From the Editor WELCOME TO THE EIGHTH ISSUE OF THE DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN February has been a month full of emotion. Such excitement tempered with such sadness. Dressage NZ and the wider equestrian community was to learn of the tragic horse related accident that took the life a vibrant young wife, mother, competitor and supporter Tracey Blackmore-Sorrell, followed by another tragic event which saw our friend, photographer extraordinaire and supporter, Barbara Thomson, lost doing something she loved – trout fishing. We often see quotes on social media about the fragility of our existence and these almost seem a little meaningless until we come face to face with such tragedies. Normally, many of us would have had the opportunity to have a chat and chuckle with both Tracey and Barbara at Horse of the Year Show. So when we are there this year, let us celebrate our involvement in their memory. Enjoy the time and remember that everyone is doing their best to be the best they can. Be kind and support one another. Take nothing for granted. The FEI World Cup Dressage Final has dressage fans in a whirl with the news that Wendi Williamson has committed to an absolutely HUGE undertaking to get to Omaha. It has been touch and go to get “DJ’ there. Every new travel option seemed to strike a snag which impacted another part of what seemed like a great plan. We should all be incredibly proud of Wendi’s commitment and determination to follow her dream of representing New Zealand in the international arena. Her husband Jon is an integral part of the team and so we thank him also for his support. Dressage NZ is supporting the trip financially, but it’s only a portion of the total cost, keeping funding required for WEG 2018 in mind. You can support this venture through the Team Williamson online facebook auction. There are some great prizes donated by friends and supporters. I’m certainly bidding. If you would like to show your support in other ways please contact Wendi or Dressage NZ direct with your ideas. First NZL combination in the 32 year history of the FEI Dressage World Cup. We’re all with you Team Williamson, taking it to the world.
Wendy. Cover Image: Wendi Williamson and Dejavu MH have created history by becoming the first NZ dressage combination to qualify for the FEI World Cup Dressage Final in Omaha. Photo Credit: Libby Law Back Page: Barbara Thomson Photo Credit: ESNZ
Editor: Wendy Hamerton Email: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz Graphic Design: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz Sales & Advertising: Jeremy Gardiner Email: jeremy@snaffledesign.co.nz Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2017
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