorial Trophy for most Championship points awarded

by Shirley Hyland

Lawrence Fairplay Award recipient Charlotte Cashin

34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

Nicole Sweney and Quarterly

NATIONAL NEWS

EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES UNDER 25 2019 CHAMPIONSHIP RESULTS HYLAND TROPHY PONY CHAMPION Bella Small & Kingslea Busy Bee

LEVEL 5 OPEN CHAMPION Amy Sage & BL All By Chance RESERVE Millie Thompson & Isle of Mystique

WALDEBAGO TROPHY YR CHAMPION Amy Sage & RM All About Me

LEVEL 6 OPEN CHAMPION Amy Sage & RM All About Me RESERVE Mihi Shepherd & Alacatraz

FISSENDEN MEMORIAL TROPHY Lucarne Dolley & Ardmore LAWRENCE RACING FAIRPLAY AWARDS Trudy Garland & Charlotte Cashin LEAD REIN 8YRS & UNDER Kendall Hamilton & Pied Piper Ben Ten RESERVE Kendall Hamilton & Lancewoods Copper Delight 12YRS & UNDER CHAMPION Morgan Abel-Pattinson & Pioneer North East RESERVE Zoe Garland & Taurimu Da Vince

GRAND PRIX U25 CHAMPION Lucarne Dolley & Ardmore RESERVE Catherine West & Amici II SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHAMPION Charlotte Aroa & Motu PARA GRADE II Chontelle Honour & Tama Park Bradman PARA U25 OPEN GRADE CHAMPION Chontelle Honour & Tama Park Bradman

LEVEL 1 PONY CHAMPION Jesika Cunningham & Tironui Casino's Gold RESERVE Fabriana McQuarrie & Yippee Ki Yay LEVEL 2 PONY CHAMPION Samantha Belsham & Alpine Park Watercolour RESERVE Alexandra Hope & Oaklands Park Cloud 9 LEVEL 3 PONY CHAMPION Samuel Gradowski-Smith & Heritage Don Quilla RESERVE Sophia Blackbourn & Champions League

VETPRO BEST PRESENTED AWARDS: North Island Horse: Eton MVNZ (ridden by Holly Wickham, AUS, owned by Denish Rushbrook) North Island Pony: Island Park Just Cruising (Jessica Lawrence) South Island Horse: Lucy Cochrane (Gymanji) South Island Pony: Te Ataahua Tui Jane (ridden Emma Copplestone) owned by Geraldine Kawabe (Rotorua)

AREA TEAMS: 1st Northland, 2nd Auckland A, 3rd Auckland B

LEVEL 4 PONY CHAMPION Bella Small & Kingslea Busy Bee RESERVE Rebecca Mobberley & Zak Smith

Northland team: Mihi Shepherd (Alacatraz), Reece Downham (Fanfare MH), Reece Downham (Georgia MH), Charlotte Thorpe (Mana Kai Buzzy Bee)

LEVEL 1 OPEN CHAMPION Charlotte Grant & Donnerco CDS RESERVE Courtney Manktelow & Cashin’s World Star

YORK CORPORATION NORTH VS SOUTH TEAMS COMPETITION (AFTER TWO ROUNDS)

LEVEL 2 OPEN CHAMPION Lucy Cochrane & Gymanji RESERVE Reece Downham & Georgia MH

1st – South Island (1555.05) 2nd – North Island (1429.99)

PRYDE’S EASIFEED NORTH VS SOUTH TEAM CHALLENGE (OWN HORSES)

LEVEL 3 OPEN CHAMPION Caitlin Benzie & Libretto RESERVE Reece Downham & Fanfare MH

1st – North Island (110) 2nd – South Island (104)

LEVEL 4 OPEN CHAMPION Rebecca Williamson & Don Tobio RESERVE Brina Carpenter & Plutonium Lady

1st – New Zealand (534.1) 2nd – Queensland (505.3)

NZ VS AUSTRALIA YOUNG RIDER TEAMS CHALLENGE

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

NATIONAL NEWS

K

THE YORK CORPORATION TROPHY GOES SOUTH

imberley Clearwater, Giselle Conway, and Rebecca Copplestone were selected to come to the U25 Championships to ride borrowed horses and their big goal, apart from having a great interisland experience was to maintain the lead the South Island team had recorded back in January at the South Island Championships. Giselle and Rebecca had also been in the South Island team in Round 1 on their own horses and they weren’t about to let this trophy slip away.

Local owners Jill Pedersen (Airthrey Maggie May), Carla Harcourt (Ricker Ridge Zachary) and Geraldine Kawabe (Te Ataahu Tui Jane) were very generous making their quality horses available to enable this competition to take place. Thank you all.

From left Courtenay Manktelow, Emma Maill, Samantha Belsham, Kimberley Clearwater, Emma Copplestone and Giselle Conway Photo Libby Law SOUTH ISLAND RIDERS - TOTAL 1555.02 - 1ST ROUND 1 ON OWN HORSES Solitar Storm

Rilee McMeekin

Saltador

Giselle Conway

Dinky Di Doff

Emma Copplestone

ROUND 2 ON BORROWED HORSES Ricker Ridge Zachary

Kimberley Clearwater

Airthrey Maggie May

Giselle Conway

Te Ataahu Tui Jane

Emma Copplestone

NORTH ISLAND RIDERS - TOTAL 1429.99 2ND ROUND 1 ON BORROWED HORSES Astek Gangsta Girl

Emma Harding

Geneva Star

Willa Aitken

First Choice

Rebecca Williamson

ROUND 2 ON OWN HORSES Cashin’s World Star

Courtenay Manktelow

Oakvale Sovereign

Emma Mail

Alpine Park Watercolour

Samantha Belsham

High quality, uniquely tailored garments for every occasion...

Moores Riding Wear Ltd The best place to shop for a jacket & style to suit your dressage needs.

Show specials available during the South Island Festival of Dressage. e: info@mooresridingwear.co.nz | p: 03 313 6116 | find us on facebook • Dressage tails, Cutaways & Traditional double vented jackets.

• Huge range of sizes from 32” to 46” in stock.

• Here on site for the duration of the show, MAY 2019 call in & see us.

www.mooresridingwear.co.nz

36 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN |

P: 03 313 6116 E: info@mooresridingwear.co.nz

NATIONAL NEWS

THE TRANS-TASMAN EXPERIENCE: EVERYBODY WINS Story by Jess Roberts Photo by Libby Law

A

ll the members on the Queensland team knew each other well – at home they are on the Young Rider Squad together, and this was the second year that Daisy Fielding (19) has competed as part of the trans-Tasman team.

Although they each had several possible borrowed horses to try, time constraints meant that “we googled all we could about the horses before we came, decided which one we wanted and stuck with them!” says 17-year-old Holly.

They say one of the hardest things about coming to New Zealand has been learning our dressage tests.

“These tests are crazy!” laughs 20-year-old Mackenzie, who is in her fourth year of a nursing degree, and competed at Level 5. To make it more confusing, the Australian dressage tests also recently changed over so they’ve had to re-learn their

own as well as ours, and on top of that remember their Musical floorplans for their borrowed horses.

The girls stayed in Taupo central for the duration of the show and said the main thing they noticed about being here was that “it’s SO COLD!” they chorus. “But it’s been a great experience,” says Daisy. “We’re learning so much. It’s good being in a situation where you just have to manage, and make it the best you can in the arena.”

“Everyone has been really lovely,” adds Mackenzie. “my owner [Rosie Richardson, with Don Douglas CFH] has been really helpful, very lovely and very positive.” Holly and Daisy compete in the Small Tour at home on Kinnordy Gyron and Fairbanks Da Vinci respectively, while Mackenzie and her horse BZ Fortune Cookie contest the Medium ranks. The Young Rider Nationals

in Australia are held mid-year so the trio will head straight home to continue their preparation. We wish them all the best for this event, and congratulate them on their professional, cheerful, friendly and team-spirited attitude. New Zealand sends a team across to the Australian Young Rider Nationals and this annual reciprocal exchange provides invaluable learning experiences for all involved.

NZL TEAM Amy Sage and BL All By Chance (owned by Renee Etherington), Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir, Brina Carpenter and Plutonium Lady.

QUEENSLAND TEAM Daisy Fielding and Foxleigh Mr Darcy (owned by Margs Carline) Mackenzie Boundy and Don Douglas CFH (owned by Rosie Richardson) Holly Wickham and Eton MVNZ (owned by Denise Rushbrook) MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37

NATIONAL NEWS

SHIRLEY HYLAND: CELEBRATING 25 YEARS Story by Jess Roberts Photos by Libby Law

Shirley Hyland cuts the anniversary cake with the youngest competitor Briar Herries

A

The Bulletin talks to Shirley Hyland, whose passion and vision for dressage and its youngest competitors prompted her to start the NZ National Pony and Young Rider Championships back in 1995. The event has proved a thriving nursery for success, allowing talent to meet experience in a positive and inclusive atmosphere.

n event solely for children and young riders was the vision of keen horsewoman Shirley Hyland a quarter of a century ago, with the inaugural show held in Gisborne at the A&P showgrounds.

“It was neat!” she remembers.

“They came from everywhere, from the South Island too. It was very hot – 40 degrees, one of the hottest days we’d ever had. And the highest grade test was a Medium I think! But now they ride at the highest level so that’s great. It’s been a big improvement in 25 years.”

At the time Shirley introduced the idea, she was the Chair of the Dressage NZ committee and there were very few competitions for children.

38 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

“There were quite a few children riding though, and the idea started off that I thought they needed to get their position and arena technique right before they left school, so they could pick it up later on in their lives and not have to start from the very beginning when they were older ” she explains.

“Also that they would be able to ride against people of their own ability so it wasn’t so intimidating, and also to have a goal for them to be able to reach. If you don’t have a goal in this life, there’s no incentive to work. So that’s why we started it.”

Another reason Shirley was keen to get the young rider scene started was that NZ was beginning to train its long-distance sights on the Olympics

and the World Championships. “My attitude was, if you didn’t train and compete the same way as the top people overseas, then you weren’t going to make it. If you didn’t have the basic training at a young age that they did, well, it’s too big a gap to try and catch up. You had to train the same way as those top people,” she says.

The show has been comprehensive from the start: that first year they had the North vs South Island and transTasman competitions that we have to this day. At the same time, Shirley also created the Young Rider Training Squad. “We had one in the north and one in the south. I asked the (dressage) discipline for $1,000 for each island, and people like Tiny White and

Marcia Bayley gave their time freely for lectures and a riding lesson, which all riders had to attend. They had to earn their place in that squad! They had to be competitive, and good enough to be selected. That [squad] is still going, so I’m delighted with that.”

Shirley has been involved with dressage since its infancy in New Zealand, starting right at the beginning and working her way up, eventually becoming a List I and FEI International Candidate (now 3*) judge.

“In the old days I always had nice hacks and was a round the ring jumper, did polocrosse – I have been fairly experienced in the different disciplines but always have been keen on flatwork, because that is the training for everything else,” she notes.

Making headway at that time was difficult, however. There wasn’t the access to training and coaching that we have in 2019 – back then an overseas instructor would come just once a year for five days and that was it. Used to nearly kill all of us!” Shirley laughs. “Lockie Richards came, he was ex-Gisborne”, went overseas and used to come home to visit his parents.

Then there was Karl De Jurenak, and Colonel Doornbos. They were brilliant instructors, those people. Then we had Philip Oxenius. So, we’ve had good instructors. But it’s been slow progress because we didn’t have them every week! You’d potter around with your horses’ nose on the ground for a whole year til they came next time.”

Back to the present day, and Shirley is very positive about the direction our horses and riders are taking. “I’m pleased with the standard that’s now being achieved with the horses and ponies, there are some real quality horses competing. They’re breeding them especially for the job now so that makes a difference.” But she is quick to reiterate the importance of good training. “I know they have to have a natural ability, but training makes a big difference. A lot of horses, you just improve them. They might not be world-beaters but with dressage you can improve a lot of horses.

“And that is my hope, that by having these sorts of things for young people they learn to ride correctly and

progress on the way up. I’m quite proud of it to be perfectly honest. Something to have achieved in my time.”

ABOUT SHIRLEY HYLAND Shirley is from Gisborne and has been riding horses from childhood: out on the 7,000-acre farm where she grew up, horses were still one of the main forms of transport. “We only used to have the mail delivered once a week. Everyone used to come to my father’s place to get their mail and tied their horses up outside. I used to go out and ride them all! I should have got killed but I didn’t. So, I learned to ride lots of different sorts of horses.

“Really good horses, too, not just old plodders,” she adds. “In the wintertime when you had to go out, there were only clay roads and you had to ride everywhere. You could drive but you slid around, and it was really scary! So, they were good horses, otherwise you’d be walking.”

There was no horse float or comfy truck to take you to a show back then, and sometimes it was a three-day affair to compete at an event. “When I was nine, I rode 30 miles by myself to a sports meeting [yes, I asked: four hours], competed the next day and rode home again the day after. It was round the ring jumping on a horse called Old Creamy, that was the beginning of things for me.

Did Shirley have a favourite out of all those horses? “Yes!” she says, not needing any time to think about

it. “His name was Thunderbolt. He was a brilliant round the ring jumper but was also a champion hack at the same time. No dressage at that time, no such thing! He was a lovely horse.

He came from Maungahei and was

by Panikau [the famous Ngahiwi Station foundation stallion, who was part Lippizaner]. He was a lovely little fellow – I’d love to have him now! We had some lovely breeds in Gisborne in those days and any one of them could have been a dressage horse. Everyone used to come to Gisborne to buy their horses. There’d be sixty horses 60 in a hack class. You had to have a good horse to win because the top ones were really good.”

Shirley has now been instructing for 60 years. She began her coaching career at Pony Club, where her daughter started at age five (the late Christine Beatson, who represented Gisborne-Wairoa in the Area Trials team seven times, won the Dorothy Campbell trophy twice, as well as a second and two thirds in the AI cup).

She continues to work with riders of all ages and had several competing here at Champs. The gorgeous grey pony Will ‘o The Wisp was U12 Champion last year with Shirley’s pupil Olivia Bryant, and he is back again this year with rider Isobel Jayne Bevitt, who Shirley also instructs. “My little pupil got second this morning in the U12s!” she smiles. “I’ve got three over here this year, so I’ll keep my fingers crossed!”.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 39

NATIONAL NEWS

TIGHT FINISH TO AMS SADDLERY PONY AND YOUNG RIDER DRESSAGE PERFORMANCE LEAGUE Photo by Libby Law

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz

40 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

1

45 Pony and Young Riders contested the AMS Saddlery Performance Awards this season at twenty-one premier league events and the grand finale at the Under 25 Championships. Although the combinations compete in the open grade classes league points are uniquely awarded to the U21’s at each event so they can compare their performances within their grade and age groups.

The AMS Saddlery saddle award cannot be won by the same rider more than once. Amy Sage won the top award in 2017, so as Brina Carpenter had next highest points overall, she was awarded the fabulous saddle prize thanks to Auckland’s AMS Saddlery.

LEVEL 1

Glenvar Bramble

Piper Crake

1

Danza MH

Lucarne Dolley

2

Donnerminime

Anya Peterson

3

Tironui Casino’s Gold

Jesika Cunningham

4

Bendoran Digger

Charlotte Delany

5

LEVEL 2

Solitar Storm

Rilee McMeekin

1

Georgia MH

Reece Downham-Smith

2

Ebony Affair

Bella Small

3

Tairawhiti Lad

Anya Peterson

4

Oaklands Park Cloud 9

Alexandra Hope

5

LEVEL 3

Redwood Furst Affair

Morgan Beere

1

Summerhill Forest

Sofia Letteri

2

Champions League

Sophia Blackbourn

3

Geneva Star

Willa Aitken

4

Heritage Don Quilla

Samuel Gradowski-Smith

5

LEVEL 4

Plutonium Lady

Brina Carpenter

1

Zac Smith

Rebecca Mobberley

2

Papanui Jackpot

Mackenzie Sim

3

HPH Levitate

Sachleen Kaur

4

Furstango

Brooke Harris

5

LEVEL 5

Terje

Lilly Jefferies

1

Isle of Mystique

Millie Thompson

2

BL All By Chance

Amy Sage

3

NPE Del Rico

Ben Weir

4

Snapshot FE

Kerry Goldthorpe

5

LEVEL 6

RM All About Me

Amy Sage

1

Lord Louis

Brina Carpenter

2

Alacatraz

Mihi Shepherd

3

Glamour Star

Irina Smith

4

Amador

Madison Schollum

5

LEVEL 7

Amador

Madison Schollum

1

RM All About Me

Amy Sage

2

LEVEL 8

Ardmore

Lucarne Dolley

LEVEL 9

Ardmore

Lucarne Dolley

1

1

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41

NATIONAL NEWS

THE ELITE EQUINE NORTH ISLAND FUTURE STARS Story by Wendy Hamerton Photos by Libby Law

https://libbylawphotography.photoshelter.com

42 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

T

he Future Stars was an interesting mix of young horses at the beginning of their career, and FEI level horses, some about to embark on their first international experience outside New Zealand.

While the numbers in the young horse classes were a little disappointing, the quality of entries was undoubtedly high.

It was wonderful to see Kerikeri’s Nikita Osborne back competing following a work-related accident which had kept her off the scene for over four months, seeing her returning to riding just six weeks ago.

Her good friend Mihi Shepherd (also from Northland) worked for Nikita over the university summer holidays

keeping the SF team in work and this partnership was well rewarded.

Seaforth Farm was prominent, taking home both the 4yr old and 6yr old 2019 Future Stars titles.

Nikita is an avid supporter of the young horse classes. “I love the concept. These classes are such a good indication of your training and where you are at. I rode at Dressage with the Stars when I worked for Jaybee Farms in Australia. It would be fabulous if we could create something like this in NZ and utilise a guest rider to decide the champions from maybe the first and second placegetters.

I am not sure that we need two rounds. In Australia, they have so many entries the first round is only

to decide who goes into the second round. We don’t have those numbers yet. The comments I received from the judges in the second round were virtually the same as the first round, so there seemed to be little advantage having two rounds over two days.

I also wonder if the timing of the show is right. After the Nationals and Horse of the Year everyone is a bit tired – winding down. But I hope we can find a way to continue to make it work. I love the concept”.

Seaforth Farm has a number of home bred future stars including a two year old by the Hanoverian Don Index, the Champion of the 2010 Stallion Performance Test in Adelheidsdorf, three yearlings and MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43

NATIONAL NEWS

Nikita Osborne with the Elite Equine Supreme Champion Young Horse SF Austin with the admiring judges

two foals. Nikita felt very proud to receive the NZ Hanoverian Society Tour Top Foal Award this season.

EQUIBREED 4YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE SF Austin (Nikita Osborne) 1, Quaterly (Nicole Sweney) 2, Waimarie MH (Reece Downham) 3, Cashin’s World Star (Courtney Manktelow) 4, PSL Jahzara (Ashleigh Kendall) 5.

The Equibreed four-year-old competition was as close as it could possibly be, with just 1.2% separating first and second after two rounds.

SF Austin (Anamour/Jaybee Aloha/ Jaybee Alabaster) bred by Seaforth Farm, owned and presented by Nikita Osborne of Seaforth Farm was the winner after a countback from Quaterly (Quaterhall/ Landora/ Landioso) bred by Debra Bromley, owned by Imogen Neale and presented

by Auckland’s Nicole Sweney. Both horses had a win and second place, both scoring over 75% in both rounds.

Waimaire MH (Wordly/Remi London Attraction/Londonderry) bred and owned by Matthews Hanoverians and presented by Reece Downham completed the top three.

44 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

ORO EQUESTRIAN 5YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Georgia MH (Reece Downham) 1, Fanfare MH (Reece Downham) 2, Regents Legacy (Jane Callaghan) 3.

Matthews Hanoverians dominated the Oro Equestrian five-year-old

division with Georgia MH and Fanfare MH, with a win each, Georgia taking the Championship as a result of the higher aggregate percentage. Fanfare MH however had the single highest score of the show on 80%.

Reece Downham on the stunning black 5yo mare, Fanfare MH

NATIONAL NEWS Right Ellen Mitchell with the Developing 6yo Donnerubin mare Donnerstar CDS Below Holly Leach and the impressive 7yo champion HP Fresco

LION FOUNDATION 6YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE This division attracted just one starter, the classy SF Artisan (Jaybee Alto/Jaybee Aloha/ Jaybee Alabaster) bred owned and presented by Nikita Osborne who scored 67.4% and 69.4% respectively.

A Developing six-year-old class was offered as a non-championship class.

This was won by the very elegant Donnerubin mare, Donnerstar CDS, bred by the CDS stud and owned and presented by Ellen Mitchell.

PELORUS TRUST 7YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE The seven-year-old class was a great dress rehearsal for HP Fresco (Oldenburg, Fackeltanz /HP Leibelei/ Lander) owned and presented by Holly Leach. This was their final

preparation for the Sydney CDI and the NSW Young Dressage Championship. The 7YO test is judged as two parts, quality and technical. Fresco scored exactly 69.286% in both technical component rounds and 71.6% and 75% for quality assessed by Sue Hobson, Anita Barton and Vittorio Barba.

ELITE EQUINE OVERALL CHAMPION HORSE: SF Austin (Nikita Osborne) KIWI ARENA RAKES 4YO YOUNG DRESSAGE PONIES Sandhill Trussardi presented by Claudia Younger 1, Cardonald Beauden Barrett (Welsh Riding Pony - Monstevos Just Flag It / Greenlee Rosetta /Greenlee Merry Minstrel. Breeder Kerry Shearer) presented by Emma Dickons 2, Maxwelton Monday Magic (Riding Pony- Drumnacott Rifleman/ Maxwelton Miss Muffet / Willowcroft Hill Courage. Breeder JA Johnson) presented by Grace Purdie 3.

Three quality ponies were entered in the four-year-old division. It was a huge experience for these young riders in the indoor arena and on young ponies. The first round was very close, won by eleven-year-old Grace Purdie and on 62.8%. The second round was a clear win on 70.00% for Feilding’s Claudia Younger, on also giving this delightful combination the Champion Pony Title.

KIWI ARENA RAKES 5YO & 6YO YOUNG DRESSAGE PONIES There were no five year old ponies entered, and just one six year old, Diamond Dealer (Warmblood/Arab Golden Strike /Golden Windz Abby/ Star Turn) owned Alison Blithe and presented by Aimee McKenna.

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 45

NATIONAL NEWS

GOOD THINGS COME IN SMALL PACKAGES Story by Jess Roberts Photo by Libby Law Photography

The Elite Equine Future Stars Pony Champions for 2019 went to Sandhill Trussardi and Claudia Younger

G

erman Riding Pony Sandhill Trussardi has started his dressage career in fine style.

Bred by Kaitaia’s Fiona Sucich in Far North, he was secured just a few short months ago by the Younger family for nine year old daughter Claudia. Though only recently broken-in, the 4-year-old had that much sought-after combination of outstanding movement paired with an extremely kind and trainable temperament. “The reports we’ve had about his sire and offspring is that they are really rideable for kids but still have super movement,” says Claudia’s mum Jacinda. “He is very intelligent and learns very quickly.”

After a bumpy lead-up to the Taupo event (Trussardi picked up a nasty virus at the Horse of the Year Show needing time off to recover) – the

46 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

young Feilding combination nailed their final Future Stars test, finishing well ahead of their rivals on a score of 70%. This win put them ahead after two rounds and earned them the Kiwi Arena Rakes Young Dressage Pony 4-yr-old title, and from there they were crowned Grand Champion Young Dressage Pony. It was a special moment for all the connections of Trussardi and especially for breeder Fiona, who had driven all the way down from Kaitaia to be at the event.

Trussardi’s sire, Trussardi D, was imported to Australia by Kristy Jarvis of Dynamik Stallions, a German Riding Pony stud based in Perth. The stallion has a list of achievements as long as your arm in both Germany and Australia, where he competes at Prix St Georges level. He was classified a Premium Stallion at the

Westphalian Licensing and was Bundeschampionate Bronze Medallist for 4-year-old German Riding Pony Stallions (he is now 12).

Jacinda is keen to import some Trussardi D frozen semen into NZ but increased MPI restrictions are making the process difficult. “I’d like to breed our own Trussardi D foal from Claudia’s other pony Dancier SF. He has quite a few foals on the ground in Australia and he stamps them very strongly,” she notes.

The Younger family would like to thank their sponsors Pryde’s Éasifeed and The Equine Herb Company.

Jacinda adds “And of course Graeme at home, who feeds and looks after everyone else including Donnerubin.

We couldn’t do it without him - he is the unsung hero.”

NATIONAL NEWS

1.

2.

5.

3.

TOMORROW'S FUTURE STARS OF GRAND PRIX 1. Jody Hartsone and Ali Baba 2. Kieryn Walton and Rosari Don Carlos 3. Christine Weal and Schindlers Liszt 4. Victoria Wall and Letty Lei EDH 6. Wendi Williamson and Decadance MH

4.

All Photos Libby Law Photography

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47

NATIONAL NEWS

IMPRESSIONS FROM THE INTERNATIONAL JUDGES Story by Jess Roberts Photo by Libby Law

48 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS Jess Roberts spoke to visiting international judges Vittorio Barba and Anita Barton after four days of judging our future generations.

F

EI3* judge Vittorio Barba (PHI) was on his second trip to NZ in a judging capacity. He first judged here two years ago at HOY 2017.

His overall view was quite polarised. “I have to be honest. You really know who is respecting the training scale, and who is not. Some are, and some are not. You must respect the training scale and do it one by one,” he explains. “You need to have rhythm, you need to have suppleness, and then you can have the contact. Not the other way around.

“When they are badly ridden, they [the rider] is keeping in mind the contact but the contact doesn’t genuinely come from suppleness, engagement and clear rhythm. If you start with contact first, the rhythm breaks and the suppleness breaks. And that is not correct dressage.” However, Barba was very impressed with the 4-year-olds that he judged at the Future Stars just prior to U25 Championships. “They looked even better than the mature horses because they looked like they were on the right track. They were relaxed but energetic, clear in the rhythm and softly on the bit. The training scale – you have to keep it as the bible truth.”

Barba describes his judging work as his weekend job; by day he is a fashion designer with his own label, called Barba. Although they seem worlds apart, he says his two jobs have more in common than you might think. “It’s almost the same thing,” he smiles.

“Elegance, rhythm, energy and symmetry.”

Anita Barton is the event director of the Pony and Young Rider equivalent over in Australia and has judged there many times. She rides to Grand Prix level herself and is the Chair of the State Dressage Authority. She is also a veterinarian, and just four months away from completing her PhD. Barton has a full Clydesdale who has competed to Prix St Georges: his name is Eucalypt Park Chieftain, and he has his own Facebook page! “He does piaffe, and some one-time-changes. He doesn’t have the stamina to do the FEI tests, he does the work no problem but needs a walk break halfway through the canter work!”

At Australian National A level, and a FEI Candidate dressage judge, Barton was pleased with the overall standard of our riders. “They’re riding very accurately, they’re riding their transitions well, even in the lower level tests,” she observes. “There have definitely been some highlights over the weekend – I liked the energy that some of the riders created in their horses, and their interpretation of the test.”

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49

OUR PEOPLE

OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH CHARLES USHER Sponsored by AR Dressage Photo by Mel's Moments Photography

“Taking one for the team”

N

ational Steward Charles Usher certainly adopted that mantra when volunteering as a steward at the recent Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge at McLeans Island.

Despite the seriously inclement weather for the entire day, Charles was committed to the task of arena gate steward, supporting riders and remaining cheerful in somewhat damp conditions.

When asked about Charles’ involvement as a Steward, Jane Robertson the DNZ Steward General was extremely complimentary saying

50 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

“Charles is always willing to make himself available as a steward. He is very popular with the riders as he is always so courteous in his role” He first became involved because his wife Gill was spending many weekends away from home judging or acting as Technical Delegate at Dressage events and Charles identified that becoming a Steward was an ideal way for them to attend shows together. That was over 20 years ago. Charles was a French language teacher at Christ’s College in Christchurch prior to his retirement and his experience in the

education system has transferred well to the role of a steward. It has stood him in good stead in the field of rules interpretation - an asset in the dressage world.

Charles and Gill also spend some of their leisure time together playing bridge and walking the family dog, and they both still visit the gym regularly.

Charles is the recipient of this month’s AR Dressage Official prize.

Thank you, Charles.

For further information about AR Dressage, contact Andrea Raves at tetch@xtra.co.nz

OUR PEOPLE

Chris Lovelady and Henton Allouette at the 2019 South Island Dressage Championships

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH CHRIS LOVELADY Sponsored by AllinFlex Photo by Mel's Moments Photography

O

rganised, communicative, timely, proactive and passionate, these words aptly describe Chris Lovelady’s commitment to dressage despite working full-time as the Relationship Manager for the CatWalk Spinal Cord Injury Research Trust. The trusts purpose is to fund the researchers who are working to find a cure for SCI which would be life changing for those who live with paralysis. They do all sorts of fundraising ventures and have many individuals and organisations who choose to support CatWalk by fundraising. It’s a busy role for Chris and no two days are the same.

She feels very lucky to work with wonderful people and supporters who are so generous. Her family also have an engineering business which keeps her busy administration wise. Having two grown up children, horses, 3 dogs and a lifestyle block tends to take up any spare hours but when they do get

time, Chris and her husband John like to go out walking and spending time with their family and friends.

Despite this fully packed life Chris has made time to be involved with Canterbury Dressage for about 26 years and has held various volunteer roles over that time, including publicity, sponsorship, entries, draw and for this past year has been Chair of the group. Chris feels that they have a great team at CDG who put in a huge amount of volunteer hours to enable riders to have such great competitions, and she said she has made some great friendships over the years.

Chris tries to ride as often as she can and loves her mare, Henton Allouette, a 6 year old purchased as a rising 4 year old from Henton Lodge through Sim Kann. Chris competed her in last at the South Island Champs and then when things got busy with other organising roles for the autumn series and FEI Dressage World Challenge,

Nicola Maley took over the ride as her own horse was being rested. Nicola did an awesome job with Stella coming second in the Senior 1 class at the Challenge backed up with the Level 3 Championship at the South Island Festival of Future Stars. Chris now has a hard act to follow next season!

Chris has served as Chef de Equipe for Dressage NZ team at the FEI Dressage World Challenge, helping to clock up numerous wins in the last five years. In 2018 she took a Young Rider team to Caboolture to the Queensland Youth Championships which she felt was a wonderful experience. Chris really enjoys working with riders and supporting them as they represent NZ and she hopes to be able to do more in the future.

Chris is the recipient of this month’s AllinFlex Volunteer prize. Check out their range of products at www. allinflex.co.nz MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 51

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

WERTH PROVES UNBEATABLE ONE MORE TIME Story by Louise Parkes

I

n a competition that built to an incredible crescendo, Germany’s Isabell Werth (49) stood firm to win the FEI Dressage World Cup™ title for the fifth time in her extraordinary career. They came from all around the globe to take on the most successful equestrian athlete of all time and gave it everything they had, but she didn’t buckle under the pressure. That’s not her style.

As she entered the arena, secondlast to go of the 18 starters, the crowd held their breath in anticipation. They had watched rider after rider throw everything they had at her, piling on the pressure as they also bid for the trophy they all want to win. The spectators were in a frenzy when Sweden’s Tinne Vilhelmson Silfven and Don Auriello drew the first-half of the competition to a close with a breathtaking ride on her great Don Auriello, and they went into complete over-drive when it re-started with a new leading score from their own Patrick Kittel and Delaunay OLD. But Laura Graves (31) blew the competition wide open when strutting 52 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

to a score of 87.179 with just five left to go. As the American pointed out this evening her gelding Verdades, one of the five stunning 17-year-old horses who have graced this Final, is just getting better with age and she stayed out in front despite a spectacular ride for Denmark’s Daniel Bachmann Andersen (28) who didn’t hold anything back when steering the stallion Blue Hors Zack to a score of 85.468.

With a beautifully balanced test during which her elegant horse Goerklintgaards Dublet looked like he could do one-tempi changes all day, another of the strong American contingent, Kasey Perry-Glass, slotted in behind him. So Graves was still holding court at the head of the leaderboard as Werth set off. But it wouldn’t be for long.

“My ride was really fantastic, my mare did a perfect test and she really deserved the win!” said the lady whose trophy cabinet is laden with gold medals, including six from Olympic Games, eight collected at World Games and 12 from European Championships who put 88.871 on

the board. Werth is never altogether pleased when asked what still drives her, at almost 50 years of age, to still be hungry for success, but tonight she replied simply, “I live what I do….and this is what keeps me so competitive!”

Reflecting on her performance she said, “I could take all the risks at extended canter and take her back and the pirouettes were great. We could not have been better!”. Except, as she admitted, in the one-tempi changes where there was a little blip. “I was arrogant there, so that was my fault!” she said.

She may have been brilliant once again today, but the prize for the most exciting test went, without a shadow of doubt, to her compatriot and 2013 champion Helen Langehanenberg who finished third on a mark of 86.571 after a performance that, quite literally, ended with onlookers gasping in disbelief. None more than Judge at C, Magnus Ringmark, whose expression was priceless as the German rider’s 17-year-old stallion Damsey FRH exploded down the centreline in a massive extended trot,

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

halting only inches from his table.

“I thought he was going to end on my lap!” the Swedish Ground Jury member laughed afterwards.

“The sport has changed a lot since I won my first Final” Werth reflected this evening. That was 27 years ago, also in Gothenburg riding a horse called Fabienne. “We now have such a professional team around us, and there are great improvements on all sides. It is very important for us to keep the respect for the horse for the future and it’s great to see so many older horses still performing at this level, it shows how well they are cared for and how much respect their riders have for them” she said.

Both runner-up Graves and thirdplaced Langehanenberg were riding two of those 17-year-olds, still full of the joys of life and still intensely competitive. Langehanenberg said of the hard-pulling Damsey FRH, “I am thankful and really proud of him. The clapping motivated him at the end of the test and I think he would have been quite happy to start all over again!”

Today didn’t just mark Werth’s fifth victory, it was also her third in succession and, each time over the last three seasons, it has been Graves who she has had to pin back into runner-up spot.

“Like Isabell said it is our duty to take care of our horses and try to keep them healthy. My horse likes

Laura Graves and Verdades Photo FEI/Liz Gregg

his job and never puts a foot wrong when I ride him, although at the barn he knows he’s the boss! He was so rideable today, the crowd was amazing and I hope everyone enjoyed it as much as me!” said the American.

The greeting the riders received in the prizegiving suggested that the crowd most certainly did.

Isabell Werth and Weihegold Photo Christophe Taniere

Helen Langehanenberg and Damsey FRH Photo Charlie Crowhurst

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 53

NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS The 2019 Planning Meeting took place at the end of March.

An excellent turn out of delegates attended resulting in productive discussion on a wide range of topics...

NEW TESTS: The recommendation that NZL adopt the AUS version of the USDF tests was agreed. It was also agreed that NZL should retain the same number of levels within the NZL grading system. In order to retain the current grading system, NZL will produce a new set of Level 4 (Medium Tests) which will introduce half passes in trot and canter, but will not include flying changes.

This will ensure an encouraging and uniform progression of difficulty both through the levels and within the levels.

A test book will be produced, and Tests will also be online.

Organizing committees will be able to print their own tests as required.

The first of September 2019 is the date set for implementation.

Dressage is working to have the tests available by the end of June at conference. The numbers/names of the tests will be available prior to the date for OC’s for scheduling purposes.

FEES: A draft budget was presented to the meeting by the Board creating a lively debate about the fee structure for horses for 2019/20.

Dressage has not increased fees for two years and it was agreed in principle that income from fees had to at least keep pace with inflation. The Board was sent away to further consider the means by which an increase for 2019 should happen. Should it be solely an increase in annual start fees or should there be an increase in the use pay levy, or a mix of both?

CURRENT

PROPOSED

LEVEL 0

no change to requirements

LEVEL 1

up to 30 pts in Level 2 or above

LEVEL 2

up to 30 pts in Level 3 or above

LEVEL 3

up to 30 pts in Level 4 or above

LEVEL 4

No flying change

up to 30 pts in Level 5 or above

LEVEL 5

Single flying change

up to 30 pts in current Level 6 or above no restriction

NO EQUIVALENT

3x & 4x flying change

FEI LEVELS

Levels 7 - 9 inclusive

SMALL TOUR

Level 7: PSG / Int I / Int I Freestyle

INTERMEDIATE TOUR

Level 8: Int A / Int B / Int A-B Freestyle

BIG TOUR

Level 9: Grand Prix / U25 Grand Prix / Grand Prix Special / Grand Prix freestyle

54 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL NEWS

ESNZ VALUING VOLUNTEER OFFICIALS Thanks to ESNZ and the Pelorus Trust, ESNZ officials have a bright new look as they undergo their event duties. The new officials vests were on show at the recent Equestrian Entries U25 Dressage Championships and proudly shown off by two of our favourite stewards, Karen & Murray Anderson.

RULES: It was agreed that FEI Rule Changes would not be adopted until the first of January annually other than for FEI events. Further discussion will take place at conference re time frame and process for adopting FEI rules. Agreed in principle that not all FEI rules are applicable to rules for national competition BOARD POSITIONS: The following positions are available for appointment and election in June 2019 Chair: Elected position Technical Officer: Appointed position SUB-COMMITTEES: Judges Sub-Committee: One elected position Committee Member Appointment Panel (Elected by the Committee) For a one-year term BOARD APPOINTMENTS • Dressage Steward General (Jane Robertson retiring in 2019) • NI & SI ESNZ Equestrian Centre Representatives • ESNZ AGA Dressage Delegates • Patron Nomination Forms & Expression of Interest Forms

NORTH ISLAND RIDER REP The Committee received the resignation of Alicia Zeludko. Nominations are sought for a replacement for https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2019/04/dressage-north-island-riders-rep-nominations-invited/ the remainder of the term CONFERENCE JUNE 2019 The 2019 Dressage Conference & Awards Dinner followed by Committee meeting will be held at the Sudima Hotel, Auckland Airport 29/30 June Dressage Waitemata and AMDG are organizing. Nomination forms and Registration forms will be distributed soon.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING 2020 ESNZ has proposed a central venue / date for all discipline AGA/conferences in 2020 and combined Awards Dinner with key awards only to be presented.

The concept of discipline AGM’s held at a common venue was supported but there was a desire at the same time to retain the uniqueness of the Dressage Awards Dinner to celebrate our winners and honour the Dressage national sponsors.

https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2019/04/dressage-agm-conference-29-30-june-2019-nominations-and-eoi-invited/

AMATEUR

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sponsors

R

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 55

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

WHAT’S ON MAY 2019 | SOUTH ISLAND 5

Dressage Canterbury Autumn Series Day 3

Local

19

NLEC Autumn Series Day#2 (Rangiora)

Local

20

Dressage Ashburton Autumn Series

Training

26

NEG Autumn Series Day #3 (Rangiora)

Local

26

Dressage Nelson Area Group Winter Series #2

Local

JUNE 2019 | SOUTH ISLAND 9

Canterbury Dressage Winter Series Day 1

Local

16

NLEC Autumn Series Day 3

Local

30

NEG Winter Series Day 1

Local

30

Nelson Area Dressage Group Winter Series #3

Local

MAY 2019 | NORTH ISLAND 4/5

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Dressage Series - Day One

Local

5

Dressage Auckland-Manukau Group

Local

5

Dressage Northland

Local

12

Dressage Hawke’s Bay Autumn Series Day Two

Local

12

Dressage Waitemata Autumn #3

Local

12

Dressage Horowhenua Dressage May Ribbon Day

Training

19

MTDG Autumn Series Day 2

Local

19

Solway Dressage Autumn Series - Day 2

Training

26

Dressage Gisborne Autumn Series - Day 3

Local

26

Northland Dressage

Local

JUNE 2019 | NORTH ISLAND 1/2

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Dressage Series - Day Two

Local

8/9

Dressage Taranaki Winter Event

Local

9

Dressage Hawkes Bay Autumn Series Day Three

Local

9

Horowhenua Dressage Group June Ribbon Day

Training

16

Solway Dressage Autumn Series - Day 3

Training

22/23

Dressage Taranaki Winter Fun Day

Training

FOR MORE DETAILS OF EACH EVENT & VENUE, AND CONTACT DETAILS GO TO www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage/competition/calendar DOWNLOAD YOUR DRESSAGE GOOGLE CALENDAR AT https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/show-dates-card-for-2018-2019/

56 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2019

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

NEW LOOK FOR THE NEW SEASON National Championships to follow Horse of the Year Show, U25CH move back to January

T

he 2019/20 calendar of regional and national events will see some significant changes in the North for the coming season.

The first regional event will now be hosted by Dressage Central Districts at Manfeild on 14/15 September.

Traditionally Bay of Plenty at Taupo is the first regional event on the third weekend in October so this change brings the new season forward and reduces the bottleneck of preChristmas events.

At the other end of the season, the National Championships will break a long tradition of being held prior to Horse of the Year Show and will be at Taupo NEC 26-29 March, after Horse of the Year Show 10-15 March.

This change has been necessary to avoid a potential clash with Willinga Park (NSW-AUS) back to back CDI 4* events and a possible FEI Regional Dressage Forum. These events had the possibility to compromise the availability of AUS & NZ FEI and national judges for our own CDI 3*.

An extended premier league season has also been suggested by riders from time to time so the success of this new look calendar will be our guide for the future.

SEPTEMBER 2019 14/15

Central Districts

Manfeild Park

28/29

SCNO Dressage Spring Show

Waimate A&P SG

OCTOBER 2019 18/20

Equidays

Mystery Creek

26/28

Bay of Plenty Premier League

Taupo NEC

NOVEMBER 2019 9/10

Otago Championship Premier League

Otago Taieri A&P SG

15/17

AMDG Premier League

Clevedon A&P SG

16/17

Ashburton Premier League

Ashburton A&P SG

21/24

Equitana NZ

Auckland

23/24

Gisborne Dressage Premier League

Gisborne SG

30/1

Canterbury Premier League

McLeans Island NEC

30/1

Southern Hawkes Bay Premier League

Dannevirke A&P SG

DECEMBER 2019 6/8

Dressage Southland Premier League

Gore A&P SG

7/8

Dressage Waitemata Premier League

Woodhill Sands

14/15

Taihape Christmas Premier League

Taihape A&P SG

JANUARY 2020 10/12

Taranaki Dressage Premier League

Egmont A&P SG (Hawera)

18/19

Wairarapa Premier League

Solway SG Masterton

25/27

U25 Youth Championships

Taupo NEC

FEBRUARY 2020 7/9

Southland Island Champs (PL)

Gore A&P SG

14/16

Dressage Waikato Premier League

Taupo NEC

MARCH 2020 10/15

Horse of the Year CDI 3* / Y

Hastings SG

26/29

National CH /CDI 3*/Y/P

Taupo NEC

NATIONAL

EVENT Sponsors

NZ

MAY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 57

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

58 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 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)