Dressage NZ Bulletin Issue 55 November 2021

Issue 55 | November 2021

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS...

Melissa Galloway

Championship results: Nelson, Bay of Plenty and Wellington NATIONAL NEWS & CALENDAR UPDATES Recognising early symptoms of Grass based laminitis

EDITORIAL

FROM THE EDITOR WELCOME TO ISSUE FIFTY FIVE OF THE DRESSAGE NZ BULLETIN

A

s each month goes by we hope to see the light at the end of the Covid tunnel – but the tunnel is not straight forward, and it seems there are still many twists and turns to be negotiated. From time to time there appear to be glimpses of light which seem only to disappear just as quickly as they appeared.

Sadly the big one we were all looking forward to prior to Christmas, the summer edition of Oro Dressage by the Lake could not be negotiated.

Wendy Hamerton

Members in the northern regions are really feeling the effects of this extended lockdown and this will have a longer-term flow on effect throughout the whole sport. We must continue to respect and appreciate the responsiveness and dexterity of the many organizing committees who have well developed contingency plans pushing them into action at very short notice. The decision by Dressage Waikato to move Oro North Island Championships to early May is a significant and brave move.

Alyssa Harrison

Sarah Gray

TH E D RE SSAG E N Z BULL E T I N TEAM

It was incredibly sad to learn this week that one of our key service providers, a well-respected and vital small business engaged by national and regional events across all disciplines has succumbed to the current shattered event environment. This must be one of many similar stories about small businesses who are simply no longer viable and unlikely to resurface. This business provided an essential service for equestrian sports and may not be able to be easily replaced.

Jessica Roberts

On a brighter note, we can enjoy the approval of the format and formation for the Youth council, the naming of the ESNZ Dressage high performance futures squad, the commitment of Melissa Galloway to an international campaign aimed at Paris 2024 (and watch this space for more courageous plans from other NZL athletes), the exciting performances of many combinations across the levels at the premiere league shows held to date and the forthcoming Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge.

Kia noho haumaru (keep safe) The DressageNZ Bulletin is the official magazine of Dressage NZ a discipline of Equestrian Sports NZ Editor: Wendy Hamerton E: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz

Graphic Design Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz

Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2021

Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz

Sales & Advertising: Johnnie Condon Email: DNZbulletin@gmail.com

Cover Image: Melissa Galloway and Windermere Integro Photo: Mark Watson

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 4

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NATIONAL NEWS

Melissa and her two horses Windermere Integro (by Negro) and Windermere J’Obéi W (by Johnson).

Photo: Mark Watson Photography

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NATIONAL NEWS

WHEN OPPORTUNITY KNOCKS Article by Jess Roberts

Melissa Galloway has flown out of New Zealand after being offered the opportunity of a lifetime: to work as a rider at the world-class Van Olst Horses (NED). Along with her two horses Windermere J’Obéi W and Windermere Integro, she will train with and be mentored by Anne Van Olst and Charlotte Fry as she sets the 2024 Paris Olympics firmly in her sights.

G

iven the chance to work as a rider in one of the world’s leading dressage barns is a door open to very few athletes, but the 28-yearold Blenheim rider’s outstanding competition record, ability, work ethic and talent has led her to this moment.

“It’s pretty amazing,” says Melissa.

“Vanessa [Way], through her contacts with Carl [Hester] managed to create this opportunity for me. We’d been talking about me going over there at some stage for quite a few years, but the most important thing was finding the right place. There had been a few options previously, one of which was going to Gareth Hughes in the UK but that obviously didn’t work out because

of Covid and then we pretty much ran out of time to qualify [for Tokyo] and couldn’t get the horses over there.”

It was a month before Tokyo that Vanessa had a brainwave for the perfect match: Anne Van Olst. “Because all my horses are Dutch bred, and also I could base my horses there, potentially ride for them and have a job,” explains Melissa.

“Which is very rare, to be able to go somewhere and actually be paid, otherwise it’s a very expensive thing to do!”

The pair had to sit on their idea until after Tokyo but literally the day after the Games finished, Vanessa got on the NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

NATIONAL NEWS Melissa and Windermere J’Obéi W at Equidays 2020 with Carl Hester (right).

Photo: Caitlin Benzie

phone to Carl Hester. “He agreed that that would be the perfect place for me,” says Melissa. “So they both gave me Anne Van Olst's number and said, “give her a ring and tell her what your plans are.”’

Was that an intimidating phone call to make? “I was freaking out!”

Melissa laughs. “I was so nervous because I really look up to them, but I rang, and she was so lovely.

Then it just eventuated from there, I sent her some videos and they probably did some background searches on me I would imagine!

Vanessa sent her a message about me which was really lovely, and it was hugely helpful that Carl had met and seen me here in New Zealand at his Equidays Masterclass in 2019 and could trust Vanessa’s word. A massive help.”

Vanessa agrees that riding for Van Olst Stables is a one in a million opportunity. “It’s a really good place for Melissa to go, they’re really nice people and it’s important when people go abroad that they’ve got a good base and support crew,” she says. “Anne Van Olst has been an international rider herself, so she’ll be there to help Melissa select her shows and be a mentor. It’s very lucky that we have Carl as an international connection to make this possible - now Melissa will go over there and make connections for other riders as well, so we all keep making doors open for the next generation of dressage riders.”

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Melissa and Windermere J’Obéi W with her proud parents Anne and Rodney Parkes.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

NATIONAL NEWS

Not only will Melissa be riding and training her own two horses under the watchful eye of Anne Van Olst, but as a Van Olst stable rider she will be fully immersed and gain immense experience riding a variety of (no doubt spectacular!) horses daily. “That’s the amazing part,” acknowledges Melissa.

“Being a stable rider. Riding, going to shows, competing and riding young horses - I’ve said I’m happy to do whatever needs doing, I’m ready to take anything that comes my way.”

Above: Melissa and Windermere Integro who turned heads at ORO Dressage by the Lake 2021.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

Below: The beautiful outdoor arena and stables at Van Olst, Holland.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

NATIONAL NEWS

Charlotte Fry and Kjento at the World Champion six-year-old FEI World Breeding Dressage Championships for Young Horses 2021, being congratulated by Anne and Gertjan Van Olst.

Photo: FEI / Leanjo de Koster

With eighty horses under saddle and seventy-five rising 3-yearolds who have just come in for selection, Anne Van Olst confirms there is definitely work to do! “We are now selecting. Some are being trained for the stallion show, some are getting gelded, and some are going back to the field for another half year. Also the young mares will wait a bit with getting trained, simply because it is too busy and they don’t have their mare shows before the summer,” she explains.

“Melissa will be helping Lottie with warming up etcetera, and she also will ride and train some youngsters next to training her own horses.”

Van Olst says it was an easy decision to employ Melissa. “At that moment Melissa contacted me for the possibility of training and working, we were looking for somebody. Vanessa Way highly recommended Melissa and our 8 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obéi W at ORO Dressage by the Lake.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

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NATIONAL NEWS

first impression was very good,” she confirms, and at the same time is fully supportive of Melissa’s quest to reach the highest level.

“I think, if you want to reach the top, it is almost a must to join a team. It’s very important to ride together with other good riders – a lot of talented younger riders are making that big mistake that they think they are good enough to be on their own. It's not only about the riding, but also learning the whole management that is very important.”

The home of Van Olst Horses is dressage paradise: set in the picturesque village of Den Hout (in the province of North Brabant, near the Belgian border) the yard boasts perfectly manicured indoor and outdoor arenas, immaculate barns, and stallion stables, as well as an aquatrainer and treadmill.

Daily yard life at Van Olst Stables.

There is a professional staff of almost twenty, including three riders, one of whom is Tokyo bronze medal winner for the GBR Dressage team Charlotte Fry.

“I honestly feel like I’m going to be very starstruck by both horses and riders!” says Melissa.

Although she had an impressive lineup of horses to choose from, Melissa considered the 7-yr-old Negro gelding Windermere Integro (‘Elmo’) was the right choice to take with her, alongside Grand Prix stable star and Olympic hopeful Joey (Windermere J’Obéi W), who claimed the NZWB Dressage Horse of Distinction and Equestrian Sports NZ Horse of the Years this season.

Her other Grand Prix mount, Windermere Johanson W, was sold earlier this year to another NZL rider while the

Melissa and her dachshund puppy Maple.

Photo: Mark Watson Photography

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beautiful bay mare Windermere Zephora W has recently been sold to Australia. Melissa's 4-yr-old Johnson mare, who has gone to Catherine Smith to be a broodmare in the meantime, “and hopefully have some babies for when I come back!”

There is also a 4-yr-old gelding co-owned with breeder David Woolley that she would love to retain. “We really, really, like him so we’ll try to keep him just ticking along here.”

Melissa’s husband Lachy will stay in NZ for now, but they’ll play the situation by ear. “It’s not ruled out that he wouldn’t move over, but we’re just going to see how it goes,” she says.

“Initially I’m going to go over by myself, and then we’re just hoping that the Covid stuff will calm down and that he’ll be able to go back and forward a little bit without having to do the isolation.”

NATIONAL NEWS Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obéi W. Photo: Mark Watson Photography

Heading over in the other direction is much easier – Melissa doesn’t have to go through any managed isolation on arrival as NZL is not considered a high-risk country. She just has to return a negative test and have her two vaccinations.

She’s flying before her two horses, so she can be there to meet them when they land in Europe.

So the stage is set preparations made, bags packed, Visa approved.

Melissa is committed to staying until 2024, with the FEI Dressage World Championships also on the horizon in 2022. These are being held in Denmark which is a ten-hour drive north from Den Hout. “This is my first goalpost,” she confirms.

“I’d love to do a World Cup Final while I’m over there, that’s another one of my goals. But the Paris Olympics is my major aim.”

“I’m just really excited and feel like this past year and a half of not really doing anything here has been really hard for me.

I’m just dying to leave and get going,” she grins.

“It’s what I’ve always wanted to do, I finally have the horses to do it, and I feel like it’s the right place at the right time.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

Melissa and her homebred Windermere Integro (by Negro) at home.

Photo: Mark Watson Photography

VAN OLST HORSES Gertjan & Anne Van Olst Gertjan has had a lifetime’s experience in breeding and producing top quality sporthorses, initially for showjumping. He had Animo, one of the first KWPN stallions to compete at an Olympic Games (Barcelona, 1982). Anne has competed five times for the Danish Olympic dressage team.

With three hundred horses (150 of them at their Den Hout base), their breeding focus has gradually moved from showjumping to dressage, and they offer an impressive selection of over twenty stallions, including Negro (sire of Valegro) and Lord Leatherdale (sire of Glamourdale and Everdale).

They hold their own sales each year - Van Olst Sales - with a book of top-quality youngsters handpicked by Gertjan and Anne.

They have produced many champions, most recently Glamourdale (ridden by Lottie Fry) who was FEI World Champion 7-year-old in 2018 and KWPN Horse of the Year in 2020, and this year Kjento (also ridden by Lottie) was FEI World Champion 6-year-old, with a score of 96%.

"I would really like to thank my family, the breeders of my horses and the incredible sponsors that have believed in me and helped me get to this exciting stage in my career.

I am so looking forward to what the future holds."

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DEDICATION

Wishing Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obei W the very best of luck for their overseas campaign.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

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NATIONAL NEWS

Consider treating yourself for Christmas Unique NZ Equestrian Gifts for You and Your Friends – Suitable for all occasions.

Dressage NZ and Fabuleux Vous have formed a unique partnership to support the NZL 2022 Dressage World Championships campaign.

Fabuleux Vous (or commonly referred to as FV Jewellery) is a rural based South Auckland family business which prides itself as being huge on community spirit.

Director Helen Thompson-Carter is delighted to be supporting ESNZ Dressage with their fundraiser.

We love our ‘horse’ friends and the sport and feel privileged to bring this collaboration to market. Together we have selected silver from Thailand and rope and leather bracelets and key rings from Romania.

Part of the collection is already in stock with the silver collection items soon to arrive. The silver collection which includes a charm (fits many designs of charm bracelet including Pandora), a classy and elegant lapel pin so suitable for judges and officials to wear and for riders to wear the little fern with pride on their jackets, and a pendant that can be attached to a current necklace or new chain. All items are exceptionally suitable for corporate gifts, personal gifts, and recognition gifts for your group members.

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NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

NATIONAL NEWS Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obéi W Photo: Libby Law

ESNZ HIGH PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE FUTURES SQUAD Written by Diana Dobson - ESNZ HP Media Liaison

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NATIONAL NEWS platform for more riders to enter the system and achieve the same.”

With the goal of taking a team to both WEG 2022 and the 2024 Games in Paris, the focus now would be on getting financial support to build the campaign. “Congratulations to this group of riders and thank you for the great work from the selection team.”

COVID had been a big disrupter over the past 18 months so selectors included a number of events dating back to the 2020 National Championships in their considerations.

John Thompson and JHT Chemistry.

Photo: Simon Scully

Click here to view the Squads

https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/performance/dressage-performance-pathway-and-squads/

Click here to view the Dressage Athlete Pathway & Squad Criteria https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/high-performance/about-high-performance/dressage-high-performance-programme/

A trio of combinations have been named in the latest High Performance Dressage Futures Squad, announced

by ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget.

A

ustralia-based John Thompson aboard Chemistry, Melissa Galloway with Windermere J’Obéi W, and Vanessa Way on NSC Andreas have been identified as being capable of contributing to a top 10 team score at the World Championships or Olympic Games.

Jock said it was an exciting time for the discipline. “Here we have three very talented and experienced jockeys who we look forward to working with as the World Championships close in on us,” he said. “As presented at the annual meeting by Warrick Allan, the squad criteria has been re-calibrated to align with the international standard.

Vanessa Way and NSC Andreas Photo: Libby Law

“As in all sports, everything narrows at the top,” says Jock, “and the standard is set very high by the elite. Our standards have to line up with that if we are going to challenge them. To date, there has not been a lot of support for riders in the dressage High Performance Programme but the high performance team is working hard to change this.”

He felt there was “huge potential” for dressage. “ We are committed to team performances at future championships. If we can support our riders appropriately to meet their performance goals, I have no doubt they could reach these high standards and in turn we hope this provides a

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HIGH PERFORMANCE

Photo: Libby Law Photography

everything from technical coaching, horsemanship education, horsepower education, horse health support, livelihood education, human athlete support, nutrition, performance psych and medical, campaign planning, wellbeing and more.

ESNZ PICTURES A FUTURE OF HIGH PERFORMANCE Article by ESNZ HP Manager – Jonathan ( Jock) Paget

A new lens has been put across high performance dressage as the nation moves into an exciting new phase, aligning with New Zealand Olympic Committee and expectations at other pinnacle events.

E

SNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget says one of the things that attracted him to his role was the opportunity to develop high performance programmes across the disciplines.

Now, after time to observe, he’s excited to see the opportunity dressage presents, unfold with the new soon-to-be programme.

“It is important that our standard of elite is equivalent to the international standard if we truly want to challenge then,” he says.

One of the key drivers is to find funding for a programme which will provide a pathway for riders wanting to compete at championships. “It will be in a similar vein to what we have just developed for jumping, thanks to the Plaw family, and what the eventers have had in place for years,” says Jock. “It is a mechanism to identify and support talent from the identification stage through to high performance.”

The support offered to riders would be holistic and include

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Campaign and individual performance programme support will be available to the top tier riders who are eyeing the next championship. “At this stage of the pathway, each rider’s individual needs can be quite different so support has to be flexible and individualised,” says Jock. “Each rider would have six-monthly IPP sessions where performance gaps would be identified and strategy to fill those would be built. The plan would be funded specifically to fill those gaps.”

There would be a clear target for the championship and the plan/IPP would be designed to ensure that is reached. Jock is confident New Zealand is well placed to have team representation. “When you look at the scores required from a team to reach top eight at the Olympic Games, it’s pleasing to see that this is a very achievable goal for us if we have the right support in place.”

At Tokyo, three scores of 70.6% would have achieved just that.

Three scores of 75.6% would be top five, and three scores of 78.3% was a bronze medal. “The end goal is medals at the Olympic Games and the opportunity for us right now is in team performances. This starts with qualifying a team for 2024 Paris Olympic Games and building a plan with the targeted riders to achieve the top eight performance. This isn’t an easy task but the talent is there, so we need to find a way to support our riders appropriately and hope that they are able to hold onto their horsepower.”

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SQUAD PROFILE

Mandy Littlejohn and Dolce Vita Photo: Take the Moment Photography

MANDY LITTLEJOHN

SQUAD: Development Squad OCCUPATION: Dressage Trainer at ML Equestrian in Whanganui

HORSE: Dolce Vita AGE: 9 HEIGHT: 169cm OWNER: Mandy Littlejohn BREEDING: Doringcourt /TB Dolce Vita AKA Dixie has a very endearing personality, she loves people and cuddles, but also likes her own space and asserts her authority when it comes to her four legged friends!

BREEDER: Sue Cowley HOW DO YOU FUND YOUR SPORT: I have a very supportive sponsor, (my husband Richard!) but mainly by Dressage Coaching at clinics in the lower North Island and also breeding and selling young dressage horses.

BEST PERFORMANCE: Winning the Burkner Medal on Jahan and the World Dressage Challenge twice when it was sponsored by PSI taking me to the finals in Germany.

MOST CURRENT ACHIEVEMENT: Most recently with Dolce Vita winning the Intermediate I Zilco Free Style with 70% at BOP Dressage Championships Oct 2021.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DRESSAGE: Dressage has always been a huge focus for me, even in early Pony Club days. After Eventing for many years I went to the UK aged 21 and began my Dressage career with Jenny Loriston-Clarke (Olympic Dressage Rider) and then moved onto work with Sandy Phillips (Olympic Dressage Rider) for a couple of years as a working pupil.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO IMPROVE: That feeling you get when everything is as one….balance, harmony, power and suppleness!

That’s what I strive for every day, and then it’s to get that same feeling in the competition arena….. (now that’s a real challenge!)

HOW DO YOU PUT BACK INTO DRESSAGE: Mainly through Coaching. I really do enjoy sharing my knowledge with others and its very satisfying to see my students and their horses improve and conquer their goals and challenges.

I also like to volunteer at shows with writing duties when I can.

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FUTURE GOALS: Firstly to compete Dolce Vita in the Grand Prix arena.

Then when it’s possible again to travel, I’d like to take her to Australia for some overseas experience.

THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE DEVELOPED IN DRESSAGE: I’d like to see the profile of Dressage raised in NZ, and to develop an audience, which in turn would help with sponsorship opportunities. Getting more spectators paying at the gate can only help improve our sport.

YOUR KEY TIP FOR OTHER RIDERS: It’s not all about the destination… it’s the journey that gets you there that’s the important part. 

OTHER INTERESTS: Haha. I don’t have time for any other interests!

However, I do enjoy walking on the beach and going for Mountain Bike rides at Christmas time. Supporting my husband Richard with his music endeavours is fun too and being there for my family is very important to me.

SQUAD PROFILE

MADISON SCHOLLUM SQUAD: Youth Squad OCCUPATION: Head Groom for Wendi Williamson at Waitekauri Farm in Waitemata.

HORSE: Kinnordy Golda (Gymnastic Star/Kinnordy Dancing/ Daktylus)

AGE: 14 HEIGHT: 167cm OWNER: Madison Schollum & Lynley Schollum

BREEDER: Kinnordy Stud (Aus) Kinnordy Golda is known as Golda or Golds at home. She is a very opinionated mare that loves her routine and lives for food especially a sugar before and after her ride! One of Golda’s favourite things to do is go out hacking.

HOW DO YOU FUND YOUR SPORT: I work full time at Waitekauri Farm and am also very grateful to have support from BetaVet and ORO Equestrian.

Madison Schollum and Kinnordy Golda Photo: Libby Law Photography

BEST PERFORMANCE: Scoring nearly 70% in the Young Rider Freestyle at Takapoto in a very competitive class, it was such a proud moment for me.

MOST CURRENT ACHIEVEMENT: My most current achievement would be finishing the season off on a high at ORO Dressage by the Lake.

Particularly in my freestyle test, I was so happy with our test and how it all came together.

HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DRESSAGE: I started riding when I was nine. My aunty Lynley (Schollum) gave me the riding bug as my parents are not horsey and I have never looked back! I spent my pony years doing showing and dressage but stayed on the dressage path when I got my first horse.

WHAT DRIVES YOU TO IMPROVE: I love being able to move

Grand Prix level and to compete internationally for New Zealand.

up the levels and training all of the new work to make this possible.

Starting offffthe season at a new level is really exciting for me and being able to stay really consistent over the season is incredibly rewarding. It helps me come into winters training with some exciting goals for what I want to achieve. I love the challenge of dressage!

I want to see more team events and being able to work with other riders.

I think it would be really beneficial for our own development and help us to improve ourselves.

HOW DO YOU PUT BACK INTO DRESSAGE: I put back into dressage by helping out at shows when possible and joining any fundraising events I can.

FUTURE GOALS: To produce my own horse to be competitive at

THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE DEVELOPED IN DRESSAGE:

YOUR KEY TIP FOR OTHER RIDERS: Get to know your horse really well both in and out of the saddle. I find it so beneficial knowing my horse and being able to see how they are feeling whether you are at home or away at a show.

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NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

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NATIONAL NEWS

Alas not this time, we will look forward to the future and more events at the beautiful Takapoto Estate.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

PLANS FOR ORO DRESSAGE BY THE LAKE PUT ON HOLD It started as a Fairytale dream – Christmas and Summer Dressage at the amazing Takapoto Estate. What could be better? Dressage in the summer sun beside the lake, at Takapoto, with shopping and cocktails.

F

ollowing on from the successful first ORO Dressage by the Lake, the team headed by Debra approached Takapoto about doing a summer version – a date was available, Dressage NZ approved and planning began.

Debra, Lisa, and Kara worked on an ambitious plan to deliver the best event NZ Dressage had ever seen. May (as sensational as it was) was the warmup. Wendy and Amanda from the Dressage NZ team were drafted in (as in May) to provide pivotal support roles.

Drawing from feedback from both the Rider and Spectator surveys completed after the May

event, the team worked hard with the Takapoto team to address the major concerns – warmup space, sound systems, and food.

The event was never going to be cheap to run, and thankfully an amazing team of sponsors got behind the Event – pledging close to $65,000 to cover costs and be involved. The sponsor team was again headed up by the wonderful Clare and Brendon from ORO Equestrian, but there were a huge number of wonderful businesses willing to get involved. Support was so great that another 4 Trade Stand Marquees were booked to cater for the additional businesses.

ESNZ got behind the Event, pledging support to allow an international Para-Equestrian Judge to be brought in to allow the event to be used as a WEG 2022 selection event.

ESNZ High Performance got behind the event, confirming that scores gained by Grand Prix competitors could be used as WEG 2022 scores. International FEI Judges were booked to support the best NZ Judges.

Dressage NZ got behind the event, supporting the grand plans for the spectacle, and working with the FEI to consider whether a CDI could be run, possibly allowing for

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

NATIONAL NEWS Photo: Libby Law

Then dastardly Covid. Again.

The core team had experienced the disappointment of having the ORO Equestrian Dressage Waikato North Island Championship in February being cancelled mid event and were adamant that they never wanted to experience that again.

MER scores to be recorded for WEG 2022 qualification.

as an attractive place to live, invest in or visit.

Country TV was confirmed for 3 days of live streaming, with three programmes being edited and cut afterwards for showing on mainstream television later.

A top team of judges, stewards and support staff were contracted, and some superb houses at Karapiro were booked to accommodate them.

Food vendors were confirmed – a wide range of options were in place – far more than May (we learned).

Waipa District Council confirmed funding for the event through the District Promotion Fund, agreeing that the event would attract visitors to the district, and promote the area

The stage was set, the cast assembled and the plans were well on track to deliver the spectacle that the venue and the time of the year justified. Riders of a lucky 190 horses were going to be in for an experience like no other. Spectators were going to have an experience – bigger and better than May.

Despite the ever bleakening outlook, the team continued with plans. On 21 October, there were alternative plans being made to find a way (any way) to continue, but ultimately the Government announcements on Friday 22 October put paid to those, and the decision was made to postpone the show. Subsequent to this announcement, the Takapoto team made the call to suspend all further bookings until 2023 and cancel all 2022 bookings to enable some sort of surety for event organisers The Fairytale is currently on hold.

How will it end? We have unfinished business. The Oro Dressage by the Lake Team Debra Cowen, Lisa Marcroft & Kara Lockhart

CHANGE OF DATE FOR NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS Following a risk review by the Dressage Waikato team, the North Island Championships event is deferred from February to a new date, the 6-8th May 2022 at the NEC Taupo venue.

W

ith support from naming rights sponsors Oro Equestrian, Dressage NZ, and the national Super 5 League sponsors, it is considered that this change will give competitors the opportunity for an extended season, and there is more chance of competitors from throughout the North Island being able to attend. The change also eases the pressure on an already busy calendar in February and March.

The North Island Super 5 League Finals will now be held at this event, with the Bates Nationals in March qualifiers becoming a qualifying round.

Team Waikato winners Dressage Show of the Year 2020 season for NICH. Christine Hartstone, (Judith Matthews – presenter) Debra Cowen, Vicki Gibbs and Christine Weal.

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Sponsorship opportunities still exist for this show – all arenas are committed, however the remains a number of class sponsorship opportunities available.

Please contact Lisa Marcroft if you wish to be involved (lismarcroft123@gmail.com)

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

NUTRITION

HOW LIKELY ARE YOU TO RECOGNISE GRASS BASED LAMINITIS? According to a recent study conducted in Great Britain that compared owner recognition versus veterinary diagnosis, a high proportion of owners didn’t recognise laminitis at all. In those cases, owners cited undefined lameness/stiffness, hoof abscess or colic.

A

s owners, we are regularly exposed to articles dealing with the mechanics of laminitis – how it works in the body and what we can do to treat it once we have it. Practically, standing out in the paddock looking at your horse and pony though how do you identify something is wrong

and that, that something might be laminitis? The proportion of owners that correctly identified laminitis in the study which then had a confirming veterinary diagnosis had all experienced it previously.

So, what did those owners see that you didn’t? If the laminitis had progressed far enough the classic stance of “saw horse” becomes obvious. The horse rocked back onto its hind legs with front feet stretched out in front, trying to relieve pressure from the soles of the hooves. What are we looking for before that stage though?

Trust your gut – if you walk out the paddock with that nagging feeling that something is wrong – you are probably right. Your horse is uncomfortable – maybe a little agitated with a flicking tail getting down in the paddock then maybe getting back up but not moving round much so that you suspect

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Robyn Mauger South Island Manager M: 0276 464 118 E: rmauger@hygain.com.au

the possibility of colic or if it’s a broodmare in foal that she might be aborting. Your pony is coming up the paddock for its feed but looks a little uneven in its gait maybe one hoof seems a little warmer than the others and there is a strong digital pulse you are thinking a hoof abscess, but doesn’t appear to be tender in a particular area. Maybe it has been in one spot for a lot longer than normal and not eating and just won’t move at all.

If you aren’t sure what you are looking at don’t be scared to ask for advice or ask your vet to stop past for a quick look. Identifying laminitis rapidly gives your horse the best chance of a positive outcome.

Now that you have confirmed you possibly have an early case of mild laminitis, what next? The first most important step is to get it out of the paddock or confined to a smaller area where you can monitor grass

NUTRTITION

Fig 1: Leaning back to relieve pressure.

Fig 2: Lying down to take weight off the feet.

Fig 4: Hoof testers to identify pain regions.

and feed intake. A softer surface should be available in that space to conform round the hoof – shavings, sawdust or sand. It doesn’t need to be deep but not so thin that the hoof is sinking through to a hard base. If the hooves are hot standing them in a stream or cold water may help with some immediate soothing until you can access pain relief as recommended by your vet.

It is still really important that you feed your laminitis patient. Our very natural instinct is to “bolt the fridge door shut” and give them next to nothing. When we drop the feed intake drastically we also reduce the amount of nutrients that are going to help your horses immune system heal it’s body and creates another stress that can lead to other issues like ulcers, colic and other digestive upsets. You will more than likely need to create a whole new diet. Pasture turn out will be achievable but done thoughtfully. Certain times of the year such as Spring and Autumn turnout time each day may be extremely limited e.g. 1–3 hours the times you turn out may change as well e.g. turning horses out late at night (after 10:00pm) or early in the morning, removing them from pasture by mid-morning at the latest (before 7:00am, because non-structural

Fig 3: Exhibiting pain and a reluctance to move.

Fig 5: Common points for feeling the digital pulse.

carbohydrate levels are likely to be at their lowest late at night through early morning). Alternatively, limit the size of the paddock by use of temporary fencing (strip grazing) or use a grazing muzzle. Grazing should be avoided on the day/night a frost occurs. Sugars accumulate in the pasture during this event due to the grass being stressed.

Once the roughage portion of the diet is established (for a horse affected by laminitis), the next step is to take a closer look at your horse’s vitamin and mineral

requirements. As well as shifting away from a carbohydrate-heavy diet and towards low starch feed, it’s important to make sure your horse is consuming everything it needs to repair laminae damage and have the best chance of healing from laminitis. This is where it pays to get the professionals involved and use reputable advice. To speak with a Nutrition Advisor about your horse’s specific requirements, call 0276 464 118 or email nutrition@hygain. com.au for a free personalised diet solution for your horse.

Trust your gut – if you walk out the paddock with that nagging feeling that something is wrong – you are probably right.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

NATIONAL NEWS

Liz Hutson and Hapsburg PSH

WELLINGTON DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Photos by Belinda Pratt Photography Please feel free to share this magazine or page with others, however out of respect to our photographers, screenshots of photos will be asked to be removed from Social media.

Claudia Younger and Sandhill Trussardi

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NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS ADVANCED MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX Liz Hutson & Hapsburg PSH BEST PERFORMED WELLINGTON MEMBER Chelsea Callaghan & Sisters II Etta J RESERVE Liz Hutson & Hapsburg PSH MASTERS CHAMPION Susan Tomlin & Dance Hit SW RESERVE Kim Schwass & Stoneylea Farrah YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION Augusta Hampton & Arnage Rhumba RESERVE Emma Dickons & Divani REQ PONY RIDER 12 YEARS & UNDER Charlee Halewood & Ty Gwyn Riviera RESERVE Charlee Halewood & FH Lucky Strike PONY RIDER 13 – 16 YEARS Claudia Younger & Sandhill Trussardi RESERVE Mindy Malone & Lugar PRELIMINARY BRONZE CHAMPION Sara White & Sunny RESERVE Julie Sammut & Woodfieldpark Ludwig PRELIMINARY SILVER CHAMPION Leia Maxwell & Lox Dolce Weltina RESERVE Claudia Younger & CDS Donnerstern PRELIMINARY GOLD CHAMPION Emma Dickons & Divani REQ RESERVE Sarah Rolston & Glenrose Harmonie NOVICE BRONZE CHAMPION Anna Williams & HSP Levi RESERVE Mindy Malone & Lugar

NATIONAL NEWS

NOVICE SILVER CHAMPION Nicole Wallace & First Choice RESERVE Jesika Cunningham & Tironui Casino's Gold NOVICE GOLD CHAMPION Cooper Oborn & Joniro ELEMENTARY BRONZE CHAMPION Brigid Gray & Mt Tulloch Royal Legend RESERVE Brigid Gray & The Keeper ELEMENTARY GOLD CHAMPION Claudia Younger & Sandhill Trussardi MEDIUM BRONZE CHAMPION Carol Bloomfield & Tuahu Liquorice RESERVE Paula Brown & Gino Star MEDIUM SILVER CHAMPION Natalie Short & Astronomical RESERVE Tanya Price & Revelwood Odyssey MEDIUM GOLD CHAMPION Nikki Lourie & Donnay ADV MEDIUM BRONZE CHAMPION Lucy Robertshawe & Bahzingah RESERVE Simone van der Plas & Andante ADV MEDIUM SILVER CHAMPION Kim Schwass & Stoneylea Farrah RESERVE Cindy Wiffin & Santana MH ADV MEDIUM GOLD CHAMPION Susan Tomlin & Dance Hit SW RESERVE Toni Louisson & Back on Track Devonian STS ADVANCED CHAMPION Cooper Oborn & Arkenwood Donnervalde RESERVE Lilly Jefferies & Four Winds Bijou SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Frankie Webb & Artistry RESERVE Louise Duncan & Northern Ivanthus MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Liz Hutson & Hapsburg PSH RESERVE Catherine Tobin & Bradgate Riot Act GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Chelsea Callaghan & Sisters II Etta J RESERVE Catherine Tobin & I Like It PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPION Louise Duncan & Northern Ivanthus RESERVE Vanessa Connell & Tallyho Moonwind

Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J

Toni Louisson and Windermere Johanson W

Kim Schwass and Sparks Will Fly.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

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NATIONAL NEWS

Rilee McMeekin and Furst Love Note Photo: Wilde Photography

NELSON DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS PRELIMINARY CHAMPION Rilee McMeekin & Furst Love Note RESERVE Wendy Maclean & Trouble Shooter PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Paige Fitzgerald & KS Helter Skelter RESERVE Charlotte Baxter & Glendale Elijah NOVICE CHAMPION Tonia Stewart & WE Rockadeus RESERVE Alison Black & Gennafique ELEMENTARY CHAMPION Julie Fraser & Fandango RESERVE Rilee McMeekin & Windermere Legato

MEDIUM CHAMPION Sandy Fryatt & La Peregrina RESERVE Sandy Houston & Southwell Razzmataz ADV MEDIUM CHAMPION Vanessa Baxter & Jazzaway RESERVE Sue Woerlee & Weltmeister AF ADVANCED CHAMPION MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Sandy Fryatt & Belmont Rockstar Diane Wallace & KP Dexter RESERVE Paula Hippolite & HV Wolfetone GRAND PRIX CHAMPION SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Diane Wallace & Profile Giselle Conway & Springfield Passion Hit RESERVE Janna Greene & Grandiosie

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NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

NATIONAL NEWS

BAY OF PLENTY DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Photos by Take the Moment Photography

Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson

Sophie de Clifford and Riverrock Nigella.

Please feel free to share this magazine or page with others, however out of respect to our photographers, screenshots of photos will be asked to be removed from Social media.

NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARDS ADVANCED MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX Vanessa Way & NSC Furst Rock DW BOP BEST PERFORMED JUNIOR RIDER Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat BOP BEST PERFORMED YOUNG RIDER Emma Dickons & Belmont Bedsox BOP BEST PERFORMED MASTERS RIDER Gaylene Lennard & Jax Johnson MCDREAMY TROPHY: BEST PERFORMED BOP COMBINATION Debbie Barke & RM Suzie Q PRELIMINARY BRONZE CHAMPION Sophee Probyn & Reliable Valentino RESERVE Caitlin Robinson & Maxwelton Friday Flash

32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

NATIONAL NEWS

PRELIMINARY SILVER CHAMPION Leia Maxwell & Lox Dolce Weltina RESERVE Kayleigh Ryan & Aerostar PRELIMINARY GOLD CHAMPION Sophie de Clifford & Limoges RESERVE Charlotte Thomas & Kingston Gambler NOVICE BRONZE CHAMPION Anna Williams & HSP Levi RESERVE Lisa Crawford & Pretentious NOVICE SILVER CHAMPION Nicole Wallace & First Choice NOVICE GOLD CHAMPION Copper Oborn & Joniro RESERVE Abbie Deken & Nastasia ELEMENTARY BRONZE CHAMPION Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat RESERVE Sarita Kennedy & FIS Lacoste ELEMENTARY SILVER CHAMPION Claudia Younger & Sandhill Trussardi RESERVE Natalie Crotty & Fine Fashion ELEMENTARY GOLD CHAMPION Debbie Barke & RM Jaluvme MEDIUM BRONZE CHAMPION Sophie de Clifford & Riverrock Nigella RESERVE Georgia Watson & RM Astek Glamourous MEDIUM SILVER CHAMPION Vanessa Downs & Izzy Allsorts ADV MEDIUM BRONZE CHAMPION Ottillie Upshall & Mistadobalina RESERVE Cindy Wiffin & Santana MH ADV MEDIUM GOLD CHAMPION Vanessa Way & NSC Furst Rock DW RESERVE Vanessa Way & NSC Jolie DW ADVANCED CHAMPION Copper Oborn & Arkenwood Donnervalde RESERVE Nicoli Fife & Charlton Baliro SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Penny Pearce & Lord Alexis RESERVE Mandy Littlejohn & Dolce Vita RB MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION Liz Hutson & Hapsburg PSH GRAND PRIX CHAMPION Gaylene Lennard & Jax Johnson RESERVE Vanessa Way & NSC Andreas PARA GRADE II Aimee Prout & Laghmor

Renee Etherington and BL All By Chance

Peter Barke and RM Donnatella

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NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

Standing at stud

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34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

WWW.HARTSTONEEQUESTRIAN.COM/STALLIONS/WYOMING

NATIONAL NEWS

Sandra de Koning riding Sisters II Imke for Lincoln.

SECONDARY B SCHOOLS DRESSAGE POPULAR IN CANTERBURY

y running the day in short format where teams rode both of their tests within an hour and could then leave they managed to have two blocks of teams restricting the numbers to 100 people per block.

Article by Lucy Stockton Photo by Bella Maitland

The organisers considered they were very fortunate to be able to run a competition under COVID-19 level 2 restrictions plus the weather really turned on a great day at the National Equestrian Centre, McLeans Island Christchurch.

TOP SIX OVERALL TEAMS: 1st 2nd 3rd 4th 5th 6th

Rangi Ruru Gold STAC Blue Darfield Maroon Lincoln Red Rangi Ruru Stripe Rangi Ruru Blue

548.09 541.22 538.25 524.70 522.81 518.83

There were some fabulous achievements both individually and by the teams across the whole competition.

Congratulations to Rangi Ruru Girl’s Gold who took out the overall cup for 2021. There were some very good scoring tests by all of the girls in this team, and so it was a well-deserved win.

The Preliminary Langdale Dressage Cup was this year won by Emma Hay (Lincoln Red) riding Huckleberry Bob and the Novice Dressage Salver was won

by Mikayla Wildermoth (Rangi Ruru Gold) riding Don Douglas CFH. All of the judges were very positive with their feedback commenting on how much the level is improving year to year.

A huge thanks to everyone who attended the day and to all of the judges, helpers and organising committee who helped the day to run so smoothly.

Congratulations to all teams and riders, we hope you enjoyed the day and you continue on your dressage journeys for 2022.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

NATIONAL NEWS

THE LIVAMOL FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CHALLENGE The starters have been announced for what will be an exciting New Zealand league of the FEI World Dressage Challenge.

NEWSFLASH! The FEI has given New Zealand permission to utilise two home based judges and Dressage NZ is very pleased to announce that Sue Hobson (FEI 4* judge) and Suzanne Inglis (List B judge) will officiate all classes for 2021.

The Livamol NZ leg of the 2021 FEI Dressage World Challenge will be held 9/10 December at McLeans Island prior to the CoolTranz Canterbury Championships.

The event will be able to go ahead under current Level 2 COVID conditions.

Peppers Clearwater Resort is the official accommodation partner for the Event so take the opportunity to stay at Peppers and enjoy a 10% discount for the Challenge and the Cooltranz Premier League Event.

Untouched World is a new partner for the event with details of a special Dressage NZ offer to be announced soon and also providing special gifts for the Challenge judges recognising their significant role at the event.

APPROXIMATE TIMES Arena Familiarization Thurs 9th December from 1- 3pm Horse Inspection from 3.45pm, followed by draw and Livamol team announcement.

CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO RULES & TESTS https://inside.fei.org/fei/disc/fei-world-challenge/dressage

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1: FABULEUX VOUS YOUTH 12-16YRS

Beth Condon & Kozee Paige Fitzgerald & Apsley Backchat Kid Katie Fitzsimons & Miss Golden Delicious Katie Fitzsimons & Apsley Golden Secret Heidi Kendrick & Flying with Style Gemma Lewis & Pennyweight Effervescent Georgia Lewis & Musical Minuet Gemma Lewis & Ruanuku R Estella Velenski & Amazing Spy Mikayla Wildermoth & Don Douglas CFH Mikayla Wildermoth & Thumbellina II

2: ASTEK STUD SENIOR I

Shannon Brien & SWE Shutterfly Madeleine Collins & Buckton Denniston Julie Fraser & Fandango Anna Gale & Bloomfield Furst Love Song Maia Gerard & Xtravagance Sandy Houston & Southwell Razzmataz Rebecca Lawrence & Don Darciano RS Rilee McMeekin & Windermere Legato Rachel Thomas & Southern Z Millie Thompson & Oranoa Night Owl Angela Valentine & Gusto Heathers Papaver

3: CLASSIC EQUESTRIAN SENIOR II

Vanessa Baxter & Jazzaway Kimberley Clearwater & Seraphim FE Anne Cochrane & Lovely Rita Ella Cooper-Levin & Eva Amiral Sandy Fryatt & Belmont Rockstar Anna Gale & BF Royal Allure Goldie Lester & Crystal Mt Cruzeiro Philippa McLeod & Donneregal Holly Merritt & Geppetto Amy Nicholls & Sanderson Emma Rowe-Pledger & Whispers Matapiro Diane Wallace & KP Denver

4: SYNCROFLEX FEI PRIX ST GEORGES

Mel Cooper-Levin & Amiral Verden Jorja Dann & Donatello MH Amelia French & Wisdom WDS Catherine Polden & Rusalka Jenny Scotter & Mardi Gras

5: LIVAMOL FEI INTERMEDIATE I

Giselle Conway & Springfield Passion Hit Rachel Thomas & Gurteens Velvet Diane Wallace & KP Dexter

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37

YOUNG RIDER PROFILE

Lexie and Wonda Why The Eqiuizee Young Rider Preliminary Top 10 League winners 2021.

A DASH OF HOPE AND HARD WORK Article by Alyssa Harrison

Lexi Hope is a 14-year-old from Karaka, Auckland, where she attends ACG Strathallan as a Year 9 student. Lexi is an extremely talented individual and entrepreneur, starting her own business ‘Stable Labels NZ’, and competing in a variety of sports. She competes in both Athletics and Cross Country at the Auckland Championships, as well as winning the Equizee and AMS Young Preliminary Rider Top 10 League with her horse, Wonda Why. On top of all this, Lexi can also play piano, guitar, alto and baritone saxophone.

WHO WILL BE YOUR TEAM FOR THE UPCOMING SEASON? This season I will be competing my horse Wonda Why, a 15.3hh Warmblood Cross by Wonderkind, and SL Diora, a 14.2hh pony.

WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR MAIN FOCUS THROUGHOUT LOCKDOWN?

Although I have not been able to compete, lockdown has been quite beneficial! I attend school online at the moment, giving me the freedom to ride my horse during lunch and straight after school. I have been able to do a variety of training, with lots of hacking, hill work and road-riding, as well as focusing on strength training

38 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

with Wonda Why and higher-level movements on SL Diora.

WHAT ARE YOUR SHORT-TERM GOALS? Short term, I would love to be able to get to some shows! Originally, my plan was to establish consistent scores at Novice level, however now I am hoping that by the time we

YOUNG RIDER PROFILE can compete we will be ready for Elementary. The day we are allowed out of lockdown will be awesome, I cannot wait to finally get out and have some fun with my horses and friends on the circuit.

Lexi and Wonda Why Photo: Take the Moment Photography

WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS? Long term, I would like to keep training and improving my riding to grow my partnership with my horse.

I would love to train and compete Wonda Why myself up the levels over the coming years.

HOW DID YOU COME UP WITH THE IDEA FOR STABLE LABELS NZ, AND WHAT IS YOUR GOAL WITH THE BUSINESS?

“The highs, lows, challenges, and ability to constantly improve are all a big part of why I enjoy it.”

I came up with the idea of Stable Labels NZ after witnessing a yard incident at a show, where it was difficult to get close enough to the horse to see their ID tag. Whilst I was young and was offered the ride on a at the same show I saw a luggage tag young showing pony named Double hanging on a yard chain with the Delight when I was 4 years old. owner’s contact details, which to me Oaklands Park Cloud 9 was the pony was a brilliant idea. This inspired that got me hooked on Dressage me to create Stable Labels NZ, and made me fall in love with all which has been greatly supported that it consists of. The highs, lows, by the equestrian community. I challenges, and ability to constantly am currently juggling the business improve are all a big part of why I between school, horses and exam enjoy it. preparation, but my goal is to test out some new materials that I am WHAT HAS BEEN YOUR BIGGEST using and bring out some more ACHIEVEMENT SO FAR? designs. I have also just acquired The 2020-2021 season was a ahttps://www.facebook.com/groups/172006741724564 new industrial printer, which is big learning experience for me as producing some fantastic results. it was my first season competing

HOW DID YOU GET INTO RIDING, AND WHAT IS IT THAT YOU LOVE ABOUT THE SPORT AND DRESSAGE? I began riding when I was very

on horses. Although Wonda Why and I were a new combination, we had some large achievements such as winning the Equizee and AMS Young Preliminary Rider Top 10

League, the Top Scoring Rider from the North Island, Reserve Champion Oro Small Stars Bronze Section, and the Preliminary Horse Winner for the Auckland Area.

WHO IS YOUR SUPPORT CREW? I have an extremely supportive and patient coach, Jeanette Benzie, who always checks in with me at shows, offering help and advice whenever I need it even when she is super busy competing herself! I also have an amazing family, with my Mum helping out with the turnout aspect and keeping me focused and on-time, as well as my grandparents, who come to practically every show no matter how far away it is. It is so much fun being able to do this with my family, I would be lost without them!

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 39

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

DUFOUR AND CASSIDY They were billed as the superstars that everyone wanted to see, and the brilliant Danish partnership of Cathrine Dufour and Atterupgaards Cassidy didn’t disappoint.

Cathrine Dufour and Atterupgaards Cassidy Photo: Leanjo de Koster

I

n a field sprinkled with both blossoming and established talent. They reigned supreme to win the exciting first leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2021/2022 Western European League on home ground at Herning.

They had to work hard however, because compatriots Carina Cassøe Krüth and Heiline’s Danciera put on a spectacular performance to finish second, while the Dutch duo of Dinja van Liere and Hermes were sensational when slotting into third.

Young horses were really impressive, showing so much promise for things to come. The crowd, went wild when the 18-yearold Cassidy, showed that he still has all the moves and stealing the limelight.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS AN EMOTIONAL WIN

Hans-Christian Matthiesen, Ulf Helgstrand, Cathrine Dufour and Atterupgaards Cassidy, Hanni Toosbuy Kasprzak, Jens Trabjerg, Johs Poulsen Photo: Leanjo de Koster

“I was crying my heart out, it was really fantastic!”, said Dufour afterwards. “I mean he is turning 19 in one month and he’s just one of a kind. He’s been with me for 11 years and I have really had enough, but he hasn’t yet! I brought him here so that he could feel important again and he could show the crowd that he still wants to do it, so I’m over the moon!”, Dufour said.

LONGEVITY AND FITNESS Dufour says the horse she calls “Cassie”, keeps himself fit. “You don’t have to do too much at home.

I ride him once, maybe twice a week in dressage and the other days he’s just stretching and jogging or doing pole-work or hacking, so I think that’s why he’s so super healthy.

"He’s just clever, he’s never using himself too much, he gives that much extra in the competitions but back home I never ask for that. I just keep my fingers crossed when I bring him out and hope that he will do it, and he shows me again and again that he will!"

And Catherine insisted that she went into the Freestyle with no huge expectations. “I said at the beginning of this competition that there was no pressure, I wasn’t going to ride to win. I didn’t want to push Cassie to win, everything he offered me I took, but I wouldn’t have pushed him to do any more than he wanted”, she said. And will this be his last public appearance before going into well-earned retirement?

Possibly not, it seems. “We’ll see what this season brings and I might do one more show with him, but he will be the one who decides, not me!”

progressed up the final centreline.

But Danciera seemed to enjoy it “and she has never felt so good!”, said the 37-year-old Danish rider “When they started clapping I thought... Ohh, we still have a long way to go! But she stayed focused and it was ok and actually I think she liked it, so now they can do it any time!”, she added.

Dutch 31-year-old Van Liere was delighted with her result with Hermes. “Yesterday we had a couple of mistakes but it was our first Short Grand Prix and of course he still lacks experience. I’ve been riding him since he was three years old and I hope I will be able to ride him for many more years. I plan to do more World Cups but I don’t Cassøe Krüth and Danciera Photo: Leanjo de Koster

want to put too much pressure on him because he is still young”, said the athlete who hopes to take him to the qualifiers on her home turf in Amsterdam in January and ’s-Hertogenbosch next March.

Show Director at Herning, Jens Trabjerg, was also very pleased tonight. “It’s always nice as an organiser to have such fantastic sport as we had today. We have tried for the past five years to get the audience to stay for the prize-giving and I have to say we have been quite successful”, he pointed out. Not too surprising perhaps when the homeside contenders steal all the glory in front of their home crowd. https://online.equipe.com/da/competitions/44298 Results here

Dinja van Liere and Hermes Photo: Leanjo de Koster

Catherine will take another horse, Vamos Amigos, to the second leg of the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Western European League at Lyon in France.

AN ENTHUSIASTIC CROWD The Danish crowd had plenty to cheer about and for runner-up Cassøe Krüth it was an extra test for her 10-year-old mare when they clapped loudly as the pair NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41

NATIONAL NEWS

DRESSAGE NEW ZEALAND YOUTH COUNCIL After eighteen months of consultation and planning phases, and a mandate at Dressage Conference and AGM 2021, the idea to form a Dressage NZ Youth Council has been given the green light.

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his is leading edge support for equestrian youth in New Zealand. The four founding members, Lucarne Dolley, Rebecca Mobberley, Alyssa Harrison and Piper Crake have collectively contributed many hours to the project, and they can be justifiably proud of the outcome.

A successful youth forum at the 2020 U25 Youth Festival of Dressage was the catalyst. During the forum, riders were separated into groups to collect and brainstorm ideas on

the future of the sport from a youth athlete perspective. A member from each group was then selected by members to present their ideas to the wider group. One of the key ideas included the development of a permanent Youth Council.

Further inspired by Netball New Zealand’s youth council presentation at the ESNZ AGA in September 2020 when for the first time an U25 athlete, Lucarne Dolley, was offered the opportunity to attend as part of the Dressage

delegation, the Dressage NZ Board then invited the four forum group leaders to be a part of an inaugural youth advocacy group. The young athletes worked incredibly hard developing the proposals for establishing the DNZYC. They presented these at the 2021 Youth Festival and then at the Dressage New Zealand AGM 2021 where area group dressage delegates unanimously voted to establish the Dressage New Zealand Youth Council.

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42 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

NATIONAL NEWS Piper Crake: Elementary pony rider from Waitemata.

In the first year, the Dressage NZ Board has invited the four founder members to form the basis of the inaugural council.

THEY ARE: Piper Crake, Rebecca Mobberley Alyssa Harrison and Lucarne Dolley.

Alyssa Harrison: Advanced Medium young rider and 2* eventer from Auckland.

Rebecca Mobberley: Elementary young rider and FEI Level pony rider from Wairarapa.

They were all excited to see the project come to fruition, and Lucarne was pleased to say this on behalf of the four inaugural members “I’m sure I speak for all of us when I say building this youth council from the ground up with

the help of Dressage NZ has been an incredible experience! Learning the ins and outs of how everything works has been invaluable, and we can’t wait to apply these learnings in order to help make changes for the youth in our sport, after all, they are the future!”

Lucarne Dolley: U25 Grand Prix rider from the Waikato.

Photo: Christine Cornege

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43

OUR PEOPLE

Sponsored by

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH DAWN RUNTLE Dressage Horowhenua has nominated Dawn Runtle as the Big Barrel October Volunteer of the Month.

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awn has been riding all her life, starting out on hot little showjumping ponies in England, and later working as a groom in eventing yards, including a stint with William Fox-Pitt. She came to New Zealand on an OE, fell in love with the country, and to our great benefit decided to

stay. Dawn’s commitment to the dressage community really stands out. She has worked tirelessly for many years in many roles: as a regular volunteer writing for judges, setting up and tearing down arenas and a host of committee administration tasks.

She is cheerful, straight-talking and fair-minded – all the best qualities for a committee member.

She was involved in Dressage Wellington for a number of years, and when she moved to Kapiti, immediately signed on with Horowhenua Dressage Group.

She is now show secretary for the group and puts in many long hours juggling entries and draws, timetabling arenas and dealing diplomatically with competitor’s special requests.

All this while training and competing her gorgeous homebred NZ Warmblood, Whistar, and supporting Jen Bailey who rides and competes her schoolmaster Floridan.

Dawn also organises clinics locally for Mandy Littlejohn and Jody Hartstone and assists running the Kapiti Working Equitation Group.

What is really special about Dawn’s commitment to dressage is that volunteering isn’t just an extension of her personal goals.

She thinks deeply about how things are run, how they could be made better for horses and riders, and she works hard to give everyone a good experience.

DAWN IS THE RECIPIENT OF THIS MONTH’S BIG BARREL VOLUNTEER PRIZE. For mates rates, exclusive offers and all your party needs visit your nearest Big Barrel and join their Mates Club. Or go to www.bigbarrel.co.nz to experience their Big Range and Big Deals.

44 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

OUR PEOPLE

Sponsored by

OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH LOIS ANDREWES Dressage Northland has nominated Lois Andrewes for the AR Dressage Official of the Month.

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ois grew up riding ponies in Christchurch, and then moved north to attend Massey University.

A friend introduced her to Pat Dalrymple so she could maintain a connection with horses while she was based in the Manawatu.

She became one of the founding members of the Central Districts Dressage Group and Pat soon had her on the judges panel.

Lois competed Aladdin’s Knight

to Medium level and was training at Prix St Georges when she and her husband Wayne moved to Kerikeri in Northland in 1978. Soon after they arrived Lois was elected secretary for the new Northland area branch, Bay of Islands Dressage, at a meeting convened by Cliff McIntosh.

The group recently celebrated their 40th anniversary where Lois was bestowed Life Membership.

Apart from holding every area officer position in the group over the years, Lois is currently a List B judge and Northland Dressage delegate to the national committee.

She was also the Northland ESNZ show hunter delegate for three years while daughter Holly was competing.

A FEW HIGHLIGHTS

• Watching Tiny White and Rigoletto ride a Prix St Georges test about 1977 – so inspiring.

• Feeling what it really feels like when a horse takes the bit forward and softens.

• Judging Judith Matthews on Wel Kantje at a tournament in Kaitaia and thinking WOW

what a beautiful mare. It was love at first sight.

• Judging horses at Preliminary level and then several years later judging them at Prix St Georges or higher, especially the two local riders Nikita Osborne, Alcatraz and Julie Flintoff, Belladonna MH. • Encouraging riders become judges and helping them get over the first hurdle to become a judge.

“For me schooling is much more fun than competing.”

After 40 years Lois is not quite ready to retire from judging and is keen to keep helping riders and judges. Lois and Wayne have recently moved from a farm to a lifestyle block at Waimate North and are looking forward to spending time with grandchildren in Taranaki and Australia.

Northland members feel privileged to have such a knowledgeable person and friend to be part of their committee.

LOIS IS THE RECIPIENT OF THIS MONTH'S AR DRESSAGE OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH AWARD. For further information on AR Dressage contact Andrea Raves at tetch@xtra.co.nz.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 45

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Isabell Werth waves to the adoring crowd in Lyon, France.

FIVE FROM FIVE FOR WERTH Photos by Christophe Taniére

For the fifth time in a row, German legend Isabell Werth won the FEI Dressage World Cup™ 2021/2022 Western European League qualifier in Lyon, France. She did it on the 16-year-old mare Weihegold OLD with whom she has won the last three series titles.

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welfth to go in an exciting 15-strong field filled with many rising stars, the pair earned a score of 84.910 and that just couldn’t be beaten. Sweden’s Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Atterupgaards Orthilia came close when putting a personalbest 83.695 on the board for a test that oozed consistency and class. Another 16-year-old mare, Orthilia was formerly competed by Swedish compatriot Agnete Kirk Thinggaard, before that by Great Britain’s Fiona Bigwood and before that by Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour at Young Rider level. The mare that just keeps on giving.

Frederic Wandres and Duke of Britain FRH.

Cathrine Dufour competed the nine-year-old gelding Vamos Amigos in Lyon. This young horse showed remarkable maturity in a

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What a wonderful sight to finally see stadiums full again with spectators.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS test that included lovely passage/ piaffe work to take the lead with 81.135 when the action resumed after the halfway break.

That proved good enough for fourth place at the end of the day, behind Werth at the head of affairs, Skodborg Merrald in second and Germany’s Fredrick Wandres who slotted into third with Duke of Britain FRH. Werth earned no points for her win in Lyon as defending champion she is automatically qualified for the Final with a horse of her choice which must have competed in the Freestyle to Music in at least two qualifiers. But it looks like Weihegold won’t be the one fighting that fight in 2022.

The athlete who has collected a mountain of medals during her spectacular career said she was “super happy” with her horse but “not super happy with my own management! I made a mistake and she was then not as good as she can be!” Her self-criticism is one of the characteristics that has kept her at the very top of the game for so many years, always wanting to do better.

Outlining her plans for the coming months she said she would take Weihegold to the Top Ten dressage final in Stockholm, Sweden in November, and then to Frankfurt in December “for what will be her last show, because

Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD.

that’s where it all started! The atmosphere here was great, it felt like we are nearly getting back to normal life, so well done to the Organising Committee for what they have done!” said Werth.

record includes the FEI Dressage World Cup™ titles in 2017, 2018 and 2019 along with team gold and individual silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games and five European gold medals.

It was with Weihegold that her back-to-back run of victories at the Lyon qualifier began in 2016. Riding Emilio she won again in 2017, 2018 and 2019 and today Weihegold showed she can still do all the fancy footwork. The mare’s staggering

Show Director Sylvie Robert was very happy at the Lyon qualifier.

“We really suffered with no event for nearly two years, so it is a great achievement to be back and to have the crowd with us again this year!”, she said.

Nanna Skodborg Merrald and Atterupgaards Orthilia.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47

NATIONAL NEWS

WHICH EVENTS ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON ?

BATES NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 24 -26 March 2022 Taupo National Equestrian Centre

The Bates National Championships event will run over three days, Thursday to Saturday with the Grand Prix Freestyle and Young Dressage Horse Finals featuring in the stadium on Saturday night.

Subject to international judges being able to come into New Zealand quarantine free, the event will include a CDI3*, CDIY, and CDIP. There will be Open Championships for all levels plus with Bronze and Silver Championships for Preliminary to Advanced Medium.

The North Island Super 5 League Series Finals will be featured on the first day of the event with prizegiving held Friday evening.

The full schedule will be published on EvoEvents in December and entries will open on 4th January 2022.

ELIGIBILITY FOR NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022: (Graded competitions only) From 1 Jan 2021 until date of close of Entries. If excessive entries are received, wait lists and balloting will be implemented All graded classes

MES

Preliminary & Novice

63%

Elementary – Advanced

60%

CDIP (Ponies) Qualify at Elementary or Medium Level)

60%

CDIY & Small Tour (PSG /Int I)

57%

Medium Tour (INT A/B) & Grand Prix

57%

Event Classification (Graded competitions only) Premier League 2021 & 2022 Island Championships 2021 & 2022 U25 Championships 2021 & 2022

YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CLASSES No prior qualification but the OC reserves the right to restrict numbers. If balloting is required priority will be given to horses who have scored at least 65% at a Premier League or Named event. Proof of age of horse must be verified on ESNZ database by breed papers or passport, or other approved documentation

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NATIONAL NEWS A MESSAGE FROM EVENT DIRECTOR CASSIE FREEMAN “I am thrilled and excited to be part of the Bates National Dressage Championships 2022. Organising has already begun, and at this early stage I am delighted to welcome key back members of last year’s wonderful team, including Margs Carline (Technical Delegate) Heather Hilder (Event Secretary), Cathy Vennell (administration Manager), and Jos Gresham (Stable Manager).”

JOIN THE TEAM “We are a very friendly team and if anyone would like to volunteer to help at the event or is interested in the sponsorship, marketing and trade opportunities that are available, I would be very pleased to hear from you.

I am planning be at the Premier League Show in the Bay of Plenty at the end of October. I’m looking forward to meeting some of you at this event, if you are there please do come and say hello to me.”

You can contact Cassie via email at: dresssagenationals@gmail.com

Int A/B Freestyle 2020: L to R Chelsea Calllaghan (Sisters II Etta J) Wendy Williamson (Don Vito MH), Gaylene Lennard (Jax Johnson) with sponsors Rosemary Sharp & Brett Kendall Photo: Libby Law.

ABOUT CASSIE Cassie is a qualified BHSII (British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor) and has an MA Business Studies from Edinburgh University.

She has been riding since she was five and competing since age seven.

Her main competitive discipline is Showjumping, but she has also competed extensively in dressage.

During her Showjumping career she represented Scotland, and competed on Home Pony International teams. As a senior she competed up to Grand Prix level, at competitions including HoYS, Hickstead, Royal Windsor and Royal

Highland Show – (these are some of the biggest and most prestigious national equestrian competitions in the UK).

In 1994, when Cassie was thirteen her parents purchased an Equestrian Centre in Scotland, and for more than twenty years Cassie ran the riding school, livery yard and competition centre.

Cassie organised all manner of dressage/showing/showjumping competitions. The centre ran both affiliated and unaffiliated competitions including HOYS Foxhunter second rounds and four day home pony internationals.

Being a family business, Cassie

was involved in all aspects of the show, including creating and designing the schedule, advertising and marketing the event, gaining sponsorship, updating and maintaining the website. On the day of an event she could undertake any role which could include some all or of; taking entries, writing for the dressage judge, course designing for showjumping, judging showjumping, arena stewarding, or any other job necessary!

Having recently arrived in New Zealand, Cassie is working as a senior coach at a newly established riding school in Albany.

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49

NATIONAL CALENDAR

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

PLEASE NOTE THAT RESCHEDULED DATES ARE MARKED WITH ** www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/show-dates-card-for-2020-2021/

NOVEMBER 2021 6/7

Northland POSTPONED

Barge Park Showgrounds

Premier League

13/14

Otago Championships

Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

19/21

Auckland-Manukau POSTPONED

Clevedon A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

20/21

Gisborne Championships

Gisborne Showgrounds

Premier League

20/21

South Canterbury / North Otago

Waimate A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

27/28

Northern Hawke’s Bay Championships

Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

**28

Northland Championships

Barge Park Showgrounds

Premier League

DECEMBER 2021 3/5

Oro Dressage by the Lake CANCELLED

Takapoto Estate

Zilco, Prestige

4/5

Southland Championships

Gore A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

9/10

Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge

McLeans Island NEC

INT

11/12

Canterbury Championships

McLeans Island NEC

Premier League

11/12

Southern Hawke’s Bay

Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

18/19

Taihape Championships

Taihape A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

JANUARY 2022 15/16

Taranaki Championships

Egmont A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

22/23

Wairarapa Championships

Solway Showgrounds Masterton

Premier League

22/23

Waitemata Championships

Woodhill Sands

Premier League

29/30

Ashburton Championships

Ashburton A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

29/30

EvoEvents U25 Championships & Youth Festival

Taupo NEC

Premier League

Central Districts Championships

Manfeild Park

Premier League

Auckland-Manukau Championships

Clevedon A&P Showgrounds

Premier League

South Island Championships (incl SI Series Finals)

McLeans Island NEC

Premier League

North Island Championships POSTPONED

Taupo NEC

Premier League

FEBRUARY 2022 **11/12 **11/12/13 5/7 18/20

MARCH 2022 8/13

Land Rover Horse of the Year Show

Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds

NAT (incl NI Zilco Finals)

24/27

Bates NZ Dressage National Championships

Taupo NEC

NAT (incl NI Super 5 Finals)

North Island Championships (Dressage Waikato)

Taupo NEC

MAY 2022 **6/8

50 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | NOVEMBER 2021

Premier League (incl NI Super 5 Finals)

NATIONAL NEWS

Photo: Libby Law.

EVOEVENTS NZ U25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS & YOUTH FESTIVAL January 29/30 2022 Taupo National Equestrian Centre (NCH/RE) ESNZ National Titles (NCH) Hyland Pony Championship (Pony FEI tests – Medium level) the Waldebago Trophy for Young Rider Championship (Young Rider FEI tests – Prix St Georges level), and the KH Arvan Trophy for the U25 Grand Prix. All other grades and/or age group competitions include event championship titles.

The York Corporation Inter-Island Team Challenge will be another feature of the event. No prior qualification required.

Event Manager is Cathy Vennell who can be contacted at: dressageyouthfestival@gmail.com If you are interested in supporting this event by sponsorship or marketing please contact Amanda Condon: dressagemarketing@nzequestrian.org.nz

DOWNGRADED HORSES & PONIES May compete in any class or classes which do not contribute to an ESNZ National title as above. Refer to Annex 3 of the 2021 Rule Book re Young Rider Competitions and Art 463 re Downgraded Horses & Ponies Entries on www.evoevents.co.nz

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NATIONAL NEWS

WHICH SERIES ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON? COVID UPDATE FROM DRESSAGE NZ The Dressage Board wishes to reassure our riders, areas, organising committees and sponsors that they are continuing to monitor the situation with ever changing COVID levels in different regions.

Organizers and competitors need to keep current with the ESNZ website Covid page which is amended as often as required and only after advice from Sport NZ following any new government announcements We support and encourage events that are able to continue and respect those that make the hard call postpone or cancel. It is important everyone is on board with this and follow all conditions and instructions from these shows. Competitors want to be out at events as soon as possible however we must also keep our sport and participants safe and well.

Dressage NZ has considered the impact of this on fair play and the National Series. At this time our decision is to allow shows to continue when and where they can, in the format they can. This is being closely monitored and should a significant inequality of opportunity develop, the Board reserves the right to retrospectively apply a change to the Series results calculations. Any changes will be communicated via social media channels and the ESNZ website.

Our very valued sponsors are also dealing with COVID level issues in their own businesses, and we see continuing the Series is a way to keep them in the spotlight they deserve.

While qualifying for Bates National Championships and Land Rover Horse of the Year will remain, this will also be monitored and adjusted if deemed necessary.

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For more information about the series. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/

For information about Bronze & Silver Divisions refer to Rule Book Annex 8. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/rules-regulations/dressage-rules/

PLEASE CONTINUE TO SUPPORT OUR GENEROUS SPONSORS DURING THIS DIFFICULT TIME Vetpro Matthews Hanoverians Animal Therapeutics Dunstan Horse Feeds Back on Track Hobson Horsecoaches & Motorhomes Custom Logistic Services Andrea Raves Dressage Superior Rubber Surfaces Zilco NZ Kiwi Arena Rakes South Canterbury Saddlery Equizee AMS Saddlery Oro Equestrian Excel Equine Prestige Equestrian Big Barrel Andrea Raves Dressage

NATIONAL NEWS

WHICH SERIES ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON? SUPER 5 DRESSAGE LEAGUE

DRESSAGE FUTURES PRIZE

The 2021-22 Super 5 League comprises a points series in each island from Preliminary - Grand Prix 9 (top 5 points only to count) plus an island final at both the South Island Festival of Dressage and the Bates National Championships.

The Prestige Equestrian Futures Prize will be awarded to the best performed combination competing at Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League Events 2021-22 and meeting the following eligibility conditions.

Bonus points are added at the South Island Festival of Dressage 2022 and the Bates National Dressage Championships 2022.

Horses 148cm and over, aged between 4 & 10 years old and competing at Levels 1 - 7 with riders who have no grading points in Level 8 or above on any horse. The prize is a fabulous Prestige Saddle.

National Super 5 rankings will be determined from % in each level at both these events. These national awards will be presented at the Dressage Awards Dinner 2022.

(Riders may only win the saddle prize once) Enter online at EvoEvents by 1/11/21

Tests used for Super 5 League at Premier League Events:

AMS SADDLERY PONY PERFORMANCE LEAGUE AND AMS SADDLERY YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE LEAGUE

• Preliminary to Advanced B Tests • Small Tour – FEI Int I • Medium Tour FEI Intermediate B • Big Tour Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special.

Progressive results can be viewed through the season https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/results/

ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES The crowd pleasing Zilco Musical Freestyle Series will be a feature again this season from Novice through to Grand Prix. Refer to the current Dressage Test Book for the new Freestyle Tests from Novice (L2) through to Advanced (L6). Small tour (L7), Medium Tour (L8) and Grand Prix (L9) use the FEI tests.

Go to the FEI web site for guidelines for these tests. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/FEI%20Freestyle%20Directives%20for%20Judges_final-19.04.2017.pdf

The competition comprises two Island Series contested at Premier League Events (Top 5 scores to count). The North Island Series completes at the Horse of the Year Show and the South Island Series completes at the South Island Festival of Dressage. Top 5 National Awards presented at AGM. Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ.

There are AMS Saddlery Leagues for both Pony Riders and Young Riders this season. Points will be earned from graded classes at Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League events and the Evo Events Youth Festival.

The Pony League is for riders 16yrs or under at 1 August, but if a rider turns 17 on or after 1 August, they may continue to compete in the Pony League. The Young Rider League is for riders 20yrs or under at 1 August but if a rider turns 21 on or after 1 August, they may continue to compete in the League The AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance Leagues aim to increase participation at a Pony & Young Rider level and to establish a competition where riders compete against their peers of a similar age and experience.

Enter online at EvoEvents by 1/11/21

Progressive results can be viewed through the season. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/results/

PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 53

NATIONAL NEWS

TOP TEN LEAGUES All Top Ten Leagues accrue points from 1/8/21 - 01/5/22. Entries close on 1/11/21 Riders love the Top Ten Leagues for a number of reasons but the biggest draw card is that they can simply enter online with no fee attached and then can see how their performances compare against other riders in the same league and division from throughout New Zealand. And then of course there is the chance to win stylish sponsor rosettes and fabulous sashes and rugs at national level.

So get across to EvoEvents and choose the series that are just right for you and your horse or pony. Chances are there is more than one. Conditions for each of the leagues are on both EvoEvents and the ESNZ website. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/

For riders at least 50yrs as at 1/1/21 on horses or ponies

SOUTH CANTERBURY SADDLERY TOP TEN LEAGUE

1. Preliminary and Novice Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze or Novice Bronze

The competition is open to riders 21yrs and over at 1/8/21 and over and is run in four National divisions plus special awards, with twenty area winners, this year aligning with Gold, Silver Bronze Divisions.

EXCEL EQUINE MASTERS TOP TEN LEAGUE National Section

2. Preliminary and Novice Combination Classification Preliminary Silver, Preliminary Gold, Novice Silver or Novice Gold

National Divisions

3. Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary Bronze, Medium Bronze or Advanced Medium Bronze

2. Novice Combination Classification Novice Bronze or Novice Silver

4. Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary Silver, Medium Silver or Advanced Medium Silver

3. Elementary Combination Classification Elementary Bronze or Elementary Silver

5. Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary Gold, Medium Gold or Advanced Medium Gold

4. Medium and Advanced Medium Combination Classification Medium and Advanced Medium Bronze or Medium and Advanced Medium Silver

6. Advanced and above No classification.

Special Awards Newcomer (First year member) Open to new ESNZ graded Dressage rider with no grading points in Dressage prior to 1/4/2021 Owner /Horse Combo Award Highest age horse/rider combined Amateur Owner

Horse with zero grading points with any other rider at any time.

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1. Preliminary Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze

Special Awards Newcomer (First year member) Open to new ESNZ graded Dressage rider with no grading points in Dressage prior to 1/4/2021 Amateur Owner Horse with zero grading points from any other rider at any time.

NATIONAL NEWS

ORO EQUESTRIAN SMALL STARS TOP TEN LEAGUE New for 2021: Ponies are eligible but must be ridden by riders who have reached the 17 years at the 1 August 2021 And for horses over 148cm and not exceeding 163cm (verified by RAS height certificate by 1/2/22) Riders must turn at least 12yrs in the calendar year of the beginning of the competition.

Points accrue from 1/8/21 until 1/5/22

Divisions BRONZE SILVER GOLD

Preliminary & Novice Elementary & Medium Advanced Medium and above

EQUIZEE PONY & YOUNG RIDER TOP TEN LEAGUE National Sections Ponies: Riders 16yrs and under at 1 August 2021 1. Pony Preliminary Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze 2. Pony Novice

Combination Classification Novice Bronze or Novice Silver 3. Pony Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary to Advanced Medium Bronze or Elementary to Advanced Medium Silver Horses: Riders must turn at least 12yrs during 2021, and be 20yrs or under at 1 August 2021 1. Horse Preliminary Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze 2. Horse Novice Combination Classification Novice Bronze or Novice Silver 3. Horse Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary to Advanced Medium Bronze or Elementary to Advanced Medium Silver

Special Awards Top Score Rider North Island 12yrs & under at 1 August 2021 Top Score Rider South Island 12yrs & under at 1 August 2021 Newcomer ESNZ graded Dressage rider Must have not earned any dressage grading points on any horse or pony prior to 1/4/2021 NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 55

NATIONAL NEWS

https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Premier-League-Events.pdf

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NATIONAL NEWS

NOVEMBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 57

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

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

www.issuu.com/dressagenzbulletin | New Zealand | dnzbulletin@gmail.com F O U N D E D AU G U S T 2 0 1 6

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