Dressage NZ Bulletin Issue 49 March 2021

Issue 49 | March 2021

EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES - YOUTH DRESSAGE FESTIVAL 2021 Teamwork and friendships

ORO Equestrian North Island Dressage Championships CANTERBURY EQUESTRIAN PROPERTIES - SOUTH ISLAND FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE

EDITORIAL

FROM THE EDITOR WELCOME TO ISSUE FORTY NINE OF THE DRESSAGE NZ BULLETIN

I

had actually started writing my March editorial in mid-February...

It began with “A few nervous days but it seems another major equestrian Covid crisis has been averted, but you had to feel for Takapoto Estate Jumping, the NZ Polo Open and the Napier Art Deco Festival. The timing for them could not have been worse and undoubtedly there were other events also affected”.

But what a difference a day can make and suddenly our sport was faced with a bigger crisis than the one we truly believed had been averted.

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

Editor: Wendy Hamerton E: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz Graphic Design Sales & Advertising: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2021 Cover Image: Rebecca Williamson and Don Tobio, Madison Schollum and Stephanie Baker.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

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I cannot say often enough how professionally the Dressage Waikato team coped with firstly the uncertainty leading up to the North Island Championships and then the lock down during the event. It was tough stuff for them – exhausting both mentally and physically – a few quiet tears shed – but throughout a focus on the safe and organized evacuation of horses and riders, early departure of judges, trade stands and service providers… but by 10am on Sunday morning mission accomplished.

The Land Rover Horse of the Year Show – what a decision to be made – and how heartbreaking for that team to sit and watch marquees be dismantled on the day the final set up was planned for completion. Huge credit to them that no sooner the cancellation announcement was made, a 2022 date was published. The lockdown timing could not have been worse if it had been planned.

As I finish for this month, I applaud the enthusiasm of a group of truly committed enthusiasts as we work together formulating a plan to partially fill the Land Rover Horse of the Year void. Perhaps the decision to hold the national championships in November was strategic foresight and has given our sport a chance to investigate new opportunities. Foresight is not about predicting the future, but we can observe the driving forces of change and analyze their potential.

In these strange and unsettling times, keep your team around you and don’t be afraid to reach out if you need to. Stronger together…

Four Seasons Realty

Top Canterbury Equestrian Property Combining an impressive high quality home, a second fully selfcontained dwelling for family, exceptional equestrian facilities and all set on an attractive 25 acres, it is easy to see why 646 Grange Road is respected as one of Canterbury’s finest equestrian properties.

Located within 20 minutes of the city and the international airport.

The home is ideally positioned within a lovely setting that is revealed as you enter through the electric gates. Spacious and appealing, the home has been created to exacting standards, fully double glazed, a fabulous central heating system providing heat in the winter. European engineered windows and doors are just a few of the quality features you will find. Offering space and a timeless style for easy living, the main home has four large bedrooms all with well appointed ensuite bathrooms, two big offices and three living areas. An outdoor living area extends from the generous sunroom of the house, easy flow from indoors to outdoors makes this an ideal space for entertaining with a view to the arena, the stables and over the post and rail fences to the horses grazing nearby.

The equestrian facilities include an outdoor 60mx20m arena and an indoor arena approx 40m x 20m. Both arenas have lighting and

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a watering system, the outdoor one has a gorgeous pergola covered shaded sitting area for viewing/coaching. Outstanding and truly impressive the stable wing offers eight stables, a wash down area, two tack rooms, security camera system, a toilet, morning tea area and sizeable mezzanine storage area. Staff accommodation. There is a crush and round pen. The barn also incorporates storage areas for farm vehicles, hay and equipment.

The 15 paddocks have double fencing, mostly with equestrian fences and there are mature shelter belts. Beyond the appeal of the home and actual facilities, it is the meticulous care that has been taken in establishing the property that will have great value to a discerning new owner along with the convenience of this location. Suitable as a private property or there are income opportunities.

Richard & Sue Woerlee 027 220 7706 021 867 541 richard.woerlee@harcourts.co.nz @CanterburyEquestrianProperty canterburyequestrianproperty.co.nz Four Seasons Realty 2017 Ltd | Licensed Agent REAA 2008

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 8

28

18

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48

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NATIONAL NEWS

DRESSAGE WAIRARAPA ACTIVATES THE CHANGE THE REIN INITIATIVE Article by Wendy Jeffery

This year Dressage Wairarapa partnered with Classic Equestrian to offer two Change the Rein prizes to support this great initiative. Colleen and Tina Ware, and Sophie Frew, each won a $100 voucher to be redeemed with Classic Equestrian or an instructor of their choice.

T

he picturesque Masterton A&P Showground was again the venue for the 2021 Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League Event, attracting strong entries with nearly 150 horses and ponies from around the lower North Island and Waikato in classes from graded Preliminary to Big Tour, non-graded Preliminary and Para Dressage.

The continuing growth of young riders was evident with strong pony and young rider entries, with local riders Charlee Halewood awarded Young Rider

Champion and Rebecca Mobberley Young Rider Reserve Champion. At the other end of the scale, nearly 50 riders contested the Masters Rider Championship, with Penny Pearce awarded Champion and Julie Pearson Reserve Champion.

Eastwood Motor Group Ltd continued their generous naming sponsorship of this event with their Saturday evening happy hour being appreciated by all.

In addition to Dressage NZ National Sponsors, many local sponsors also kindly supported this event.

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

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

NATIONAL NEWS

Brooklyn Rankin and Bellgarra Emirants Photo: Belinda Pratt Photography

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NATIONAL NEWS

Cooper Oborn and Preliminary Champion Joniro Photo: Belinda Pratt Photography

PRELIMINARY AMATEUR CHAMPION Robyn Warren & Alibi RESERVE Anna Ash & Phantom NOVICE AMATEUR CHAMPION Brigid Gray & Mt Tulloch Royal Legend RESERVE Brigid Gray & The Keeper PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Charlee Halewood & Ty Gwyn Riviera RESERVE Riley Chase & Asti NOVICE PONY CHAMPION Ashley Millar & 2 Toned Blue RESERVE Sophie Frew & Broadway Expressive YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION Charlee Halewood & Ty Gwyn Riviera RESERVE Rebecca Mobberley & Sayonara FE MASTERS RIDER CHAMPION Penny Pearce & Lord Alexis RESERVE Julie Pearson & Rosari Donatella

WAIRARAPA PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY Susan Tomlin & Dance Hit SW MEDIUM AND ABOVE Cooper Oborn & Aphrodite DRESSAGE WAIRARAPA DENIS REICHENBACH AREA CHALLENGE Southern Hawkes Bay

PRELIMINARY OPEN CHAMPION Cooper Oborn & Joniro RESERVE Toni Louisson & Donnerfire STS NOVICE OPEN CHAMPION Susan Tomlin & Dance Hit SW RESERVE Amanda MacPherson & Frieden Star ELEMENTARY OPEN CHAMPION Penny Pearce & Just a Spark RE RESERVE Rebecca Mobberley & Sayonara FE MEDIUM CHAMPION Belinda Greenfield & L’Homme du Jour RESERVE Natalie Short & Astronomic ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Baldeep Dhillon & GF Jay Jelle Fan E’SAN Leren RESERVE Frankie Webb & Artistry ADVANCED CHAMPION Penny Pearce & Lord Alexis RESERVE Julie Pearson & Rosari Donatella

EQUESTRIO BEST TURNOUT WINNER Ella Rankin & Donna Hope

SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Kallista Field & Felix Westfalia RESERVE Nicky Sunley & Laila Dawn

CHANGE THE REIN WINNER (SATURDAY) SPONSORED BY CLASSIC EQUESTRIAN Colleen and Tina Ware

MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Chelsea Callaghan & Sisters II Etta J RESERVE Susan Tomlin & Dancealong

CHANGE THE REIN WINNER (SUNDAY) SPONSORED BY CLASSIC EQUESTRIAN Sophie Frew

GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Kieryn Walton & Rosari Don Carlos RESERVE Cooper Oborn & Aphrodite

PRELIMINARY NON-GRADED CHAMPION Brooklyn Rankin & Bellgarra Emirants RESERVE Emma Harding & Vollrath Lush

PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION Louise Duncan & Northern Ivanthus RESERVE Louise Duncan & Wolkenstein BC MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

NATIONAL NEWS

LEFT: Reece DownhamSmith & Ruby Tuesday T PHOTO: Caitlin Benzie

BELOW: Hess Vertogen and Amaethon Bassanio PHOTO: Caitlin Benzie

YOUNG HORSE CHAMPION Victoria Wall & Nations Hit EDH RESERVE Charmain Pearson-Brown & Bon Bon MH NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY Reece Downham & Georgia MH MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX Jen Sim & Stoneylea Lancelot

AUCKLAND MANUKAU PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

PRELIMINARY CHAMPION Hannah Burden & Diaz MH RESERVE Jen Sim & GS Frescolino NOVICE CHAMPION Jayna Dinneen & Wonderlust RESERVE Samantha Belsham & Dolcetto II ELEMENTARY CHAMPION Reece Downham & Georgia MH RESERVE Betty Brown & Archie MEDIUM CHAMPION Reece Downham & Ruby Tuesday T Reserve Kathryn Corry & Ganache MH ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Amanda Berridge & GS O Jay Reserve Sachleen Kaur & HPH Levitate ADVANCED CHAMPION Rebecca Williamson & Don Tobio RESERVE Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Wendi Williamson & Bon Jovi MH RESERVE Andie Morgan & PSL Lingh II MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Wendi Williamson & Don Vito MH RESERVE Brina Carpenter & Leo Donna GRAND PRIX CHAMPION William Millar & Raukura Satori MH RESERVE Jen Sim & Stoneylea Lancelot PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION Rachel Shiree Hughes & HPH Benedict RESERVE Anne Watts & Joseph’s Dream

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NATIONAL NEWS FROM LEFT Karen Anderson (Chef d'Equipe & Selector), Liz Hutson, Sue Hobson Louise Duncan, Chelsea Callaghan, Diane Wallace and Kerrin Beatson (Sponsor - Livamol) Photo: Libby Law Photography

NEW ZEALAND WINS FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CHALLENGE TEAMS COMPETITION The 2020 FEI Dressage World Challenge results were a real highlight for our national sport during a year of tremendous uncertainty.

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NATIONAL NEWS

in the Prix St Georges, Kim Schwass (Otaki) scored third place individually with Sparks Will Fly her fourteenyear-old Salutation/JK Lucas gelding on 65.956% giving New Zealand 1st, 3rd & 4th places on the world rankings from eighteen starters.

Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J (66.912%) couldn’t quite head off South Africa’s Ingebord Sanne and Callaho For Sure who topped the world Individual Intermediate I competition on 68.088% with Liz Hutson and Hapsburgh PSH in fifth place on 63.456% from ten starters.

Twenty-seven combinations contested the world individual Senior II class, the best placed of the New Zealand riders being the national winners Alix Campbell (Astek Robina) and Louise Duncan (Wolkenstein BC) who were fourth and fifth respectively.

M

any federations that would normally contest the challenge were forced to cancel leaving just four countries in the worldwide rankings compared with an original thirty-three listed.

But the Livamol New Zealand team of Diane Wallace and KP Dexter (Blenheim), Liz Hutson and Hapsburgh PSH (Upper Hutt), Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J (Wellington), Louise Duncan and Northern Ivanthus (Levin) did us proud taking team honours on 241.41 points from South Africa (239.43) Chinese Taipei (222.50) and India (209.856).

Team members Diane Wallace and KP Dexter were clear winners in the Individual Prix St Georges on 68.971% from South Africa’s Boonzaaier and T.I. Spartacus (66..61%) and Louise Duncan in 4th on 65.294%. Diane was

ecstatic to learn of both her individual and team win with her nine-year-old home bred KP Dexter (Donnerubin/ Danielle/Dynamit). Diane competed Danielle (bred by Matthews Hanoverians) to Prix St Georges level before retiring her as a broodmare.

“I’m just so proud of him. He’s a special horse. New Zealand was so lucky to be able to have this competition with so many other countries having to cancel because of Covid, so I would really like to thank the sponsors Livamol and their representative Kerrin Beatson who is so passionate about the event, and the organisers Dressage NZ and Dressage Wellington. It is an international competition that every rider can aspire to and I would really encourage riders to participate – it’s a great introduction to international competition”. Also

Vaughn & Bronwyn Cooper, the mother and daughter combination from Hunterville have been fighting it out all season and finished second and third in the world individual Senior I competition. Vaughn and River Jim (71.894%) narrowly edging out Bronwyn on Kalimna Prestige (71.847%). The winner from fortyeight starters was Patrick Brown (RSA) on Indiana Breeze scoring 73.319%.

Forty-one Youth combinations lined up resulting in four top ten placings for New Zealand. New Plymouth’s Mikayla Wildermoth (Thumbelina II) was third on 71.025% and tenth on Don Douglas CFH (67.675%), Rebecca Mobberley (Masterton) on Sayonara FE eighth on 68.950% and New Plymouth’s Frankie Lawn on Kirkwood Greenlight ninth on 67.725%. Close behind these two were Waitemata’s Piper Crake (Glenvar Bramble) 67.525% and Waikato’s Samantha Wells (Gangnam Style) 66.15% filling eleventh and twelfth places.

Thank you to all event sponsors; Livamol, Syncroflex, Aussie Equine Supplies NZ, Quality Presentations and Exclusively Yours.

Click here for complete results.

https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/fei-world-challenge/dressage/results

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

NATIONAL NEWS

BEST PRESENTED (NON- GRADED) Maddison Durham & Bordershow Shadow Prince BEST PRESENTED (GRADED) Emily van Herpt & Chatto Creek Sirocco NON-GRADED PRELIMINARY CHAMPION Ronda McLaren & Monty RESERVE Rebecca Kerr & Arnage Fendi

OTAGO PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

NON-GRADED NOVICE CHAMPION Harriet Redmond & Ngahiwi Frostie RESERVE Mark Cowie & Lincoln Zephyr NON-GRADED PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Maddison Durham & Decadenz RESERVE Addalyn Proctor & Amberfields Red Rascal NOVICE PONY CHAMPION Emily van Herpt & Chatto Creek Sirocco PRELIMINARY OPEN CHAMPION Cherie Pearson & Dulcet RESERVE Lynette Wood & Fernlea Don Reville NOVICE OPEN CHAMPION Karen Titter & Donnerchino RESERVE Kim Maude & Cortina ELEMENTARY OPEN CHAMPION Mary Davis & Denzel MH RESERVE Sandy Houston & Southwell Razzmatazz MEDIUM CHAMPION Anya Durling & Rascallion RESERVE Jane Fibbes & D’Malia ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Wendy Butler & Sisters II Whitney H RESERVE Holly Merritt & Geppetto

NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY SASH PRELIMINARY – ELEMENTARY Mary Davis & Denzel MH MEDIUM - GRAND PRIX Jackie Thomas & Sartorial Hit SW

ADVANCED CHAMPION Jackie Thomas & Sartorial MH RESERVE Rebecca Kerr & Campion KSNZ SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Lorraine Ward-Smith & Fernlea Diamond Day RESERVE Deborah Rutherford & Donna Lilly

CHAMPION PONY Emily Dennis & Decadenz

MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Sonya McLachlan & Alliarna

CHAMPION YOUNG RIDER Brooklyn Crow & Gallileo

GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Barbara Chalmers & Rossellini

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NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS WHAT IS A REMIT? TO REFER (A MATTER) TO A COMMITTEE OR AUTHORITY FOR DECISION

HOW DO REMITS WORK? STEP ONE Area Groups and ESNZ current individual full members can submit remits (changes to current rules, new rules or to remove rules) to Dressage NZ using a remit form.

Remits must be seconded

PLANNING FORUM 2021 TO BE HELD ON ZOOM When: Saturday 17th April 11am – 3.30pm With the Dressage NZ Planning Forum fast approaching, we want to ensure that all of our members are aware of the procedures for submitting remits.

Remits to add/amend/delete rules, and General Business items, are now being accepted for the Planning Forum and can be submitted made on the form (link), These must be received by Dressage NZ no later than 5th March 2021.

The link to the Planning Forum Zoom Registration will be advised with the agenda.

RULES SURVEY STEP TWO All remits are then made available to Area Groups to discuss at their meetings.

Each Area Group will then decide on how they would like for their Area Delegate to vote at the Dressage Planning Forum.

Remits passed at this meeting (maybe reworded for better definition or clarity) then go back to Areas and come forward for a final vote at the AGM

STEP THREE Remits passed at the Planning Forum are then discussed at Dressage NZ AGM, and all voting delegates are able to vote for each remit submitted.

STEP FOUR Any change to By-law 17 (Rules for Administration of Dressage) must also be approved by the ESNZ Board at their first meeting following the Dressage AGM

The recent Rules Survey was completed by 140 Stakeholders. To give this some numerical context there are approximately 1500 horses and ponies with an annual start for dressage and some 250 officials so an estimated 9% of stakeholders responded. Thank you to those who took the time to give your view and thank you to those who offered to be part of a review group. The Dressage Board will consider the results in more detail. https://www.surveymonkey.com/results/SM-NPJ9WC657/ The results of the Rules Survey can be found here.

In brief, survey results suggest that we can do better re the formatting and rules could be easier to understand.

These two questions both scored 6/10. Dressage NZ endeavours to align with FEI rules where practical and appropriate for national competitions. The FEI have just advised that the comprehensive review of Dressage rules has been delayed a year until 2022 owing to Covid restrictions and the postponement of the Olympic Games until 2021.

Permitted gear rules are ongoing with new and innovative products continually being released to the equestrian market. Bitless bridles get some support in the survey comments. The downgrading rule created diverse views with some respondents considering no stand down should be required for any event, others consider the current rule is too restrictive and lacks clarity, and others consider the rules should be tightened. Amateur rules are open for discussion as is riders to have own discretion not to wear jackets in extreme temperatures at all levels of events. The current rule distinguishes between Training Events & Local Events (rider has the discretion to wear a jacket at all times) and Regional & National Events when the OC has the mandate to make the decision re jackets in extreme heat (Art 479).

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

NATIONAL NEWS

Announcement!

2022 BATES SADDLES NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS The Dressage NZ January Board meeting considered the survey responses. After extensive discussion and consideration of the many and varied factors involved, it was concluded that the next National Championships should be held at Taupo National Equestrian Centre from 24-27 March 2022.

Late March or early April were overall the two favoured dates from all responses. A Nov-Dec date preference was more divided as seen in the Chart on page 6 of the results. Taking into account that 2022 is a World Championships year, and it is desirable to host a CDI for rider qualifications and world rankings, it was also notable that it is more cost effective to endeavour to share international judges with the Horse of the Year Show, thus being a key factor for selecting the March date. It was also noted that every second year, November does not fall into an FEI qualifying period for either World Championships or Olympics. It was also considered that the possibility to secure international officials in November 2021 is likely to be impacted by ongoing Covid travel restrictions.

Long standing naiming rights sponsor David Jones-Parry of Bates Saddles with Novice National Champion Susan Tomlin and Dance Hit SW. Photo: Libby Law Photography

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To hold the two events closer together also makes it more viable for riders who must travel the longest distances to compete at both key events on the Dressage Calendar.

To be able to announce this date in February 2021 gives maximum time for areas to plan Premier League Events and for riders to plan their season.

Thank you to all members who took the opportunity to participate and we look forward to March 2022.

NATIONAL NEWS

NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY Natalie Page & Zambezi PSH MEDIUM & ABOVE Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair RESERVE Samantha Wells & Gangnam Style PONY RIDER CHAMPION Samantha Wells & Gangnam Style RESERVE Grace Purdie & Firebird Five MASTERS CHAMPION Sandy Fryatt & Belmont Rockstar RESERVE Kathryn Corry & Anuschka PSH

TAIHAPE XMAS PREMIER LEAGUE CHAMPIONSHIPS

PRELIMINARY NON-GRADED CHAMPION Melinda Little & Hootchie Baby RESERVE Jenny Bevege & BV Illusionist PRELIMINARY RESTRICTED CHAMPION Sarah Schnell & Kyrewood Monte Carlo RESERVE Georgia Davis & Bellarosa NOVICE RESTRICTED CHAMPION Brigid Gray & Mt Tulloch Royal Legend RESERVE Brigid Gray & The Keeper PRELIMINARY OPEN CHAMPION Natalie Page & Zambesi PSH RESERVE Mel Cooper Levin & Logan PSH NOVICE OPEN CHAMPION Carla Harcourt & Ricker Ridge Zachary ELEMENTARY OPEN CHAMPION Nicky Majoor & Dantelegro RESERVE Vanessa Fenemor & Jaybee Advocate MEDIUM CHAMPION Belinda Greenfield & L’Homme du jour RESERVE Kathryn Corry & Ganache MH ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Barbara Clarke & Lysander W RESERVE Rachel Fouhy & Silver Song FE ADVANCED CHAMPION Kathryn Corry & Anuschka PSH RESERVE Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Angela Hooper & Surreal BC RESERVE Liana Mikaera & Cypris AL Thaquib MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Chelsea Callaghan & Sisters II Etta J RESERVE Jacqui Thompson & Georgio GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Toni Louisson & Back on Track Astute MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17

NATIONAL NEWS

YOUNG HORSES, OUR FUTURE Report by Linda Warren-Davey

Young Dressage Horse classes at both the Auckland-Manukau Championships and South Island Festival recently provided an exciting snapshot of the quality horsepower now locally available for New Zealand riders.

South Island Dressage Festival Young Horse Finalists with Judges Linda Warren-Davey (L) and Judith Cunningham (R) Photo: Bella Maitland Photography

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F

EI 4* and Young horse judge Linda Warren-Davey was on the judging panel at both events alongside National Young Horse Judges, Barbara Chalmers in Auckland and Judith Cunningham in Christchurch.

Auckland offered the Developing Horse mixed age format giving riders some flexibility to enter their youngsters where they saw their stage of training fitted best, the majority of the fifteen entries being in the 4/5yrs division.

Angela and John Smith of Stoneylea Farm who are well known for importing frozen semen from premium German warmblood horses sponsored the classes. Angela enjoyed watching the tests and later commented how she has observed that breeders in New Zealand have made “quite dramatic progress with their breeding programs and this is becoming very evident with the quality of horses throughout New Zealand; they are equivalent to the European horses as we now have several generations now appearing in the breeding.

The future bodes well – very exciting.”

NATIONAL NEWS Jayna Dineen and River Park Waileah Photo: Caitlin Benzie Photography

In the 4/5yrs, Victoria Wall and the dynamic Nations Hit EDH (Negro/ Sandro Hit) received 82.6%, wowing the judges and spectators with three active and ground covering paces oozing ability and class. Close behind and superbly presented by Charmian Pearson-Brown was Bon Bon MH (Benicio/Brentano II) on 80.6%, again a quality horse showing natural balance and self-carriage, with Jayna Dineen and River Park Waileah achieving 80% on the beautiful, classy Hanoverian (Worldly/Londonderry) owned and bred by Renai Hart.

In the 5/6 yr old class Hannah Burden and the stunning chestnut mare Diaz MH (Dacaprio/Brentano II) bred by Matthews Hanoverians and owned by Hannah, showed the judges their clear understanding of the expectations of the 5-year-old test scoring 79.6%. Sarah Holmes on the strong and powerful Byalee Warlock (Byalee Wow Wie RW/ Byalee Briar) was runner up on 74.6%.

Just the one entry in the 6/7 yr old class was the experienced Cassandra Dally-Braun riding her Jagermeister CD, a New Zealand born warmblood (Rodrigo III/Rituel) gave a good performance for 75.6%.

age group taking part in the Young horse showcase on Monday. The judges were very impressed with the standard, and how the riders were able to display very competently the training levels expected at each age group.

The combinations rode two at a time in the Monday showcase, displaying their paces and riding some test movements. The temperature was in the mid to high 20’s, but a large crowd gathered in the shade of the trees enjoying the display and listening to the judge’s commentary which included the expectations of each level and the highlights of each combination. Riders whose horses had very limited outings commented they considered the experience and feedback was invaluable.

The 4yr old class saw Candice Nichol and Falcon O (Furstenball/ Lessing) produce a flowing and supple test for 78.6%, followed by Janelle Sangster-Ward at her very first outing on the impressive and upstanding homebred SWE Baloo, a Rhinelander (Buckingham/Ramirez) on 73%.

In Christchurch at the Canterbury Equestrian Properties South Island Festival, ten combinations took advantage of Astek Stud sponsored classes which were age specific.

Canterbury Dressage Group chairperson Cherie Pearson gave a class act performance and won the 5yr old class on her oh so elegant mare Dulcet (Dante Weltino/Furst Romancier), bred by Janne and Georgia Worth. Rachel White on Sirtina was 2nd on 66.3%.

Round one qualifying tests were held on Saturday with the top two in each

The 7yr old class saw three combinations ride the FEI 6 yr old test

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NATIONAL NEWS Janelle Sangster-Ward and Baloo SWE Photo: Bella Maitland Photography

South Island Champion Young Dressage Horse, Cherie Pearson and Dulcet Photo: Bella Maitland Photography

and Canterbury rider Sandy Houston on Southwell Razzmataz (Holsteiner x TB by Ramirez) rode a very correct test scoring 73.4%. for 1st place with runners up Vanessa Baxter on the GT Jake/Kingsway Diamond bred Jazzaway second on 71.2%. The judges were very impressed with the confidence shown by Razzmataz throughout the test, particularly the lateral work.

Following the final showcase, Dulcet was awarded Champion Young Horse and Baloo SWE runner up.

REFLECTING ON YOUNG HORSE COMPETITIONS Linda and Barbara: “The young horse classes give riders, trainers and breeders a clear guide-line of

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the training expectations required of young horses and the quality of gaits necessary for a successful Dressage horse. All horses develop both mentally and physically at different rates, some slower developing youngsters may not be suited to Young Horse classes. but go on to be super competitors.”

Linda and Judith: “The Showcase combinations were very much on the correct lines, “Remember judges always want more though – they are never satisfied!” and encouraged the riders to continue to develop the activity and ground-cover in their performances. “A good hind leg produces a good contact and a correct frame” said Linda.

“The judging is different to standard tests. There is a mark for each of the paces, the submission, and the overall perspective of the horse, with feedback provided on the horse’s strengths and weaknesses in this all-important development phase, including which areas require more focus as per the Training Scale for the horse to realise its full potential. The young horse concept should become an integral part of the development and training regime, to use as a benchmark throughout the horse’s development phase. Forming and establishing the foundation of quality basics is essential to realise the horse’s potential.”

Linda Warren-Davey

NATIONAL NEWS Chair of Selectors Margs Carline congratulates Barbara Chalmers on her appointment as selector.

Photo: Bella Maitland Photography

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SOUTH ISLAND BASED SELECTOR APPOINTED

tago’s Barbara Chalmers has taken over the reins as SI based national dressage selector following the recent retirement of Canterbury’s Jan Mitchell. Dressage NZ acknowledges and thanks Jan for her commitment to the role during her term.

Barbara brings a wide range of sport and administrative experience to the role. She is currently a judge/mentor (A level and Young Horse), competes at Grand Prix level and has an interest in coaching. In her local area, she is Area Judges Officer, Publicity Officer, H&S Officer, and was previously the writers convenor for many years.

Alongside these commitments, Barbara has trained her own horse Rossellini from a 4-year-old through to Grand Prix, and now has young horse to begin another journey.

As well as her comprehensive national experience, judging, riding/ training overseas and attending various international competitions complements her understanding of our sport across the levels.

“I was motivated to apply for this volunteer role by a desire to put back something into a sport I love. I enjoy working with and meeting people and hope to meet with many of you throughout New Zealand in due

course to help further Dressage NZ’s goals, from grass roots to Grand Prix.

Thank you for all the encouragement I received to apply for the role and the subsequent feedback and congratulations when I was announced as the successful applicant at the South Island Festival of Dressage I look forward to being part of your journey and helping in any way I can”.

Barbara Chalmers If you would like to contact Barbara, email her at; barbara.chalmers99@gmail.com or call 0274 659 537

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e: paulahippolite3@gmail.com | m: +64 027 248 4010 | Find us on Facebook @HippoliteEquineActivoMed MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Photo: Sheryll Davies (Show Circuit)

1. Sarita Kennedy has been appointed as Performance Administrator to create more communication with the riders and help the Performance Committee implement the programs we are endeavouring to put together.

2. We have put together an information brochure to encourage sponsorship and external financial involvement.

Our goal is to unify the riders, sponsors, coaches, judges, Photo: Libby Law Photography breeders, and investors with the potential funding.

3. Sarita has been putting together a regular squad newsletter and communicating more regularly with riders.

4. We implemented a squad Facebook page (private group) to thank our supporters.

5. Riders filled out IPPs (Individual Performance Plan), and a follow-up with selectors was done at the squad camp to know what is going well or if we can improve to help with their success. We also need to work in advance to gain presenters for next Year’s camp.

ENGAGEMENT CORNER With Christine Weal - Dressage NZ Performance and Development Board Member

A

s the halfway mark approaches in my first year on the board as the representative for Performance and Development, I am able to reflect what the Performance Committee has achieved since June 2020.

The impatient side of me thinks we could have done more to benefit all riders, but I then concluded that we need to be patient and forge on with the growth and improvements at a consistently steady rate.

It was an interesting exercise that we have achieved more than I thought and probably not a bad start after putting things down on paper.

22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

6. We executed a raffle with the support of the squad riders, sponsors, Margs Carline and other supporters, and we raised money to buy T-shirts for the squad riders with some money left over to go into the future training fund.

7. We held a zoom meeting for squad riders with Julie Brougham who spoke about what to expect when competing overseas.

8. We also held another zoom meeting for squad riders with English Grand Prix dressage rider and trainer Dan Greenwood.

9. We ran a senior squad camp that involved 18 riders and nine presenters.

10. Two young rider camps completed.

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Of course, there are setbacks, but those setbacks are what you learn the most from so it’s essential to keep training.

Over the past ten years, or so implementing a senior squad program has been a struggle. Our sport has changed with expectations and having the financial resources to implement the needs to support a wide range of people has proved challenging.

set goals. It’s a massive ask and some cope better than others, others need more help, but the dressage fraternity gets caught up in the excitement of watching these riders achieve what we expect of them. We expect them to be professional at all times, through the high times and through the low times.

We need a support program that doesn’t make riders with different personalities fit into one mould but enhances and encourages what they are already doing. Ideally, these people will continue to contribute to the sport and future riders, and the riders will start to benefit from what they have learned, as the results get better and better. We need a program that supports the riders, enhances their training (but doesn’t change what is working for them), challenges their thinking, helps their coaches and the team around them and gives them solutions to training and horse management issues that arise throughout their journey.

Financially, it is a struggle to give these riders the support they need, but with the help of generous people in and out of the industry, we held a squad camp in January. The concept is to provide support and information to produce a stronger horse and rider combination and a rider that will make more horses and transfer what they have learned to other New Zealand riders.

The January camp ran over two days (without horses). Eighteen squad riders attended. It was a great atmosphere with riders getting to know each other personally, out

of the competition environment, something that dressage rider doesn’t usually have the chance to do.

Presenters included Nicola Smith dressage rider training fitness and nutrition, Lisa Potter (media), Gretel Webber (horse nutrition), Sarah Cruickshank (horse physio), Thomas Pittam (farrier), Paxton Conder (sponsorship), Sarah Catherwood Olympic swimmer and her business; Elite Frozen Foals and Dr Lee Morris from Equibreed. All these speakers were exciting, and they left the riders feeling inspired and wanting to learn more, the two days seemed to fly by. After the camp, the feedback was extremely positive; the riders left feeling excited and wanting to achieve more, and the take-home message was; Of course, there are setbacks, but those setbacks are what you learn the most from so it’s essential to keep training.

These days, considering how our sport has changed, these riders have significant responsibilities to their team, supporters, and the dressage public. They need to learn skills/ tools around dealing with media, running a business, sponsors and promoting dressage as a whole. It isn’t easy to afford the time and money to train and compete and meet the MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Sarita and FIS Lacoste Photo: Libby Law Photography

ABOUT SARITA KENNEDY YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz

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arita grew up on Norfolk Island and moved to Matamata from Palmerston North after graduating in 2007 with a Bachelor Ag Science.

Her passion for horses saw her work at various racing facilities across the north island around her before becoming an equine nurse in 2008. Her interest in lameness & radiographs has been developed so she is now an integral part of the sales team and part of the dedicated night shift foal ICU nurse team at Matamata Veterinary Services.

When Sarita is not spending time with clients horses she is with her own horse competing in dressage and showing. Sarita also dabbles in breeding sport horses.

The last three seasons Sarita has been involved with the Dressage Waikato SRS Squad which was created to encourage local riders to continue their dressage journey with the support of a management team and to give back to the sport by supporting the committee. She viewed the role as the Dressage NZ Performance Program Coordinator as a step up from her role with Dressage Waikato. Sarita looks forward to working with the Performance Squad Riders, helping them reach their goals and to give back to the sport we all love.

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

HIGH PERFORMANCE

Photo: Bella Maitland Photography

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD MEMBER

Lorraine Ward-Smith (South Canterbury) FERNLEA DIAMOND DAY (DONNERRUBIN/FERNLEA DANDI/DONNERWIND)

WHAT ATTRACTED YOU TO DRESSAGE? Secretly dressage was always my favorite phase of eventing.

WHO INSPIRES YOU? Isabell Werth HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SPORT? Helping at shows writing, running packing up and being a demo riders for judges’ clinics

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO FUND YOUR DRESSAGE CAREER? Archie & I are a selfemployed husband and wife team which supports my passion. We sell a home bred horse from time to time as well.

WHAT IS YOUR FOREMOST GOAL?

To train and compete a horse to Grand Prix.

WHICH ONE WORD BEST DESCRIBES YOU? Determined WHAT WOULD BE YOUR DREAM JOB? I’m living my dream.

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT DRESSAGE? All of it. I find it incredible that these lovely animals offer so much of themselves for us.

WHAT WAS THE FIRST HORSE YOU ENJOYED SUCCESS WITH? Lorraine and Fernlea Diamond Day Photo: Dark Horse Photography

Gold Script - an older Anglo arab gelding purchased as a confidence builder after a I had a lengthy spell from riding following a broken vertebrae. He was feisty and disliked men, but we clicked, and I won my first rug with him.

YOUR PEARL OF WISDOM FOR EVERYONE? Thank your horse after every ride.

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

HIGH PERFORMANCE

GRAND PRIX SQUAD MEMBER

Victoria Wall (Waikato)

LETT Y LEI EDH (LIMONIT/GR AND VITESSE/MANTARI)

WHO INSPIRES YOU? So many inspire me! But I think Charlotte Dujardin does the most from a riding perspective.

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SPORT? I am incredibly time deficient but I try to give back through my business Elite Equine, sponsoring the young horse classes and I offer many hours of free advice to people struggling with their horses. No one is having any fun when their horse is struggling and if I can help produce a happy calm horse for their owner it makes me feel like I have helped.

HOW DO YOU MANAGE TO FUND YOUR DRESSAGE CAREER? I created a business model that fitted with my lifestyle and supported my goals, Elite Equine horse supplements.

HOW IMPORTANT IS IT TO HAVE A GOAL? I think you need goals so big they scare you...

WHAT EXCITES YOU MOST ABOUT DRESSAGE? The fact that it’s such a complex challenge involving unique horses and a slightly different learning each time. Learning to manage and find your way with each one. It’s always a challenge and never boring.

WHAT WOULD YOU BE DOING WITH YOUR LIFE IF YOU DIDN’T HAVE HORSES? Photo: Simon Scully

WHY DRESSAGE? I started off eventing to 4-star level but found running a big team beyond my resources at the time. After my two boys were born I had a play on a school master owned by Soo Wells and got the bug. I couldn’t afford a well-bred horse so had to buy a foal and my current Grand Prix horse Letty Lei was purchased unbroken. I’ve taken the long road due to necessity but I’ve learned more I think! I feel like I’m only getting started. Of course I rode dressage when I was eventing but I now realise it’s so different from training a purpose bred dressage horse... they are just so different and the power is very addictive!

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I think I need a passion ... I’m not someone who would be happy without it. I would probably be salsa dancing. I took it up when I couldn’t ride for a couple of years and just loved it. I ended up competing at the South Island Championships where we won the advanced Championship and got 4th at the National salsa street dancing championships.

YOUR PEARL OF WISDOM? We are only limited by our beliefs.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

HIGH PERFORMANCE

PERFECT AND CONNECT with a saddle from

ESNZ HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUAD

Melissa Galloway (Marlborough)

WINDERMERE J'OBÉI W ( JOHNSON/MISS POMPEII/POMPEII COURT)

WHO INSPIRES YOU? There are so many people that inspire me.

The main one would be my mum – Anne Parkes!

HOW DO YOU CONTRIBUTE TO YOUR SPORT? I have been a member of our local Marlborough dressage committee for a long time now and I do the draw for our local competitions. I also have been coaching the South Island dressage young rider development camp for the last three years. I really enjoy this and love seeing the new young talent coming through and being able to help them on their way!

YOUR FOREMOST GOALS? To crack 75% in the Grand Prix in the near future. To compete at the biggest international events like the World Games and Olympics. But I would love to crack 80% at some stage too!!

YOUR FAVOURITE SHOW? Willinga Park in New South Wales

was my favourite to compete at so far! But I have been to Aachen and Hagen in Germany and they were really amazing! I would love to compete there some day!

WHAT WAS THE FIRST HORSE YOU ENJOYED SUCCESS WITH? I had a horse named Carlos (Zeilinger) We won my very first national and Horse of the Year titles together. That was such a huge moment for me! He was such an easy-going horse that could cope with any atmosphere and was such a joy to teach!

Mariella Platinum Dressage Saddle

from $5450 “I love the Harry Dabbs Mariella because it puts me in the correct balance as a rider and allows my horse to move with freedom and expression underneath me.”

Melissa Galloway & Windermere J’Obéi W Current Grand Prix National and HOY Champions

WHAT DOES YOUR TYPICAL DAY LOOK LIKE? I wake between 6am and 6.30am and head to the farm and start the morning feeds at 7am. Then head inside for some breakfast. Start riding around 8am and ride between 5-6 horses I don’t have a groom so it takes me most of the day! I try and squeeze some lunch in once I have finished riding and then start mucking out and feeding again at roughly 4pm. I try to keep teaching on Wednesdays and the weekends when I don’t have as much riding to do.

Photos: Mark Watson

WHY DRESSAGE? I had a pony called Kirkwood Annabel that came from a showing and jumping family, and after entering a few dressage competitions we soon realised she was actually quite good at it! I also used to do dancing and have always loved music and horses. So dressage was the perfect combination of them both for.

YOUR PEARL OF WISDOM? Remember to be patient with your horses and their training and remember that they don’t know the difference between winning and losing.

| ph 021 339 767 www.saddle4you.co.nz MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

NATIONAL NEWS

Champion U25 Grand Prix winners Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore with reserve champion Amy Sage

YOUNG STARS SHINING BRIGHT Article by Lisa Potter Photos by Libby Law Photography

The future of dressage in New Zealand looks to be in promising shape, if the action at Dressage NZ Equestrian Entries Youth Festival is anything to go by.

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NATIONAL NEWS

T

The champion and reserve placegetters

op level competition and a tightly packed leader board showcased the high calibre of riders (and horses and ponies), with many of the classes and overall titles coming down to just a fraction of a percent. It is exciting to see such strong competition across the grades and bodes well for the future.

Leading the charge were the Grand Prix and Tour riders; exciting combinations showcasing extremely competent and polished tests for riders so young. At the opposite end of the scale were a small selection of lead rein riders and riders aged eight and under, starting out in fine form on their dressage journey.

GRAND PRIX TRIPLE SUCCESS It was three consecutive years winning the U25 Grand Prix Champion title for Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore, with this wellestablished combination also taking home a swag of silverware; the KH Arvan Trophy (Young Rider Grand Prix), Fissenden Trophy (most championship points) and the Hanoverian Award (Medium and above).

On a personal level, it was particularly great to achieve some personal goals like getting his passage stronger, and any mistakes made just make for more learning experiences which we can work on improving for the next shows! He is definitely feeling increasingly stronger and fitter which is also super rewarding.”

With winning scores of 69.33% and 67.65% in their Grand Prix tests, clearly the pair are well established at this level.

Despite a small class of just four, the competition was strong, with three competent combinations keeping the pressure on. More remarkable still is the fact it was the first Grand Prix starts for the combinations of Amy Sage and RM All About Me (Anamour/Witzbola), and Caitlin Benzie and Stoneylea Lancelot (Limonit/Anamour) who is owned by Jen Sim, and just the second time out for Rebecca Williamson and Don Amour MH (Don Frederico/Anamour). Credible

“Words cannot describe how much this horse means to me,” says Lucarne. “He has a heart of gold and just never says no or stops trying.”

‘Arnie’ is special in many ways, requiring careful management due to a rare stomach condition, but the ex-eventer just keeps on shining in partnership with Lucarne and the pair have an impressive swag of regional and national titles to their name.

Rebecca Williamson and Don Amour MH

The thirteen-year-old Anamour/ Dynamit gelding was bred by Justine Hodson and Lucarne got him as an eight-year-old after he had evented and even been a beginner’s riding horse!

“The Young Rider competition is always one of my favourite shows of the season, as there’s always an extra special camaraderie about it.

Everyone supports everyone else and we all love to see each other succeed.

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

NATIONAL NEWS Ben Weir and NPE Del Rico

Rebecca Williamson and Don Tobio

Caitlin Benzie and Sue Hobson

scores across the board are a good reflection of the quality of work they are all capable of, with debut mistakes understandable at this challenging level.

and as something of a swansong as she celebrated her 26th birthday on the Saturday of the show, marking her last time being able to compete at the U25 Event show.

“It’s a big step up to Grand Prix, and we had a lot of fun doing our musical, but our best work is yet to come, as for now we keep leaving it in the warmup!,” says Amy. “However, it was great to finish as Reserve Champion with Pie (RM All About Me) behind my best friend Lucarne.”

“I’m so grateful to have been able to ride Lance, such a kind natured horse with exceptional training,” says Caitlin. “And also, to Betty Brown for trusting me with Archie who won the Elementary Championship.”

Becki Williamson and Don Amour MH showed plenty of quality moments over the weekend and having just recently come together, clearly will be an exciting combination as they continue their experience at this level.

Having only ridden Lance (Stoneylea Lancelot) three times prior to the show, and competing two other horses there, Caitlin was delighted to have the opportunity to compete at this level, particularly to a musical freestyle she designed – 30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

U25 MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP

The Young Rider Medium Tour Champion title went to the sole competitor at that level: Brina Carpenter and Leo Donna.

Despite having no-one else in her class to compete against, Brina proved that she is a master of maintaining focus and set her own high standards to surpass.

Her lovely Don Quattro/Leo Godonov mare, Leo Donna, scored 67.95% and 65.63% with a highlight for the audience (and Brina) a lovely flowing musical freestyle.

YOUNG RIDER & U25 SMALL TOUR CHAMPIONSHIP Becki Williamson and Don Tobio (Donnerubin/Gymnastic Star) proved too good to catch in the U25 Small Tour class, setting a strong pace in the musical freestyle with a score of 72.81%, and just squeezed out of a second win in the Young Rider Individual test by Ben Weir and NPE Del Rico (Doringcourt/Falkensee) on 66.83% ahead of her 65.94%.

However, the musical win was enough to secure Becki the U25 Small Tour Championship title and Waldebago Trophy, with Ben taking the Reserve Champion title. Ben also competes at Grand Prix show jumping level and is proving his skillset as being just at home in a dressage saddle.

Becki says making the step up to FEI Young Rider level was a good learning experience, with plenty of useful comments from judges providing plenty to focus on over the next few weeks before their next outing.

NATIONAL NEWS “Winning the Waldebago Trophy was a real highlight – our first ever trophy together!”

Stephanie Baker and Popstar MH

YOUNG RIDER ADVANCED CHAMPIONSHIP Perhaps the most tightly contested class of the weekend was the Young Rider Advanced level, with Steph Baker, Madison Schollum and Morgan Beere all within virtually a percent of each most of the weekend, with just the 6B test separating the pack a little.

Consistently solid performances with moments of brilliance from all three combinations had the audience on the edge of their seats as the neck and neck race looked almost too tight to call at times.

However, it was the calm professionalism from Steph Baker and Stephanie Hudson’s classy Popstar MH (Prestige VDL/ Weltmeyer) that saw them nudge ahead and take the Championship title, ahead of Madison Schollum and the uber-elegant Kinnordy Golda (Gymnastic Star/Daktylus) and Morgan Beere and her well performing Redwood Furst Affair (Furstenball/Londonderry).

“The Young Rider Champs is always such a fun show with a great atmosphere and it was an amazing show for me. I was over the moon with how both horses performed in all the tests, they tried so hard,”

says Steph, who also won the Young Rider Preliminary Championship title with young horse Papanui Just Downtown. “I was so incredibly proud of Popstar with three wins in a competitive class, with two of the tests over 71%. He gave me a really good feeling in the tests and got softer as they went on, which

is something I’ve been working really hard on - to achieve the same softness in tests that we get in the warmup. I feel like a lot of our hard work all came together at this show and it paid off in the arena. I also try not to let the pressure of riding other people’s horses get to me either. I was just determined to go out there and give it my best shot and have fun!”

YOUNG RIDER ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPIONSHIP Lucy Cochrane and Gymanji

If there’s one horse from the event most likely to be remembered, it’s Lucy Cochrane’s eye-catching Gymanji. The stunning looking Gymnastik Star/Anamour stands out from the crowd with his distinctive white splashes and spots on his rump, a throwback to his appaloosa great-grandsire Sunday Sensation.

Fortunately, he also has the talent to back up the looks and proved simply too good for the rest of the field to catch, winning all four of his classes ahead of some quality competition. Lucy was a MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

NATIONAL NEWS

Emma Dickons and Belmont Bedsox

clear winner for the well-earned Championship title, with seventeenyear-old Sachleen Kaur and HPH Levitate (Limonit/The Commander) as Reserve scoring consistent second and third placings throughout.

experienced the highs of success on Betty Brown’s Archie (Anamour/ Dynamit) to take out the Elementary Championship, as well as the bittersweet knowledge that she was competing at her last U25 event.

YOUNG RIDER MEDIUM CHAMPIONSHIP

But what a way to finish – winning all four of their classes, despite having just sat on the lovely black seven-year-old only twice before the event.

Thoroughbreds proved the stars at Medium Level, with the Champion title going to Auckland’s Tannah Johnson and Minobie (TB

by Oberlisk), and Reserve Champion to Belinda Greenfield and L’homme de jour (TB by Fast ‘n’Famous/No Excuse Needed).

Having won all three of the qualifying classes, Tannah set the pace from the get go, and although there was plenty of competition nipping at her heels with some quality combinations, she proved too strong to topple. The seventeenyear-old student has long had her sights set on competing at Young Rider Champs, with the ultimate goal of winning.

As well as a nice pile of ribbons, Tannah took away some valuable lessons from the show.

“I definitely learned the importance of preparing for every movement and the payoff that comes from good preparation.”

YOUNG RIDER ELEMENTARY CHAMPIONSHIP It was a weekend of mixed emotions for Caitlin Benzie, who 32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

“Youth competitions have provided me with lifelong friends from all around the country and I’m so grateful for the people I’ve met and friends I’ve made.”

Keeping the pressure on Caitlin were eventual Reserve Champion winners Emma Dickons and Belmont Bedsox (Belmont Geronimo/Gloss), as well as close third placed Samantha Belsham and Delta Duet (Holsteiner by Delta Lets Dance). It was the muchadmired Gypsy Cob Cross however which took the Reserve spot, with a delighted Emma reaping the rewards of her hard work and dedication.

YOUNG RIDER NOVICE CHAMPIONSHIP By far the largest class of the competition, Novice level was hotly contested throughout, but Samantha Belsham and Dolcetto II (Donnerubin DC/Distelfink) won three of the four tests and placed second in the other to

Taranaki Team with Sue Hobson: Lucy Cochrane, Mikayla Wildermoth, Frankie Lawn, Zoe Lawn

convincingly take the win. For the fifteen-year-old student, it was almost a double victory as she also finished in the top three of every class with her Elementary horse Delta Duet (Holsteiner by Delta Lets Dance). Placed in all eight tests she rode over the weekend; she was particularly delighted with her expressive five-year-old Dolcetta II. “He is the most amazing young horse and I feel so lucky to have him, he makes me smile every day.”

With a number of combinations all within striking reach and exceptionally close percentages at the top of this field (with Kate Potter and Decoy Dee, Iris Hut and Vollrath Lilac and Amy Barrack and Dolcento also in the hunt); it was the polished combination of Amy Sage and HPH Furst Welcome (Furstenball/Wolkentanz I) who took the Reserve prize.

YOUNG RIDER PRELIMINARY CHAMPIONSHIP It was a two horse race all weekend at Preliminary with Steph Baker and Papanui Just Downtown (Donnerubin/Don Fredrico) and Alexandra Hope and Wonder Why (Wonderking/Uprising) topping the leaderboard throughout. With three wins, Steph finished Preliminary Champion on the lovely young horse owned by Wendi and Jon Williamson, and Heather Graham.

NATIONAL NEWS

EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES YOUTH FESTIVAL RESULTS...

NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY Caitlin Benzie & Archie MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX Lucarne Dolley & Ardmore AREA TEAMS EVENT Taranaki Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat, Zoe Lawn & Rifesyde Firefly, Mikayla Wildermoth & Thumbellina, Lucy Cochrane & Gymanji HYLAND TROPHY PONY CHAMPIONSHIP Morgan Abel-Pattinson & Pioneer North East WALDEBAGO TROPHY YOUNG RIDER CHAMPIONSHIP Rebecca Williamson & Don Tobio

KH ARVAN TROPHY U25 GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Lucarne Dolley & Ardmore FISSENDEN TROPHY MOST CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS Lucarne Dolley & Ardmore GAME CHANGER AWARDS Bella Small (Auckland) Kate Dockerty (Wellington) Danielle Leslie (Wellington) LEAD REIN CHAMPION Briar Herries & Valrosa Indian Summer RESERVE Harriet Hogan & Montello Araia NON GRADED 12 YEARS AND UNDER Charlee Halewood & Ty Gwyn Riveria RESERVE Aggie Shearer & Cardonald Zin Zan JUNIOR Beth Condon & Kozee RESERVE Ella Cooper-Levin & PSH Logan PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Riley Chase & Asti RESERVE Anna Isaac & II Skipper NOVICE PONY CHAMPION Zoe Lawn & Rifesyde Firefly RESERVE Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat ELEMENTARY PONY CHAMPION Claudia Younger & Sandhill Trussardi RESERVE Grace Purdie & Firebird Five MEDIUM PONY CHAMPION Morgan Abel-Pattinson & Pioneer North East RESERVE Samantha Wells & Gangnam Style PRELIMINARY CHAMPION Stephanie Baker & Papanui Just Downtown RESERVE Alexandra Hope & Wonda Why

Aggie Shearer (L) and Olivia Younger

NOVICE CHAMPION Samantha Belsham & Dolcetto II RESERVE Amy Sage & HPH Furst Welcome ELEMENTARY CHAMPION Caitlin Benzie & Archie RESERVE Emma Dickons & Belmont Bedsox MEDIUM CHAMPION Tannah Johnson & Minobie RESERVE Belinda Greenfield & L’Homme du jour ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Lucy Cochrane & Gymanji Reserve Sachleen Kaur & HPH Levitate

Amy Sage and HPH Furst Welcome

ADVANCED CHAMPION Stephanie Baker & Popstar MH RESERVE Maddison Schollum & Kinnordy Golda SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Rebecca Williamson & Don Tobio RESERVE Ben Weir & NPE Del Rico MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Brina Carpenter & Leo Donna GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Lucarne Dolley & Ardmore RESERVE Amy Sage & RM All About Me PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION Natalie James & Zee Bee MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

NATIONAL NEWS

Morgan Abel-Pattinson and Pioneer North East

THE HYLAND TROPHY It was a cracker weekend for 12-year-old Morgan Abel-Pattinson (Auckland) on her quality chestnut gelding, Pioneer North East (Pioneer Legend/Pioneer Silka), taking the Young Rider FEI level Pony Champion title and the Hyland Trophy. The win marks their second major success at the Youth Festival, the pair winning the 12-year-old and under Championship at the 2019 competition and then progressing quickly to win the Horse of the Year Elementary Pony of the Year 2020. It was yet another step up in 2021.

Reserve Champion went to Samantha Wells (Waikato) and the Gangnam Style. This pair have been a model of consistency throughout the season.

Claudia Younger and Sandhill Trussardi

THE ELEMENTARY PONY CHAMPIONSHIP Claudia Younger (Feilding) and Sandhill Trussardi (Trussardi D/Longtree Valentine) won the Elementary Pony Champion title, ahead of Grace Purdie and Firebird Five (Welsh X Arab) who kept the heat on throughout the competition, along with Frankie Lawn, Piper Crake, Emily Shepherd and Georgia Mullins. This level proved very competitive throughout the event with polished tests being produced by many of these pony riders. At just twelve years old, both Claudia and Grace still have a several years to keep moving through the levels on these ponies.

THE NOVICE PONY CHAMPIONSHIP It ended up being the battle of the Taranaki based Lawn sisters for the Pony Novice title, with Zoe and Frankie head-to-head for much of the competition, despite Maiah Kitcheman and Sophie Frew hot on their heels for points.

The final Championship title went to younger sibling Zoe and Rifesyde Firefly (Hilkens Denali/Weston Tudor), ahead of Frankie and Pied Piper Trick or Treat (Warmblood X by Golden Strike).

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Piper Crake and Cinder Strike

NATIONAL NEWS

Harriet Hogan & Montello Araia

THE PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPIONSHIP It was almost a clean sweep of the Pony Preliminary classes for Riley Chase and Asti (crossbred), winning three of the four tests, with Reserve Champion Anna Isaac and II Skipper (first-time Young Rider competitors) just taking the final test win on 70.62% ahead of Riley’s 70%. It was a solid collection of pony performances and riders, with Zara Cowen, Maiah Kitcheman, Piper Crake and Morgan Abel-Pattinson providing plenty of keen competition.

Riley Chase and Asti

PARA EQUESTRIAN Sole para equestrian rider Natalie James and her lovely Zee Bee (NZ sporthorse by Jiz) had a successful show to win the Champion title.

Beth Condon and Kozee

JUNIORS Riding a borrowed horse, kindly loaned

by Maree & Olivia Robinson, Beth Condon (Canterbury) quickly struck up a good partnership with Kozee (Blue Confession/ Aranui Baradoo Quicksilver) for the Junior Champion (13-21yrs), with Ella Cooper-Levin and Logan PSH (Limonit/Anamour) taking out of Reserve Champion.

The 12 years and under went to the lovely chestnut flaxen mare Ty Gwyn Riviera (Mithril Glenfiddich/Llandovery Mr T) ridden

by Charlee Halewood, with Aggie Shearer and Cardonald Zin Zan (Welsh Riding Pony

by Monstravous Just Flag It) as Reserve Champion.

The lead rein classes drew the attention of many, mainly for the ‘cute’ factor but also a great chance to see our future dressage riders at their starting point. Briar Herries and Valrosa Indian Summer (Section A Welsh by Koroway Pocket Edition) took the Championship, with Reserve Champion going to Harriet Hogan and Montello Aria.

Emily Archer and Linden Fun and Games

Briar Herries and Valrosa Indian Summer

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

NATIONAL NEWS

Hey there!

Harriet Hogan and Briar Herries

36 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

THANK YOU VERY MUCH Enormous gratitude and recognition must go to the many sponsors who supported and helped make the Dressage NZ Equestrian Entries Youth Festival possible...

SPONSORS Equestrian Entries Affordable Pools AMS Saddlery AR Dressage Coffee Stop Equilibrium Australia Equissage Equizee Fiber Fresh Gateshead Equestrian Hampton & Harlow Equestrian Livamol Petplan Punk Ponies Ribbons Plus Richmond Saddlery Ricoh Taranaki Richmond Saddlery Signspot Graphics Whakatane Dental Zilco

AUCTION SUPPORTERS Bespoke Equestrian Caitlin Benzie Cambridge Equestrian Cooper Oborn Dressage NZ Dressage Rider Training Equine Mementos Excel Equine Hampton & Harlow Equestrian Holly Leach Jump for Joy Livamol Mark Weedon Nicole Sweney RB Jewellers Rhythm Equestrian Stirling Collection The Cover Queen Vivant Equi MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37

YOUNG RIDER PROFILE

THIRD TIME IS ANOTHER CHARM Article by Lisa Potter Photo by Libby Law Photography

Having started off aboard a Shetland pony, followed by a Kaimanawa pony, there’s no denying that Cambridge-based Lucarne Dolley has steadily worked her way up the levels of dressage.

Lucarne Dolley receiving the Kaye Fissenden Memorial Trophy presented

by Sue Hobson, ESNZ President.

38 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

YOUNG RIDER PROFILE

T

hese days the 22-year-old is creating something of a legacy at Young Rider level, with her name engraved on many of the most prestigious trophies in the sport.

The talented rider firmly cemented her place at Young Rider level at the recent Dressage NZ Equestrian Entries Young Rider Festival, taking the major Grand Prix title there for the third consecutive year.

Riding Ardmore, her 13yo Hanoverian (Anamour/Dynamit), the pair took out the U25 Grand Prix National Championships, and with it the KH Arvan Trophy, making that a streak of success stretching over 2019, 2020 and now 2021.

Given the increasing impressive calibre of young riders competing at this level, that’s a mighty impressive achievement.

MAKING IT WORK These days managing her equestrian pursuits is a little more challenging than previous years, as Lucarne now juggles a heavy workload studying physiotherapy fulltime.

She’s the first to admit that between blocks for her fairly intensive course workload and placements, it can get pretty hectic.

“I have to plan my weeks out in advance using awesome Kmart planners and then stick to it the best I can,” she says.

“Mum helps wherever she can around her own work, and I’ve also started utilising the water walker at Margaret Park to help keep my horses fit and competition ready.

The biggest challenge is balancing everything out, but it’s all worth it in the end.”

With a team of three horses: Ardmore (Arnie); HPH Sir Wolkentanz (6yo Sir Donnerhall/ Wolkentanz ll bred by Stacey Hartshorne); and For Prestige

DW (2yo old Formidable/Prestige gelding bred by David Wooley); there isn’t a lot of free time between study and horses, and that doesn’t look like improving any time soon.

Once Lucarne has completed her human physiotherapy degree, she plans to start the Veterinary Physiotherapy Post Grad Degree and get into the horse side of things, so she can combine her two passions.

“I have two more years to go in my human studies, and then another two or three years for my post grad – but I’m confident it will all be worth the time and effort.”

THE DREAM TEAM Her work ethic goes without saying and is something she honed during her two years as a working pupil for Vanessa Way. Lucarne is quick to credit the people around her with helping make it possible for her to chase her equestrian dreams.

“My Mum, Dad, Vanessa Way and my incredible friends are my main support crew. They all help me realise what is possible, help me push myself and also supply some great laughs to keep everything real. I am so grateful for them all,” she says.

“I also have incredible friends in the sport who are an amazing support system – Amy Sage, Abbie Deken and Renee Etherington are the best.”

ABOUT ARNIE Bred by Justine Hodson, Ardmore (aka Arnie) is a tad special needs, as he has a rare stomach condition which makes managing him something of a science. Thankfully he also has a heart of gold and makes life for those around him as easy as he can.

For those who have only ever seen Arnie with his dancing shoes on, it may come as something of a

surprise to know that he is an exeventer and was even a beginners riding horse, before partnering up with Lucarne for his new career as a dressage horse (as an 8yo).

Together the pair have gathered a swag of honours as they have worked their way up the levels, all the way from Level 1.

While her outstanding success at the recent Young Rider competition was an absolute thrill, Lucarne reckons one test in particular which will probably always be the most special, is her first every Grand Prix in 2019 (also at Young Rider Nationals).

“It was my first time, and Arnie’s first time, competing at this level, and with Vanessa we trained him all the way from Level One, so that was a really special moment which I’ll never forget.”

The Young Rider national competitions are a firm favourite for Lucarne, who enjoys the opportunity to get together with friends and being part of the supportive atmosphere. This year however did throw a new challenge her way – being asked to talk to the crowd there about starting a youth committee, and playing a role in the future growth of the sport.

“I was definitely a little nervous about it beforehand,” she admits, “but in the end it was very rewarding and I’m so excited for the future of our sport.”

SPONSOR SUPPORT Helping keep her team moving and performing as best as they can, Lucarne acknowledges the support from the team at NSC who ensure her horses each have their own saddles to suit their different confirmations, and Lisa Dunbar at Equine Saddle Fit NZ who fits and adjusts the saddles to perfection for their ever changing bodies.

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 39

NATIONAL NEWS

Aggie Shearer and Cardonald Zin Zan

40 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

Lauren Doland and Brightside Lumiere

NATIONAL NEWS

Game Changers with Sue Hobson (L to R) Kate Dockerty, Danielle Leslie & Bella Small

Belinda Greenfield and L'Homme du jour

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MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41

NATIONAL NEWS

Grand Prix Champions Kate Tobin and I Like It

SOUTH ISLAND DRESSAGE CELEBRATES IN THE SUN Photos by Bella Maitland Photography

The 2021 South Island Dressage Festival celebrated with three days of sunny skies and soaring temperatures at the Christchurch National Equestrian Centre. There was much to cheer about at the 'Canterbury Equestrian Properties with Richard and Sue Woerlee' sponsored event.

42 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

T

he quality of horses, pony and young rider successes, ever increasing numbers in the higher grades all contributed to a hugely successful event hosted

by Dressage Canterbury. The final rounds of the SI Super 5 League Series and South Island Zilco Freestyle to Music Leaderboards added another level of inspiration for riders to excel.

Masterton’s Catherine Tobin, a regular supporter of the event was rewarded with the Grand Prix

Fiona Sharp and New World Finesse

Championship on the Australian bred I Like It who showed some of the best work of his career, ahead of local combination Kirsty Schist and Gambado. Catherine also picked up Reserve Medium Tour with another Australian, Bradgate Riot Act. Southland’s Fiona Sharp had a great long weekend scoring a triple success with the Hanoverian New World Finesse (also Australian bred - Fishermans Friend /Mayfield Shining/Donnerheist) picking up the Medium Tour Championship,

AR Dressage Super 5 League and the Zilco Leaderboard.

In the Small Tour, the trio dubbed as the Dressage Minis, Lorraine Ward-Smith (South Canterbury), Rebecca McKee (Southland) and Diane Wallace (Marlborough)continued to battle it out but Lorraine with the everconsistent Fernlea Diamond Day dominated winning the South Island Championship, the Custom Logistic Super 5 League Series, and the Zilco Leaderboard.

Sally Field Dodgson and Vollrath La Vida have had limited competitions this season, but this didn’t stop them taking the Advanced title from Young Rider Millie Thompson and Isle of Mystique. This combination has gone from strength to strength since Millie graduated from ponies. Millie went home with a five rug stash scoring wins for the Roanaoke Trophy (for horses with at least 25% cold blood), the Novice Zilco Leaderboard and Matthews Hanoverians Novice Super 5 League Series with Oranoa Night Owl, and the Zilco Advanced Leaderboard and Hobson Horsecoaches Super 5 with Isle of Mystique.

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MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43

NATIONAL NEWS From Preliminary to Advanced Medium, the competition was very strong throughout the season and this was evident in both the series and for the Island championship titles. Two five-year-olds in the Preliminary were outstanding.

Dulcet (Cherie Pearson) and Fernlea Don Reville (Lynette Wood) were separated by a countback in the Vetpro Super 5 series. Both scored at least 70% in all five qualifying starts. Don Reville prevailed in the Super 5 but Dulcet took the Championship and also the Astek Stud Young Horse Grand Champion.

Kirsty Schist and Kinnordy Gambado

While pony numbers were not as strong as anticipated, the overall standard was very promising for the future. Canterbury’s Gemma Lewis lined up with two ponies for a Preliminary champion and Novice reserve and made a significant contribution to the South Island team score on Pennyweight Effervescent. The experienced pony pair of Charlotte Thomas and Jorja Dann fought it out at Medium level.

Both riders have also transitioned to horses taking sound pony performance with them.

Macy Morgan and Almost Legal

The organising committee are to be congratulated for hosting this high level event so proficiently having also been closely involved with the Canterbury Championships and Premier League at the end of November.

Danielle Simpson and Trevelda Mountain Storm

Rachel White and Sirtina

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NATIONAL NEWS

RESULTS...

CHAMPION YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Cherie Pearson & Dulcet RESERVE Janelle Sangster Ward & SWE Baloo NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY Mary Davis & Denzel MH MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX Kirsty Schist & Kinnordy Gambado NON GRADED PRELIMINARY CHAMPION Jacqui Meyer & Penny RESERVE Georgie Bolton & Incendium NON GRADED NOVICE CHAMPION Sandra Mackenzie & Y-Puna Matariki RESERVE Dawne Narin & High Templar PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Gemma Lewis & Pennyweight Effervescent RESERVE Paige Fitzgerald & KS Helter Skelter

Holly Merritt and Geppetto with Zilco sponsor Robert Kofoed

NOVICE PONY CHAMPION Katie Fitzsimons & Apsley Golden Secret RESERVE Gemma Lewis & Triple Star Blank Canvas ELEMENTARY PONY CHAMPION Macy Morgan & Almost Legal MEDIUM PONY CHAMPION Charlotte Thomas & Fairview Free Spirit RESERVE Jorja Dann & Westbrook Diana

Nicki Ford and Fernando MH

PARA CHAMPION Cailtin Holmes & Harold George RESERVE Jenny Affleck – Tiraumea Nelson PRELIMINARY CHAMPION Cherie Pearson & Dulcet RESERVE Lynette Wood & Fernlea Don Reveille NOVICE CHAMPION Tanya McKenzie & SE Gatsby RESERVE Shannon Brien & SWE Shutterfly ELEMENTARY CHAMPION Mary Davis & Denzel MH RESERVE Vanessa Baxter & Jazzaway MEDIUM CHAMPION Anya Durling & Rascallion RESERVE Diane Wallace & KP Denver ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Nicki Ford & L'Etoile RESERVE Sarah Gray & Alassan Wanderstarr

Diane Wallace and Profile

ADVANCED CHAMPION Sally Field-Dodgson & Vollrath La Vida RESERVE Millie Thompson & Isle of Mystique SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Lorraine Ward-Smith & Fernlea Diamond Day RESERVE Rebecca McKee & Solo MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Fiona Sharp & New World Finesse RESERVE Catherine Tobin & Bradgate Riot Act BIG TOUR CHAMPION Catherine Tobin & I Like it RESERVE Kirsty Schist & Kinnordy Gambado MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 45

NATIONAL NEWS

SOUTH ISLAND RETAINS THE YORK CORPORATION CHALLENGE TROPHY The South Island team gave it all they had to fend off a strong total which had been delivered by the North Island team the weekend before in Taupo. The annual York Corporation, Interisland Challenge supported by Richmond Saddlery gives U25 riders the chance to be part of a team in a largely individual sport.

ABOVE: The South Island team with Lynda Clarke (ESNZ Chair).

Photo: Bella Maitland Photography

RIGHT: (L to R) Iris Hutt, Sachleen Kaur, Rebecca Mobberley and Morgan Abel-Pattinson.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

SOUTH ISLAND TEAM

Total score: 473.018

PRELIMINARY PONY

Gemma Lewis

Canterbury

Pennyweight Effervescence

NOVICE YOUNG RIDER

Millie Thompson

Canterbury

Oranoa Night Owl

ELEMENTARY YOUNG RIDER

Estella Velenski

Canterbury

Amazing Spy

ADV MEDIUM YOUNG RIDER

Ashleigh McLean

Otago

San Tiero

NORTH ISLAND TEAM

Total score: 466.858

PRELIMINARY PONY

Morgan Abel-Pattinson

Auckland

Lancewoods Coppers Delight

NOVICE YOUNG RIDER

Iris Hutt

Waikato

Vollrath Lilac

ELEMENTARY YOUNG RIDER

Rebecca Mobberley

Wairarapa

Sayonara FE

ADV MEDIUM YOUNG RIDER

Sachleen Kaur

Auckland

HPH Levitate

46 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

YOUNG RIDER PROFILE

HOW DID YOU GET INTO RIDING? I began riding when I was only four years old! I started out on our little miniature pony at home, and it has just progressed from there.

WHAT ARE YOUR GOALS FOR THE FUTURE?

Mikayla and Don Douglas CH Photo: Libby Law Photography

I have two big goals, and I am very determined to achieve both of them!

The first is to personally train a horse of my own from the very beginning through to Grand Prix level, and the second is to one day represent New Zealand at the Olympics. To be able to do both of these would be amazing and a dream come true!

WHO IS YOUR TEAM AT THE MOMENT? I currently have two mounts, Thumbellina II and Don Douglas CFH. Thumbellina II (Dinky) is a 15-year-old, 147cm Bay mare, and Don Douglas CFH (Dougal) is a 9-year-old, 165cm Chestnut gelding.

HOW DID IT FEEL TO WIN THE YOUTH TITLE AT THE NEW ZEALAND SECTION OF THE WORLD CHALLENGE?

T

MIKAYLA WILDERMOTH

hirteen-year-old Mikayla Wildermoth has made her mark on the New Zealand Youth sector this season, kicking it off by winning the Youth Class in the New Zealand leg of the FEI Dressage World Challenge Zealand with Thumbellina II and taking fourth place on Don Douglas CFH. These results translated to very creditable third and seventh placings in the

Zone 8 competition against Chinese Taipei and South Africa.

Mikayla attends Sacred Heart Girls College in New Plymouth and was a member of the winning Taranaki team at the recent Youth Festival. She is going to be one to watch in the future. She is determined to get to the top, and I think it is safe to say she has what it takes to get there!

I was so excited; I just could not believe that it had happened!

I was not expecting it at all, it was quite surreal! I am just so proud of Dinky, I would not have been able to do it without her, or my amazing superhuman team, especially Jacinda Younger. Jacinda is a lifesaver, she always warms me up before my classes and is always available to help me out, I would be lost without her.

WHO IS YOUR BIGGEST INSPIRATION? I have multiple role models in the sport, especially in Taranaki where I am surrounded by such super riders. However, I’d have to say that Abbie Deken is at the top of the list, not just because she is an amazing rider but because of the kindness she has towards her horses and the people around her. As well as this, I of course love watching videos of riders such as Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin and Catherine Dufour, they are all such phenomenal athletes.

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47

NATIONAL NEWS

(L to R) Kara Lockhart and Debra Cowen Photo: Your View Photography

UPON REFLECTION Dressage Waikato, and in particular Debra Cowen and Kara Lockhart, are so appreciative of the support and messages received about the show – particularly in regard to the unfortunate decision needing to be made on the cancellation late on Saturday evening. We would also like to thank the people onsite at NEC Sunday for calmly and quickly leaving on Sunday morning, meaning our team could also get home.

48 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

U

ntil we opened entries, it was all going amazingly. Lisa Marcroft was superb with working with the Sponsors, and most available opportunities had been filled early – with the Arena Sponsorship being the most highly sought after. Most of our previous sponsors were keen to be involved again, we had a large number of new sponsors approach us to be involved, and it was amazing to have Clare from Oro Equestrian quickly step up as naming rights sponsor. Ashleigh Kendall prepared all the Facebook Sponsor announcements which were very well received over the 3 months leading into the show.

However the smooth ride ended when we opened entries. We delayed the opening of these until after Christmas and within 10 hours all covered yarding and powered sites were at capacity, meaning the waitlist was in operation far sooner than anticipated. The resulting stress of managing a large yarding waitlist was huge and was never ending.

Entries were capped at 250 horses with a waitlist operating after that, however all riders wanting to enter were able to be accommodated after scratchings were received before the start of the show. We ended up with 209 horses starting the weekend, which was slightly lower than last year (217) in all we had 26% of horses entered scratch, which makes planning a show (scheduling etc) quite challenging.

Over the past few weeks, as the Covid situation raised its head time and time again, we put in place contingency plans (1,2, 3 and 4) and thankfully did not have to use any, not knowing that plan number 7 was required.

Saturday night was by far the worst night we have experienced with a show – the decision to cancel was easy, the dealing with logistics after that decision was hard. We called in help and got a plan in place by 11.30pm.

While this has been the most challenging show we have run due to outside influences and things out of our control, we believe it was the best run show we have presented. We pride ourselves in ensuring that all parties are kept up to date in the leadup, so there are no surprises.

There was a big team that are responsible for this show, we are but two of that team.

Again, the messages we have received and the feedback we have read seems to indicate that all enjoyed the show, and for that we are pleased for and grateful to the team that was involved.

Debra & Kara

GAME CHANGERS AWARD DEBRA COWEN & KARA LOCKHART-AROA

F

aced with ongoing Covid protocol changes in the weeks prior to the Oro Equestrian North Island Championships and then to be faced with a lockdown once the show finally got underway, Debra and Kara proved themselves to be total professionals coupled with compassion. They clearly had a contingency plan and as the evening unfolded, they put the plan into place with an extraordinary efficiency, giving the impression it was something they did every day of the week. The fire alarm drama and scare in the indoor earlier in the day (the burnt toast being the cause) suddenly paled into insignificance. Communication in the lead up to and throughout the show and particularly in respect of actions required to evacuate the venue was outstanding. Our sport feels truly privileged to have volunteers of this calibre. We all thank you.

Those who know Debra will agree that she has a black belt in excel spreadsheets, solving stabling nightmares, wine drinking and maintaining a fixed smile not betraying what she is really feeling in some rather stressful situations. A vastly experienced and skilled event manager – certainly one of the best in our sport. But you just don’t get to be that good all on your own, as the old adage says… behind every good woman… is an equally experienced team of people known as Dressage Waikato. Debra’s number one sidekick, chief in charge of the purse strings is Kara Lockhart and together I am quite sure they could run the Olympics on the back of an envelope! The Waikato Festival of Dressage is often the biggest Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League event of the season with entries capped this year at 250 horses. Under their watch the event has won Dressage NZ show of the year. Debra has also been awarded the Karmargen Fairplay Award and Windsor Lad Trophy for her efforts competing and running an event – too often not giving herself enough time for her own horse.

Kara is employed as Manager at the Waikato Equestrian Centre and has been a long-term volunteer for Dressage Waikato. The venue runs a riding school and is the home of many Waikato equestrian groups used as a training and competition for many equestrian codes.

Both support their children in their sporting endeavours.

Kara’s daughter Charlotte is a NZ representative Special Olympics rider. Debra’s daughter Zara competes across the disciplines on her pony Jack, Ben who plays Rugby and Lacrosse at rep level. We hope she doesn’t let on to those clubs that she has a black belt in event management!

This pair are the recipient of this month’s Big Barrel volunteer prize we can be sure it will be put to good use. Check out the Big Barrel range of products at www.bigbarrel.co.nz

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49

NATIONAL NEWS

NORTH ISLAND DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Jan Sutherland from Take the Moment Photography was ringside at the short but sweet ORO Equestrian North Island Dressage Championships of 2021. Due to an immediate COVID lockdown the Sunday event was abruptly cancelled... these are moments in time that we will never forget!

Please note out of respect to our photographers that screenshots of photos used on Social Media will be recorded and may result in payment for photo.

Vanessa Way and NRM Andreas Samantha Wells and Gangnam Style

NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY Betty Brown & Archie MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX Vanessa Way & NSC Andreas MASTERS CHAMPION Kathryn Corry & Anuschka PSH RESERVE Nicoli Fife & Charlton Baliro YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair RESERVE Brina Carpenter & Leo Donna

Frankie Lawn and Pied Piper Trick or Treat Phillippa Gibbons and SWE Diament Stern

50 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

Baldeep Dhillon and GF Jay Jelle fan E’SAN Leren

Martin Cleland and Ruby Jackson

PARA GRADE I Jodie Thorne & Ira Hayes (pictured above) PARA GRADE II Aimee Prout & Laghmor RESERVE Nicola Essex & Mirako SP PARA GRADE IV Louise Duncan & Wolkenstein RESERVE Louise Duncan & Northern Ivanthus PARA GRADE V Chelsea Burns & Prestige Pete

Lucarne Dolley and HPH Sir Wolkentanz

Alice Cochrane and SF J'Adore

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 51

NATIONAL NEWS

Kieryn Walton and Rocriale RE

RESULTS...

PRELIMINARY AMATEUR CHAMPION Melanie-Jane Jones & Bon Carcon RESERVE Alexandra Hope & Wonda Why NOVICE AMATEUR CHAMPION Johanna Haggitt & Chuck Taylor RESERVE Sarita Kennedy & FIS Lacoste ELEMENTARY AMATEUR CHAMPION Chloe Wilson & Astek RM Astek Glamorous RESERVE Georgia Watson & Gianna PSH MEDIUM AMATEUR CHAMPION Chanelle Reid & The Loveable Rogue RESERVE Catherine Smith & Quentrix ADVANCED MEDIUM AMATEUR CHAMPION Baldeep Dhillon & GF Jay Jelle fan E’SAN Leren RESERVE Phillippa Gibbons & SWE Diamant Stern PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Piper Crake & Cinder Strike RESERVE Paige Fitzgerald & KS Helter Skelter

Susan Tomlin and Dance Hit SW

NOVICE PONY CHAMPION Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat RESERVE Zoe Lawn & Rifesyde Firefly ELEMENTARY PONY CHAMPION Piper Crake & Glenvar Bramble RESERVE Georgia Mullins & Kingslea Busy Bee MEDIUM PONY CHAMPION Samantha Wells & Gangnam Style PRELIMINARY OPEN CHAMPION Cooper Oborn & Joniro RESERVE Vanessa Way & NSC Jolie DW NOVICE OPEN CHAMPION Susan Tomlin & Dance Hit SW RESERVE Amanda MacPherson & Frieden Star ELEMENTARY OPEN CHAMPION Betty Brown & Archie RESERVE Lucarne Dolley & HPH Sir Wolkentanz MEDIUM CHAMPION Vanessa Way & NSC Furst Rock DW RESERVE Ottilie Upshall & Mistdobalina

Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson

ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Debbie Barke & RM Suzie Q RESERVE Amanda Berridge & GS O Jay ADVANCED CHAMPION Morgan Beere & Redwood Furst Affair Reserve Rebecca Williamson & Don Tobio SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Wendi Williamson & Bon Jovi MH RESERVE Vanessa Way & NSC Timbermill Prequel MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Gaylene Lennard & Jax Johnson RESERVE Wendi Williamson & Don Vito MH GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Vanessa Way & NSC Andreas RESERVE Cooper Oborn & Aphrodite

52 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

Vetpro Equine Supplements - Preliminary HSP Levi Feuer Tanz Joniro Skyhi Kobalt GS Frescolino Matthews Hanoverians - Novice Dance Hit SW Frieden Star Mt Tulloch Royal Legend Ducati MH FIS Lacoste Animal Therapeutics - Elementary HSP Soe Dantelegro Sayonara FE Just A Spark RE Anaruby II. Dunstan Horsefeeds - Medium Ganache MH Stoneylea Felicio Santana MH Kalimna Prestige L'homme du jour Back on Track - Advanced Medium Gymanji Four Winds Bijou GS O Jay HPH Levitate Fanfare MH Hobson Horsecoaches - Advanced Rosari Donatella Redwood Furst Affair Anuschka PSH Don Tobio Dolce Vita RB Custom Logistic - Small Tour Felix Westfalia Bon Jovi MH NSC Timbermill Prequel Laila Dawn Fernando Andrea Raves Fetterman - Medium Tour Don Vito MH Sisters II Etta J Jax Johnson Georgio Vollrath Leila Superior Rubber Surfaces - Grand Prix Aphrodite Raukura Satori MH NSC Andreas Ali Baba Ardmore

Anna Williams Rochelle Speirs Cooper Oborn Natalie van Biljon Jen Sim Susan Tomlin Amanda Macpherson Brigid Gray Wendi Williamson Sarita Kennedy Henrike Puketapu Nicky Majoor Rebecca Mobberley Penny Pearce Lenore McIver Kathryn Corry Christine Weal Cindy Wiffin Bronwyn Cooper Belinda Greenfield Lucy Cochrane Belinda Greenfield Amanda Berridge Sachleen Kaur Casey Burton Julie Pearson Morgan Beere Kathryn Corry Rebecca Williamson Mandy Littlejohn

Cooper Oborn William Millar Vanessa Way Jody Hartstone Lucarne Dolley

10

7

10

10

10 7

7 7

7 7 5

7

10

10

7

7 10 7

7 7

(5)

7

7 7

10 10

7 10 7

7 7

7 7

7

7

7

(5) 7 7 7 7

10

7 7

7

7

7

5

7

7 7 7 7

12

10 7

7

10 7

10

7

12

12

7

9 9

9 12 9

7

7

7 (7) 7 10

7

7

7 10

5 10 10

7

10 7

10

7

7 7 10

10

7

7

5 7

10 10 5

7

52 50 35 32 30 40 31 30 27 26 43 42 35 33 33

10

7 7 7

39 37 37 34 28

(7) 10 7 5 7

49 46 36 33 21

7

10 7 10

7

7

43 35 29 28 26

7

10

10

7

7

39 32 30 27 27

26 26 24 23 22

7 10 7 (5) 7 7 (7) 7 10 7

10

10 7 7

40 29 26 26 21

Placing

Total Points

SICH

7

7 7

7 7

Waikato 7

7 10 10

10 10

7

5

9 9 12 7 7

9 9 9

7

10 10

10 10

7

9

9 12

Northland

Wairarapa

Taranaki

Taihape

10

9 10

9 12 5

10

7

12 9 (7)

Waitemata

SHB

NHB

NCH

10

Kallista Field 10 10 10 Wendi Williamson 7 Vanessa Way 10 Nicki Sunley (5) 7 Haydee Wells-Parmenter 7 Wendi Williamson Chelsea Callaghan Gaylene Lennard Jacqui Thompson Carole Christensen

Gisborne

Wellington

10

10 12 7 12

Auckland-Manukau

Rider

Bay of Plenty

North Island Super 5 Top 5

Central Districts

NORTH ISLAND SUPER 5 LEAGUE SERIES 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 53

NATIONAL NEWS

Novice Oranoa Night Owl Fandango SE Gatsby Windermere Legato Castanea Xtreme Elementary Belvoir Denzel MH Jazzaway Southwell Razzmataz Bloomfield Furst Love Song Medium D Malia KP Denver Rascallion Quendrix Gusto Dracaena Advanced Medium Geppetto L Etoile Sisters II Whitney H Dream Catcher TP The Analyst Advanced Isle of Mystique Stoneylea Lord Locksley Sartorial Hit SW Wisdom WDS Volrath La Vida Small Tour Fernlea Diamond Day Solo KP Dexter Donna Lilly Fernando MH Medium Tour New World Finesse Alliarna Gemstar Gammon Ks Grand Prix Rossellini Profile Windermere JObèi W Windermere Johanson W Westford Lanciano

54 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

Rider Millie Thompson Julie Fraser Tanya McKenzie Rilee McMeekin Georgia Gibbons

10

10

10

10

Jane Fibbes Diane Wallace Anya Durling Catherine Smith Sonja Swale

7 7

Holly Merritt Nicki Ford Wendy Butler Lesley McKay Sarah MacLeod

7

Millie Thompson Harriet Redmond Jackie Thomas Amelia French Sally Field-Dodgson

7

7 7 10

10

10

7 7 7

7 7

7 7

7

5

7

(3)

10 7 7 7 7 7

7

7

7 7 5

5 5

7 7

10 7 7

7

7 5

7 7

7

10

7

7 5

10 10

10 10

5

9 40 12 29 7 28 7 21 9 16

5

7 7

(5)

7

7

7

5 5

5

7 7 7

7

5

7

7

9 35 7 19 19 17 9 16 9 40 9 40 9 36 26 9 19 7 31 7 27 7 7 3 9 37 26 20 20 9 14

Place

Total Points

7

3

7

9 43 9 43 9 40 29 24

7 12 43 12 36 7 12 36 31 7 31

7 10 10 7 10 7 10

5

SICH

Otago 2

Nelson 2

Southland

Canterbury

7 10 10 10 7 10

7

10

Fiona Sharp Sonya McLachlan Pip Thompson Joy White

10 7 10 10 10 7

12 46 12 42 12 32 27 12 22

7

(7)

7

10

7 10 10 10 10 10

7

Lorraine Ward-Smith Rebecca McKee Diane Wallace Deborah Rutherford Nicki Ford

SCNO

Otago

Wellington

Nelson

7 10

Linda Cocks Mary Davis Vanessa Baxter Sandy Houston Anna Gale

Barbara Chalmers Diane Wallace Melissa Galloway Melissa Galloway Lauren Haig

Bay of Plenty

Marlborough

South Island Zilco

Central Districts

SOUTH ISLAND ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES

0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 0.1 1 2 3 4 5

NATIONAL NEWS

Vetpro Equine Supplements - Preliminary Fernlea Don Reville Dulcet Gusto Heathers Papaver CDS Donnastic Cinematic Matthews Hanoverians - Novice Oranoa Night Owl Fandango SE Gatsby Trevalda Mountain Storm Cortina Animal Therapeutics - Elementary Denzel MH Roselea Skipper Jazzaway Southwell Razzmataz Not Chaotic Dunstan Horsefeeds - Medium Rascallion D Malia Quendrix KP Denver Gusto Dracaena Back on Track - Advanced Medium Geppetto L Etoile Sisters II Whitney H Alasaan Wanderstarr PSL Pachelbel Hobson Horsecoaches - Advanced Isle of Mystique Sartorial Hit SW Campion KSNZ Volrath La Vida Stoneylea Lord Locksley Custom Logistic - Small Tour Fernlea Diamond Day KP Dexter Solo Gurteens Velvet Donna Lilly Andrea Raves Fetterman - Medium Tour New World Finesse Alliarna Gemstar Superior Rubber Surfaces - Grand Prix Windermere JObèi W Profile Rossellini Windermere Johanson W Kinnordy Gambado

Rider Lynette Wood Cherie Pearson Angela Valentine Sarah Wadworth Helene Wylie

10 (10) 7 10

Millie Thompson Julie Fraser Tanya McKenzie Dani Simpson Kim Maude

7 7

7 5

Millie Thompson Jackie Thomas Rebecca Kerr Sally Field-Dodgson Harriet Redmond

5

7

7

7

5 7

10 10 10

7

7 (7) 7

7

7

7

7 5

7

10 7 7 7

7 7

7

7

7 7

5 3 7

7

Fiona Sharp Sonya McLachlan Pip Thompson

7

5

10

7

5

5

10

7

7

7

7 5 5

5 5 7

(3)

5

10 9 7 5

5

3

12 5

10

9

5 5

7

7 10

(7)

7

7 7

5 5

46 37 31 28 28 33 31 31 19 14

7

31 19 18 16 14

9 7 9 9 7

7

5

9

7 12 12 10 12

7

3

5

5

7 7 5

7 5 7

40 30 28 22 19 27 18 5 32 27 25 23 7

Placing

Total Points

10 12 7 9

7

(7)

5 5

34 33 29 19 14 43 26 24 21 21

7 5

7

9 9 9

52 52 28 20 17

9

10

7

7

SICH

Otago 2

Nelson 2

7

7

7 7

10

10 12 10 12 9

10 10 10

7 7

7

7

Southland 7

7

Lorraine Ward-Smith Diane Wallace Rebecca McKee Rachel Thomas Deborah Rutherford

Canterbury (10) 10 7

10

7 10 5

Holly Merritt Nicki Ford Wendy Butler Sarah Gray Tania Edmonds

NCH

10 10 10

5

7 7 7 7

Anya Durling Jane Fibbes Catherine Smith Diane Wallace Sonja Swale

SCNO

Otago

Wellington

Nelson 10

7

Mary Davis Morgan Irvine Vanessa Baxter Sandy Houston Shona Drummond

Melissa Galloway Diane Wallace Barbara Chalmers Melissa Galloway Kirsty Schist

Bay of Plenty

Marlborough

South Island Super 5 Top 5

Central Districts

SOUTH ISLAND SUPER 5 LEAGUE SERIES

0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 4 5 0.1 1 2 3 0.1 1 2 3 4 5

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 55

NATIONAL COMPETITION SERIES

NATIONAL SUPER 5 LEAGUE CHAMPIONS

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NATIONAL COMPETITION SERIES

SOUTH ISLAND SUPER 5 LEAGUE SERIES

MARCH 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 57

OUR PEOPLE

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH MANDY MACPHERSON Sponsored by Big Barrel Article by Celine Filbee Mandy and Tauhu Vance Photo: Libby Law Photography

M

andy and her husband John run the family sheep and beef farm inland from Gisborne and are well known identities in their local community.

But Mandy’s inherited passion for horses and dressage has also drawn her to the equestrian community and her local input as a committee member, and competitor of Dressage Gisborne then led to a wider involvement assisting Dressage Hawke’s Bay at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show on the polo grounds and supporting their other events through sponsorship. She often has no particular task allocated at an event; she just rolls her sleeves up and gets stuck in. One of her fellow committee members commented that Mandy always has her hand 58 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN MARCH 2021

up to help, is generous with both her time and sponsorship, and frequently offers her indoor arena for clinics schooling and training to the wider equestrian community, even if she is not at home.

Mandy has always ridden, following in the footsteps of her mother, Gaye Withers who was a NZ Dressage representative.

Both have needed to be incredibly committed to competing with their closest show being two and a half hours from the farm! Mandy currently competes Tauhu Vance and Frieden Star. But the batten is now being passed on as Mandy and John have three sons and two grandchildren, one of whom, Maddy, is already horse mad with her own pony and at just three years old.Libby Law Photography Photo:

Mandy has never been one to be idle. Over the years they have developed the farm as a destination, with a homestay and backpackers in the beautiful setting of Tuahu Station, offering horse trekking, hiking, trout fishing and participation in farm activities.

They host the local hunt for a weekend every year with everyone staying on site. They have hosted both a hunt trek have and hunter trials on the property. Mandy has been very active over the years breeding sport horses and the Tuahu prefix is well known to the Dressage, Jumping and Eventing communities, with many talented horses bred on the farm. The most notable has been Didgiemon Drum who Mandy trained to Grand Prix, was on the DNZ development squad, and lived his whole life out on the station.

John and Mandy both have a passion for travel, so the recent purchase of a property in Gisborne has filled the gap left by travel restrictions and the necessity to stay in New Zealand.

Mandy has a reputation for always being friendly and cheerful and is yet another deserving recipient of this month’s Big Barrel volunteer prize. For mates rates, exclusive offers and all your party needs visit your nearest Big Barrel and join their Mates Club. Or go to www.bigbarrel.co.nz to experience their Big Range and Big Deals.

OUR PEOPLE

OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH JUDITH CUNNINGHAM

J

Sponsored by AR Dressage Article by Celine Filbee

udith is best known in our sport as a judge having first officiated in 1980, over two decades ago Her judging expertise is backed up by having also competed to the equivalent of Advanced Medium level. She is currently one of four members on the National Judges Sub Committee. She has been awarded two Prime Ministers Scholarships, the first in 2017 and again in 2019 to travel to Aachen and Hartpury to attend International Dressage Officials Club (IDOC) seminars. She has previously been the North Island Pony and Young Rider convenor, supporting Youth Development.

At regional level Judith has contributed as Dressage Waitemata Judges Officer since 2016, and a committee volunteer.

In her other life, she is an architect and partner in Fat Parrot Architecture, a loyal sponsor of the Waitemata Championships.

She also judges at the show, helps out in the office, and has acted as Technical Delegate.

Christine Latch, president of Dressage Waitemata describes Judith as “lovely, encouraging, active in attracting new judges, a nice person always with a smile on her face and easy to work with”.

For several years, another interest and significant contribution to equestrian sport has been as a trustee of Woodhill Sands, donating a vast amount of time to planning the development of the venue. Judith feels her input is important, as it is local and the host venue for all Waitemata Dressage

Photo: Libby Law Photography

Competitions, and a World Cup Show Jumping round.

There is a strong family connection with dressage as her daughter Sarah was a competitive young rider representing NZ in Australia. Sarah left NZ in 2008 for the UK to marry a farrier, and still rides and competes professionally there whilst running a livery yard in Hertfordshire. Judith tells us “I own a front leg of a young horse by Lord Leatherdale” Judith takes a keen interest in Sarah’s career having travelled several times UK to visit her, combining the trip with her IDOC training when possible.

Judith considers getting away and judging as her relaxation, a welcome change from architecture and enjoys the opportunities to judge and make new friends on jaunts to Australia. As an A Level national judge, she is in hot demand and from October to March officiates two to three weekends a month. She also tries to fit a bit of sailing and enjoys watching her son motor racing on her spare weekends.

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

For further information on AR Dressage contact Andrea at tetch@xtra.co.nz.

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OUR MISSION: TO INSPIRE BY SHOWCASING HIGH PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE ON THE N AT I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L STA G E .

TO I N F O R M , E D U C AT E A N D E N CO U R A G E PA RT I C I PAT I O N I N O U R S P O RT F R O M GRASSROOTS LEVEL. TO INDULGE BY PROVIDING OUR READERS WITH QUALITY CONTENT AND NEWS, FROM OUR REGIONAL DRESSAGE COMMUNITIES THROUGH TO THE I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C E N E .

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