DressageNZ Bulletin

Issue 14 | September 2017

EDITORIAL

From the Editor WELCOME TO THE FOURTEENTH ISSUE OF THE DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN "Lies, damned lies, and statistics" is a phrase describing the persuasive power of numbers, particularly the use of statistics to bolster weak arguments. It is also sometimes colloquially used to doubt statistics used to prove an opponent's point.

So where is this heading you might be thinking?

A hot topic in the dressage world is the FEI Dressage Judging Working Group’s (DJWG) HiLo judging proposal to the FEI Dressage Committee.

The proposal (quote) “In order to provide the greatest consensus of the judging panel's appraisal of each movement it is proposed that, where a panel consists of five or more judges, then the average mark of those judges who evaluate the movement closest to the standard, or are at least closest in agreement, shall be included in the final mark for the movement. This is achieved by excluding the highest and lowest score per movement” 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 2017 Cover Image: Individual Medalists; Sönke Rothenberger, Isabell Werth and Catherine Dufour.

Photo Credit: Tony Parkes Back Image: Alena Dorrotich and Astek Ginsling Photo Credit: Libby Law

The proposal also notes that “only by education, training and experience OR a change in the judging system, can that consensus be more often the perfect correct results we would wish for.....”

The goal is “to arrive at a more representative final result for prizes, medals and public understanding” In the recent case seen of 3 judges at C end giving 7 for the entry and salute, and the two side judges giving it 5, are the above points achieved by HiLo judging?

Would the change to HiLo really see a greater public understanding of these differences or are they just being hidden?

We have seen a lot of statistics which largely demonstrate that in the majority of cases there will be little or no change to the end result if HiLo is adopted.

The proposers admit that sometimes the system will discount a score that may have been the correct one.

Equally, the system will discount a rouge score that may not have been correct.

Dressage judging will always be subjective, but within certain parameters as the result of sound education

practices. It is not finite or “accurate” - it is not 2+2 = 4. Judges view movements from different places around the arena giving a different perspective. Is that not the very reason 7 judges have been introduced at major championships to give a fair overview of each movement from all angles? Reasonable differences as a result of a different perspective must surely be acceptable and on average, will represent a fair consensus. Differences as a result of other factors such as nationalistic or other biases are not acceptable.

Regardless of their system of judging or refereeing, many other sports struggle with interpretations even when to the public, there appear to be quite plain rules. Sunday morning rugby discussions about what the ref saw, didn’t see, got wrong...

Credit to our sport, it appears that there is a desire to address the judging differences that may be considered to incorrectly impact the final classification. But is the proposal the ambulance at the bottom of the cliff? Has the horse bolted....? Do we need to place greater emphasis on addressing the root cause of the differences and is the current focus too weighted on just dealing with it when it happens?

Initially the system was proposed as a trial for one year but now it is being proposed by the DJWG that the FEI Dressage committee adopts the proposal as a rule change to be voted on at the 2017 FEI General Assembly later this year. If it is adopted for 1 Jan 2018, the time frame for implementation and IT changes around the world is very tight. If there is support at the GA, should the FEI consider adopting the system initially for a period only at CDI4* and CDI5* events, dispense with the 6% rule and the Judges Supervisory Panel, and follow up with a re-evaluation of the practical application following WEG 2018 before deciding if the system should be universally adopted.

To view the full proposal go to http://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage/news/2017/august/ fei-judging-working-group-proposes-new-judging-system/

WENDY HAMERTON

Wendy.

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CONTENTS

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12

18

22 CONTENT

6

14

GERMAN DOMINANCE

MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH

at the Longines European Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden...

20 MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH Box rest isn't the easiest to manage but our expert shares some tips...

Maintenance for dealing with Sub Clinical Laminitis...

30

20

22

VALE WAIKARE

YOUNG RIDER TID SQUADS

We reflect on the little mare who changed the face of Dressage in NZ...

The Dressage NZ selectors have named the U21 Young Rider Talent ID and Development Programme...

32

HEART WRENCH CREATING YOUR & RESILIENCE COMPETITIVE At Royston Equestrian, we MINDSET chat with Tracy Smith about rebuilding her team...

34

Part 2 from Jane Pike from Confidentrider.online...

40/43

WHAT'S ON & THE NEWS Latest news and details you need to know about for the upcoming dressage season!...

NEWS

World class dressage trainer Kyra Kyrklund is to headline Equidays.

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NEWS

EQUIDAYS OFFICIAL DRESSAGE JUDGES/RIDERS/FANS CLINIC Get a step ahead at the start of the season with top rated international trainers and judges thanks to a special partner deal from Equidays and Dressage NZ Thursday 12th October: Wade Equine Coaches Festival of Dressage from Prix St Georges to Grand Prix, plus a Clinic with Isobel Wessels (FEI 5* Judge - GBR) and a Masterclass with Kyra Kyrklund (SWE) legendary dressage Grand Prix rider and trainer.

Equidays tickets for the Wades Equine Coaches Thursday daytime dressage competitions (from 12.30) and Thursday evening Isobel Wessels clinic and Kyra Kyrklund masterclass must be purchased direct from the Equidays link below or at www.equidays.co.nz

Friday 13th October: Judges /Riders/Fans Clinic (practical at Airthrey Lodge in morning then back to Mystery Creek for a Kyra Kyrklund clinic and Isobel Wessels judging theoretical session, followed by the Equidays Grand Prix Spectacular show featuring the Grand Prix Freestyle to Music.

Dressage NZ and Equidays have a special offer for the Friday Dressage NZ judges clinic participants with a $20 discount on entry tickets to the Equidays daytime clinics on Friday and the Friday night Grand Prix Spectacular. Must be booked and paid direct with Dressage NZ clinic registration. Full information re this clinic is on the ESNZ Dressage website.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

GERMAN DOMINANCE SETS THE STANDARD FOR WEG 2018 Photos & Story Courtesy: FEI

The winning German Team (From Left) Klaus Roeser (Chef d"Equipe), Isabell Werth, Dorothee Schneider, Helen Langehanenberg and Sönke Rothenberger Photo: FEI/Claes Jakobsson

German legend Isabell Werth (48) triumphed with a trio of gold at the Longines European Championship in Gothenburg, Sweden. It was an indomitable week for the Germans, both team and individually. In fact they were so far ahead after the third rider in the team competition, it was confirmed they had won gold before Isabell even entered the arena. Her young compatriot Sonke Rothenberger pushed her to the limit in the Special and the Freestyle with Denmark’s Catherine Dufour boldly taking the bronze in both the individual tests. What a fabulous pair of young combinations for the future the sport has in Rothenberger and Dufour riding with such harmony and poise.

Multi-medalled Werth was under no illusions about the quality of the performance she needed to produce to head them off in the Freestyle. "We all pushed each other today. When I went in, both 6 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

Weihe and me knew there was no little mini-mistake allowed, and that made it very exciting!"

Rothenberger is on the rise, producing stunning rides from his 10-year-old gelding Cosmo all week, joining Werth to take team gold on Wednesday, and then chasing her home in the Grand Prix Special to finish just over a mark behind. He is a young man on a mission, oozing confidence and pzazz. He mastered the most difficult movements with the greatest of ease, marching down the final centreline in the Freestyle to throw down a massive score of 90.614 which really set up the challenge to Isabell.

But she thrives under pressure, and Isabell had her game face on as her Freestyle music began.

Weihegold listened to her all the way, producing a flawless performance that the crowd really enjoyed. “I was really hoping it would be good enough because Weihe was a good as she could be, it was her best

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

1.

2.

3.

1. Dorothee Schneider (GER) with her "Grand Prix-Baby" Sammy Davis Jr. Photo: FEI/Claes Jakobsson.

2. Ones to watch for the future - Anna Zibrandtsen (DEN) & Arlando. Photo: FEI/Claes Jakobsson 3. Germany’s Isabell Werth, the most medalled Olympic equestrian athlete in history, secured another gold with Weihegold OLD at the Longines FEI European Championships. Photo: FEI/Cara Grimshaw

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Cathrine Dufour (DEN) riding Atterupgaards Cassidy Photo: FEI/Claes Jakobsson

WATCH THE TESTS - WWW.YOUTUBE.COM/USER/FEICHANNEL 8 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Helen Langehanenberg (GER) proud to be back on the German team, this time with another stalion, Damsey FRH by Dressage Royal Photo: FEI/Claes Jakobsson

"What a fabulous pair of young combinations for the future the sport has in Rothenberger and Dufour riding with such harmony and poise. "

test so I was happy and hoping it would be enough - and it was!” she said, having edged ahead by just 0.368 marks. Werth couldn’t hold back the tears on the medal podium. “I was full of adrenaline when I went in to ride, so it’s a mixture of all the emotions you have during the week - I’m really grateful and thankful for what this week has brought me” said the lady who has experienced more golden moments in her extraordinary career than any other athlete in the history of equestrian sport.

Rothenberger looks like a real threat to her supremacy however. Holding his silver medal he said with a smile, “If you look closely, it’s silver with a golden edge!"

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

STINNA'S INSPIRING

Para performance

AT THE EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

Danish rider Stinna Tange Kaastrup made her Paralympic debut at the Rio 2016 Games – but this should not have been her first Olympics. The Danish rider who already World silver and European bronze medals under her belt in Grade IB was due to compete at London 2012, with high expectations of a medal, but her horse, Snoevs, tragically died in the months leading up to those Games. But now she is back with an inspiring 3rd place performance in Grade II at the 2017 Europeans with her new mount Horsebo Smarties.

She describes herself as “Compassionate, passionate, happy, empathic and little bit temperamental”.

And her best advice to riders starting out in her sport “The best advice I ever got and what I would like to pass on is to remember that we do this because it is fun! It is not going into war or doing a lifesaving surgery, it is a sport.

Although we take it very seriously, we must not forget to enjoy it.

Her biggest inspiration in life? In sports is must be Lis Hartel. She was not only the first woman to win an individual medal in dressage at the Olympics; she was also paralysed from below the knees. It really reminds me that if you set your mind up to something and work hard everything is possible.

10 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

EUROPEAN JUNIOR AND YOUNG RIDER DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Germany proved just far too strong at both Young Rider and Junior levels at the 2017 Championships nominating unbeatable teams for the event held in the Netherlands that left the other countries wondering what happened.

In the Young Rider Freestyle , the judges decision was unanimous with Peter Storr (GBR), Trond Asmyr (NOR), Leif Tornblad (DEN), Maria Schwennesen (AUS) and Irina Maknami (RUS), all placing Erbe first on a score of 80.325%.

Pictured Above: Daphne van Peperstraten with Cupido (NED) Winner of the Junior Freestyle on 78.8% Photo DigiShots Pictured Right: Young Rider Freestyle Medallists From L to R Anna Christina Abbelen – Silver (GER), Hannah Erbe – Gold (GER), Jasmien de Koeyer – Bronze (NED) Photo: DigiShots

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FUGATO SW

CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFO, VIDEOS & PICTURES OF FUGATO SW

FUGATO SW

IMPORTED FROM OLDENBURG, GERMANY Fugato SW is a 16.2hh 4-year-old licensed Oldenburg stallion with superlative dressage bloodlines. He has beautiful elastic paces and correct conformation.

Fugato SW carries bloodlines that were carefully chosen by us with NZ riders and broodmares in mind. Fugato SW is by the sensational stallion Foundation, a horse that is winning in European small tour competitions with Mattias Alexander Rath, and soon to start his GP career. This combination is currently achieving huge scores of up to 77% in international PSG and Inter 1 competitions. Fugato SW is line bred to Fidermark (sire of many internationally successful dressage horses) who is known to throw temperament and movement. He is also line bred to Donnerhall, the most famous dressage sire of all time.

Fugato’s dam Wildrose is just as beautifully bred, she is by Fßrst Heinrich (World Champion young dressage horse in 2003) also the sire of many licensed champion stallions and is out of a Rhodiamant mare. This R line is also popular for ride ability and temperament. To find other such famous stallions such as De Niro, Fidermark and Corlando in one horse shows that Fugato SW has a truly exceptional pedigree.

Fugato SW is proving himself to be a very fertile stallion with a 93% conception rate last season. We are eagerly anticipating the first crop of foals due this spring!

Fully Licensed by the NZ Warmblood Association.

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MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH

subclinical laminitis

YOUR MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH QUESTION FROM VANESSA JEPSON: My horse suffers from subclinical laminitis. He is a very good doer and I have to micromanage every aspect of his feed.

Although he has limited pasture he has adequate hay and hard feed to maintain his body condition but always seems hungry and grumpy due to the limited grass access. Is there a solution?

DO YOU HAVE A QUERY REGARDING THE CARE, MAINTENANCE OR TRAINING OF YOUR DRESSAGE HORSE?

Go to the DressageNZ Bulletin Facebook page and submit your training or maintenance questions.

Each month one question will be selected and sent to one of our participating coaches/experts to answer for you! The winning question will receive a bag of Mitavite feed.

Thank you Mitavite for supporting Dressage NZ Congratulations Vanessa, we hope you enjoy your Mitavite products!

ANSWER FROM GAIL SRAMEK MITAVITE NUTRITIONIST:

Subclinical laminitis presents some evidence of laminar damage such as hoof rings or a stretched white line found in the feet, but does not have any perceived pain or lameness.

Regular exercise can be given to your horse if your vet permits this after a thorough examination and x-rays to ensure your horse’s hooves are correctly aligned and stable, hooves are correctly trimmed/shod and there is no uphill work done.

For a horse that has suffered from laminitis or has subclinical laminitis we suggest feeding a combination of Munga®, Speedi-Beet®, Performa 3® Oil and roughage to provide a balanced ration. (If you cannot feed Munga® to recommended levels then we would suggest feeding Promita® in place of Munga® which can be fed at lower rates). This combination provides a balanced ration and minimises the sugar and starch levels. The Performa 3® Oil contains the longer chain fatty acids DHA and EPA that may be beneficial to improve circulation and reduce inflammation.

Roughage makes up a large part of the ration and the following should be addressed when feeding laminitic horses.

You can try the following to help keep your horse happier with his restricted diet: 1. Try putting a grazing muzzle on your horse.

Grazing muzzles will reduce pasture intake by approximately 80% but will allow your horse to be out in the paddock walking, socialising and having minimal grazing.

2. Select pasture species that have a low sugar, starch and fructan level and allow your horse to graze when sugar levels are at their lowest. This is generally earlier in the morning.

3. You will need to feed a minimum of 1.5% of

14 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

your horses bodyweight in concentrate and roughage per day and the bulk of this will be made up of hay. When feeding hay, put it in a double hay net so your horse cannot gorge on it. This will allow him to have a small amount of hay and often. Don’t give him his full daily allowance of hay to him at the one time. Spread it out throughout the day.

4. Soaking the hay for 1 hour in cold water prior to feed, may help to reduce the soluble sugars in the hay. This has had variable results, but is worth trying.

5. Feed chaff and hay that have a low sugar and starch level. Cereal chaffs and hays are known to have a higher sugar and starch levels compared to other hays such as grass hay and mature lucerne hay.

6. Feed alternative roughage sources. Selecting roughages that contain low sugar and starch levels that are well digested in the hindgut and contain high pectin levels are advantageous for laminitic horses such as Super Fibres like SpeediBeet.

7. Test Hay – Obtaining a laboratory analysis of the sugar and starch level of the hay you are feeding will give an accurate indication of how safe the roughage is to feed.

Other management techniques that can be incorporated into your regime to help limit the occurrence of laminitis are to keep your horse in moderate condition, regular hoof maintenance and regular exercise. If the laminitis is related to Cushings, your equine veterinarian may be able to suggest medication that can control these bouts of laminitis.

The above are broad suggestions you can try. If you would like a more accurate ration suggestion try our diet analysis service on our website: www.mitavite.com.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

NEWS

Photos: Tony Parkes

From left: Chase Hickok (USA), Pierre Volla (FRA) Katja Gevers (NED)

DRAMATIC END TO FEI NATIONS CUP™ DRESSAGE It was a bit of a roller coaster for some nations during the 2017 series as no drop scores were permitted within the team tally, meaning if one combination was out, the team was out and this happened more than once.

Seven qualifying events were held this season, beginning in Wellington, Florida at the end of March before moving to France, Denmark, Netherlands, Sweden, Germany and then on to England. The USA was the only nation to field a team at all events. Incredibly NF Germany cited absence from some events because “they did not have enough good riders”. The best four results counted for the final team classification.

Dressage fans could be forgiven for being a bit confused as four different formats for team classification from three big tour classes (Grand Prix, GP Special & GP Freestyle) were used across the seven events.

Sweden did not send a team to the

grand finale Hickstead, but following solid performances in previous events could not be beaten in the series. Hickstead was not without its own dramas. France managed to hold on for their first nations cup win after Dutch rider Katja Gevers on Thriller was severely penalized for a choreography error in her freestyle which dropped the Netherlands to second, the USA slipped to third and home side Great Britain could only manage fourth.

Katja rode the same test as she had at the Olympia World Cup Freestyle in December 2016, and at Gothenburg in February. The Dutch contingent was counting on her usual high score to give their team the lead over France. But directly following her test the five judges conferred and up came the unexpectedly low score 70.215%. A somewhat confused Katja was advised after the freestyle that the movements she performed at the beginning of the test where she moved directly

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into a canter pirouette from passage was not allowed – that at least two steps of canter were required before the pirouette. All the more confusing that she ridden the exact same test on two previous occasions.

And so it was France in number one spot on the podium on 424.811, just 0.758, Netherlands on 424.053, USA third on 421.920 and Great Britain fourth on 418.391.

Katja Gevers riding Thriller

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He had a short competition career in Young Riding Horse and Young Dressage Horse classes – receiving 9.5 for trot and canter. He also won his qualifier for the Bundeschampionate in Warendorf with a score of 8.6.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

NZL OFFICIALS BUSY AT SOUTH EAST ASIA GAMES IN KUALA LUMPUR The Southeast Asian Games (also known as the SEA Games), is a biannual multi-sport event involving participants from the current 11 countries of Southeast Asia. The 2017 games were under the regulation of the Southeast Asian Games Federation with supervision by the International Olympic Committee (IOC) and the Olympic Council of Asia; this year hosted by Malaysia in Kuala Lumpur. Dressage, Jumping and Endurance were the equestrian disciplines scheduled.

Dressage NZ is very proud to have been represented on the Ground Jury by Sue Hobson alongside some familiar faces, Freddy Leyman (BEL) Peter Holler (GER) Jane Ventura (AUS) 4* and Kirsten Soegaard (DEN). NZL’s Tony Parsons was the FEI veterinary delegate.

The team dressage was held at FEI Junior Level (Approx level 5 NZL) and the Individual at Prix St Georges and Int I Freestyle.

PETER HOLLER (GER) FILED THIS REPORT. The Games were held at the 3Q Equestrian Centre owned by the Ambak family. It is a wonderful venue that offers very good facilities for both dressage and jumping. The well maintained arena with a perfect footing, stables, parking, air conditioned rooms and of course top quality food and refreshments. The hospitality was wonderful, with very motivated assistants, volunteers and security, made the event at 3Q really special! But it was not just the conditions that were excellent, the standard of competition shown was at a high level, and much better than previous years.

1.

The dressage team gold medal was won by the host country Malaysia. Silver and bronze went to two ever improving nations Thailand and Indonesia. The reason behind this improvement is the purchase of high quality horses and competent trainers, mainly from Germany, Holland and Denmark.

Quzandria Nur rode the test with much engagement and experience and her brother Qabil showed some super work also. Their performances, along with that of Caroline Chew were absolutely good enough to compete in CDI's all over Europe. It was an emotional time for Quzandria on Rosenstolz who won her first team and individual titles whilst also expecting a family! It was no wonder that the tears flowed freely. A former winner, Qabil Ambak had to settle for silver behind his sister with Singapore's Caroline Chew taking the bronze.

2.

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1. Jane Ventura (AUS) Peter Holler (GER) and Sue Hobson (NZL) Photos 2-5: Wan Ming 2. Quzandria Nur, from Malaysia.

3. Qabil Ambak - from Malaysia (Quzandria's brother).

4. Caroline Chew, from Singapore.

5. Pakjira Thongpakdi, from Thailand.

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NEWS

VALE WAIKARE Story by Jo Svendsen

The end of an era…. farewell to a Kiwi legend.

Sadly, the time has come for Sharon and Kallista Field to announce the passing of the Waikare on 20 July, at the grand age of 31 years old. Waikare was one of the greatest NZ bred sport horses this country has produced and competed at international level. She was truly a one in a million horse, and she knew it. The diminutive, yet opinionated, Waikare, along with Kallista Field, were instrumental in inspiring a generation of young NZ riders to specialise in the dressage discipline.

Waikare and Kallista danced their way into our hearts and the record books of NZ equestrian sport at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games. As our first Olympic Dressage representatives, they set the standard and the NZ qualifying marks to better, for those following in their hoof steps.

Such was their success, their percentage was only recently beaten by 0.5% at the Rio 2016 Olympics by a NZ dressage combination. 17 years later, their record final placing at the Sydney 2000 Olympics still stands, where they finished only 0.37% (1.62 marks) and one competitor away from being included in the final 15 to compete in the Grand Prix Kur. Having competed in the GP, and through to the GP Special, so close were they to the final that Kallista and Waikare were included in the trot up before the Kur. It was a euphoric time for NZ equestrian sports and dressage fans.

At just 16 hands, Waikare held her own up against the titans of world dressage, who included the legendary Bonfire, Gigolo and Farbenfroh. Waikare’s mark of 68.04% in the GP Special was highly creditable, considering the winning scores of 76.32% for Gigolo and Isabell Werth in the GP, and 78.13% for

Left. Kallista and Waikare together making history at the Sydney Olympics 2000 Right. Sharon Field and Waikare Bonfire and Anky van Grunsven in the GP Special. At 22 years old and the youngest dressage competitor at the Games, Kallista and Waikare bet out big names in international dressage, such as Carl Hester, Christine Stuckleberger, Steffen Peters, Jan Brink and Richard Davison.

As Silke Rottermann of eurodressage.com reported, “She (Kallista) had proved that a very young rider from a country without a long tradition in dressage and on a horse bred in NZ could be competitive and convince the judges that there is quality between A and C from the other side of the globe.”

Over the years, and indeed recently, much has been written about Waikare’s achievements with both Kallista and Sharon, under the watchful eye of trainer, Clemens Dierks.

Waikare’s accolades are many.

Owned by Sharon’s parents, Mr and Mrs Russell Mills, Waikare was by Witzbold out of a TB mare, Rocklyn xx (by Rocky Mountain xx). The dark brown NZ Hanoverian mare was purchased as a weanling for $2,200 from breeders Brian and Marie Pyke. Sharon trained Waikare through to Grand Prix, and, it was at this level the mare’s abilities really shone. Extended trot, an expressive passage, piaffe and superb flying changes were her forte. Together, Sharon and Waikare won the 1995 Burkner Medal, as well as had a successful campaign at the CDI Sydney and Volvo World Cup League Final in Werribee, the same year After returning from working at Herbert Rehbein’s stable in Germany, 18-year-old Kallista took over the ride on this proven mare. Answering the challenge laid down by

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her mother Sharon, Waikare and Kallista set their sights on the Sydney 2000 Olympics. It was no easy road to get a start at the Games.

Apart from achieving NZ and Olympic qualifications, Waikare and Kallista had to maintain consistently high marks to secure their selection, on top of beating out two other countries plus NZ competition to gain an individual position for NZ. In 1999, they won the FEI World Challenge Taupo with ease, as well as the GP and GP Kur at the Sydney CDI 3* and the GP at the CDI-W Melbourne. Here in Auckland in 1998, they were the highest placed New Zealanders in the Volvo World Cup League Final, up against a strong Australian team.

The Sydney 2000 Olympics was the pinnacle of the 14-year-old Waikare’s career, after which she enjoyed a long and happy retirement at the Field’s property at Pahiatua. As Kallista said, “She’d given her all and had shown her worth, there was nothing more to prove”. Waikare bred four lovely horses, and lived out her days as boss of the brood mare paddock, where she kept everyone in their place to the very end.

Small in stature but huge in personality, this amazing NZ bred mare gave Kallista and Sharon the ride of their lives, and inspired so many dressage fans in this country….as well as set a NZ Olympic record that still stands 17 years later.

While Waikare’s passing is the end of an era, it is also a time to celebrate her life, achievements, and the joy she bought us all. Rest peacefully Waikare, a true NZ champion and dressage legend. Revered and remembered forever.

Leslie Ann Taylor and Amicelli Gold (AUS) | Photo: Julie Wilson

Leslie Ann Taylor and Amicelli Gold (AUS) | Photo: Julie Wilson

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2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

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NEWS From left to right: Bella Small - Kingslea Busy Bee, Selector Judy Alderdice and Isabella Chatfield with AD Dennache Photo: Libby Law

PRYDE’S EASIFEED YOUNG RIDER TALENT IDENTIFICATION SCHOLARSHIP INTRODUCED The Dressage NZ selectors have named the U21 Young Rider Talent ID and Development Programme combinations for 2017/18 22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

NEWS

The Dressage NZ selectors have named the U21 Young Rider Talent ID and Development Programme combinations for 2017/18 The national U21 programme is proudly supported by Pryde’s EasiFeed and also Flying Horse NZ in the South Island.

Thanks also to the generous and enthusiastic support of the programme sponsors, coaches and Dressage NZ, there is an exciting new incentive for the TID riders.

Three TID scholarships will be presented at the end of the season, two riders will be selected from the North Island, and one from the South Island. The scholarships will be based around achievements during the season following the camp, with winners selected by the Dressage NZ selectors.

The training camps expertly organise by Young Rider convenors Julia Thomson and Jo Telfer get underway in late September in Christchurch and Taupo with riders receiving individual instruction with ESNZ coaches Andrea Raves and Holly Leach, rider position training with Julie Malcolm plus a series of horse management, health and rider personal development sessions.

THE WINNERS WILL RECEIVE • 6 bags Pryde’s EasiFeed • A follow up lesson from camp coaches • A lesson with a Pryde’s EasiFeed sponsored rider • A ridden test assessment with a Dressage NZ Judge • Entry fees to the U25 Championships (excl stabling and other associated fees) The Development camp riders can win a lesson with a Pryde’s Easifeed sponsored rider and two bags of Pryde’s Easifeed.

SOUTH ISLAND TALENT ID Grace Thomson Chocolat Moka CM Millie Thompson Rifesyde Prancer Hannah Nicol LJ Snowdance Charlotte Thomas Te Puke Emma Copplestone Dinky Di-Doff

SOUTH ISLAND DEVELOPMENT Kerry Goldthorpe Brooklyn Crow Georgia Allison Giselle Conway Abigail White

Snapshot FE Rifesyde Firefly GE Prides Dreamcatcher Showtyme Firefly Caspers Wish

NORTH ISLAND TALENT ID SQUAD Madison Schollum Amador Amy Sage RM All About Me Alena Dorotich Astek Ginsling Natasha Wedzinga Argentina Star Rebecca Aplin Woodlands Park Light O Day McKenzie Sim Pioneer North East Tayla McDonald Don Qudos Emma Dickons Sir Oakridge SF Brina Carpenter Plutonium Lady Bella Small Kingslea Busy Bee Alyssa Harrison Da Vinci Code Georgia Gibbons LSH Constantine Grace Farrell Vollrath Luigi Isabella Chatfield AD Dennache Morgan Beere Redwood Furst Affair Emma Dunderdale Alonzo Fanticy Paige Tholen My Questionaire Samantha Belsham Gypsy Gold Anna Wilson Pepee (Pony Squad)

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Sept 17th, Oct 15th, Nov 19th // Rangiora Showgrounds download the schedule at WWW.NLEC.CO.NZ | email: info@nlec.co.nz | phone 03 313 1247 A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with classes for everyone.

We welcome junior riders and encourage riders to “give it a go” offering Training Classes for new combinations, Ungraded Classes up to Level 3 or Graded Classes up to Level 4/5.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

NEWS

2.

1.

U21 Young Rider Talent ID and Development 1. Millie Thompson and Rifesyde Prancer. Photo: NZEQUINE 2. Alena Dorrotich and Astek Ginsling with Helen Hughes Keen.

Photo: Libby Law 3. Samantha Belsham and Gypsy Gold. Photo: Libby Law 4. McKenzie Sim and Pioneer North East. Photo: Libby Law 5. Kerry Goldthorpe and Snapshot FE Photo: provided

5.

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

3.

4.

NEWS

1.

2.

U21 Young Rider Talent ID and Development

1. Charlotte Thomas and Te Puke Photo: NZEQUINE 2. Georgia Gibbons and LSH Constantine Photo: Libby Law 3. Morgan Beere and Redwood Furst Affair Photo: Skampr Photography 4. Amy Sage and RM All About Me with Helen Hughes Keen.

Photo: Libby Law 5. Hannah Nicol and LJ Snowdance Photo: KMS photo

5.

4.

3.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

SPONSOR PROFILE

After their first year of Level 7 Super 5 League sponsorship Custom Logistic Services have signed up for another two years. “We’ve really enjoyed the experience of sponsoring, it’s been a great way to give back to a sport that Alicia loves so much”.

With 90% of all goods being imported there probably isn’t a product that you wear or use in your equestrian endeavours that hasn’t been imported from somewhere around the world.

Looking glamorous, Matt and Alicia pictured the recently at the Mr Polynesia function where Custom Logistic Services were proud event sponsors.

LOGISTICS ON AN INTERNATIONAL SCALE Fate must have known something when in 2013 Matt and Alicia Zeludko (nee Collin) of Custom Logistic Services met in an Auckland City bar located in the historic freight forwarding Northern Steamship Company’s building. Matt knew nothing of dressage, and Alicia knew nothing of freight, but this is where the journey of Level 7 sponsors Custom Logistic Services began.

26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

Custom Logistic Services simplifies the client’s ability to import and export merchandise. “It doesn’t matter if the client is importing a small 5kg carton or twenty 40ft containers, we find we can always help develop a cost effective and time efficient process”.

Custom Logistic Services is one of the few companies in Australasia that consolidates small shipments from multiple clients, meaning they are the perfect fit for companies that want smaller and more frequent shipments, allowing for better control of cashflow within their clients own businesses.

Custom Logistic Services clients are vast and varied, some are multi million dollar companies that are shipping every day all around the world, and some ship once every few months and might only ship 1 pallet. Products range from personal effects shipments of people relocating between countries, to project work where particular machines are required to arrive by a specific date and time, to regular pallets of most of the day to day products we use on a daily basis.

Disappointingly for Alicia, Matt doesn’t transport live horses around the world.

“Actually it’s a blessing, can you imagine if you had a company that could transport horses worldwide….it would be far too tempting!”.

Alicia still has aspirations to compete at top level, and if the right horse came along international competition is something the couple have discussed and would consider if their life situation allowed. “We are so lucky with all the contacts we have worldwide through the freight industry, there probably isn’t a country that we don’t have friends in who could assist if we wanted to compete internationally, but there is more to life than just horses and I would only want to take a

SPONSOR PROFILE

“We’ve really enjoyed the experience of sponsoring, it’s been a great way to give back to a sport that Alicia loves so much”.

horse that was going to be competitive on the world stage”.

Alicia starting riding as a youngster when she saw a neighbour riding and said to her Mum Judy Collin “that’s what I want to do”. Of course three year olds want to do everything, but thirty years on it’s safe to say that her parents were wrong when they thought it was just a passing phase. After years of riding school lessons and begging for rides on any horse that passed, Alicia finally got her first pony aged thirteen.

She started specialising in dressage at age fifteen, and has loved it ever since. Her parents bought ten acres in Mangatawhiri which is where all the horses live.

Matt has never yet sat on a horse, his equestrian skills are described by him as “leading and feeding”. He self funded himself through university and worked multiple jobs working towards his goal of being a business

owner. Before starting Custom Logistic Services he had been in partnership of a large Australian freight forwarding company, before selling his shares to a Malaysian publicly listed company. Whilst Alicia studies Eurodressage daily, Matt focuses on the exchange rate and global economic news.

Right now they both have a desire to develop Custom Logistics into the best freight forwarding business in the South Pacific.

“We already have offices in Australia, New Zealand, and Samoa (to facilitate Pacific Island shipments), and we want to open in a few more locations yet. People ask us why we’d want all that stress, but it’s because we know that it’s going to give our clients simply the best service, and we are both the personality type that if we’re going to do something we’re going to do it to the absolute best of our ability”.

just one or two competition horses. “I decided I didn’t want to have a team of horses that I couldn’t do justice to. After my experience riding Grand Prix I know just how consuming that is. I currently have a horse good enough to be a very successful Grand Prix horse, so I want to give that my all. I don’t want to split my time over three to four horses, I want to give my all to one or two. It’s also important to have time for our relationship, family and friends, and experiences outside of the horse world”.

Custom Logistic Services are looking forward to the 2017/2018 Level 7 competition season.

It’s this mindset that has them downsizing to

Custom Logistic Services is an international freight forwarder and proud sponsor of Dressage New Zealand.

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Our main offices in both New Zealand and Australia have networked and partnered with the best logistic providers across the globe, providing cost saving and efficiency in the logistic process that we can offer our clients.

With competitive rates we are happy to offer a comparative quotes for any interested businesses.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Ann-Christin Wienkamp and the impressve five-year-old stallion Don Martillo Photo: Tony Parkes

SPECTACULAR SHOWCASE OF YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSES SEEN IN ERMELO The 2017 championships boasted a large international field. A total of 97 riders from 24 countries, representing 123 combinations. 20 studbooks were present vying for the titles. The Royal Dutch Sporthorse Studbook (KWPN), had 31 entries, the Hannoveraner Verband next with 20, followed by the Oldenburger Verband and the Danish Warmblood Studbook. Held at the Dutch National Equestrian Centre in Ermelo, the programme included the Longines championships for five, six and seven-yearold horses plus Dressage Stallions of the Year Freestyle to Music. The top15 in each age group qualified for the final rounds in each age group.

Don Martillo was awarded the five-year-old world champion in a final which showed some stunning young horses.

1ST: Don Martillo (s.Don Juan de Hus) HANN - Ann-Christin Wienkamp (GER) 9.74 2ND: Ferrari OLD (s.Faundation) OLDBG - Andreas Helgstrand (DEN) 9.20 3RD: Hesselhoej Donkey Boy (s.Era Dancing Hit) DWB - Jan Møller Christensen (DEN) 9.10 The six year old world champion Lordswood Dancing Diamond scored two tens in his winning round.

1ST: Lordwoods Dancing Diamond

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(s.Dancier) HANN - Ann-Kathrin Pohlmeier (GER) 9.72 2ND: Governor-STR (s.Totilas) KWPN - Adelinde Cornelissen (NED) 9.06 3RD: Quel Filou OLD (s.Quarterback) OLDBG - Severo Jurado Lopez (ESP) 8.99

HAT TRICK FOR SEVEN YEAR OLD FIONTINI The seven year championship resulted in a hattrick for the last combination to enter the arena. The Spanish rider Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez with Fiontini (Fassbinder x Romanov)

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Fiontini the wonder mare and Severo Jurado Lopez (ESP) receive their accolades Photo: Tony Parkes

had one aim: their third consecutive title.

In the two previous years he guided the athletic bay DWB-mare to the world title.

Last year, the Danish studbook celebrated the third consecutive victory with Sezuan, now the pressure was on for Fiontini. However, any pressure seemed imperceptible during their test. But for one mistake in the flying changes and a canter pirouette which not truly optimal, their performance was very convincing. The quality in collection stood out. Fiontini received a 9 for the quality trot as did the silver medal winner Sultan de Paluds.

Fiontini’s walk was the highlight according to the judges (9.5) and the active canter received a 9.2. The 8.6 for submission and the 9.1 for perspective added up to the winning score of 85.656%. Kipling claimed the bronze.

1ST: Fiontini (s.Fassbinder) DWB - Severo Jurado Lopez (ESP) 85.656% 2ND: Sultan de Paluds (s. Soliman de Hus) HANN - Kirsten Brouwer (NED) 83.515% 3RD: Kipling (s. Hofrat) TRAK - Anne Troensegaard (DEN) 82.445%

DARK PRESIDENT D&R RETALIATES IN STALLIONS OF THE YEAR-FREESTYLE The Stallions of the Year Freestyle , a class restricted to approved stallions at Small Tourlevel, captivated the crowd in the main arena between the final of the five-year-olds and the six-year-olds. The charming Dark President D&R (s.Wynton) prevailed following his second place in the age group technical test.

The KWPN-stallion Everdale, winner from the previous day had to settle for second.

On the day that his offspring garnered great fame at the 2017 World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo, the Dutch warmblood stallion Don Juan de Hus died unexpectedly on Monday morning 7 August 2017. The stallion was 9 years old.

The stallion got unwell with a high heart rate on Sunday morning and was transported to the clinic. He stabilized overnight but early

Don Juan De Hus with owner Xavier Marie

HEARTS BREAK FOR DON JUAN DE HUS Monday morning he passed away suddenly.

The cause of death will be determined with a necropsy.

At this year's World Young Horse Championships in Ermelo, the 5-year old Don Martillo (by Don Juan x Benetton Dream) became World Champion and the Hanoverian licensed stallion D'Avie (by Don Juan x Londonderry) finished sixth.

READ THE FULL STORY AT... http://www.eurodressage.com/equestrian/2017/08/08/don-juan-de-hus-died-unexpectedly

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SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

PROFILE Tracy and her future prospect Rockafella, a 4-year-old home bred gelding by Rockstar.

HEART WRENCH AND

Resilience

AT ROYSTON EQUESTRIAN Wendy Hamerton talks to Tracy Smith about rebuilding her Royston Equestrian team.

At the Dressage Taranaki Championships in 2017, Tracy Smith and Don Diego DC gave notice that they were coming of age at Grand Prix level. Back in 2015 and 2016 they had a few starts at this level but Tracy had always known she would need to take her time with this very elegant and talented, but somewhat unpredictable Donautraum /Alabaster gelding.

It was in fact this unpredictability that resulted in Tracy securing the horse in the first instance, so she was under no allusions that it was ever going to be a fast track to Grand Prix, but she believed in the ability of the horse. Good friend Ben Conn negotiated for Tracy to purchase the horse from an Auckland owner who had originally imported the horse from Australia, but decided initially to send it

back to Australia for further training and sale.

Tracy decided to accept the challenge and the journey began.

Tracy’s riding days began like many youngsters in New Zealand. She and sister Nikki were taken to jumping shows with their ponies by their mother who had decided early on that both her daughters needed to be competing in the same code so that it was one trip for both. “I was a pretty keen showjumper” admits Tracy “but I had a couple of nasty falls resulting in bad concussion. So dressage somehow took over. I had a beautiful thoroughbred called No Fixed Abode who I jumped but also took to Level 5 Dressage.

Nikki also had a super thoroughbred, O’Neill Himself that she trained to Prix St Georges

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level and when she started a family I rode him for a bit. He was then leased out as a schoolmaster. We believe he went to Pony Club Dressage Champs twelve times with ten different riders” In 2004, Tracy took over the ride on Adagio C (Anamour /Distelfink) from Jody Hartstone, forming a four year partnership that took them to Intermediate I level. During this time Tracy purchased APH Sailor and loved the feel this horse gave, so Adagio was sold to Australia. Sadly, Sailor did not stay sound.

Rockstar (Real Diamond /Florestan) was purchased as a colt and lightly competed before going on to compete in Young Horse Classes in Australia under John Thompson who was then based with Ben Conn. He now

PROFILE has six year old progeny who are impressing with their trainability as are those of his Royston co-sire, GT Jake.

It was in 2010 the Don Deigo DC journey began. He was really difficult in the beginning recalls Tracy “He would cart me to the arena fence and stand up – sometimes coming down with his front legs on the rails. But I had to stick with it; no –one else would want him. Often when a test didn’t go well, I just had to focus on the fabulous feeling the good bits had given me. I couldn’t be afraid of failure. If I felt knocked down, I had to get up and go again. He (Diego) was tough and I was always conscious of his tail swish. I was always massaging him to try and keep him happy in his body. At the nationals this year he gave me such an awesome feeling in the CDN Freestyle to win with 66.4%. But then before HOY, I came to the realisation that there was something wrong. Eventually by a scan, the diagnosis of arthritis in the spine was made and suddenly just when it had looked as though we were really starting our Grand Prix journey, it was all over” And so rebuilding the team begins. “I’ve been lucky to have had the ride on Deidre Bailey’s lovely Limonit gelding Lord Louis up to Int I level. He has been the quiet achiever with numerous Champions and reserve titles to his credit at the big shows. Deirdre has been very supportive”.

ON HER YOUNG HOMEBRED TEAM; “Well there’s the red one” says Tracy laughing as she describes the four year old Rockafella (Rockstar/Quattro B) “He’s a rocketship, handsome but not going to win any showing competitions. Then there is Max – he’s also four but by GT Jake out of a Furst Jupp mare. He’s very cool. Modern type, leggy and trainable. I’ve also got his full sister about to be broken in. And there’s the six year old Rockstar mare Real Flirty that I’ve stolen from my sister. Horse of the Year will seem a bit weird this year. I think it will be the first time in a decade I won’t be wearing tails”

Tracy and Diego with long time mentor and friend Penny Castle and BL About Time.

Photo: Libby Law

ON HORSES, COMPETING AND LIFE...

“Horses are way too humbling. They have taught me a lot and bought about a change of mindset. We always need to remember that a test only lasts about eight minutes. It’s easy to put too much pressure on ourselves.

You have to live above the 80/20 line. 80% positive/20% negative. But it’s good to have some good nerves – butterflies of excitement.

I’m blessed to have had Penny Castle as my coach for around ten years now. The journey is always about more than one person. A mentor – a friend – the phone calls. It’s humbling to compete against your own coach at Grand Prix and have them there for you.

I’ve been lucky to be able to ride most days with my sister. It would be lonely without her – and I wouldn’t be able to steal her horses. I couldn’t live in an arena without a mirror – or a person on the ground.

I started in business early – buying and selling thoroughbreds in my early teens. Then I graduated from Waikato with a degree in photography and started in business as a wedding and commercial photographer. But you really need to totally immerse yourself in that. I was a sales rep for Unilever for a while, and was in the business of importing cars from Japan, I’m the sort of person who likes to do one thing well. Equestrian has been the one thing from age 28.

I’ve been coaching and riding full time for seven years now. I have been a part of the Eventing NZ development Squads which has given me many opportunities, just recently I have been given the co-leader role of the Talent ID squad with Penny (Castle).

ADVICE FOR YOUNG RIDERS? • B e humble • Realise it’s a long journey • Buy trainability over flamboyant movement The road to Grand Prix is not an easy one.

I don’t believe riders who haven’t tried it can truly understand the huge difference in intensity between Advanced and Grand Prix. I admire anyone who gives it a go regardless of the score they get.

My dressage heroes are Carl and Charlotte.

Carl shows so much empathy and harmony with his horses, and can get the best out of even the more ordinary horse and I want to be able to sit like Charlotte. Isabell of course needs a special mention. She just keeps producing horses.

My family and my partner are really important to me. My partner Brendon is a great counter –balance in my life So ends phase one of Tracy’s Grand Prix journey. Phase two is already in the making with her team of talented home bred horses.

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SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

CREATING YOUR

Competitive

MINDSET: PART 1 Article by Jane Pike

There will always be those times when your horse has picked up the slack for you and you’ve come out on top, despite feeling that your riding was slightly below par. There will be those days where we just seem to ‘luck out’ and things work out in our favor. And whilst these times are celebrated, it’s more often the case that we are lamenting the times that they haven’t worked out- times that we have felt as riders that we have been the missing or weakest link.

No doubt, it’s easy to list off innumerable external factors as to why our performance was off, or why it was we were unable to replicate the performances we have enjoyed in

training in the competition arena. It’s equally easy to justify why this is the case and as a consequence, shift responsibility away from us and towards something or someone else.

The key, however, to developing consistency in both performance and result comes down to the ability to manage the mental-emotional state that you are operating from in a way that remains steady both in pressurised environments and away from them.

As I mentioned in last month’s article, without the ability to effectively manage your emotional state, you will always be at the mercy of what is happening on the outside. As a consequence, your ability to be responsive

32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

and proactive as a rider will be replaced with the compulsion to constantly react to a host of stimuli and triggers that inevitably surround you in competition- be that someone who is watching on the sidelines, other horse’s in the warm up arena or those flapping tents over in the far corner. The list of things that could potentially throw us off if we let them is endless.

So what is state? And how do we go about managing it? State refers to the mental and emotional framework that you are operating from at any one time. If you are feeling anxious, for instance, you are in an anxious state. Conversely, if you are feeling confident, you are in a confident state. For those of us not

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

"Essentially, the thoughts you hold in your mind will be mirrored in your body, most obviously in your posture, gaze and quality and duration of your breath." practiced at it, the thought that we create the way that we feel in any given moment can be a little difficult to swallow. If you have been in the practice of letting your mind run the show and not the other way around, often the time delay between a something happening around us and us experiencing an emotional response as a result can be so rapid that believing that we could somehow change or counteract that feels difficult and often times, impossible.

Before we get into the mechanics of how to develop these abilities, let’s have a quick recap on how your emotions (and your state) affect your ability to ride effectively and skillfully.

Think of the mind like a computer. In order for you to be able to access specific skills to produce a specific result, you need to follow the correct pathways. You may need to search for the right folder, that exists in yet another folder and then click on the file in order for that skill to be accessed. Your ability to access these files depends on the emotional framework that you are operating from- which is why it’s so important that we can effectively manage our emotions so that they become our super power and not our kryptonite.

Regardless of whether you perceive your emotional state to be positive or negative, the resultant feeling arises as a result of three main components coming into alignment:

1. Your focus - Primarily whether you are

focusing your attention on what you want or what it is you are looking to avoid

2. Your self talk - Whether your internal dialogue and questioning is empowering or deflating

3. Your physiology - Whether the way

you are using your body is supportive of a confident or disempowering mindset

When it comes to cultivating mental strength, the ability to consistently manage your state is a key part of the formula. Let’s break it down using “confidence” as our example.

In order for me to feel confident in competition, I need to be focusing on what it is that I want to create as opposed to what it is that I am trying to avoid. As a result of that focus, I will be clear in my directives and aids as I action a pre-determined strategy; essentially I am riding from a proactive position, dealing with things as they happen in the moment rather than projecting into imagined possibilities that inhibit my ability to ride responsively.

If I am riding from a confident framework, my inner dialogue is one that allows me to remain positive and resourceful. I talk to myself in a way that affirms that I can effectively deal with whatever comes my way, and if something does arise that challenges me, I remain focused on the outcomes that I want to create and ask the kinds of questions that leads me to investigate or find the answers, even if they are not immediately apparent at the time.

The way that you use your body both in and out of the saddle will also be supportive or detrimental to a confident framework.

Essentially, the thoughts you hold in your mind will be mirrored in your body, most obviously in your posture, gaze and quality and duration of your breath. Such is the mind-body connection, that we are able to significantly alter our biochemistry by changing the way we physically hold ourselves, for better and for worse.

With this in mind, the skill of controlling your state is exactly that- a skill. It’s something

that you learn and it requires practice. When it comes to developing mental strength and creating your competition mindset, state management is high on the priority list. The ability to do so runs alongside the ability to clearly identify what you want, and the knowledge of what processes you need to activate in order to maximize your chances of producing the desired result.

From there, hone your skills in each and every moment. What is it that I am focusing on? Is this supportive of what I want to be doing and experiencing right now? Am I solution or problem oriented?

Play with adjusting your position and gaze to one that mimics and allows for confidence and observe the affects on your mindset and behavior. And perhaps most importantly, begin to treat your mental fitness with the same respect you do your physical fitness.

Your ability to be the athlete and rider you are capable of being depends on it.

Jane Pike is an Equestrian Mental Skills Coach at www.confidentrider.online Jane specialises in giving riders the skills they need to ride with confidence and joy, and the mental fitness to be focused, on form and in the zone for competition.

Competition Ready

A 6 Week, Mental Fitness Training Program to fortify your focus, increase your confidence and get you in the zone for competition.

Starts 11 September 2017 To learn more or sign up, visit www.confidentrider.online

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

HIPS & GLUTES THE SECRET WEAPON FOR PAIN FREE LIVING Article by Ricki Jacobs

Is lower back pain and knee pain affecting your time in the saddle? This month we take a look at "muscle maturity" and finding your inner child while improving your health and athletic performance.

Have you spent time recently watching and observing children who are new to walking and how they get from A to B? I want to challenge you to move as they do, in particular how they squat to pick objects up. Have you noticed that without ever being taught how, they squat down and up with near perfect and effortless form - heels down, knees out and neutral spine.

How did that go trying that for yourself?

As you will notice, this is extremely difficult for the average adult as we do not have the required mobility and stability through the hips and glutes in order to perform this task. The child can preform the squat effortlessly due to the muscles being very supple from a lack of "muscle maturity" which starts to change around the onset of puberty.

Unfortunately, it is around this time our

PHASE 1 Find a fixed upright that will hold your body weight and stand a few inches in front of it.

Using any stance width you have to for a start (the narrower the better), keep your heels down, hold onto the upright, drive your knees out and squat down while keeping your chest up (neutral spine).

Picture 1, Ricki has taken a wider stance to warm up/soften into the stretch. Picture 2, Ricki has his toes pointing forward and the stance is narrower (shoulder width) to intensify the stretch.

34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

"As we get older our perfect squat motion from our childhood turns into more of a hunched over half-squat..."

somewhat "sedentary habits" tend to creep into our lives making this range of movement difficult to retain. From sitting at school, work, or just in front of the tv, even if we are fairly active individuals the term "use it or lose it" couldn't be more accurate in this case.

As we get older our perfect squat motion from our childhood turns into more of a "hunched over half-squat" due to overuse of the spinal erectors (lower back) from having tight hip flexors. This position also makes it difficult for us to engage our glutes which will in turn put further strain on the lower back and knees.

Our bodies are amazing at being able to adapt to stressors placed upon it and this is just one way of compensating. People can get by with this way of movement but only for so long as for all the added stress placed upon the body,

something as simple as bending down to pick your phone up could be "the straw that broke the camels back".

However, there is light at the end of the tunnel. We can easily regain our range of movement, learn to re engage our glutes and move more like a child again, or an athlete in our case and in just a few simple steps presented to you below.

These steps may take longer for some but be persistent and allow a few weeks and I assure you the benefits will the very noticeable. Once this movement is achieved you do not need to maintain the 10 minute daily holds but apply your new found range as often as possible. Go play with your children and move to the same way they do.

Remember, "use it or lose it"

Ricki Jacobs is a qualified Personal Trainer and the Head trainer at the Rangiora Fitness Centre, as a former semi professional rubgy player, Ricki now specializes in helping athletes to improve their movement quality and physical performances.

PHASE 2

HOLD FOR 10 MINUTES....

Take one hand off the upright, when this becomes achievable progress to having both off the upright.

yes, you heard that right, 10 minutes! This can be broken down into as little as 20 second sets throughout the day, but make sure you increase the time as you get more comfortable.

And there you have it! You have re found your functional range of motion, decreased your risk of injury and found your inner child all in one.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

SPONSOR PROFILE Dressage NZ is delighted to welcome Back on Track as the official sponsors of the new season Premier League: each level of competition will still have its own national leaderboards and sponsor, but now all the regional qualifying events have been brought together under the umbrella of the Back on Track Premier League, making for much more identifiable and standardised higher level competitions leading up to the Bates Nationals and Horse of the Year Show. In addition, Colin and Toni have secured naming rights to the Level 4 Amateur Championship at the 2018 Nationals. “It’s great to be able to give back to the sport and it’s the perfect opportunity – it’s the first time we’ve had a chance to get involved on this level,” says Colin. The couple have also extended Back on Track support to three lucky showjumping riders: Lucy Fell, Chloe Hansen and Oliver Croucher.

The Louissons had already been using Back on Track products for almost a decade, so knew it was a product they could stand behind when the opportunity to buy the business came up. Back on Track provides therapeutic pain management for both humans and animals, its special ceramic fabric reflecting body heat as an infrared wave – exactly how it works is an interesting read (backontrack. co.nz). Their 18-year-old pinto, Hawk Arrow, is still sound and competitive – he won the Pinto Ridden Saddle Hunter title at HOY this year for the second time – and has worn Back on Track regularly throughout his teenage years. Toni herself used it for her prolapsed disc with great results. Take a walk round the yards at any big dressage show and you’ll see plenty of horses wearing Back on Track rugs and leg wraps.

Some of the testimonials on the Back on Track website have people describing remarkable recovery and relief from severe sports and accident related injuries. Colin said he was taken aback when, in their first week after buying the business, he received several calls from customers wanting to thank Back on Track personally for what it had done for them. “About three people in a row called up, saying that they hadn’t been able to move around and that it had really changed their lives, and that they appreciated it so much,” he recalls. “It was really humbling.”

Colin and Toni, looking sharp for the Melbourne Cup last year.

RIGHT ON TACK WITH BACK ON TRACK Colin and Toni Louisson are the fresh faces behind Back On Track NZ, sponsors of Dressage’s sparkly brand new Premier League

36 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

Toni, the dressage competitor in the partnership, has steadily and successfully worked her way up through the levels on various horses, including the stylish Snapshot FE who has since been sold. This combination won the Zilco Musical Freestyle series at L3 in 2014, going on to repeat that success the following year in L4. They also won the Dunstan L4 series in 2015 – pocketing many championship titles along the way - and were selected to compete on the NZ team for the FEI World Dressage Challenge.

The ‘horse bug’ bit Toni at an early age, despite coming from a non-horsey family. At the age of five she began having lessons at the Country Club in Wellington’s Ohariu Valley and got her own horse at 14: Corey the chestnut mare, a thoroughbred that Toni rode bareback for a year until she could afford a saddle. “She had a huge wither and was pretty crazy,” Toni remembers. “So it was not ideal!” She also had no float and, wanting to compete at a show, she once rode from Paparangi through suburban Johnsonville to Ohariu Valley, and home again. It took four days.

She took a break from riding but returned to it during her Honours year at University, buying an eventer that she’d

SPONSOR PROFILE Toni and her impressive Anamour gelding Astute.

Photo: Dark Horse Photography

seen advertised in Horse & Pony magazine.

“Colin thought it was a good excuse to go for a weekend away,” Toni says. “But when I saw him I brought him on the spot – Colin had absolutely no idea what he was getting into! He thought horses were for going camping with and carrying your gear!”

As the jumps got bigger Toni says her nerves got the better of her and she turned her hand to dressage. “It was actually the Back on Track Dressage Bonanza in 2010/11 that got me into dressage as I was riding against other C2 and below riders. I won a couple of classes and since then I was hooked on dressage!” she cheerfully admits, and says what she likes most about the discipline is the focus on improving and perfecting the partnership with your horse.

After taking home the inaugural Custom

Logistics L7 series last season, Toni is hoping to enter her main man, Astute, at L8 this season and aims to have a couple of Grand Prix starts under their belt towards the end of it. Toni has had the 14-year-old ‘Arnold’ for almost two years, bought from her coach John Thompson.

Interestingly, the Anamour gelding was born just around the corner from the Louisson’s Feilding property before heading to Thompson in Australia as a 5-year-old, so he has returned almost literally to his birthplace, all these years later! “He does NOT like the cold!” laughs Toni.

5-year-olds, some of whom will be getting out and about at L1 this season and learning the ropes. Colin mucks in with the horses as well, and does much of the groundwork. He will exercise the odd one with Toni when she is pushed for time, though he says he isn’t a fan “of riding around in circles! I’m quite happy just going down the beach or over a hill!” He can always be found supporting Toni at all her shows and lessons. “It has been a great journey for both of us so far. We’ve met heaps of really cool people and made great friends,” he says.

As well as Back on Track and Colin’s budding arena mirror business (his installations are in arenas from Auckland to Wellington and worth checking out on his FB page, Arena Mirrors NZ), the couple are kept busy with their young horses – they have three 4-year-olds and three

Dressage NZ is enthusiastic to add the support of Back on Track to its stable of sponsors in time for an exciting season ahead and as always are so appreciative of the support that comes from within our own dressage community.

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Visit us at EQUIDAYS 2017 - Site P 60 Website www.kiwiarenarake.com | Email: sales@kiwiarenarake.com | Phone 027 273 1760

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37

"GOOD SORTS" REPORT

TARANAKI VOLUNTEER

Brenda Bellringer OF THE YEAR

Story by Wendy Hamerton & Dressage Taranaki

Dressage NZ received a very deserving list of nominations for the 2017 All-in-Flex Volunteer of the Year so we have decided feature some of these fabulous folk that keep our shows on the road and the dressage group wheels turning.

So often the people have been that cog in the wheel for so long, the new generation doesn’t know the full story.

This month we feature Brenda Bellringer who lives on the slopes of Mt Taranaki near Inglewood. When Brenda first became involved with dressage back in the early 80’s, the mountain was known as Mt Egmont and Brenda was Brenda May. IN THE WORDS OF HER TARANAKI PEERS: Brenda was nominated not only for her on-going commitment to Dressage Taranaki in the current season but for her marathon of involvement extending from the early 1980s.

Many people across the Taranaki equestrian community will know the wide range of equestrian interests Brenda has been involved in.

She is one of the longest-serving and versatile members of Dressage Taranaki.

Back in the day when the organisation was called the NZ Horse Society, Brenda took onthe responsibility of Grading Officer, keeping records for all the Taranaki horse and riders' points throughout each season. No computerized system then! This was when three wins in dressage saw a horse having to go to upgrade – imagine that now. It was when word of mouth and NZ Post was the way to pass on vital information.

Brenda made a significant contribution to the number of riders, younger and older, who are now competing at our local events through her Winterland Riding School, and as the head Instructor of Dudley Road Pony Club whose 'home' was at Winterland. She encouraged riders to enjoy both jumping and 'flat work'. The latter phase producing many dressage enthusiasts.

38 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

Judging dressage was part of the weekend routine for many years but having so many pupils from her rapidly growing riding school competing at local ODEs, Pony Club and Dressage Taranaki events meant that Brenda’s opportunity to contribute in this field became very limited and she chose to take herself off the panel There have been two long 'stints' as President of Dressage Taranaki recorded. The first was twenty years ago and now four years just completed. This recent term included chairing the Dressage Taranaki conference committee for the national Dressage NZ conference held in Taranaki in June 2016.

Those who attended the awards dinner will no doubt recall the hilarity of the group’s now famous rendition of “On the Cover of the Bulletin” (the video of which can still be viewed on the Dressage NZ Facebook page).

Brenda was a key player in the production.

The latter term undoubtedly has undoubtedly thrown more responsibilities onto office holders than the previous era; families with both parents working full time; Health & Safety requirements; the importance of compliance to regulations when running events including the related necessity to 'police' what happens at events. Brenda took these new responsibilities on board and was not afraid to ensure that people complied with them.

The wide range of experience that Brenda built up over forty years has been of significant value to Dressage Taranaki - organising events, the newsletter, designing equipment, doing the

"GOOD SORTS" REPORT

harder physical work involved with preparing for and cleaning up after events. Brenda is still the 'go to' person who knows what and where something is, where to get something repaired or fixes it herself. As a result Brenda has proven to be one of the most versatile members of the group.

Dressage Taranaki honored Brenda this year with a Life Membership to the group.

“Totally unexpected but so humbling” was her response. She was also awarded a New Zealand Pony Club Gold long service award (for over 40yrs services to Pony Club) having been nominated by New Plymouth and Taranaki Area Pony Clubs.

Feeling tired just reading this so far? Wait there’s more …..

Brenda is currently successfully competing at L5 and has just recently dipped her toe in

the Advanced pool. On a horse she broke in and has trained herself. “First advanced test aged 60” she recently quipped on facebook.

“Thanks to Bill Noble for the push forward and believing in my horse and me. My next goal is to ride PSG before the end of summer.

I have been really enjoying my “Monkey”. He’s not the easiest ride in the world for an oldie but his micro-management is worth it in the end. HAVING FUN, not likely to get to the Olympics though” Go Brenda we say – you are an example and an inspiration for others in our sport.

Brenda is such a good sort it would be expected she would not ignore someone's need for help or pass a horse truck stranded on the road. On one occasion she rescued a team returning from a pony club event in the Waikato. It so happened she had an empty truck. She stopped to check what appeared

to be a problem and realised the other truck needed a repair. So she loaded up all the ponies, took them to her place for the night, giving the parents time to arrange transport for the ponies back to Wanganui the next day.

On another occasion when the Manawatu Gorge was closed a young woman's truck had broken down on the steep and twisting part of the alternative route, Brenda stopped, loaded the horse onto her truck and drove it on to the regional event they were both headed for.

To Brenda being part of the equestrian community is being prepared to help others.

It will be a well-earned 'retirement' from holding office but we know Brenda will still be at events helping in one way or another.

Keep up the good work Brenda and we wish you a great season ahead when you perhaps have a bit more time to concentrate on that Prix St Georges goal.

Proud Sponsors of the

ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES - NATION WIDE.

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CLICK ON WWW.ZILCO.NET SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 39

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2017 | NORTH ISLAND 3

Wairarapa Dressage Spring Series

L

Solway Showgrounds Masterton

9

Taupo Dressage Group Ribbon Day

T

NI NEC Taupo

Pryde’s EasiFeed Spring Dressage Festival Event 2

L

Woodhill Sands

10

AMDG Spring Series Day one

L

Clevedon

10

Tauranga Dressage Group Registered Day

L

Tauranga Racecourse

17

Dressage Rotorua 2017 Spring Series Day 2

L

NI NEC Taupo

17

Gisborne Dressage Spring Tournament

L

Gisborne Showgrounds

17

Dressage Northland

L

Barge Park Showgrounds

17

Wairarapa Dressage Spring Series

L

Solway Showgrounds Masterton

23/24 PEL Equine Spring Dressage Festival FINAL

L

Woodhill Sands

9/10

24

Horowhenua Dressage Group Spring Tournament

L

Foxton Racecourse

30

Dressage Taranaki Spring Fling

L

Egmont A & P Showgrounds

OCTOBER 2017 | NORTH ISLAND 1

Bay of Islands

L

Kaikohe P & I Showgrounds

1

Dressage Waikato Spring Show

L

Waikato Equestrian Centre

8

CHB Spring Tournament

L

Waipukurau Show Grounds

8

Dressage Northland

L

Barge Park Showgrounds

8

Poverty Bay A&P Show

L

Gisborne Showgrounds

8

Auckland -Manukau

L

Clevedon A & P Showgrounds

12

Equidays Dressage (FEI levels only. Nat WEG qualifier)

-

Mystery Creek

Nat

Mystery Creek

13/15 Equidays North Island 15

Dressage Waitemata Local Day

L

Woodhill Sands

18

Hawkes Bay A&P show

L

Equestrian Park

20/22 Bay of Plenty Championships

Back on Track Premier League

NI NEC Taupo

28/29 Central Districts Championships

Back on Track Premier League

Manfeild Park

29

Waikato Equestrian Centre Spring Dressage Show

L

Waikato Equestrian Centre

29

Warkworth Dressage Local Day

L

Warkworth A&P Showgrounds

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

40 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

WHAT’S ON SEPTEMBER 2017 | SOUTH ISLAND 16/17 Nelson September Eyeopener

L

Rough Island Equestrian Park

17

NLEC Spring Dressage

L

Rangiora A & P Showgrounds

17

Ashburton DG Spring Tournament

L

Ashburton A & P Showgrounds

L

Marlborough Equestrian Park

NEG Day 1 Spring Series

L

Harrs Road

Central Otago Dressage Spring Tournament

L

Cromwell Racecourse

Canterbury Dressage Spring Series Day 1

LE

SI National Equestrian Centre

Dressage Otago Spring Tournament

L

Taieri A&P Showgrounds

Back on Track Premier League

Winchester Showgrounds

23/24 Dunstan Horsefeeds Summer Series 1&2 24 30/1

OCTOBER 2017 | SOUTH ISLAND 1 7/8

14/15 SCNO Championships 14/15 NLEC Spring Championship Dressage

L

Rangiora A & P Showgrounds

21/22 Equidays South Island

-

Canterbury Agricultural Park

Back on Track Premier League

Marlborough Equestrian Park

21/22 Dressage Marlborough Championships 28/29 Dressage Southland Spring 29

NEG Day 2 Spring Series

L

Gore A&P Showgrounds

L

Harrs Road

SOUTH ISLAND BACK ON TRACK PREMIER LEAGUE EVENTS 14/15 Oct

Sth Canterbury/Nth Otago

Winchester

21/22 Oct

Marlborough

Marlborough Equestrian Park

11/12 Nov

Otago

Taieri SG – Mosgiel

18/19 Nov

Ashburton

Ashburton SG

2/3 Dec

Canterbury

Christchurch NEC

9/10 Dec

Southland

Gore SG

13/14 Jan

Nelson

Rough Island Equestrian Park

27/28 Jan

SI Championships

Christchurch NEC

NORTH ISLAND BACK ON TRACK PREMIER LEAGUE EVENTS 20/22 Oct

Bay of Plenty

Taupo NEC

28/29 Oct

Central Districts

Manfeild Park - Feilding

11/12 Nov

Wellington

Solway SG - Masterton

18/19 Nov

Gisborne

Gisborne

25/26 Nov

Northern Hawke’s Bay

Hawkes Bay SG - Hastings

2/3 Dec

Southern Hawke’s Bay

Dannevirke SG

8/10 Dec

Waitemata

Woodhill Sands

16/17 Dec

Taihape

Taihape SG

16/17 Dec

Northland

Barge Park - Whangarei

13/14 Jan

Taranaki

Egmont SG - Hawera

19/21 Jan

AMDG Festival & NI Championships

Clevedon SG

20/21 Jan

Wairarapa

Solway SG - Masterton

27/28 Jan

Waikato Festival of Dressage

Taupo NEC

15/18 Feb

Bates National Championships CDI 3*/Y

Manfeild Park - Feilding

13/18 Mar

Horse of the Year Show CDI 3*/ Y

Hawkes Bay SG - Hastings

21/22 Apr

NZ U25 Dressage Championships

Taupo NEC

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41

NATIONAL NEWS

ROBIN HABERFIELD TO STAND DOWN FROM SELECTOR’S ROLE SI based national selector and ESNZ HP dressage selector Robin Haberfield has indicated he will be stepping down from the role following the Livamol FEI World Dressage Challenge in December in Christchurch. Robin has made a valuable contribution to this role during his term, travelling to events across the country to view the progress of all levels of combinations and assisting the selection panel in their deliberations for selections for squads and events. Dressage NZ wishes to sincerely thank Robin for the time so generously given and his conscientious approach to the role throughout his term Expressions of interest are invited from suitably qualified SI based members to undertake this very important role in our sport. EOI will close on 10th October. Contact the Dressage Sport Manager (dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz) for further the Terms of Reference and Position Description.

LIVAMOL FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE 2017 The 2017 event is scheduled in for 1st December at Christchurch NEC, the day prior to the Canterbury Back on Track Premier League show. The schedule is now available on Equestrian Entries and all nominations should be made by 3rd October. If nominations exceed the 40 places available, the Dressage NZ selectors will need name a start list and reserve list. Five different levels are offered 1. EXCLUSIVELY YOURS YOUTH 12 -16 years (NZL Level 3/4) FEI Children Team Competition Test ED 2016.

2. ZILCO SENIOR I CLASS (NZL Level 3/4)Senior Riders only FEI Children Individual Competition Test ED 2014 UPDATED 2016. Horses/ponies may not have Level 5 or above pts at 3/10/17 3. HATTON & LILLY SENIOR II CLASS (NZL Level 5) Senior Riders only, FEI Junior Team Competition Test ED 2009 Updated 2017.Horses/ponies may not have 30 or more pts in Level 6 or above at 3/10/17 4. SYNCROFLEX FEI PRIX ST GEORGES: ED 2017 Senior Riders only. Open to all Advanced Level horses, except that horses with more than 30 Level 7 or above pts at 3/10/17 may only be ridden by riders C7 or below 5. LIVAMOL FEI INTERMEDIATE I: ED 2017 Senior Riders only. Open to all Advanced level horses except those with more than 30 Level 8pts or any Level 9 points at 3/10/17 may only be ridden by riders C7 or below.

View schedule and full eligibility conditions on Equestrian Entries

FEI TESTS IN NATIONAL COMPETITIONS 1 AUG 2017 THROUGH TO 31 MAY 2018.

The Dressage Committee agreed at the June meeting that the FEI 2017 Versions will be used for all national competitions from 1 Aug 2017 through to 31 May 2018. Changes may include that on the second course error (not the third as previously) riders will be eliminated. Check the latest version at www.inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/organisers/dressage/tests

42 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

NATIONAL NEWS room, truck, or on the end of your bed and bring them to the event for the Bates Rug Show.

There’s going to be a prize for the oldest Bates championship rug on display. Of course if there is more than one rug from the same year, the highest grade will win!

RULES UPDATE RE: Permitted Saddlery/Tack /Bits Dressage NZ has a policy to adopt the use of saddlery and gear in line with FEI rules Therefore the all saddlery/tack/bits approved in the updated FEI document will be Dressage NZ legal from 1 September.

Dressage NZ is also working on incorporating/adopting the Australian permitted gear document as discussed at conference and when this work is complete, a further information release will be made.

The document can be viewed at www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage/competition/ rules/dressage-rules RE: Grading of Horses and Ponies and Categorisation of Riders (Eligibility) 1. It is the responsibility of the Person Responsible for a horse at an event to ensure that the horse is eligible for the competition in which it is entered; 2. It is the responsibility of the rider to ensure that he/she is eligible for any event in which he/she is entered.

3. If a horse or rider is entered in a competition which that horse or rider is ineligible then that horse and/or rider will be removed from that competition. The organising committee may at their discretion transfer the horse and/or riders entry into another competition which that horse and/or rider is eligible for.

4. If a horse or rider is intentionally entered into a competition in which that horse or rider is ineligible this may be referred to the ESNZ disciplinary procedures set out in articles 143 or 144 of the ESNZ general regulations and may attract a disciplinary sanction.

2018 BATES CHAMPIONSHIPS 20TH ANNIVERSARY MANFEILD PARK 15 -18 FEBRUARY Plans are underway to celebrate twenty years consecutive of Bates Saddles sponsorship of this event. Dust off those Bates Championships rugs you have stored away in the attic, stable, spare

The schedule is currently being finalised. The event will comprise a CDI3* at Grand Prix level, a CDIY, a CDIP, Amateur Championships and for the first time, the Level 8 will be run as a middle tour CDI2*.

A CDIP is for riders on ponies from the beginning of the calendar year in which they turn 12 until the end of the calendar year in which they turn 16. Riders intending to enter need to check their age eligibility carefully. No additional classes will be held for riders on ponies who do not meet this FEI age eligibility ruling.

The CDI2* will provide a valuable introduction to international competitions for riders transitioning to big tour, and assist in bridging the gap between the FEI World Challenge and a CDI3*. Horses/ponies and riders will need to be FEI registered for 2018 but will not require FEI passports. Riders involved should make themselves familiar with all the requirements for the FEI registration process (available on the ESNZ website) and action this in early December to avoid delays. FEI registrations are effective from 1 Jan – 31 Dec annually.

KIWI ARENA RAKES AND DRESSAGE NZ ANNOUNCE NEW PARTNERSHIP Dressage NZ is proud to announce a new partnership with Southland based Kiwi Arena Rakes.

Nigel McCoard and Lucy Collings understand the importance of top quality and essential maintenance of all the different types of arenas riders have throughout the country, many built around the economics of purchasing local product for the surface. This was the driver for Nigel to produce both standard and custom designed arena groomers to suit every need. Many of us recall the atrociously wet conditions at Horse of the Year back in March when Nigel appeared out of the gloom as our knight in shining armour riding a quad and towing a KAR. This meant, on the worst day of all, dressage was the only discipline able to keep the event entertainment alive. So thanks to KAR Dressage NZ will have another great arena grooming machine at their disposal during the season.

SEPTEMBER 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43

OUT AND ABOUT

DRESSAGE TARANAKI Dressage Taranaki is committed to holding year round competitions and activities for it’s members and is so fortunate to be able to utilise the multi-purpose indoor arena at the Hawera Egmont A&P Showgrounds. A two day competition and evening master class was held in late July inspiring riders for the new season.

Local hero Vanessa Way put some of her pupils in the spotlight during the evening session showing the progression to Grand Prix The two days of competition offered non-graded classes at Training and Level 1 and graded from Level 1 through to Grand Prix using the Test of Choice option for the advanced levels. Although Taranaki is a tad

isolated geographically, talent and horse quality is abundant.

Pony rider Frankie Lawn has two wins in the Training tests on the immaculately turned out Brookfields China Doll while Melanie Smith and Arum Park Coco won both Level 1 non-graded tests scoring 70.77% and 71.25%. Wanganui visitor Mandy Littlejohn scored two impressive Level 1 wins on her Doringcourt mare Dolce Vita RB (76.92% and 72.67%). Oakura’s Molly Lumb is back on the competitive scene with the elegant Griffindor MH scoring a win and two seconds in Levels 1 & 2, while the two stylish Donnerubin mares Panache WDS (Ingrid

Anderson) and Donnerbella II (Tania Smith) were predominant in Levels 2 & 3. Renee Etherington and All By Chance won both Level 4 classes and then the Way-Deken-Dolley storm hit at Level 5 and Advanced. Vanessa took the opportunity to give her team of four, NSC Pronto, NRM KH Arion, NRM Andreas and NRM BL Arawn a run before the Premier League get underway in October.

It was immensely valuable to have visiting judges Julie Brougham and Robin Friend at the event sharing their expertise with local judges and riders, and great support was given by the New Plymouth saddlery, The Tack Shack, with a great variety of spot prizes up for grabs.

1. Becky Corlett - True Donnar 2. Tania Smith - Donnerbella 3. Molly Lumb - Griffindor MH Photo Credits: Nicky Lumb

1.

3.

44 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2017

2.

DIRECTORY

DRESSAGE DIRECTORY Dressage Area Group Websites and other useful links.

Equestrian Sports NZ/Dressage www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage www.facebook.com/DressageNZ www.facebook.com/EquestrianSportsNZ www.facebook.com/DressageNZU25Championships www.facebook.com/StableoftheStallions Dressage Bay of Islands www.sporty.co.nz/bayofislandsdressagegroup Dressage Northland www.sporty.co.nz/dressagenorthland

Dressage Central Districts www.sportsground.co.nz/dressagecentraldistricts

Dressage Waitemata www.dressagewaitemata.co.nz

Dressage Taranaki www.dressagetaranaki.co.nz

Dressage Warkworth www.warkworthdressage.webs.com

Dressage Wellington www.dressagewellington.org.nz

Dressage Auckland - Manukau www.amdg.org.nz

Dressage Horowhenua www.horowhenuadressage.com

Dressage Waikato www.dressagewaikato.co.nz

Dressage Wairarapa www.dressagewairarapa.com

Dressage Morrinsville -Te Aroha www.mtdg.co.nz

Dressage Nelson www.nelsondressage.webs.com

Dressage Gisborne www.gisbornedressage.org.nz

Dressage Marlborough

www.sporty.co.nz/marlboroughdressage

Dressage Bay of Plenty www.dressagebayofplenty.co.nz

Dressage Canterbury

www.canterburydressage.co.nz

Dressage Eastern Bay of Plenty www.sportsground.co.nz/ebd

Dressage Otago www.dressageotago.webs.com

Dressage Rotorua www.sporty.co.nz/dressagerotorua

Dressage Southland www.dressage-southland.com

Dressage Tauranga www.dressagetauranga.co.nz

National Equestrian Centres www.nzequestrian.org.nz

Dressage Taupo www.sporty.co.nz/taupodressagegroup

Tielcey Park Equestrian Centre www.tielceypark.co.nz (Manawatu)

Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay www.sporty.co.nz/dressagenhb

North Loburn Equestrian Centre www.nlec.co.nz (Canterbury)

Dressage Central Hawkes Bay www.sportsground.co.nz/chbdressage

Northern Equestrian Group www.freewebs.com/northerneq (Canterbury)

Dressage Southern Hawkes Bay www.sportsground.co.nz/shbdressage

Northgate Lodge www.northgatelodgeequestrian.com (Northland)

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