Dressage NZ Bulletin Issue 42 June 2020

Issue 42 | June 2020

THE LATEST NEWS POST COVID 19

Obtaining & maintaining sponsorship CHELSEA CALLAGHAN & SISTERS II ETTA J

Friesians for Dressage FEEDING HORSES IN WINTER

EDITORIAL

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

T

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

While all attempts have been made to verify information provided in this publication, the publisher assumes no responsibility for errors, omissions, or contrary interpretations of the subject matter contained herein. The reader of this publication assumes all responsibility for the use of these materials and information. Any perceived slight of any person or organisation is completely unintentional. The Dressage NZ Bulletin asserts copyright on all material published within abode and none of it shall be reproduced, wholly or in part, without the prior written consent of the publisher.

2 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

he season of change is upon us and it’s not just about moving from Autumn to Winter.

The good news is that competitions can resume in Alert level 2 sooner than the originally anticipated date of 24th June and this brings both a sense of relief and excitement. Planning is now underway for two key events on the calendar – the Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge and the Bates Nationals / Webb Equestrian Para Nationals.

There is no doubt that our world has been hugely impacted. Most of us have been extraordinarily fortunate that we have lived in New Zealand during the pandemic but that does not mean that many of our sponsors, members, officials, volunteers and friends have not been hugely impacted by the Covid occurrence. This will have ongoing effects for our sport. We don’t quite know what the new normal will look like, but we can be sure it will be different.

One of the biggest threats to our sport is predicted to be the availability of fewer numbers of non-riding officials and volunteers. The stalwarts that turn up show after show, year after year. There are high expectations of this sector – too often it seems many competitors just assume they will show up, work hard and deliver an event for their pleasure. A thank you goes a long way, but does it go far enough? I go back to a Carl Hester quote – and we all listen closely to Carl... “Riders must understand that events are not simply put on for their pleasure.”

It is really noticed and appreciated when riders commit to a volunteer role, but this is not the normal. Dressage is a very volunteer intensive sport.

What is the real price of events and who should pay? What will our new normal look like?

Funding will likely to be more difficult to secure in the short and medium term. If our sport is fortunate enough to secure funding, should it be event targeted for a relatively small number of participants vs the wider membership, or should it be targeted to projects which benefit a much broader cross section?

Your sport needs you now more than ever

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 2020 Cover Image: Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J Photo: Ryan Cornwall - Capture & Keep Photography

CONTENTS

6

12

16

24

26

CONTENTS

4

8

10

12

NATIONAL NEWS

YOUR HORSES NUTRITION

GARY FREEMAN

FINDING ETTA

The board has been working hard to bring you the news out of lockdown...

Five practical tips to winterize your horse with Hygain...

We reflect on the legacy and life of this wonderful man...

A chat with Chelsea Callaghan about her talented Friesian x Mare Sisters II Etta J...

18

22

26

30

SISTERS II STUD

PERFORMANCE PATHWAYS

PHILIPPA MCLEOD

OUR PEOPLE

Carole Macarthy has an autobiography worth of experiencse to share...

What you need to know about DNZ Performance squad applications...

We took 10 mins to chat with Philippa Mcleod about her busy life...

George Gale & Marcia Bayley, Volunteer and Official of the month ...

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 3

NATIONAL NEWS

NEW ZEALAND NEWS DRESSAGE BOARD

BUDGETS

The Board is has continued to meet fortnightly

by Zoom to keep abreast of the changing Covid environment. The flexibility to hold cost effective online meetings and at short notice if required, is enabling the Board to keep 'nimble' decision making possible. It is intended to largely continue with this format throughout the 20/21 year with just one face to face meeting currently budgeted for the new financial year.

Income from annual starts and event levies was severely impacted for the April/May and most likely June 2020 period with some 42 events cancelled initially. Consequently, the 20/21 budget has undergone several revisions, and it is anticipated that further changes may be necessary as the year evolves depending on the sport bounce back progress following the Covid 19 crisis.

BOARD POSITION VACANCIES 2020

COVID 19 Finally there is a sense of excitement about being able to resume competitions under Alert level 2

Two Dressage Board positions become vacant this year. Performance & Development (elected) and Marketing (appointed).

OTHER DRESSAGE NZ ROLES In addition there are a number of other roles including • Dressage Committee Rep on Appointment Panel (Elected – one year term) • NI & SI Riders Reps (Elected by Riders - one year term) • Taupo & Christchurch NEC Dressage Reps (Appointed) One year term • Judges Sub-Committee (Appointed) Three year term • Steward General (Appointed) One Year Term Nominations and EOI close 5th June. Further information about these roles can be found here https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2020/05/nominations-and-eoi-for-dressage-board-rider-reps-nec-reps-appt-panel-judges-sub-committee-now-closing-5th-june/

The ESNZ website is being continually updated to reflect current NZ Govt and Sport NZ recommendations. There is a lot of great information about how to stay safe and enjoy our sport as competitions resume. www.nzequestrian.org.nz/coronavirus-updates/

APRIL ANNUAL PLANNING FORUM The Planning Forum by Zoom has been deemed very successful. Seventy participants (20 delegates, 3 committee, 6 Board plus members ) attended most of the six-hour session. This is more than twice the number of members that would normally engage in the Annual Planning session. In addition, there was a cost saving of approximately $7,000 across the discipline and groups combined. Online voting was instant and detailed reports of the voting and attendances / times were available for download and will be reported in the minutes.

HOBSON HORSECOACHES & MOTORHOMES 2018 Ltd

https://www.facebook.com/Hobson-Horse-Coaches-Motorhomes-1629830687048570/

Proudly supporting

MANUFACTURERS OF LUXURY HORSE COACHES AND MOTORHOMES

for over 30 years

UNDER NEW OWNERSHIP - Shaun and Amber Smith | 0274 927 431 | hobhorse@xtra.co.nz | new website coming soon

4 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

NATIONAL NEWS

A number of remits / policies passed the initial phase and will go forward to the AGM

IN BRIEF: • Supported: That ages of horses in ESNZ Young Horse Classes need to be verifiable. That the current ESNZ database does not provide verifiable data in the majority of cases and that to age a horse only by vet/ teeth exam would be not legally adequate in the case of a challenge.

• Supported: Jackets should not be compulsory and riders must be able to wear these at their own discretion. This is particularly important in extreme heat where riders may be affected at different temperatures. However, if a rider chooses not to wear a jacket, a shirt with either short or long sleeves must be worn and a pinned down stock tie, ratcatcher or shirt with integrated collar. No difference re colour of jackets required across all levels. This means there are now more options for levels 5-9.

• Supported: Reconfigure grading points to give more pts for higher %. 6 levels of points instead of 4. The proposal is 57- 59.99% = 1pt, 60 - 62.99% = 2 points, 63-66.99% = 3pts, 67-69.99% =5pts, 70 -74.99% = 7pts, +75% =10pts • Supported: Supported the use of hoof boots providing do not cover heel or coronet band • Supported: Supported penalties (-minus points) for some minor breaches of the rules in a test rather than elimination eg wearing boots on horse • Supported: Update a number of saddlery rules to align with FEI. Bit wrapping will not be permitted • Supported: Update a number of rules to align with AUS. A closer relationship is now in place with DR AUS re tests and judging • Not supported: To exclude Board members and employees from riders meetings as proposed at the North Island riders meeting • Not supported: Mandatory to restrict tenure of Area Delegates to three-year cycles

NATIONAL DRESSAGE & PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS The March event was postponed and rescheduled for November 2020. The board has now committed to host this event in November at the NEC. It will be a national event only (no CDI/Y)

2020 DRESSAGE AGM & COMMITTEE MEETING AGM to be held by Zoom on Sunday 19th July at 1.30pm - 4.00pm Committee meeting to be held approx two weeks after that (date time TBC)

OLYMPIC QUALIFICATION CRITERIA AMENDED There continues to be much commentary on the Olympics and the importance of a vaccine being developed before the games are safe to go ahead.

With this additional time, athletes preparation and planning will continue to be revised but it is still uncertain what Dressage events will be available in Australia and New Zealand prior to the June 2021 deadline. So although New Zealand athletes now have more time to meet the overarching NZOC criteria, planning remains challenging until CDI dates are released.

THE UPDATED 2021 OG QUALIFICATION CRITERIA RECENTLY RELEASED BY THE FEI Key changes to the criteria are set out below: • Inclusion of new concept of a “Confirmation Result” for all three disciplines for those Athlete/ Horse combinations that had achieved a MER (Minimum Eligibility Requirement) during the period 1 (January 2019 – 31 December 2019).

This means a Dressage rider already qualified according to the FEI criteria will have to earn one further MER result at a CDI 3*/4* or 5* prior to 21 June 2021 • 2021 MER Events to be published in December 2020.

• Horses Ownership/Nationality: The FEI Board agreed that similar to the 2020 principle, that the deadline for Horses to be registered with the FEI as property of owners of the same nationality is 15 January 2021.

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

NATIONAL NEWS

BATES NATIONAL DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS SET FOR NOVEMBER

D

ressage NZ has committed to progress organization of this iconic event with many features of previous Bates Champs superseded. It is going to be a new look Nationals in November 2020.

The one thing that will definitely not change is the long time sponsorship and support from David Jones-Parry of Bates Saddles.

NEW DATE: 19-22 November NEW FACILITIES: Taupo NEC - The Indoor and the new Martin Collins work in arena NO PRIOR QUALIFICATION REQUIRED NEW SCHEDULE: A revised timetabling of classes which will mean many riders are not committed to so many days away. This may reduce annual leave requirements / stabling costs/more availability of covered yarding/ more efficient use of arena space.

Dressage NZ talked to David Jones-Parry from Bates just before we went to print, and he is excited about the changes ahead.

“None of us who are living in New Zealand right now can deny our country is the best Country in the World. It would appear that we are on the road to recovery, no doubt we will all have some challenges to get through on the way along this road. Once again, we are seeing lots of horse floats and trucks travelling along the roads and we are looking forward to catching up with all our friends in Taupo, at the NZ Dressage Champs, in November. For those that haven’t seen it yet, we will have with us the exciting new Dressage Saddle

6 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

– the Bates Artiste – it had a great first outing at HOY in March – with some spectacular feedback. See you in Taupo, if not before” David.

The November event will not incorporate a CDI component. It will be national classes only. A CDI will be reviewed for future events.

Following the November event, stakeholders will be consulted and a decision will be made whether to continue with a November date, or revert back to March. This will also give time to review Horse of the Year Show 2021 which is being held under a new management model.

The next Nationals will therefore most likely be held either in November 2021 or autumn 2022.

This year’s November event is now considered to be the 20/21 Championships.

From Thursday 19th – Saturday 21st, the Webb Equestrian Para Equestrian Championships will run alongside as a collaborative event

between Dressage NZ and ESNZ Para Equestrian.

LEAD UP EVENT AT HASTINGS Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay have rescheduled their Premier League event to run at Hastings on 14/15 November as a lead up. They will be utlising the new all-weather surface (used as HOY warm-Up) as a competition surface. Prize money will be offered at the event. They welcome any travelling competitors to stay at the grounds prior going to Taupo at the very reasonable rate of $15 per horse.

NEW ORGANISING COMMITTEE A new organising is currently being put together for the Bates National Dressage Championships.

We are pleased to welcome back Heather Hilder as Event secretary, and Peter Jenkins as writer coordinator but there are many other roles to fill. We will be re-contacting all officials and volunteers who had committed to March over the next few weeks, but If you have experience in running top quality dressage events we’d love to hear from you.

We are looking to appoint section managers to take charge of different aspects of the show. It’s a great team effort and if you would like to be part of the team, let us know what skills you can commit to bring to that team. Contact Dressage Sport Manager on 027 240 2702 or dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz David Jones-Parry of Bates Saddles Photo: Libby Law

Tru Gain®.

The High Fat Conditioner.

HYGAIN TRU GAIN® is a safe (slow release) and effective extruded high fat supplement, providing your horse with a cool energy source along with bio-available Vitamin E and Selenium. The increased energy density is designed to rapidly boost your horse’s body condition and assist performance horses in meeting their energy requirements.

HYGAIN® is the leading equine feed and supplement company devoted to bringing our customers closer to their dream by delivering outstanding nutritional solutions that really make a difference to your horse’s health, performance and well-being.

For more information about Hygain’s premium feeds and supplements contact: marketing@hygainfeeds.com

hygain.com.au

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

NUTRITION

5 PRACTICAL TIPS TO WINTERIZE YOUR HORSE Feeding horses in winter

During cold weather, the horse requires additional energy to maintain its internal body temperature and keep warm.

The exact amount of energy depends on the severity and extent of the cold period.

8 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

W

hen environmental temperatures (including wind chill) drop below 0°C (referred to as the critical temperature), significant amounts of energy are used by the horse to maintain its internal body heat. For each 1°C decrease below the critical temperature, the horse requires a 1% increase in digestible energy to maintain a consistent body temperature. Wind chill, moisture, and coat thickness will affect the critical temperature. The horse’s thick winter coat has an insulating effect against cold and wind.

NUTRITION Due to the falling temperatures in winter, it inhibits the grass pasture to grow and it becomes rapidly depleted of natural forage. Horses must increasingly rely on their owners to provide them with a nutritionally adequate diet. To properly feed a horse during the winter months several key factors must be addressed: WATER Water should always be the first consideration in the diet of any horse. An adult horse (500 kg) in a cool, comfortable environment that is not working or lactating requires a minimum of 25 – 35 liters of fresh clean water per day.

Impaction colic in horses during the winter months is one of our greatest concerns. This form of colic is mainly due to the horse becoming dehydrated because it consumes less water due to cooler temperatures (no sweating), cold water and a diet of hay (10% water content) instead of pasture (80% water content). When horses drink cold water during the winter, their bodies must expend additional calories to warm their tissues back up from the heat loss that is incurred, so they instinctively drink less.

Research has shown that horses drink the most water when the water temperature is between 7 and 20º C. Optimum water consumption will keep the fibre in the horse’s digestive system hydrated, allowing it to be broken down efficiently by intestinal bacteria and to be pliable, and less likely to “ball up” and cause a blockage in the large intestine. The water requirement is higher if the horse is in training, nursing a foal, growing, or pregnant.

FIBRE Adequate fibre intake is the next consideration in feeding horses during the winter season. It is recommended that horses receive a minimum of 1.5% of their body weight in hay (fibre) per day. For a 500kg horse, this equates to 7.5 kg of hay per day. Horses can consume up to 3% of the body weight per day in hay (15 kg for a 500kg horse) if the hay is of good quality.

The fibre obtained from hay is necessary to keep the digestive

system of the horse functioning properly. Without this hay fibre, horses will seek out other sources of fibre including bedding and wood fences or trees to satisfy their needs.

Adequate fibre from hay is even more critical during the winter months since it is the feed ingredient that keeps horses warm during cold weather. Digestion and fermentation of hay produces heat that helps the horse maintain its body temperature during winter.

HYGAIN FIBRESSENTIAL Unlike hay, consumption of grain does not produce large amounts of body heat during digestion. One problem that may arise with horses during the winter months is chronic weight loss. This can occur either by not feeding enough hay or by feeding poor quality hay to the horse. In both cases the horse will have trouble getting enough calories to maintain body weight. In the case of not feeding enough hay, the simple remedy is to provide all the hay the horse will consume during the day. If the horse is being fed all the hay it will consume and weight loss is still an issue, better quality hay must be fed.

ESSENTIAL NUTRIENTS The protein, trace mineral and vitamin needs of the horse must be satisfied. Winter is a critical time to supply these nutrients since pasture, a good natural source of nutrients, is generally depleted.

The common source of supplemental protein, vitamins and minerals is from fortified feed concentrates. When choosing a feed concentrate you have to make sure, you are feeding the recommended amount. If you are feeding 1/3 of the amount recommended, you are getting exactly 1/3 of the intended nutrients for that type of horse. If you feel the amount of feed recommended is too much i.e. your horse is gaining too much weight you should feed a more concentrated product. These highly concentrated products, such as HYGAIN® BALANCED® an allround pelleted balancer concentrate are designed to be fed at a much lower rate, but still provide the horse with adequate nutrients.

From left: Hygain Fibressential and Tru Care

BE READY FOR WINTER • Hygain Tru care Strive to keep your horse in a good body condition prior to winter months as the extra body fat provides an additional insulating effect against wind and also serves as an energy reserve.

• Increasing forage and concentrate will be necessary in horses of poor condition. Increase the dry-matter content of the diet 24 hours prior to forecasted cold conditions.

• Better quality hays typically contain higher calories for example alfalfa compared to grass hay. Other fibre substitutes include beet pulp.

HYGAIN® FIBRESSENTIAL® and HYGAIN MICRBEET® are high in well-fermentable fibre and low in sugar, providing digestible energy between that of good quality hay and grains.

• Supplementing fat is beneficial to increasing the energy density of concentrates. HYGAIN® RBO® – Equine Performance Oil® is a unique blend of pure rice bran oil, omega essential fatty acids and natural antioxidants formulated for all horses.

• Older horses and those in poor condition have additional needs during the winter. Starting them on a high caloric diet in the fall can help them maintain weight during frigid weather. Look for one with a fat level of 7% or more such as HYGAIN TRU CARE® and HYGAIN® EQUINE SENIOR®, as it will provide the extra calories needed to keep these horses from losing weight during the winter.

Winter is also the time when the stable may be “closed up” in an effort to make the environment warmer and less draughty for the horse. Good ventilation is more important than providing a little more warmth, so be sure to provide good air flow in your stable even in winter time.

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

IN MEMORIUM

The Anamour Syndicate: Spin Sutherland, Joan Sutherland, Sara Williams, Wendy Freeman, Gary, Patricia Dalrymple, Cathy Scott, Eric Ropiha

OBITUARY GARY FREEMAN It is with great sadness that Dressage New Zealand shares the news that Gary Freeman recently passed away in Palmerston North, aged seventy eight years.

W

hen a group of New Zealand dressage enthusiasts collaborated to bring a beautiful black Hanoverian stallion to New Zealand in 1995, the Anamour Syndicate engaged Gary as the stud master. Hence Gary played a very significant role in the equestrian sport world as a stud master, standing the much sought-after Anamour at his Kopane

property, Bilbar Lodge (named in honour of his top showjumper.

Gary affectionately referred to him as his own “Zabeel.” He cared for Anamour every day of his life from his arrival in New Zealand in 1995 until his passing in 2015.

It gave Gary a huge thrill when Anamour progeny were placed the first and second in the Grand Prix Dressage Horse of the Year. Bilbar Lodge bred a number of stars by Anamour out of top thoroughbred and Hanoverian mares providing the stud with countless highlights.

This legacy lives on at the National Dressage Championships where the Anamour Trophy, presented by Gary

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

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

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

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

• Here on site for the duration of the show, JUNE 2020 call in & see us.

www.mooresridingwear.co.nz

10 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN |

and Wendy Freeman, is presented annually for the top placed Anamour descendant at the event.

Gary spent his lifetime around the Palmerston North area and was introduced to the equestrian show scene as a youngster when helping out Alan Kaye. He would ride the horses the nearby shows at Woodville, Marton and Feilding and then Alan would compete on them.

He was later to compete in jumping events at shows alongside good friend and racing enthusiast Kevin Gray and another close friend, Eric Ropiha, a noted thoroughbred trainer and recognised as a master in the equestrian field, particularly dressage. Gary had three top showjumpers – Bilbar, Trader and Hard Case. He sold the latter for “huge money” and bought his first farm at Linton.

Gary’s work in the equestrian and racing worlds will be remembered with great gratitude.

Rest in peace Gary.

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

NATIONAL NEWS

NEW DIRECTION FOR 2021 HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW Australasia’s largest equestrian showpiece the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show is set to steer a new course under its own horse-power, following the announcement the event will be managed in-house in future.

T

he decision comes as the Horse of the Year Show Board concludes its five-year contract with event management company SMC, who has been contracted to run the event since 2016.

“It’s a move which will strengthen the local roots of the event and will be another positive step forward for the show,” said Horse of the Year Board Chairman Tim Aitken.

“We recognise the show’s revenue is driven by the commitment of the riders and their support crews, volunteers and officials, trade and our wonderful sponsors.” Tim Aitken added that the timing was right, with the term of the contract with SMC up for renewal.

“The Board is very grateful to SMC for leaving the event in a strong fiscal position, and for developing and guiding it well over the past five years.”

In a joint statement SMC Director Dave Mee expressed regret his team would no longer be at the helm of the event.

“SMC are obviously disappointed that we will not be continuing to organise this wonderful event.”

“After a short lead in time, and challenging year one event in 2016, we are extremely pleased and

HHobsons orsecoaches & Motorhomes 2018 Ltd

satisfied with what we have achieved in the past five shows.

“This included raising the bar in onsite presentation and event production, bringing out international World No 1 riders Tim and Jonelle Price and creating an official partnership with the most prestigious equestrian event in the world – the Land Rover Burghley Horse Trials. Creating a quality of competition good enough for our Olympians to stay in NZ for their preparations and bringing many local schools to the event completely free of charge, while markedly increasing the show’s sponsorship revenue.

“Post event surveys show the rider and public enjoyment rating of the event rose from 62% to a 96% ‘good to excellent’ rating under our management. The rider numbers are also the highest they have ever been, as too with the trade stands and onsite functions.

“The event is in very good shape, and we wish the Horse of the Year Board all the best with their future endeavours,” he said.

“We’d like to take the opportunity to thank Dave Mee and his team for all for the work they have done, which has taken the event to new

Sponsors

heights, and paved the way for ongoing success. Securing the naming rights and relationship with Land Rover has unquestionably given Horse of the Year a new dimension,” said Board Chairman Tim Aitken.

Land Rover Horse of the Year has become an iconic southern hemisphere sporting, entertainment and hospitality mecca attracting global media attention and proving a potent marketing platform for Hastings, Hawke’s Bay, and New Zealand.

This year’s six day event in March attracted record trade demand with 220 trade sites selling out in record quick time, paired with increased commercial sponsorship and extensive media coverage across multiple platforms – boasting its highest number of live streaming views around the world.

Despite the COVID 19 cloud, the March 2020 event drew nearly 50,000 spectators through the gate over the week of competition and saw a record 1709 horses and 1331 riders participate.

Watch this space for 2021 Horse of the Year Dressage News and Qualifications.

5 R

www.superiorrubbersurfaces.co.nz

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11

RIDER PROFILE

Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J out hacking in Ohariu Valley at Greendowns Equestrian Centre

FINDING ETTA Article by Wendy Hamerton Main photo by Ryan Cornwell (Capture & Keep Photography)

We last talked to Chelsea Callaghan back in 2014, when she was preparing for an exhibition of her artwork in the final year of her Fine Arts degree in Wellington.

We chatted then mainly about her beautiful charcoal creations, but also briefly about dressage goals for her part Friesian mare Sisters II Etta J. “I’d like to train her to Advanced; just genuinely enjoy riding her and get out there and have some fun!” she said. Fast forward six years to Horse of the Year 2020 and the Small Tour Trophy. I think she can well and truly tick those goals off her list!

12 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

RIDER PROFILE

Chelsea and Etta's first show together at Foxton Racecourse, level 1 in 2015 Chelsea and Christine Callaghan with Etta at home

Chelsea and Cheleken Ren Chelsea and Royal Aspen with Christine (Mum) and Alex (sister) p: Libby Law

WHY DRESSAGE “I am a bit of a perfectionist, so I think dressage just suits my personality type! I really want to get things right, and I enjoy focusing on the smaller details and how all those details come together in the competition arena. I like riding under a bit of pressure. I love the creative outlet of making musical freestyles and riding them; that is something so unique about our sport. Sometimes I’ll make a whole new musical freestyle just for fun and never end up using it because I have so many” Chelsea chuckles.

Chelsea knew from a very young age that she wanted to ride. Her Mum (Christine) and older sister (Sarah) both had horses, so it seemed natural enough that she wanted one too. When she was seven her parents bought an indoor riding school in Oharui Valley, and she started having riding lessons. As a ten-year-old Chelsea got her first lucky break - a free pony, and she never looked back “I loved my time at pony club. I did a bit of everything - eventing, mounted games, show jumping, flat classes and of course dressage, all on the chunky thoroughbred mare I had at the time. But looking back I can see that I really enjoyed working on my dressage more than anything else”. Chelsea is quick to credit the systematic coaching and support from family friend Helen HughesKeen in those early days. “She has been such an inspiration to me”.

National Dressage Championships with Etta, Level 4 Chelsea and Impulsicve Panache at a ODE

THE SCHOOLMASTER EXPERIENCE From the thoroughbred Chelsea graduated to Elementary level with Cheleken Ren, the delightful little bay TB x who was a wonderful teacher for several young riders.

“I was then lucky enough, and a massive thanks again to Mum and Dad, to secure Royal Aspen (Dynamit x TB) as a schoolmaster”.

Aspen was started by Marlborough’s Tracey Johnson and

produced by her to Intermediare I level. Kelly van Dyk was Aspen’s next competitive partner, then it was Chelsea’s turn, downgrading Aspen to Elementary to begin this new journey. “She was not an easy push button mare to ride” recalls Chelsea. “She was built downhill, and she could be pretty hot too – but she was safe and was trained well right through to small tour and taught me all the movements up to FEI young rider level. She tried so hard for me”.

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

RIDER PROFILE

Chelsea and Etta at home with coach Andrea Raves

Chelsea and Etta at HOY 2020 Photo: Libby Law Chelsea and Etta at HOY 2019 Photo: Libby Law

FINDING ETTA “Aspen was twenty-one when we retired her. I looked at several horses replace her, but they were just not the right fit for me, so I decided to stop looking and just get on with study - I had just started my fine arts degree at Massey University and it seemed like a good time to take a break from riding. I still remember the moment mum came to my room and told me she had just been on the phone with Andrea (Raves) who knew of a four year old Friesian x Warmblood mare in the South island that she thought was going to be something really special. That moment really sparked something in me! From the first day I rode her we clicked, and I didn’t want to get off her. She was so responsive and sensitive. She had so much enthusiasm and really wanted to do the best she could.

That was just the best feeling. After having ponies and horses who had had many riders before me, I never really had a strong bond with them like the one I now have with Etta” The pair have been together for nearly eight years showing super consistency on their way up the grades earning numerous wins and championship titles, but their 14 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

2020 Horse of the Year Small Tour win was the pinnacle to date. After coming third in the Inter I, Chelsea thought she’d be out of the running for an overall place, which proved to help her competition nerves.

“For that last day I wasn’t nervous at all,” she laughs. “I’m usually not too nervous once I hop on but if I’ve done a bit better the day before [in a Championship] I can feel a bit sick sometimes!”

TRAINING PHILOSOPHY “I think never jumping a step, and always waiting until she’s feeling really confident and happy before moving on. There have been a couple of times where I felt she was already showing movements well enough for the level above and I thought maybe I can jump up a level. But I’d talk to Andrea [Raves] and we would decide to stay in the same level throughout the season to let her get really established and confident. I think that’s paid off in the long run, not pushing her through, because she’s still happy and wants to do it. If I ever feel like she’s starting to back off or not enjoying the work, then we just go out hacking and give her a break.

I think that’s the biggest thing, along with Andrea’s coaching. She coaches from the German training scale and

it is the base to everything that we do. Also, just knowing your horse really well - I know she never ever wants to not try, so if she’s finding something hard or feeling tight, it’s because she physically needs some help [from the physio] and we fix the problem that way rather than forcing the repetitive training.”

Chelsea trains with Andrea every fortnight (luckily the Callaghan arena is not far from Andrea’s Johnsonville base). They are starting to crack into the Grand Prix work at home, which is a first for both horse and rider. “We’re chipping away!” Chelsea says.

“When we bought Etta I hoped in the back of my mind that we might get to do this one day but you never know, and you can’t plan that far ahead with horses - it’s really cool! We definitely need Andrea’s guidance for this uncharted territory, but we are learning heaps.”

Andrea enjoys working with Chelsea - the coach-rider partnership is strong. “She’s always open minded and nice to teach,” she

RIDER PROFILE

YOU CAN VIEW EXAMPLES OF CHELSEA’S PAINTING AND THE SERVICES SHE OFFERS HERE https://www.facebook.com/chelseacallaghanequestrian/

Cassidy 24 x 36 inch Oil on MDF panel canvas

"Out of the blue"

"World Class" - For Sale

compliments. “She understands the whole training system now, it’s what she knows, she follows it to the letter and does her homework. Now we are pushing on and plan to go out at Level 8 once things start up again.

They are absolutely looking on track for Grand Prix”

LIFE OUTSIDE HORSES In stark contrast to her equestrian pursuits, Chelsea’s day job is lifeguarding at a local pool. She has worked there for five years and enjoys the strong friendships she has made with the pool team. “I just fell into it really [pun not intended!] because when I finished Uni I wanted to be able to ride and wasn’t sure what I wanted to do. It’s really good because I can be very flexible with my hours. It’s not a forever job but it works for me - I don’t have to stress about organising time off for shows, and if I get a commission for a painting I can drop some hours and focus on that.”

After taking a bit of a break from art-work post-University, Chelsea has picked it up again, but moving

away from the charcoal medium and exploring working with oils.

She has had several commissions from dressage owners and riders wanting a portrait of their equine pride and joy. “Some people are very specific with what they want, and some people let me take the lead,” she says. “I can paint from a photo, but it helps if I know the horse – if I have seen it going at shows. I also venture off on my own and do a lot of noncommissioned stuff, just to paint what I want to paint. It’s fun!”

THE FUTURE Now that the National Championships have been potentially moved to November, Chelsea is planning to compete at Level 8. Luckily the Covid-19 lockdown did not affect her training too much. “We couldn’t hack out in the hills and go road riding, but we were able to carry on training at home which was lucky. My younger sister Alex has been riding Etta a little bit for fun and Mum also loves to saddle up Etta and go for a hack. And it definitely helps you get

"Extended Trot"

through the winter if you feel like you’ve had a good season!”

Chelsea is excited about the recent purchase of a young horse by the Oldenburg stallion Fugato, and currently away being broken in.

“Another mare, and also black!” she laughs. “Hopefully, she’ll be lovely to bring through too.”

ETTA J BREEDING FACTS: FATE INTERVENES Etta J is by the Friesian sire Ziegfried imported to NZL in 1991, out of the mare Wistow Iman Dynamit/Amanderil/Imperial Guard (bred and competed to Open Medium

by Marlborough’s Sharon Inwood) When the Callaghan’s bought Etta J, they did not know that their own recently retired Royal Aspen was in fact a full sister to Iman, the dam of Etta J. If you ever believed in fate, Etta J was always destined to be Chelsea’s next horse. Chelsea would like to give a big thank-you to: her parents, coach Andrea Raves and her sponsors Equestrio | PS of Sweden and Syncroflex.

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

MARKETING

OBTAINING AND MAINTAINING SPONSORSHIP Article by Chanelle Reid Main photo by Libby Law

This month our Marketing columnist Chanelle Reid discusses how to attract Sponsors and some key points around the expectations that should be met as a Sponsored Rider

I

f you have ever wanted to find a business or brand to partner with in a sponsorship arrangement but feel disheartened because you are not winning ribbons every weekend or are not riding at elite levels, then read on. This article is for you!

You will be pleased to note, in many cases, there are a lot of other qualities that a sponsor will look for when it comes to partnering with a rider which goes far beyond riding levels and results.

SOME KEY ATTRIBUTES THAT A SPONSOR WILL LOOK FOR: • Sportsmanship - you need to be someone who treats others well, regardless of whether you are having a good or bad show.

Horsemanship also fits into this as well.

• Influence - there are many fabulous junior level or pro-am level coaches. They either teach in pony clubs, work closely with junior or young riders, or teach amateur adults. These coaches might not be elite level riders but are successful with and have an influence over their market. If you are looked to for advice by others, this can make you a very appealing candidate as a sponsored rider/ ambassador.

16 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

• Marketing yourself - being proactive on social media can automatically make you more appealing to a sponsor. Creating and nurturing a following on social media can put you in a position to inspire, educate or influence a group of people. There are also many other ways you can market yourself that include other online and also offline opportunities.

it is a relationship! That means it is a two-way street. As the person receiving the sponsorship, you need to actively ensure that you are not only meeting your agreed terms but exceeding them. There is a saying, “how you do one thing, is how you do everything”. If you are taking yourself seriously in your position as a brand ambassador, you will want to be going above and beyond.

• Charitable - if you work in a more charitable position, for example working with rescue horses or rehabilitation, you can create an angle that is favoured by businesses to partner with.

On that same note, it is important that the business you are in the partnership with is upholding their end of the agreement as well. It is highly advisable to ensure that you have a transparent, written agreement between you both so that each party understands clearly what their responsibilities and expectations are in the relationship.

• Industry expertise - you may not be an elite level rider, but you could be an expert in a particular field of the equestrian industry as well as being a rider. An example could be an equine dentist who rides and is sponsored by a Bit brand. They have the opportunity to reach clients in a different way through their work rather than their competition riding.

NEXT, BUILDING THE RELATIONSHIP: Once you have secured a partnership, it is important that you have a plan on how to maintain and build this relationship. And yes,

When you sign up to be on board with a brand you are committing to investing into the relationship. The more the brand benefits from being connected to you, the more you will benefit. It is a mutually beneficial operation that needs both sides to be working towards a common goal for maximum results.

Now, it must be said, that especially these days people are extremely busy and finding the time to put into this on top of everyday life and work can be a challenge.

MARKETING HERE ARE A FEW HACKS TO HELP MANAGE THIS: • If you have a groom, parent, partner, friend who is attending shows/clinics/events with you, ask them to oversee your updates.

It can be as simple as snapping a few photos during the event and writing a paragraph or two at the end of it to post on Social Media.

Doing this on the spot, even on the way home if you can, gets it done while still fresh in everyone’s minds.

• Get comfortable with video selfies and voice messages. There are some great tools now to record updates and information on the go. You can do your weekly update for your sponsor, whilst doing a video selfie and hacking down the road. If you have a representative you need to report to, send a voice message when you are riding, walking to catch a horse, in your lunch break at work. A voice message is quicker than typing and you can do it multitasking!

• Schedule in time for social media.

Run your diary rather than letting it run you! Block out an hour on any set day and that is your time for updates, emails, posting on social to keep up with your visual commitments to your brand / sponsor partner.

FINALLY, A LONG-TERM COMMITMENT: If you follow these steps, you will absolutely be setting yourself up for a long-term relationship with the business or brand you are partnering with.

Thinking short term can result in missed opportunities and can also make you begrudge putting extra effort into the relationship in the early stages. Do not underestimate where relationships can lead you, so having a poor attitude towards someone you deem as a “small” sponsor to favour a “big” sponsor can backfire. Treat every opportunity as an amazing one and look for the spin off or long-term opportunities that can come off the back of these as well.

By taking the approach of adding as much value as you possibly can to them, you are going to set yourself apart from the rest (as so few people do this!) and I can assure you it will lead to some amazing opportunities with possibilities you cannot even imagine in the early stages.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR: Chanelle Reid (nee Walsh) has been around the Dressage circuit for nearly 20 years and in that time has added value to the sport as a rider, coach, event manager, sponsorship manager, brand ambassador, committee member, sponsor, writer and judge. This industry specific experience combined with years in marketing allows Chanelle to offer a knowledgeable and intimate insight into the equestrian marketing scene.

Equestrian Marketing Specialists The equestrian market is one that requires intimate knowledge and understanding to be able to successfully market people and products.

If you are a brand, product, rider, breeder, retailer or coach that needs to capture the attention of an equestrian audience, we are here to work alongside you to achieve your goals.

www.icemarketing.co.nz/equestrian Chanelle Reid chanelle@icemarketing.co.nz | 021 446 642 | Follow us on social www.icemarketing.co.nz/equestrian | chanelle@icemarketing.co.nz | 021 446 642 @icemarketingnz | Follow us on social @icemarketingnz

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17

BREEDING Carole and the advanced mare Sisters II Elspeth Photo: PRW Photography & Design NZ

https://www.photographernz.com/

SPOTLIGHT ON SISTERS II STUD AND CAROLE MACARTHY Article by Jess Roberts Main photo by PRW Photography & Design NZ

After originally phoning Carole for a few words about the satisfaction of seeing the wonderful mare 'Sisters II Etta J' she bred doing so well, it turned out that Carole has too many good stories for just a few words. In fact, if she ever slows down, I think she should get started on her autobiography! Carole is busy ‘knocking 70’, with three horses in work, she competes to Prix St Georges level and judges frequently.

Carole with Imke - last foal from Iman and full sister to Whitney H

18 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

T

he Sisters II prefix is becoming more widely known in dressage arenas across the country and it seems that everything this personable character does has a great story behind it.

Carole and her partner Penny bought their first property in Marlborough. It had an amazing building which had originally been the Blenheim Catholic school, partly renovated into a dwelling and moved to its new site. They wanted a prefix that reflected the history of this building, so decided on Sisters as they would have been the pillars of the building in its early days. II was added to reflect the new owners. So, Sisters II it was.

It’s not just the prefix that has a significant meaning. The horse’s individual names are all full of life. Iman was David Bowie’s wife and a super model, so all (Wistow) Iman’s foals are named with her theme: Etta J, Whitney H, Tina T, and Esther H. Another mare, College Secret was by the Graduate and her friesian x foals are Mrs Robinson, Secrets Out and one

BREEDING

1.

3.

they didn’t name, Moorcroft. More Friesian X horses registered for dressage are Andee R, Zuree M and the first-born Elspeth, named after Penny whose middle name is Ellee.

She calls her horses limited editions and is quick to credit Andrea Raves with finding the right riders for them. “Breeding is hard work, and a bit of luck, but a big part of it is also getting the horse to the right home and Andrea’s helped a lot with that.”

These days, the pair have downsized their property to just under ten acres near Timaru, setting it up with an arena and big lunging circle. The breeding part of the operation is over. “My thrill out of it was breaking [the horses I’d bred] in, setting them up and getting them on the right path. But I shouldn’t really be riding the young ones now,” she reflects. “My body’s buggered! I’ve had 58 broken bones in my life.”

FRIESIAN FIXATION In spite of once saying she’d never breed a horse (her rationale being that you’re better off buying a horse that you can see, so you know what you’re going to get), one day she saw a picture of a Friesian “and I

2.

4.

just became absolutely fixated! I just thought, I reckon if I crossed them with the right mares - because their carriage, presence and nature is unbelievable really - I’d have a good horse. I didn’t want to breed a purebred, so I bred a few out of TB mares, but I’ve found that the best cross was with the warmbloods.

I was very careful with my mare selection.

Once she had decided to give breeding a go, her criteria was to breed a horse that the average rider could ride and be competitive with.

“I rode plenty of Clydie crosses in my day; they were lovely and did well but were often hard to keep sound, or they’d go in the wind. I wanted to breed a horse with good trainability and have movement good enough to be competitive. I guess I’ve achieved my goal with that. Back in January. Etta’s dam had three of her foals win their classes all on the same day - two in Dunedin and Etta up at a northern Champs show. For me that was a big thrill! – you would be pushed to achieve that in the racing world!”

Her main competition horse now is the first she bred, Sisters II Elspeth, by Ziegfried (also the sire of Etta) out of a thoroughbred

1. Carole and Whitney H starting under saddle in the flatwork 2. The impressive Andee R 3. Although no longer breeding Carole has enjoyed the journey, producing a a lovely band of youngstock 4. Whitney H in the early days, Whitney is now succeeding through the dressage levels with Wendy Butler from SCNO.

mare. The pair have competed successfully up to Prix St Georges level “and we’re not finished yet! She just tries her heart out. She’s what I call a granny horse because she doesn’t have the big bouncy paces.

So, she’s actually really comfortable to ride which suits me,” says Carole.

“We have a lot of fun, and that’s what it’s about isn’t it?”

UNORTHODOX BREED FOR DRESSAGE? Carole gets a little annoyed when the Friesian-Warmblood cross is labelled as unorthodox for dressage.

“What is a warmblood anyway?

It’s a made-up breed, not pure, it’s man-made. Actually, if you look way, way back in the history of some of those warmbloods they’ve probably got Friesian lines in them! The holsteiners have.”

THE RACING GAME – A PREVIOUS LIFE In a previous life, Carole trained racehorses. She was the first woman in New Zealand to hold a public trainers license; “back in the days when it was very male oriented; my trainers license had to be stamped with my husband’s initials,” she remembers. “I rode in a lot of ladies races as well, not as a licensed JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19

BREEDING

“Etta always showed great natural ability: she could always move... if she went a bit more forward, she’d always just lengthen her stride, she never hurried. She had a lovely rhythm and just floated along.”

- CAROLE MACARTHY Sisters II Etta J as a newly broken in three year old with Carole

Chelsea Callaghan with Sisters II Etta J and coach Andrea Raves at HOY 2020 Photo: Libby Law

jockey but as a lady rider. But it was hard back then because I was basically a full-time farrier as well.

You can imagine back then, it was like “that sheila’s out there trying to put a shoe on that horse’ kind of thing! When I was in the North Island, I applied for a job with a well-known horse transporter and they were horrified. They said they’d be laughed off the road if they put a woman in one of their trucks! It’s changed so, so much.”

She spent several years working for the legendary Kenny Browne up in Cambridge, and remains great friends with his wife Ann. “She always encourages me,” says Carole.

“Ann was a marvelous rider in her day - she rode in the amateur races and was a great event rider. She is a very learned, very clever lady.”

The Macarthy stable trained a lot of winners and Carole credits the 20 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

racing work with setting her up to know how to feed and get a horse fit. “At the end of the day it’s all the same; no matter what breed of horse: they’ve got to be fit; they’ve got to be well and they’ve got to be looked after. If they’re not well, they’re not going to be good. Most of my horses were other people’s mistakes - that’s what I used to call them anyway - horses that were not performing or not doing well for various reasons, and we ended up winning a lot of races with them which was pretty neat.”

ON ETTA J “Etta always showed great natural ability: she could always move. She had that suspension and airtime even as a 2-year-old on the lunge doing a few laps, if she went a bit more forward, she’d always just lengthen her stride, she never hurried. She had a lovely

rhythm and just floated along.” She turned out to be equally pleasant to ride. “When I first broke her in and got her going, she was just such a joy. And when you took her out anywhere, she was a real eyecatcher, so I was quite happy to ride her for a while!”

Chelsea and Etta’s dressage exploits are keenly followed by Carole and her friends. “They’ve got such a fan club down here!” she says. “Me and my friends all text and yahoo and have our fun with it down here - as we do with all of them. The Callaghans have been really generous, they tell me what they’re doing, and Chelsea sends me snippets of video and things. Those two always look so happy! They share [the journey] and you feel like you’re part of it, so it is really nice.

And I think we’ve far from seen the end of it yet, don’t you?”

With a ‘sixth sense’ that hasn’t failed her yet, Carole says she always knows when Etta is entered at a competition. “Then I look it up on Equestrian Entries and send Chelsea a

BREEDING

Wendy Butler and Sisters II Whitney H Photo: PRW Photography & Design NZ

Whitney H as a foal with dam Wistow Iman who was a successful dressage mare with Sharon Inwood (Blenheim)

text saying, ‘good luck for the weekend’ and she says, ‘how did you know?’”

Chelsea agrees: “Every single show!

And she’ll follow us on Equestrian Entries for the weekend - she usually knows my score before I do. We’re in contact a lot, it’s really nice.”

in, the work is done properly and the foundations she lays are very good; so, I had no problem that Chelsea could handle this young horse.” She recommended the mare to Chelsea, and the rest is history.

work too, she adds. “They’re a horse that doesn’t like mucking around, they just want to get on and do it.

And if you teach them something, they really remember it - especially the mares.”

REGULAR LESSONS

PHILOSOPHICAL ABOUT CHANGE Carole is philosophical about the big change in dressage she has seen over the years, but it hasn’t changed her love of the sport. “It’s neat that we have these top riders going to big competitions, but I think that sometimes we lose our way a bit, of enjoying it. As an older lady, if I didn’t have a nice horse out there that I could go out and enjoy, then my motivation for riding wouldn’t be there. And I don’t want to just go out for a wander down the road - well I do sometimes! - but I like to feel motivated by training and those moments of getting something right,” she says. The Friesians like to

Our conversation ends with a reminder from me that Carole really needs to start writing her book. “I could even write one on my bus driving days!” she says, cracking up laughing. “I drove one in Auckland for 11 years and that was pretty entertaining to say the least! Learned a lot about life - a lot of things you didn’t want to know as well as things you did!”

Ever since Andrea Raves came to NZ over two decades ago, Carole has been going for regular lessons.

“I’d hate to think how many horses I’ve ridden in lessons with Andrea over the years! We know each other very well; I’ve had my faults in alphabetical order, numerical order and all sorts of orders over the years,” she jokes, “but we’ve had lots of laughs and it’s been a great journey.”

Andrea first saw Etta as a newly started youngster when she came to a lesson with Carole. “I really rate Carole as a horsewoman,” Andrea states. “Whatever horses she breaks

“I’ve had amazing thrills and been pretty lucky, I think. It’s like everything you do in life, there has to be a bit of luck in it! And you may as well keep doing things while you can because you’re a long time dead.”

AMATEUR

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sponsors

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

NATIONAL NEWS

Dressage

PERFORMANCE PATHWAY DELIVERS POSITIVE STEPS

W

hen the DNZ Performance Committee completed the 20/21 National Performance Pathway with several significant changes, it was a no brainer to invite riders and interested parties to a zoom meet to present and explain the document and answer questions on the spot so riders could hear explanations from ‘the horse’s mouth’, so to speak.

Simon Bennett, ESNZ High Performance Director was invited to take part, and discussed the expectations at HP level, including the importance of social media protocol and taking care of your online presence.

Linda Warren-Davey, the DNZ Performance Committee Chair explained the meaning of the athletes journey along the performance pathway, the relationship between the Training Scale and competition levels, the various changes to the squads,

and the reasons for change. Margs Carline Chair of Selectors answered questions around selectors expectations when selecting combinations for squads. Planned training initiatives for the 20/21 squads were covered by Kellie Hamlett.

our sport. Unfortunately, with the effects of the Covid-19 severely impacting the DNZ Budget, a small allocation has been reserved for costs associated with the role. The Board is committed to supporting this role and renumeration will be reviewed in six months’ time.

NOTEWORTHY CHANGES:

A big thanks to all those involved and to the riders for taking part, and particularly Chris Lovelady for being the chat-master.

• Horses age limits have been removed from all National Squads • Riders may apply for the Youth, Development, Small Tour and Big Tour squads.

• The Youth Development Camps have been opened to all applicants whether mounted or unmounted.

Spaces may be limited for mounted applicants.

• Selection criteria has been streamlined A new role has been created for a NZ Performance Co-Ordinator.

The the Performance Team believes the role is vital to the future of

The Performance Committee, the Young Rider Convenors and Selectors make up the DNZ Performance Team and welcome any ideas and suggestions from the equestrian community.

The Performance Committee members are Linda Warren-Davey (Chair) Christine Weal (Coach rep), Kellie Hamlett.

Please Note: Squad applications are open now and close 5:00pm 15th June 2020.

REFER TO THEhttps://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/performance/dressage-performance-pathway-and-squads/ ESNZ WEBSITE FOR DRESSAGE NZ PERFORMANCE PATHWAY DETAILS AND SQUAD APPLICATION FORMS

!! NEWSFLASH !!

Limited doses of Secret available at the 2019 price.

22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

NATIONAL CALENDAR

PREMIER LEAGUE & NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR Keep up to date with the latest competition calendar by clicking here...

SEPTEMBER 2020 26/27

Dressage SCNO Premier League Event

Waimate A&P Showgrounds

OCTOBER 2020 17/18

Dressage Central Districts Premier League Event

Manfeild Park

24/26

Dressage Bay of Plenty Premier League Event

Taupo NEC

24/25

Dressage Marlborough Premier League Event

Marlborough Equestrian Park

31/1

Dressage Nelson Premier League Event

Rough Island Equestrian Park

31/1

Dressage Wellington Championships

Solway Showgrounds Masterton

NOVEMBER 2020 7/8

Dressage Gisborne Championships

Gisborne Showgrounds

7/8

Dressage Otago Premier League Championships

Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds

14/15

Dressage Ashburton Premier League Championships

Ashburton A&P Showgrounds

19/22

Bates Dressage NZ Championships

Taupo NEC

28/29

Dressage Canterbury Championships

McLeans Island NEC

14/15

Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay Championships

Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds

DECEMBER 2020 5/6

Dressage Southern Hawkes Bay Championships

Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds

5/6

Dressage Southland Championships

Gore A&P Showgrounds

12/13

Dressage Waitemata Premier League Championships

Woodhill Sands

19/20

Taihape Christmas Championships

Taihape A&P Showgrounds

JANUARY 2021 15/17

Dressage Taranaki Championships

Egmont A&P Showgrounds

22/24

Auckland-Manukau Premier League Championships

Clevedon A&P Showgrounds

23/24

Wairarapa Premier League Event

Solway Showgrounds Masterton

29/1

Dressage NZ Youth Festival

Taupo NEC

FEBRUARY 2021 6/8

South Island Dressage Championships

McLeans Island NEC

12/14

Dressage Northland Championships

Barge Park Showgrounds

26/28

Dressage Waikato Premier League Event

Taupo NEC

MARCH 2021 9/14

Horse of the Year Show

Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

BREEDING

Baldeep Dhillon and his new team mate and best friend GF Ace Secret Service

THE SECRET FRIESIAN A regular competitor on the dressage circuit, Palmerston North’s Baldeep Dhillon is a staunch Friesian fan. With his powerful eleven-year-old black stallion GF Floris he has enjoyed many successes at Premier League events up to Medium level (so far). Baldeep acknowledges that the amazing temperament of this stallion has been one of the major factors in his own progressive dressage training as a rider, having started as an adult amateur.

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

BREEDING

Secret, the Vice World Champion 5 yr old 2019 Photo: Equitaris

GF Ace Secret Service at four days old

invoice for the semen came a special note saying they were interested in the result! later while I was still thinking about this horse, I wondered what a Secret/Friesian cross would be like! Being a spontaneous sort of person I got on the phone to Marianne and Louis from Glenrose Friesians”

Ninthe fan 'e Boerestreek imported by Glenrose Friesians

B

aldeep is always curious about all aspects of the sport he now loves, and three years ago he came across the German super stallion Secret (Sezuan / St. Moritz) on YouTube.

“I was blown away by his (Secret) movement. At that stage I already had two Friesians. I Iove the breed and think they have the most amazing temperament. Sometime

It turned out to be a very timely call. The stud was planning to import a mare from Holland (Ninthe fan Boerestreek) a star rated mare standing at 1.70m. Her sire Tsjalle 454 Sport Preferent & her Dams Sire Beart 411 Sport Preferent are prime in the Stallion studbook. We were all excited that we could inseminate her in Holland and import her already in foal to Secret. Along with the

“I was super excited by this prospect, and the long wait began. I’m sure Glenrose Friesians almost blocked my number as I made many calls to check progress. When I knew Ninthe was in foal I jokingly said “It must be a Boy & Black” as I love Stallions and black.

Glenrose Friesians had big shoes to fill!”

Finally, after what seemed like eternity, GF ACE SECRET SERVICE came into this world on 25th April 2020. Much to Glenrose Friesians relief he was a Black Boy! Ace is compact through his back and is already showing his sire’s uphill canter.

His dam, Ninthe has very strong hind leg and amazing foreleg in the trot. Watch this space!

Breed for success – Breed with the best

Friesian Imported, star rated MARES High breeding values within the highest studbook Purebred Progeny for sale, available now, well handled Frozen semen available of many European licensed stallions www.glenrosefriesians.co.nz Marianne phone 027 6836840 marianne@glenrosefriesians.co.nz

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

NATIONAL NEWS

Philippa and Astek Ginsling at the 2019 FEI World Dressage Challenge Photo: Mel's Moments

TEN MINUTE TEA BREAK WITH PHILIPPA MCLEOD Article by Wendy Hamerton

In and around starting a young family South Canterbury rider Philippa Mcleod has been busy smashing her goals in the dressage arena. Aside from her recent Dressage NZ Gold Achievement Award, Philippa was selected in the New Zealand team for the 2019 Livamol FEI World Dressage Challenge, awarded Reserve champion in the VW Dressage Pro Amateur level 6 Championship at the Bates National Dressage Championships 2019. She then received the St George trophy in 2019 for the best performed combination in their first year at Prix St Georges level!

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

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

26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

NATIONAL NEWS HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DRESSAGE?

Angela Hooper & Surreal BC and Philippa on Astek Ginsling with sponsor Vanessa Way at the 2019 National Championships Photo: Libby Law

Growing up my sisters and I were lucky enough to have the generous guidance of friends in Christchurch. I can remember going there and at night watching videos of European grand prix dressage riders and being absolutely spellbound. As a child it was always such a treat getting to watch them training their grand prix horses. I was like a kid in a candy shop and was determined that one day that would be me!

HOW DO YOU COMBINE COMPETITIVE RIDING AND HAVING A YOUNG FAMILY? I have two young children, Honor who is five months old and Victoria who has just turned four and my step-daughter Ayla who is 14.

Juggling riding and young children can be a challenge but as I say to people it’s just a case of making it happen and finding a way! I am very lucky that I have a supportive husband and my mum who I refer to as ‘the A team’. I am really grateful for their support and couldn’t do what I do without them. Victoria spent most of her young life in a playpen beside the arena and now she has her own pony’ Mr Duke’ so enjoys pottering about with him while I am tacking up. My advice to new mums is not to have too much of an agenda or be on a time schedule.

There are times when you get all organised to ride, you get the baby off to sleep in the pram and just as you’re getting on they wake up crying. You just have to think never mind there’s always tomorrow!

YOUR GOALS It has always been my goal to train my own horse through to Grand Prix. At the moment Ginsling and I are enjoying working on mastering the Inter 1 and establishing half-steps.

and can appreciate the Grand Prix musicals at competitions. Apart from the New Zealand squads it would be great to have more support for higher level riders in the form of clinics/lessons/funding aimed at those riders wanting to train their own horses through to Grand Prix.

I have travelled to the North Island twice to attend Nationals and Horse of the Year. Both were fabulous learning experiences and it was great to be able to compete and compare yourself to different riders.

However it is a real commitment and expense for South Island riders to make the journey. I was also lucky enough to win an award last year so attended the dressage conference and awards dinner. The sponsors were delighted I made the effort to attend and we had a fabulous evening. I would encourage all riders particularly those who have won awards to go along in the future.

THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE DEVELOPED IN DRESSAGE

It was great watching the Willinga Park Dressage by the Sea and I was so impressed by the performance of our kiwi riders and their horses. New Zealand dressage has come so far - long may it continue!

I would love to see more indoor dressage displays and television coverage to gain publicity and grow our sport – my husband is not a ‘horsey’ person but he really enjoys

Astek Ginsling, 165cm SIRE Kinnordy Gymbello DAM Star of Pegasus xx BREEDER: Astek Stud

HORSE DETAILS

Above: Receiving the St Georges Trophy 2019 with Judy Alderdice Photo Caitlin Benzie Below: Philippa's wee tribe; Ayla (14), Victoria (4) and Honor (5 months).

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

TRAINING

TO STRETCH OR NOT TO STRETCH WITH BILL NOBLE “Stretching”, “working long and low”, has long been a cause of lively debate and considerable disagreement. For some it is an indispensable part of their working-in process; others consider it a waste of time; some consider it is positively harmful.

T

he most talented trainer I’ve ever met, the late Herbert Rehbein, never worked in low.

But the guy was a genius; his horses were never short in the neck or tight in their bodies; they were always “out at the end of the rein”; for him whatever method he chose would have worked.

For those of us with less talent, the chosen method has more of an impact. The usual reason for stretching is to “free the back of the horse”, implying that a horse working low is loose, and one working in a higher frame at the beginning each day isn’t. But Rehbein disproved this. The comparison with human athletes stretching in their warm-up isn’t quite valid, since the human is likely to work near his/her physical limit, whereas most horses are nowhere near theirs.

Horses become elastic in their bodies if their topline is long; it doesn’t matter whether that lengthened topline is in a higher or lower frame - hence Rehbein’s success. We wish the horse to give us the feeling that it is willing to take its forehead forwards away from us; to develop the feeling of “taking our hands forward”.

At the beginning of each day’s ride, we put some metal in the horse’s mouth, and for some insane reason we expect the horse to like - “accept” - this. No horse with even half a brain will do this, so we have to reintroduce ourselves, and our contact, to the horse afresh every day. So we take up the nicest contact we can manage and try to persuade the horse to lead this contact forwards.

28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

For most riders and most horses this is easiest without too much energy (and all the complications and resistances energy can bring), and this low energy level means that the horse will (hopefully) be inclined to take the contact forwards and downwards. So stretching, although not essential, is a useful tool for developing contact.

A horse taking the contact in this way will carry its face on or a little in front of the vertical; working behind the vertical means that the contact is not being taken forwards.

This forward feel of the contact is important throughout the training: contact problems become more obvious as the work takes us towards advanced collection. This contact can be developed each day through good stretching; the texture of the “forward” contact from a young horse stretching well is the same as for a grand prix horse in piaffe.

Working-in in stretching mode has other advantages: it gives us as riders the chance to be more passive, feeling, reactive rather than proactive, so giving an opportunity to listen to, rather than interfere with, the horse each day. The dayby-day variation in the horse’s willingness to stretch gives us valuable information about its mental and physical development.

Although valuable for most, there will be times when stretching isn’t possible or useful. It isn’t useful to attempt this if the horse gives us too much energy at the start - control will be a problem. And if the horse has no idea of contact, and is deeply disturbed by it, then it’s simply too difficult. This is likely to apply to newly broken horses. But for most it’s a useful concept; the horse gains confidence in the contact, and, through lengthening its topline, becomes freer through its body.

For a horse unwilling or unable to work in stretching, there is no stock answer: the more difficult they find it, the more important it is to find a solution. We must first find the reason for their reluctance - weakness, habit, fear of the contact, defending itself, body discomfort, and so on - the list is long - which then gives us an avenue for improvement. But a phrase we hear often - “my horse won’t stretch at the beginning, so I don’t ask…” is illogical.

NATIONAL NEWS

2020 FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CHALLENGE CONFIRMED Save the Date for the 29/30th of October at Solway Showgrounds Masteron

2019 FEI World Dressage Challenge, from left Christine Lovelady, Karolyn Norton, Diane Wallace, Philippa Mcleod, Julie Fraser, Betty Brown, Vittoria Barba and Kerrin Beatson Photo: Mel's Moments

“

Awesome” was the immediate reaction of Livamol’s Kerrin Beatson when he was advised that Dressage Wellington has agreed to co-host the New Zealand leg of the 2020 edition of the FEI Dressage World on Thursday 29th (arena familiarization, horse inspection, Livamol welcome & team announcement) and the competition on Friday the 30th of October. The Wellington Premier League will follow on the 31st of October and 1st of November.

The aim of this Competition is to give the less experienced Dressage riders who, under normal circumstances, cannot take part in international Dressage competitions and live in the more remote countries, the opportunity to compete internationally without having to leave their own country.

It offers five performance levels and two age groups (12-16 yrs; 16 yrs and older): • Intermediate I • Prix St. Georges • Senior II • Senior I • Youth INDIVIDUAL CLASSIFICATION: The FEI World Dressage Challenge offers a World Individual and Regional classification per Level.

Read more about the Dressage World Challenge and the different levels and tests here https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/fei-world-challenge/dressage

A maximum 40 combinations across the levels will be accepted. Nominations will be open on Equestrian Entries in early August. Once selections are confirmed, riders will then be required to make their entry.

AMATEUR

CHAMPIONSHIP

Sponsors

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

OUR PEOPLE

N

elson’s George Gale is a young man with a big personality and reputation for reliability. He has fast become a familiar face amongst show organizing committees as he travels the country with his mum Anna. George likes to be busy so kicking round the truck all day does not suit him at all. At the January 2020 WVEC Taranaki Champs the OC appointed him assistant to Celine Filbee and he was duly sent off to track down the “lady with the dreds”! He ran messages, delivered presentation rugs, collected test sheets, put up and took down banners and was there at the last gasp taking down arenas. Celine was so impressed with his efforts she took him to the beach as a post event treat and offered this glowing report on her time spent with George.

“This little guy is a pleasure to hang out with, chatty, polite, engaged, hard-working. He follows instructions and completes tasks, certainly a cut above your average nine-year-old! He was an absolute cracker at the beach, playing with new friends in the water, collecting mussels for dinner, tossing a few sausages on the BBQ and hanging out with his canine buddy Lily”.

Anna tells us that he helps out with the “blue jobs” – the menial tasks around the yard at home. He did have a small pony but when he grew out of it, she struggled to find a suitable replacement for him. He

30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH GEORGE GALE Sponsored by AllinFlex

now has a small motorbike which he roars around on, likes a bit of rugby and is very handy with a cricket bat.

Feedback from other events has also been very complimentary.

Wendy Jeffery from Wairarapa said “George was like a little energiser bunny over the weekend. As well as helping with arenas and running, he was always in the office asking us for more jobs. He didn’t mind what it was, from heading off to find someone for us, to refreshing the display of complimentary salt licks – nothing was a problem and everything was done with a smile!”

Michael Wells, chief in charge of collecting test sheets at Christchurch NEC was thrilled to have George on his team. “George did a great job. He was helpful, polite, he stuck with the job, helping for quite a long time and I think is the only young boy that has ever come and helped me collect papers, so well deserved thanks to him.”

George also has skills in collecting trophies for his mum as seen in his photo. He is the recipient of this month’s AllinFlex Volunteer prize. Check out their range of products at www.allinflex.co.nz

OUR PEOPLE

OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH MARCIA BAYLEY Sponsored by AR Dressage

M

arcia Bayley is currently an A List Judge, Technical Delegate, a FEI List 2 steward, and national steward.

Her ongoing dedication and love of dressage is very evident by the long hours she works in these roles.

At Horse of the Year Show, the first light is not daybreak, but the light going on in the modest caravan Marcia calls home for a week. It’s a strong Jed’s coffee as she prepares for a twelve-hour stint as the Dressage technical delegate.

But for many of you who haven’t been in the sport as long as Marcia, you may not be aware where her wealth of experience originates.

She was one of the true forerunners of dressage in New Zealand. She competed internationally for New Zealand on numerous occasions and forged a pathway for many riders to follow.

In 1986 the first ever Grand Prix test was held in New Zealand, Marcia and Kentucky were the illustrious winners.

She went on to win the Burkner Medal at the national

Championships no less than six times, four years on the trot from 1986 to 1989 on Kentucky, then again on Rubicon in 1997 and 1999, a record only surpassed by Tiny White who clocked up eight titles.

She qualified Kentucky to represent New Zealand at the inaugural World Equestrian Games in Stockholm in 1990, but due to the prohibitive cost of transporting horses to Europe, she was unable to attend. She was a key figure in a NZ victory over Australia in the first ever official Trans-Tasman test in 1987. With Kentucky she placed third in the Grand Prix class at the Australian Champs.

mentored riders, held clinics and has become one of the most familiar and formidable faces around the Dressage arenas. Deservedly in 2012 Dressage NZ granted her their premier award, the Fissenden Trophy for outstanding contribution to Dressage.

Marcia is the recipient of this months AR Dressage Official’s prize.

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

In the early days of the FEI Dressage World Challenge, was it was sponsored by and affectionately called “The Haig” Marcia and Rubicon were regulars entrants in the Prix St Georges.

Since those times not only has she become a well-qualified official spanning several decades, she has served time on the judges subcommittee, been an active member of Dressage Waikato, donated trophies,

JUNE 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

Dressage NZ would like to thank the following businesses for their support in the 2019/2020 season HHobsons orsecoaches & Motorhomes 2018 Ltd

www.superiorrubbersurfaces.co.nz

R

Exclusively Yours

32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JUNE 2020