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
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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.
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