DressageNZ Bulletin

Issue 05 | December 2016

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From the Editor WELCOME TO THE FIFTH ISSUE OF THE DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN Putting together articles for our Bulletin makes me very aware of how much fabulous stuff is going on in our sport both at home and overseas.

It’s easy to be distracted by negativity and controversy, but this is not indicative of the overall scene. Having said that, we should not ignore, dismiss or be too irked by comments that we consider negative or controversial. They should make us stop and think - consider if there is some relevance and consider if there is something we should or could be doing more as sport That brings another thought - what really is our role as a sport? Let’s take a quick look at our Growth Plan Vision & Values VISION - Dressage will be a popular and progressive sport, unified in the pursuit of enjoyment, growth and excellence and respected domestically and internationally for the quality of its riders, horses and people. To increase participation of competitors and non-riding members by delivering quality events, education and administration.

VALUES - Welfare of the horse, sportsmanship and fair-play, rider centric, valued volunteers, enjoyment and fulfilment, trust, respect and integrity, leadership and teamwork, accountability.

Dressage NZ can but provide the framework and opportunities within the boundaries set by our rules and constitution, and of course financial restraints. How people respond to those opportunities is up to them. It’s largely about the ambition, drive, commitment and desire of the individual. At a sport level, we don’t have the disciplined culture of Germany or the Netherlands. Ok - we may not have the funding, but we have a great “Kiwi can do culture”.

With the quality of horses available and increasing scores, we are on the cusp of being able to seriously increase our international competitiveness. This will be vital of we are to be represented at Tokyo 2020. We have committed individuals. But is individual commitment enough? How do we further realise our vision of international excellence as a sport?

As this the December issue, it seems appropriate that the Bulletin team of Wendy, Sarah & Jeremy wish you all a very happy festive season. That we all manage to stay fit and focussed but enjoy some relaxation as we head towards the business end of the season and of course a special end of year thanks to all our contributors and advertisers who have helped make this a reality in such a short time frame.

Until next time

Cover Image: Melissa Galloway with her team Photo Credit: Mark Watson Equine Photography Back Page: Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD Photo Credit: Libby Law

Wendy.

Wendy Hamerton

Editor: Wendy Hamerton Email: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz Graphic Design: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz Sales & Advertising: Jeremy Gardiner Email: jeremy@snaffledesign.co.nz Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2016

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REPORTING FROM STUTTGART

THE JUDGES BOX

NEWS FROM OUR YOUNG RIDERS

From Bridle Buffet, simply fill out our survey and follow the quick instructions...

With 5* judge Peter Holler...

Sue Hobson updates us on the recent & upcoming events in the judges fraternity...

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A SECRET WEAPON FOR RIDERS?

WHY VARIETY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE

CENTRAL DISTRICTS WRAP UP

NATIONAL SERIES TABLES

Ricki Jacobs on the the greatest muscle you might not be using ...

Another fine piece of writing from Debbie Rolmanis...

The low down on the winners and other points worth celebrating...

What they’ve been up to...

Who’s at the top of the leaderboards?...

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FEI WORLD CUP™ DRESSAGE - MAKING ITS MARK The FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2016/2017 series, which is now headed to the third qualifier in Stuttgart on 1819 November, is certainly making its mark in the world Dressage rankings.

Great Britain’s Carl Hester and Nip Tuck, who placed second at the FEI World Cup™ Dressage in Lyon, after winning team silver in Rio, have now jumped into fifth (2448 points) behind fourth-placed Laura Graves (USA) and Verdades (2462 points), and Dorothee Schneider (GER) and Showtime FRH (2679 points) in third.

Spain’s Severo Jesus Jurado Lopez and Lorenzo, who won the opening leg of the FEI World Cup™ Dressage series in Odense (DEN) just two weeks ago - and placed fifth in Rio while grabbing global headlines for their love of Santana and Bon Jovi - has also jumped four places into the top ten (2355 points).

Hans Peter Minderhoud (NED), who won the FEI World Cup™ Dressage 2015/2016 Final in Gothenburg in March with Glock’s Flirt is now not only eleventh in the world Dressage rankings with this same horse, but has also made a phenomenal leap from 176th to 32nd in the world rankings with Glock’s Johnson TN N.O.P thanks to their third place in Lyon.

Bettina de Rham, FEI Dressage Director, said: “Isabell Werth and Weihegold Old blew the competition away at the FEI World Cup Dressage in Lyon. We now have seven more qualifiers in the Western European League, and if the competition stays this tight we will have an incredible Final in Omaha next March.”

ISABELL WERTH & WEIHEGOLD OLD - NEW WORLD DRESSAGE NUMBER ONE Germany’s Isabell Werth and Weihegold Old are now top of the world Dressage rankings thanks to their stellar win at last week’s FEI World Cup™ Dressage in Lyon (FRA), where Werth produced a personal-best Freestyle score of 90.09.

The 47-year-old athlete and her 11-year-old mare, who won team gold and individual silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, now top the world Dressage rankings with 2869 points, ahead of Kristina Bröring-Sprehe (GER) and her 15-year-old Hannoverian stallion Desperados FRH (2813 points) who had held the lead since February this year.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

TRYON (USA) TO HOST FEI WORLD EQUESTRIAN GAMES™ 2018 The FEI is pleased to announce that the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 2018 will be held at the Tryon International Equestrian Center in North Carolina (USA) following unanimous support from the FEI Bureau.

Indeed, following the withdrawal of Bromont earlier this year, the FEI Bureau mandated the President to find a solution and, after a thorough assessment of a number of options, the President proposed that the Bureau allocate the Games to Tryon.

The original dates for the Games from 12-26 August have been changed to 10-23 September 2018 as a result of two scientific studies commissioned by the FEI, both of which stated that climatic conditions would be significantly more favourable in North Carolina during

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September, particularly from a horse welfare perspective. The FEI also looked at date clashes with other fixtures on the FEI Calendar to ensure the optimum timeslot for the 2018 Games.

In light of the timeframe, with the Games in less than two years, existing infrastructure was a crucial factor in the evaluation process. The Tryon team submitted a really impressive bid and the FEI has every confidence in the organising committee. The Tryon International Equestrian Center, created by Mark Bellissimo in Mill

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Spring, North Carolina boasts excellent facilities for athletes and spectators and virtually all the necessary infrastructure to host the FEI’s flagship event: 1,200 permanent stables; 12 arenas including a floodlit international arena with a potential spectator seating capacity of up to 12,000 and a covered arena with 5,000 seats; a world-class cross country course that will be used for both Eventing and Driving; hundreds of miles of equestrian trails for Endurance; and an on-site state-of-theart veterinary facility currently under construction.

The FEI is 100% committed to the FEI World Equestrian Games™ concept and is extremely grateful to all those that showed interest in hosting the 2018 Games. We are looking forward to a successful and milestone edition for 2018.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Photo: Stefan Lafrentz/FEI

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INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

PETER HOLLER REPORTS AS WERTH LEADS THE GERMAN WHITEWASH AT STUTTGART As always the indoor horse show in Stuttgart, one of the most important in the world, was a great success for all who were involved - the organizers, thousands of spectators and of course all the dressage riders, drivers, jumpers and eventers.

One of the highlights aside from the gala show, the indoor eventing, and the World Cup Jumping, was the dressage competition.

The dressage with a both a CDI 4* and the world cup qualifier CDIW attracted some famous names, especially from Germany, with the top horses and riders Kristina Bröring Sprehe (Desperados), (Fabienne Lütkemeyer, (Fabregaz, d’Agostino), Hubertus Schmidt (Imperio, Stern), Annabel Balkenhol (Dablino) and of course Isabell Werth, the world’s number one with Weihegold and Emilio.

Foreign riders at Stuttgart included Spencer Wilton (Supernova II) from Great Britain, Judy Reynolds (Vancouver) from Ireland, Karin Tebar (Don Luis) and Henri Ludovic (After you) both from France, Marcella Krinke-Susmeli from Switzerland, Madeleine Witte-Vress (Cenin) from the Netherlands, Borja Carrascosa (Foco Loco, Al Martino from Spain) Astrid Neumayer (Rodrigues from Austria, and Maris Mauro

Caetano (Coroado)from Portugal.

As expected Isabell Werth was the most successful rider winning all four classes - the Grand Prix for the freestyle and the Grand Prix Freestyle with Olympic silver medallist horse Weihegold, and two first places with Emilio, who had been sidelined with an injury for a while.

The highlight of the dressage program was the Grand Prix freestyle where Isabell got 89.418% after riding an outstanding test without any mistakes. Weihegold was especially convincing with wonderful piaffes, passages and transitions!

The judges gave a couple of 10s for these movements rewarding the high quality. No other horse in the world is on such a high level at the moment. All other movements were 8 and more.

Half-passes, pirouettes and very straight uphill and fluent changes were also highlights. The walk and collected canter have both improved a lot as well. The music, floorplan and degree of difficulty changes are of a very high level in her freestyle.

Isabell rode precisely as always and was very eager to ask Weihegold for alot of energy and expression, she got standing ovations from the crowd after the Kur. Isabell had won the Grand Prix on Weihegold with the remarkable score of 83.4% in second and third place were Kristina DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11

INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

RESULTS: 1, Weihegold OLD (Isabell Werth) GER 89.418; 2, Desperados FRH (Kristina BroringSprehe) GER 86.306; 3, D’Agostino FRH (Fabienne Lutkemeier) GER 78.886; 4, Cennin (Madeleine WitteVrees) NED 78.145; 5, Imperio TSF (Hubertus Schmidt) GER 77.645; 6, Smeyers Molberg (Marcela Krinke Susmelj) SUI 75.265; 7, Vancouver K (Judy Reynolds) IRL 74.870; 8, Ricardo (KarenTebar) FRA 74.857; 9, Badina Altena (Pierre Voila) FRA 73.648; 10, Foco Loco W (Borja Carrasposa) ESP 73.627; 11, Loverboy (Jenny Lang-Nobbe) GER

Fabienne Lütkemeyer - D’Agostino FRH Fabienne Lütkemeier (GER) with D´Agostino FRH Photo: Stefan Lafrentz/FEI Photo: Stefan Lafrentz/FEI

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INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Continues from page 11...

Bröring-Sprehe and Fabienne Lütkemeyer. The elegant and charming Desperados is a favourite for many dressage fans. He did not disappoint them with the same freestyle that Kristina rode in Rio, scoring a world class 86.3 %. Desperados extended walk, trot and canter were rewarded by the five judges with marks between 8 and 10.

Fabienne Lütkemeyer showed a brilliant freestyle, especially in her canter movements - the extended canter and changes were of high quality.

That she did not get more than 78% percent was because of the piaffes and pirouettes. The piaffe travelled too much forward and not sitting enough, the pirouettes rather big and not very elastic.

Fourth in the class was Madeleine Witte-Vrees with her mare who is only 9 years old. Cenin is a high quality horse; big mover and already showing good piaffe and passage.

One of the best composed freestyles was shown by Marcella Krinke Susmeli with Smeyers Molberg. She was 5th behind Hubertus Schmidt and Imperio.

Result: 1, Weihegold OLD (Isabell Werth) GER 89.418; 2, Desperados FRH (Kristina BroringSprehe) GER 86.306; 3, D’Agostino FRH (Fabienne Lutkemeier) GER 78.886; 4, Cennin (Madeleine Witte-Vrees) NED 78.145; 5, Imperio TSF (Hubertus Schmidt) GER 77.645; 6, Smeyers Molberg (Marcela Krinke Susmelj) SUI 75.265; 7, Vancouver K (Judy Reynolds) IRL 74.870; 8, Ricardo (KarenTebar) FRA 74.857; 9, Badina Altena (Pierre Voila) FRA 73.648; 10, Foco Loco W (Borja Carrasposa) ESP 73.627; 11, Loverboy (Jenny Lang-Nobbe) GER 72.613; 12, DSP Rodriguez (Astrid Neumayer) AUT 72.486; 13, After You (Ludovic Henry) FRA 70.251; 14, Badari (Danielle Heijkoop) NED 68.427; 15, Super Nova ll (Spencer Wilton) GBR 67.933.

Very interesting in Stuttgart was that the new FEI judging system to determine the degree of difficulty was used, as before in Lyon. For judges and scribes it is quite a difficult task but after an intensive schooling session before the freestyle it all went well. Similar to other sports like figure skating, gymnastics or diving, the participants must hand in their program before the test and must follow it. Difficult movements and combinations of movements get high coefficients if they are well done. Errors of the course or movements that are not shown correctly as submitted incur deductions. This system is used in order to make it easier and more objective and be able to precisely judge the degree of difficulty! The system worked well and judges and scribes were happy with it.

The CD 4*I tour was dominated by Isabell Werth and Emilio, and Annabel Balkenhol with the experienced Dablino. After a not such a good Grand Prix, Isabell and Emilio showed a very good Grand Prix Special. Emilio’s impressive Piaffe and Passage, both regular as clockwork and very active, were the reason the combination got a remarkable score of 80 percent. All five judges really agreed and for the entire panel, Emilio was the clear winner.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

SPONSOR PROFILE

HOBSON HORSECOACHES – 32 YEARS OF SPONSORSHIP Article by Jess Roberts

For a start, way back in 1982 there was no such thing as Grand Prix. “Oh god no!” laughs Sue. “To have a really top dressage horse you just had to be able to ride one flying change! Tiny White had at that time a horse called Rigoletto and she won everything purely because she was the only one that could ride a flying change Sue remembers the moment she really fell for dressage: watching Susan Talbot and Singleton at the Hawkes Bay show in 1981, watching her ride and thinking ‘wow, I want to do that’.

“And that was it! According to Brian I should never have gone to that show!

Because that is really how it all started.

I remember Singleton – he was, in his day, the most beautiful horse.”

There was no such thing as a warmblood either: everyone rode thoroughbreds off the track. “You spent the first year trying to stop them! Stop them or make them bend, either way it was two years work before you could get into an arena,” she jokes. “Tiny White did a huge amount, bringing trainers in through the [newly formed] Hanoverian Association. Top FEI people were bought out but nothing like [the access to trainers that people have] these days. And we very rarely had international judges, until the Hague came to NZ which is like our World Dressage Challenge now.”

Brian had been trained at Rolls

Royce in the UK as a coachbuilder and sheetmetal worker and – on emigrating to NZ in 1973 with Sue - the couple decided that there could be an opening for a horsecoach company here.

Their decision to sponsor dressage (they had previously sponsored the Eventing accumulator for two years) fitted well with their business plans.

The Hobson Horsecoaches Points Prize replaced Sid and Merran Hain’s Beanbah Accumulator, and encouraged people to travel to other regions of the country to compete. At that time everybody transported their horses in trailer floats or cattle crates, with very few specially built units on the market.

“In the early days, due to not having modern horse transport, people did not travel too far from home so the promotion of this sponsorship worked hand in hand with our business of building luxury coaches for the equestrian world,” says Sue. “The point of the accumulators was to get people out of their areas – promote people travelling around to get points and

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good for us because we were building the things they travelled round in!”

Things snowballed from there, the Points Prize becoming the Challenge Series and gathering more sponsors along the way, initially with client and close friend Tina Thorowgood of Constance Carroll Cosmetics and Denis Reichenbach of Reichenbach Scrapmetals (both keen dressage competitors). This was the beginning of sponsorship covering more levels, right up to the modern day version of the accumulator: The Super 5. “Things have grown tremendously and many more sponsors have come on board with Dressage NZ,” says Sue. “Hobsons are still very proud to have been able to continue on from the accumulator that Sid and Merran started in the 80s and also to be the first of the Challenge Series sponsors.”

CATEGORY?

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

1.

GISBORNE DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS OVERALL CHAMPIONS L1 Pony Champion

Anya Peterson

Tairawhiti Lad

Reserve

Amelia Paull

Platinum Playboy

L2 Pony Champion

Isabella Chatfield

AD Dennache

Reserve

Isabella Collier

Whata Babe

L1 Open Champion

Zoe Towler

HBS Always

Reserve

Henrike Seifert

Equestrian Central Lux

L2 Open Champion

Henrike Seifert

Gurteens Tyra

Reserve

Anna Harris

Mr Creme Brulee

L3 Open Champion

Denise Rushbrook

Astek Gadzuks

Reserve

Tayla McDonald

North East

L4 Open Champion

Lucy Robertshawe

Salute

Reserve

Denise Rushbrook

Eton MVNZ

L5 Open Champion

Hannah Van der Horst

Moby’ll Do

Reserve

Clara Biddlecombe

Breeze Along II

L6 Open Champion

Liz Burke

Tuahu Swansong

Reserve

Kaye Niccol

Mr O’Riley

L7 Open Champion

Zoe Towler

Winterstern

Para Grade II

Chontelle Honour

Tama Park Bradman

Reserve

Aimee Prout

Laghmor

Para Grade III

Katie Bothamley

Rushmoor Duvanti

Reserve

Nicola Essex

Sundays Fine N Dandy

Para Grade IV

Jo Jackson

Jd Flash

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IMAGES 1. Zoe Towler - Winterstern (L) & HBS Always (R) 2. Denise Rushbrook - Astek Gadzuks 3. Zoe Towler - Popov 4. Tayla Mcdonald - Don Qudos 5. Anya Peterson - Tairawhiti Lad 6. Hannah van der Horst - Moby’ll Do 7. Isabella Chatfield - AD Dennache Photo (7) by Rebecca Williams

OUT & ABOUT

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FROM THE JUDGES BOX Article by Sue Hobson - Judges Officer

Another month has flown by and most of you will have been busy with the commencement of the Regional Qualifiers. It was good to see so many close scores at both the North Island Champs in Bay of Plenty and also at the Central Districts Regional Show at Manfeild. Also encouraging is that most judges are discussing any differences and even though minor, they still participate in getting together with colleagues and going over sheets. This is great for the sport and I am sure most riders appreciate this. It was really good having Mary Seefried (Australia) here to judge the World Dressage Challenge with Linda Warren-Davey in its new format.

Congratulations to all the winners in all categories. The event at Manfeild was a particularly large one this year with it incorporating the WDC, a CDIW/Y and the Central Districts Championships.

As well as Mary Seefried from Australia, we welcomed Jane Ventura (Aus), Virginia Creed (Aus) and Jeanne McDonald (USA) adding to this team

Helen Hughes-Keen and myself being the NZL based FEI judges. All judges worked very well together nationally and internationally.

The Judges Sub Committee has been busy selecting two judges to participate in the first NSW Exchange programme which will take place midyear 2017. The judges selected are Judy Alderdice (Auckland) and Carol Eivers (NHB). I know they will enjoy the experience and it is really great that we are already getting judges approach us to be considered for future Exchanges. We were lucky enough to host Jacqui Huppert and Sandi Gillett from Queensland on the Exchange at the North Island Champs in Taupo recently and both enjoyed their stay and worked in well with our NZL judges.

Connie Bookless also came over from Queensland to gain more judging experience with new combinations and colleagues – it is hoped these Exchanges will continue to grow and attract good liaison across the Tasman with

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organisers and judges.

Registration forms are very slow coming in for Katrina Wuest (Germany) clinic next year - please send to me as soon as you can. We would really encourage all judges, riders and coaches to attend this clinic – a lot of time is spent organising these clinics and it is very much appreciated when people take the time to attend and make the most of the training given. Details are on the website and also anyone can email me if they wish to know more. This clinic will be an official clinic for all judges.

All plans are underway for the South Island Clinic also which will be conducted by Anne Prain (France) the day following the SI Dressage Championships – this clinic will also be official for all judges so please make your plans so that you can attend one of them.

Sue Hobson - Judges Officer

“Suppleness and bend” – most important to gain good scores in your test. Without suppleness and correct bend, impulsion cannot flow through to a soft contact…

Sue.

YOUR BUSINESS COULD BE HERE Melissa Beech and So Dun Photo: Striding Images Photography

jeremy@snaffledesign.co.nz

WELLINGTON DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS OVERALL CHAMPIONS L1 Amateur Champion Reserve L2 Amateur Champion Reserve L1 Open Champion Reserve L2 Open Champion Reserve L3 Open Champion Reserve L4 Open Champion Reserve L5 Open Champion Reserve L6 Open Champion Reserve L7 Open Champion Reserve L8 Open Champion Reserve L9 Open Champion Reserve Hanoverian Award Young Rider Champion Masters Champion

Emma Wilson Sarah Jocelyn Sarah Jocelyn Nicki Sunley Ann Webster Lauren Currie Paula Brown Anna Williams Abbie Deken Sharon Dixon Chelsea Callaghan Karla Jamieson Vanessa Way Mandy Littlejohn Vanessa Way Jacqui Thompson Lucarne Dolley Toni Louisson Julie Pearson Joanne Brown Vanessa Way Abbie Deken Nicki Sunley Lucarne Dolley Mandy Littlejohn

Raupapa Donnerita Faieska Curioso Laila Dawn Oranoa Morepork Kintore Pepita Winslet Tuahu Gemma Giulani Garavani Sisters II Etta J Westamour NRM KH Arion Sparks Will Fly NRM Andreas Georgio Devils Chocolate Astute Zinstar Amorette NRM Arawn KH Ambrose Laila Dawn Devils Chocolate Sparks Will Fly DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19

Caitlen Benzie and Rosari Royal Gem Photo: Paula Stuart Photography

DRESSAGE WAIKATO FESTIVAL 2016 As normal the grounds at Kihikihi were presented in a lovely condition for the annual Dressage Waikato Festival.

Eight competition arenas were utilised (including one on the Rodeo Arena surface), which meant a later start on Friday and an early finish on Sunday for all.

Judges and riders have been extremely complementary of the atmosphere and operation of the show, with a number stating it is the most friendly show on the circuit. Judges and volunteers were well looked after with superb catering and a relaxed environment in the office area.

Entries for the L1-L3 Amateur Classes again were larger than those for the Open Classes at these levels, including a large number of first year registered riders.

The winner of the Champion Amateur Level 1 title – Jess Allsop – was having just her 2nd ever registered outing and who has only recently returned to riding after a 19 year break.

She reported she had no expectations

for the show other than a goal of qualifying for HOY. Winning the Amateur Level 1 Champion came as a surprise, but she was thoroughly delighted with the result. We are sure that Jess will continue to have great success with her Holsteiner cross gelding Regal Salvation.

Dressage Waikato SRS Squad member Raewyn Nel riding her Donnerwind pony gelding Donnerchole was successful in winning the Amateur Level 2 title, again gaining maximum points over the weekend, and was closely followed by Jacqui Teaque riding a lovely dun Our Bailey.

Competition for the Open titles was fiercely fought, however Sophie de Clifford swooped up 3 titles (L3, L4 and L7), recording 11 wins and 1 second placing from her 12 starts at the show. Sophie struggled to carry all her winnings away from the Prizegiving, winning numerous trophies as well as

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the Championship titles.

Dressage Waikato President Bill Millar won the L9 Championship, with some super scores on Raukura Satori MH. It was lovely to see past winners of Championships back to contest higher levels, with Sheena Ross taking out the Level 8 Championship, Tracey Smith Reserve for Level 6 and Jennifer Sim Reserve for Level 5. All these riders have won Championships in the past, and it is lovely to see them back being successful at higher levels.

At the Dressage Festival last year, sponsor Integrity Solar presented a Sportsmanship trophy, which is going to be awarded every year. This years’ winner was a very deserving McKenzie Sim. After a rider fell (and was later taken to hospital for observation), McKenzie stepped in to take over care of her 2 large horses overnight.

McKenzie was also seen around the grounds being helpful to many riders.

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

AWARDS KENTUCKY TROPHY - L1

John Thompson

JHT Replay

CLARK TROPHY - L2

Nicoli Fife

Charlton Baliro

SEA PRINCE TROPHY - L3

Sophie de Clifford

Kinnordy Golda

VICTOR TROPHY - L4

Sophie de Clifford

Alamo BL

PRYORS TROPHY- L4

Sophie de Clifford

Alamo BL

RUBICON TROPHY- L5

Christine Weal

Stoneylea Lord Locksely

MAY SOMMERVILLE – GP

William Millar

Raukura Satori MH

FRITZ TROPHY – INT 1

Sophie de Clifford

Ashanti

POOT TROPHY – YOUNG RIDER

Julia Wykes

Kabo Golliwog

SUSAN CAROL EDWARDS MEMORIAL TROPHY – MUSICAL

Sophie de Clifford

Kinnordy Golda

INTEGRITY SOLAR CUP OUTSTANDING SPORTSMANSHIP

Mckenzie Sim

OVERALL CHAMPIONS L1 AMATEUR CHAMPION

Jess Allsop

Regal Salvation

RESERVE

Emily Hastings

Glendale Nightlight

L2 AMATEUR CHAMPION

Raewyn Nel

Donnerchole

RESERVE

Jacqui Teague

Our Bailey

L3 AMATEUR CHAMPION

Samantha Fechney

J K Lucazen

RESERVE

Isabella Chatfield

Prima Bella

L1 OPEN CHAMPION

John Thompson

JHT Replay

RESERVE

Kieryn Walton

Wisdom WDS

L2 OPEN CHAMPION

Wendi Williamson

Presley MH

RESERVE

Cate Wilson

Kinnody Ravel

L3 OPEN CHAMPION

Sophie de Clifford

Kinnordy Golda

RESERVE

Amanda Berridge

Glamorgan By Design

L4 OPEN CHAMPION

Sophie de Clifford

Alamo BL

RESERVE

Rosie Richards

Ira Hayes

L5 OPEN CHAMPION

Julie Flintoff

Belladonna MH

RESERVE

Jennifer Sim

Stoneylea Lancelot

L6 OPEN CHAMPION

Tessa Jack

Campion KSNZ

RESERVE

Tracy Smith

Lord Louis

L7 OPEN CHAMPION

Sophie de Clifford

Ashanti

RESERVE

Robyn Coupe

Besonders

L8 OPEN CHAMPION

Sheena Ross

Parkridge Disco SW

RESERVE

Nicky Pope

Saskatoon

L9 OPEN CHAMPION

William Millar

Raukura Satori MH

RESERVE

Caitlin Benzie

Rosari Royal Gem

PONY CHAMPION

Isabella Chatfield

Prima Bella

RESERVE

Raewyn Nel

Donnerchole

YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION

Caitlin Benzie

Rosari Royal Gem

RESERVE

Caitlin Benzie

Le Connoisseur

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

OUT & ABOUT

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Waikato & Wellington Dressage Championships Waikato Photos by Paula Stuart Photography (except 1 & 6) Wellington Photos by Striding Image Photography

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1. Sophie de Clifford - with her arms somewhat full!. (Waikato) 2. Lilly Jefferies - Kirkwood Annabel. (Wellington) 3. Sue Ridley - Just Dreaming. (Waikato) 4. William Millar - Raukura Satori. (Waikato) 5. Paula Brown - Vollrath Le Vivre. (Wellington) 6. Jennifer and Mckenzie Sim. (Waikato) 7. Kelly Pearson - Don Arion. (Waikato) 8. Grace Gray - Jet. (Wellington) 9. Abbie Deken - Giuliana. (Wellington)

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7.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

EQUITANA MELBOURNE Australian Olympian Mary Hanna dominated the World Cup Grand Prix at Equitana even without her Olympic ride Boogie Woogie. This was her first competition with Sancette for over two years, the last time being at the 2014 World Games in Normandy where they finished 29th. Mary was also second on Umbro, her two horses finishing on 68.60 and 68.58 % respectively in the Grand prix Just 11 horses lined up in the Grand Prix - all meeting the 60% qualifying score to go through to the Freestyle. The Freestyle was again dominated

by Mary Hanna with Lesley Anne Taylor and the striking chestnut Amicelli Gold again having to settle for third but pushing Hanna hard for the top spot.

The Friesian DJANGO OF CACHAREL who captured the hearts of the crowd at NZ Horse of the Year Show back in 2015 was officially retired at this Equitana and will be greatly missed from the NZL and Aus competition circuits.

Jeremy Janjic leaves the arena with Django of Cacharel in front of an adoring crowd.

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

The victorious pair, Mary Hannah and Sancette during their lap of honour.

INTERNATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Judges: Jane Ventura (AUS), Sue Hobson (NZL), Dr Ricky MacMillan (AUS), Bo Jena (SWE), Dr Dietrich Plewa (GER)

GRAND PRIX 1.

SANCETTE

Mary Hanna

68.600%

2.

UMBRO

Mary Hanna

68.580%

3.

AMICELLI GOLD

Lesley Anne Taylor

68.200%

4.

AEA METALLIC

Dirk Dijkstra

66.120%

5.

UTOPIAN CARDINAL

Heath Ryan

65.080%

6.

JARRAH R

Rozzie Ryan

64.880%

7.

SHEER ETIQUETTE

Susan Paix

64.120%

8.

URESTAN

Pauline Carnovale

63.660%

9.

DJANGO OF CACHAREL

Jeremy Janjic

62.000%

10.

MINDARAH PARK RAMADEN

Mary Warren

61.440%

11.

GB WINCHESTER

Gary Lung

60.680%

GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE

Lesley Anne Taylor with her lovely Amicelli Gold were one of the crowd favourites.

1.

SANCETTE

Mary Hanna

71.875%

2.

UMBRO

Mary Hanna

71.250%

3.

AMICELLI GOLD

Lesley Anne Taylor

70.550%

4.

URESTAN

Pauline Carnovale

70.125%

5.

UTOPIAN CARDINAL

Heath Ryan

68.300%

6.

AEA METALLIC

Dirk Dijkstra

68.000%

7.

DJANGO OF CACHAREL

Jeremy Janjic

66.900%

8.

JARRAH R

Rozzie Ryan

66.800%

9.

SHEER ETIQUETTE

Susan Paix

66.600%

10.

GB WINCHESTER

Gary Lung

63.150%

11.

MINDARAH PARK RAMADAN

Mary Warren

60.775%

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

INTERNATIONAL JUDGE PROFILE

Jeanne McDonald (Right) and Virginia Creed with Tessa van Bruggen and Furst Jupp

PLANE TICKET TO PALMERSTON NORTH - NEXT STOP FEILDING PLEASE Article by Jess Roberts

Jess Roberts catches up with American FEI4* judge Jeanne McDonald at Manfeild Park, where she judged the CDI W and CDIY and Central Districts Dressage Festival as part of a whistlestop tour down under.

Although her work as an FEI4* judge takes her all over the world, it’s the first time Jeanne McDonald has been to this part of the globe, flying to Sydney, Australia, to judge the National Championships the week before she landed in New Zealand for the Central Festival CDIW and CDIY. It’s was a whirlwind visit; less than 24 hours after the show wrapped she’s winging her way back up to the Northern Hemisphere to judge the WDC in Bermuda. Our moody spring weather was less than co-operative but on arrival she managed a trip to Waiheke Island, a dinner cruise around Auckland’s Waitemata harbour and – after her dolphin-and-whale spotting

trip went awry due to dodgy sailing conditions – a visit to Kelly Tarltons aquarium, which she loved. “I’m never on vacation, ever. Everybody’s laughing at me at home, they know me.”

McDonald thinks the new FEI World Dressage Challenge format is a good thing, though without the same two judges travelling around a region as they did previously means perhaps the consistency won’t be there for the scoring. She hasn’t officially judged a Challenge before but was on the panel for the Carribean Equestrian Challenge, travelling to seven islands over three months. “My scoring had to stay the same, from Jamaica to Barbados…

Trinidad! There were islands I had no

26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

idea even had dressage!”

She also judged a range of classes for the Central Districts Dressage Festival, from L3 through Advanced.

So, the inevitable question… how do we measure up? “Well there’s Europe, and then there’s the rest of the world, in all honesty!” she admits. “America’s coming up there a bit, but in Europe you see these unbelievable horses. Like England kind of came from nowhere, with Charlotte and Carl – I mean Carl’s always been there but he’s now known worldwide. They built a programme, and it was the country putting the Lottery money into the sport that helped it. Carl and Charlotte have bought a lot of goodness, I believe, to

INTERNATIONAL JUDGE PROFILE

equestrian sports and the Olympics.

“So when you compare NZ to what you would see at a really good show in Aachen or at Olympia, ok, it isn’t the same, but it’s the same as what I’d see in America. Just less numbers. But some really nice horses,” she stresses. “I’ve been totally impressed, it’s amazing to me. I keep saying ‘these are nice horses!’

- no, I mean really nice. The quality I’m seeing here is very good.”

She compared the riding that she saw in the lower levels to being in the normal range that she’d see back home in the States and in Canada, and said there were “some riders that are doing a pretty nice job.” She was especially pleased to hear about competitors who had produced their own horses from scratch. “That’s what made me so happy to hear about Bill! [Millar, with Raukura Satori MH in the GP]. He didn’t do dressage before, and did you know he’s been taking a Pilates class to get his body in better shape? Me too!” she enthuses, breaking into laughter. “That’s why I had to laugh because I have starting doing yoga-lates [a mixture of yoga and Pilates] as well. But when I heard he trained his own horse I said ‘it’s so cool you’ve done this yourself ’, because to me, that’s the point.”

She expands: “Dressage means training in French, and it’s also the difference, to me, between the hunters and the jumpers – the jumper riders can buy and sell horses and jump on somebody else’s horse and within six months possibly be winning big time, at Olympic level, but not dressage horses.

There is a relationship. To me, that’s what the whole thing’s about.”

The tall, slight 67-year-old McDonald has spent her life dedicated to horses, training her first horse, an off-the-track Thoroughbred called Moleque, to Grand Prix by the age of 22. With Moleque, and subsequent horses she enjoyed a string of achievements, a list of which is

too long to include here. She imported her Oldenburg stallion Tantris in 1993, the pair reaching GP and spending a grand total of 23 years together. He passed away last year and she speaks very fondly of her old friend, lighting up when talking about her young horses by him, all of which she has started and is training herself.

She’s sharp as a tack and still works a schedule that would put people half her age to shame. “I judge all weekend in California. So I work all day Thursday at my home on the farm [in Downington, Pennsylvania, two hours south of NY city] then I catch the 6pm flight which gets me into LA at 9pm, which is midnight my body time. I start judging the next morning at 8, work the next three days judging til six at night, catch the 11pm red-eye home, get home at seven in the morning, drive to my farm and go to work, riding and teaching.”

She does this three out of four weekends a month: from April to July this year, it was every weekend.

Fit her regular clinics in Boston, Cape Cod, Virginia, Kentucky, Illinois and Detroit in there somewhere too, oh - and judging appointments from Holland to Mexico, and it’s a miracle that we got her all the way out here. Thankyou Jeanne, we loved having you and hope you enjoyed your stay. Please come back soon!

NEW CANAAN MOUNTED TROOP – A LITTLE HISTORY

McDonald’s bio says that at age eight she was a member of the New Canaan Mounted Troop. Intrigued, I ask her what this was, exactly…

“Ha! My judging friends always say ‘why do you put that in there?’ but it was the making of me, that’s where I started and so I still give credit to it because it was a huge influence on my life.

“In the USA all the Olympic events were funded through the military, so

if you were a Colonel in the military and you were in the cavalry, you rode in the Olympics in jumping or dressage or whatever. In 1948 our country disbanded the horse cavalry – it became a mechanised cavalry. So there were a lot of retired officers and people in the horse world from the cavalry that thought ‘this is a shame’ because the military teaches you respect and responsibility.

“So they started this junior cavalry of America. The boys were Essex Troop in New Jersey. Frank Fritz, who was a bigtime name in our country, who recently died, was the head of that one. But there was a boy-girl one in Connecticut, the New Canaan Mounted Troop. We had to march, we had to take our own horses – the one we were assigned for the day, it wasn’t ours; when you went in you were assigned a horse – and you rode in a platoon and in a group lesson. When I look back, it was the best start anybody could have had.

“My parents didn’t understand [my passion for horses], they didn’t have any money but they could shove me off there for just $200 a year! I rode twice a week in the summer, once a week in the winter, I spent every living breathing moment there extra. There were about 40-50 horses there and it was very well run, not for profit.

“I was telling my scribes [test writers], when people blame the horse [for mistakes] I say, I was in the military – if you blamed the horse when you were riding they made you get off, you couldn’t ride the rest of the lesson. And we lived and died for that hour lesson a week – we’d NEVER blame the horse!

So to this day, I still think of that. We had to sweep the aisles, our tack was inspected, our boots were inspected, our horses were groomed, we had to clean them up and put them away. To this day I take care of my own horse,” she smiles, holding up her calloused palm. “That’s 60 years of a pitchfork in that hand.”

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

YOUNG RIDERS

YOUNG RIDERS IN THE SPOTLIGHT

ISABELLA CHATFIELD REPORTS ON THE EQUIDAYS PONY CLINIC WITH VANESSA WAY “I was very lucky to be chosen as one of a group of four riders for the Level 3 and Level 4 ponies demonstration with the amazing Vanessa Way at Equidays. Two ponies from each level made up the group display and we were all introduced to the crowd and given nick names by Vanessa in reference to our ponies. I was really nervous but Vanessa soon had us laughing and relaxing and I was happy to be the “little bay” that gave Vanessa the warm fuzzies to watch! “ The group (see photo left to right) Anna Wilson (Pepee) Morgan Beere Wembleybrooke Sergio, Sam Gradowski-Smith (Sherwood Travel Man) and Isabella on Prima Bella Each of the four riders had to talk to the crowd about what areas they would like to work on. They then focused on some moves including medium trot, travers, shoulder -in and counter canters.

Vanessa helped each of them of with their different challenges and gave feedback to the crowd on how each of them could improve. The group was interesting because they all had very different problems to improve on so the crowd could relate to each of them and identify with their individual problems.

28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

“All ponies had a really nice medium trot, but my pony, Prima Bella, didn’t have as much extension as the other three. Vanessa noted that as a rider I kept the rhythm and if I take the risks, it will only get better, which it did! Vanessa gave me lots of positive comments on Prima Bellas obedience and rhythm in her paces which made her happy to watch – that made me feel proud of my pony as she tries really hard.

My travers went very well to the right, but pushing the quarters to the left was difficult because we struggle on that rein. Vanessa gave me a great tip to achieve a better result including helping me to be aware of how my upper body & shoulder position would help my pony understand what I wanted her to do. We all achieved some good results and came away with lots to work on.

Overall I thought the lesson was really fun and it couldn’t have gone any better! Vanessa made us all laugh and the crowd gave lots of encouragement to us all. Thanks so much to Equidays and Vanessa Way for teaching us demo riders and to the people that came to watch, an experience I would definitely recommend.”

YOUNG RIDERS

DRESSAGE WINNERS AT WHAKATANE HIGH SCHOOL SPORTS AWARDS We often hear that schools don’t give hear enough recognition to Equestrian achievements so big ups this year to the Whakatane High School Sports Awards.

Hannah van der Horst came away from the night’s celebration taking the Sportswoman of the Year Award from the five finalists. And just to prove riding dressage is no excuse not to also achieve in other areas, she also won top Year 12 All Round Girl.

Hannah was feeling even more inspired after listening to guest speaker, Olympic rower, Lisa Carrington.

Hannah has one more year to complete her secondary school studies and dressage wise?

“I Romulus and Moby’ll Do will both continue at Level 5 and I’ll work hard and strive to do my best on them and see what the season brings. I’m very grateful to owner Helen Wells for the ride on Moby” But the night was not yet over for Dressage. Hannah’s coach, Karen Anderson picked up the Coach of the Year title from the nominees which also included high profile sports rugby and rowing. Well done Karen.

UPPER HUTT’S LILLY JEFFERIES AWARDED TRAINING SCHOLARSHIP

Wellington Area pony rider Lilly Jefferies has benefited from a “Kick Start Your Career” Scholarship programme offered by the Upper Hutt Cosmopolitan Club. There were sixty seven applications for the twenty scholarships, each worth $2,500.

Applicants had to be in the 16 -21 year age bracket and could apply for a scholarship in one of the following six categories • Academic • Sporting • Employment Training • Creative Arts • Kick Starting a Business.

The application process was very comprehensive, but Lilly was spurred on and supported by local Grand Prix rider Andrea Martin to apply for a Kick Start scholarship based on a career in dressage, with funds to be used for training and competition. Her best advice to Lilly was “if you’re not in you can’t win” Scholarship recipients have six months to use the scholarship funds.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

NEWS

DRESSAGE NZ ANNUAL AWARDS It’s not too early to be thinking about who you will nominate for some of our special awards in 2017 THE KAYE FISSENDEN MEMORIAL TROPHY This trophy is awarded for an outstanding contribution to Dressage NZ, annually at the discretion of the Dressage NZ Board 2016 WINNER – KAREN TROTTER

THE KARMARGEN SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD - THE WINDSOR LAD TROPHY This national award is generously sponsored by Karen & Peter Trotter. The winner receives the Windsor Lad Trophy plus $500 Training Grant 2016 WINNER – WENDI WILLIAMSON

This award is offered to encourage all levels of riders to Play Fair, to honour the FEI Code of Conduct and responsibilities to fellow competitors, judges, officials, OC’s, sponsors, spectators, owners, media and the sport.

Individual Members and Area Groups are invited to nominate competitors, officials and volunteers for these prestigious awards by 1 April 2017 New for 2017 - Area groups are each invited to nominate an area sportsmanship winner who will receive Dressage NZ recognition. The Karmargen Sportsmanship Award winner will be selected from area nominations THE ST GEORGES TROPHY The “Friends of Dressage” donated a beautiful bronze trophy to recognise achievement by first year advanced riders 2016 WINNER – LOUISA AYRES & PLAYMATE

Riders must not have previously competed at Prix St Georges level or above at Regional qualifying shows designated “RE” or “R”. Eligible Scores will be earned at RE, ICH, U25 Champs, NCH, HOY Events First year advanced riders must nominate 3 scores from ADV Level 6/7 Classes at RE, ICH, YRCH, NCH, HOY. Qualifying Tests FEI PSG & Int I, 6B, 7A, 7B, CDIY Team or YR Individual Test 30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

The total score must be nominated in % to three decimal placings and be verified either by copies of the test sheets or official results of the classes The highest average % of three classes to be classified as the winner. If there is a tie, then the highest average of the best two scores will win.

Nominations to Sport Manager by 1st April 2017 ALL-IN-FLEX ACCOLADES FOR JUDGES & VOLUNTEERS All-in-Flex recognises the huge contribution made by the Judges and Volunteers who are so vital to the existence of our sport. At many events there are nearly as many judges and volunteers as there are competitors when it’s all added up Dressage currently has an annual Volunteer of the Year Award and Area awards for all nominees.

Judges are nominated by area groups for the annual Judge of the Year Award The All-In-Flex aim is for an increase in area group awareness and recognition of the contribution that these two groups make to the sport and their goal to have EVERY area group nominate both a Judge and a Volunteer. All-InFlex has committed to provide product prizes and a special memento for ALL 20 nominees in both Judge and Volunteer categories for 2017.

National Winners will each receive three months supply of All-In-Flex Hominis Area Winners will each receive one month supply of All-In-Flex Hominis Dressage and All-In-Flex look forward to being able to recognise this group of special supporters of dressage.

Nomination Forms will be available on the website and will close on 1st April 2017

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Have you ever joked that your horse eats better than yourself? We are very pleased to have Fitfood joining us as monthly contributors, sharing tips and ideas for how we can add that little bit more spark to our training and performances through wholesome, simple nutrition.

THE PITFALLS OF DIETING & WHEN IT GOES WRONG We’ve all been there at one time or another, weight gain (and not the good lean muscle kind). A little too long without being concerned with what you eat, perhaps a holiday that didn’t end when you came home or even a slow shift from a free and easy life where time was plentiful to an extremely busy, time poor life where marriage, children, work and all things stressful collaborated against you to put those stubborn kilos on your waist that you swore were never there in your 20’s. So, do you decide that it is what it is and it’s all part of the aging process blah blah blah or do you stand up and decide, no, not me, time to do something about it.

In this age of technology, where literally the worlds knowledge is held in the palm of your hand it can be very easy to lose yourself in the amount of conflicting ideas when it comes to good health and maintaining wellness. So, what do we do? Do we keep trying and searching for the elusive magic bullet or do we revert to what has always worked? The answer is glaringly simple,

whole foods. What mankind has nourished himself with since the dawn of time.

Unfortunately, with media hype and the promise of health, toxin cleansing, miracle weight loss and lean muscle gain it is easy to fall into the trap of clever marketing. There are numerous elixirs, supplements, shakes and teas that promise the world but can they deliver? The short answer in the short term is yes. This is directly related to the basic principle of burning more calories than you consume. Think of it this way, if I eat less energy than I expend, my body has no choice but to take the energy from somewhere else to fuel it. Now this sounds like a good thing on the surface as more calories burned than consumed equals weight loss. Unfortunately, this is not the case for a few reasons. First and foremost, the body wants nothing more than homeostasis, this is the tendency towards a relatively stable equilibrium between interdependent elements, especially as maintained

by physiological processes. In other words, the body wants to remain the same. Now it does this by slowing down your metabolism which is your body’s furnace. It then believes because you are not consuming enough calories that you are in a fasted state. This is a very bad thing because your body will hold onto the densest energy source it can which is fat, and will burn the easiest energy source, which is your lean muscle! So, that’s the first issue with some of these low-calorie fad diets. The next issue is longevity. Most of these super teas, super shakes and herbal diet fads make promises they just can’t deliver in the long run. The reason being is because it is near impossible for the human psyche to live on cleansing teas and herbal smoothies indefinitely, and while these things will give great initial weight loss you can’t eat, or more correctly, drink this indefinitely. Sooner or later your body will naturally start to crave other things. Lastly, is the multipyramid schemes where the promise of good health is coupled with the ability

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RIDER HEALTH AND NUTRITION

“So, do you decide that it is what it is and it’s all part of the aging process... or do you stand up and decide, no, not me, time to do something about it....”

to make financial gain if you on sell the products. These are the usually touted as super foods and can claim to give you everything you need in one small drink or capsule per day. The body needs a vast array of essential and nonessential amino acids and a huge variety of vitamins and minerals to function at peak optimum health and depriving your body of these things is extremely detrimental in the long run.

So, what’s the solution if not one of these miracle foods? Simply put, whole foods, real food, the kind of stuff that we’ve been munching on for centuries.

None of the current processed grains, tinned foods or anything that is removed from nature. Whole foods are those foods that are as close to how they are in the wild. No preservatives, no additives, no nasty chemicals to keep them fresh looking for months on end.

No colourings or flavourings or the need to tell you what they are because by sight you just wouldn’t know. Just true, back to basics, natural good food.

This is where we here at FitFood can help. We understand that life is hectic, crazy busy even and that with such a plethora of knowledge available who is to say what is right or what is wrong.

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So, there you have it, the pitfalls of clever marketing and multi pyramid schemes and how best to navigate these tricky waters. If you want the best out of life and more importantly the best out of your health always and I mean always opt for real whole foods over fad foods every day of the week. Final thought for the day, remember that healthy bodies are built in the kitchen and not in the gym!

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WHAT PEOPLE THINK IS DIFFICULT

WHAT IS ACTUALLY DIFFICULT

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

RIDER FITNESS

THE GREATEST MUSCLE WE OWN - BUT OFTEN FORGET TO USE Article by Ricki Jacobs

This month we are talking about Abs and core, the two most talked about muscles or “buzz” words in the fitness industry, but before you say no thanks and flick the page I want to encourage you to think of your abdominals and core as your new best friend and for them to become the most worked muscle in your body each time you sit in the saddle (secondary only to your brain!) but seriously, try to embrace the burn because core stability is what will give you independent aids and allow you to follow the horses movement and as a dressage rider if your horse must work with an engaged core then so must you!

I think it is fair to assume that athletes who engage in a physical sport will know that all kinaesthetic movement requires a certain degree of core stability. All of you dressage athletes will have been yelled at in some stage of your careers either... “Sit up”, “Core tight”, “Suck your belly in” or something of a similar nature before.

For sure these can all be good qeues, but what exactly do they mean and how can you know if you are engaging your core correctly?

I want you to imagine you are about to be hit in the stomach... you would not prepare for impact by ‘sitting up’,

(try this and you will immediately arch your back) or sucking your belly in. These qeues, though they have good intentions are quite often misunderstood. For a dressage rider an arched back will result in a rigid spine or stress on the lower back and then sucking in (try it!) means quite simply that you are no longer breathing... not a great combination. To engage the core muscles correctly takes some work both on and off horse, if you practice enough you will soon engage this glorious muscles purely from your subconscious and your horse will surely thank you.

To create the correct tension in the core we must learn to engage all the muscles of the midsection, these include: • Rectus abdominus (‘six pack’ muscle) • Internal and external obliques (under our “love handles”) • Transvers abdominus (the layer underneath) • Spinal erectors (muscles that run up either side of the spine) • Deep hip flexors (Deep muscles beneath the organs and hips) There are numerous benefits to having a strong stable core, a study published by Dr Stuart Mcgill in

34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

the 2010 Journal of Strength and Conditioning showed that increased core strength and stability resulted in decreased rates of injury (especially lower back injury) and an increase in strength and preformance.

HOW DOES THIS APPLY TO DRESSAGE?

The core is the centrepiece for all functional movement, positive tension through the core will radiate throughout the rest of the musculature in the body resulting in a more controlled and stable individual, with the increased ability to recruit and utilise surrounding muscles to facilitate proper movement patterns EG glutes( butt muscles), adductors( inner thighs) and the muscles surrounding the shoudle girdle and upper back.

From a visual perspective, riders who have a stable core will appear to be ‘at one’ with their horses, maintaining a constant rhythm with the ability to adjust and adapt through invisible aids because they are able to create their own balance and even better influence and improve the balance of the horse.

HOW CAN YOU APPLY THIS? The following is a list of exercise progressions to help riders learn to brace and strengthen the core

RIDER FITNESS SUPERMAN (OR SUPERWOMAN) 1. Kneel on hands and knees with a neutral spine

2. Brace core as per exercise 1

ABDOMINAL BRACING 1. Place both hands just above either side of your pelvic crest 2. Use a “forceful grunt� to push out on your hands. This will help you brace your midsection, the same action is applied automatically when laughing or coughing, so it may help to employ one of those qeues

3. Start off moving one limb at a time, progress to opposite arm and opposite leg. The last progression will be same arm, same leg

3. Practice holding that tension as if you were bracing for impact eg. a punch!

4. Try to eliminate all movement through the hips, brace tight to ensure you are stable (pretend you have a cup of water balancing on your lower back). Aim for 3 sets of 20

PLANK 1. Lie face down in a push up position and place forearms on the floor with your hands apart 2. Brace your core as per exercise 1 3. Forcefully contract your glutes and hold that position (imagine you have a $100 note between your butt cheeks) Hold that position with good form for 3 sets resting 1 minute in between, aim for 1 minute holds.

Perform exercise 1 daily, perform exercises 2 and 3 up to three times a week. After a few weeks you will notice improvements in posture, decreased lower back pain, and general stability which will have great carry over to helping you become a better rider.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

KEY DRESSAGE EVENTS 2016/17 NORTH ISLAND RE, ICH & INT EVENTS 2016/17

Venue

Qualifiers

28 Oct

Pryde’s Easifeed FEI World Dressage Challenge

Manfeild Park

INT

N

28/29 Oct

Kieffer/Equiscan CDIW & Heritage Equine CDIY

Manfeild Park

INT

N

28/30 Oct

Central Districts Dressage Champs

Manfeild Park

RE

Y

11/13 Nov

Dressage Waikato Festival

Kihikihi

RE

Y

12/13 Nov

Wellington Dressage Champs

Masterton

RE

Y

19/20 Nov

Gisborne Dressage Champs

Gisborne

RE

Y

27/28 Nov

Northern Hawkes Bay Dressage Champs

Hastings

RE

Y

3/4 Dec

Southern Hawkes Bay Dressage Champs

Dannevirke

RE

Y

9/11 Dec

Waitemata Dressage Champs

Woodhill Sands

RE

Y

17/18 Dec

Taihape Dressage Champs

Taihape

RE

Y

13/15 Jan

Taranaki Dressage Champs

Hawera

RE

Y

14/15 Jan

Northland Dressage Champs

Whangarei

RE

Y

20/22 Jan

Auckland-Manukau Dressage Champs

Clevedon

RE

Y

21/22 Jan

Wairarapa Dressage Champs

Masterton

RE

Y

1/5 Feb

Bates National Championships CDIW/Y/P

Manfeild Park

NCH/INT

Y

1/4 Feb

Pacific League World Cup Final

Manfeild Park

INT

N

7/12 Mar

Horse of the Year Show

Hastings

1/2 April

Equestrian Entries U25 Youth Champs

Taupo NEC

NCH/INT

Y

NCH

AMS only

SOUTH ISLAND RE, ICH EVENTS 12/13 Nov

Otago Dressage Champs

Mosgiel

RE

Y

19/20 Nov

Ashburton Dressage Champs

Ashburton

RE

Y

3/4 Dec

Canterbury Dressage Champs

McLeans Is NEC

RE

Y

9/11 Dec

Southland Dressage Championships

Gore

RE

Y

21/22 Jan

Malborough Dressage Champs

Blenheim

RE

Y

28/29 Jan

Nelson Dressage Champs

Rough Island

RE

Y

10/12 Feb

Harper Horsecoaches SI Dresssage Champs

Gore

ICH

Y

8/9 April

Festival of Future Stars Championships

Canty Ag Park

RE

QUALIFICATION TERMS

RE (Qualifying scores for NCH but not series finals. Squad eligibility scores) REQ (Qualifying scores for NCH, HOY series finals. Squad eligibility scores) Series = Super 5 League, Zilco Musicals, Prestige Futures, AMS Pony & YR Performance League ICH = Island Championship (also REQ) NCH = National Championship CDIY = International Young Rider Event CDIP = International Pony Rider Event YDH = Elite Equine YDH Championships 4,5,6 yr old horses PAL = FEI Pacific League WC™ PALF = FEI Pacific League WC™ Final

36 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

WHAT’S ON NOVEMBER | NORTH ISLAND 27 27/28

Warkworth Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay Regional Championships

OCTOBER | SOUTH ISLAND

LE

23/24

White Horse Equestrian Goup

LE

REQ

29/30

Nelson Dressage Group Spring Tournament

LE

29/30

Southland Dressage Group

LE

Northern Equestrian Group Spring Series Day 3

LE

DECEMBER | NORTH ISLAND 3/4

Southern Hawkes Bay Dressage Championship

10

Dressage Taranaki Christmas Cracker

LE

9/11

Dressage Waitemata Championships

REQ

17/18

Dressage Taihape Championships

REQ

18

Auckland-Manukau Dressage Group

REQ

LE

JANUARY | NORTH ISLAND 8

Dressage Waitemata

LE

30

NOVEMBER | SOUTH ISLAND 27

Northern Equestrian Group Summer Series Day 1

LE

DECEMBER | SOUTH ISLAND 3/4

Canterbury Championships

REQ

9/11

Southland Dressage Championships

REQ

13/15

Dressage Taranaki Championships

REQ

11

Marlborough - Cancelled - Earthquake damage

LE

14/15

Dressage Northland

REQ

11

NEG Summer Series Day 2

LE

18

Wairoa Riding Club

LE

18

North Loburn Equestrian Centre

LE

19

Wairoa A&P Show

LE

JANUARY | SOUTH ISLAND

20/22

Auckland-Manukau Dressage Group Championships

REQ

14/15

21/22

Wairarapa Dressage Regional Championship Show

REQ

Southland Dressage Group

LE LE

15

North Loburn Equestrian Centre

22

Warkworth Dressage

LE

22

Marlborough Regional Show

31

Dressage Rotorua Anniversary Day Show

LE

22

NEG Summer Series Day 3

FEBRUARY | NORTH ISLAND 1/4

FEI Pacific League Dressage WC Final / CDIY

INT

3/5

Bates National Championships & Para Dressage Champs

NCH

5

Tauranga Dressage Group

LE

12

Taupo Dressage Group

TE

12

Northern Hawke’s By B Grading Day

LE

19

Tobin Equestrian Summer Series

LE

12

Dressage Northland

LE

18

Gisborne Dressage Summer Tournament

23

REQ LE

28/29

Nelson Championship Tournament

28/29

South Canterbury/North Otago Dressage

LE

Canterbury Dressage New Year Opener

LE

29

REQ

FEBRUARY | SOUTH ISLAND 4/5

Dressage Otago Competition

LE

Harper Horsecoaches South Island Championships

ICH

19

North Loburn Equestrian Centre

LE

LE

19

Marlborough Training Event

TE

Auckland-Manukau Dressage Group

LE

26

Northern Equestrian Group

LE

29

Tobin Equestrian Wellington Summer Series

LE

26

Warkworth Dressage

LE

10/12

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

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37

Melissa Galloway with her six year old Windermere J’Obei W.

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RIDER PROFILE

A FACE OF THE FUTURE MELISSA GALLOWAY Article by Wendy Hamerton Photography by Mark Watson Equine Photography

Even when you talk to Melissa on the phone, you can see her eyes sparkle, hear the passion in her voice, and know immediately that this is one very special young rider in our sport

At just twenty three years of age, it appears she has a wealth of experience, a vision, a work ethic and a resolve that will give her goals a giant leap ahead.

Carl Hesters advice to riders is not to sit around and wait for success - get out and work for it - something he learned a long time ago, and he has lived by this ethos. The results speak for themselves.

This same philosophy appears to be working for Melissa.

So where did she come from and where has she been prior to bursting onto the scene this year with her three exceptionally talented chestnuts? But not only are they talented, they are carefully and correctly produced to maximise their talent.

Nearly ten years ago, Melissa (then Parkes) was riding an all round pony called Kirkwood Annabel on the Marlborough Pony Club scene. She was mainly showing, but came across videos of international dressage freestyles and got hooked. Dressage was where she wanted to be and what she wanted to do.

Aged 15 and still at Marlborough college, a dressage horse was on order.

Eventually, thanks to good friend Janelle Sangster-Ward, a five year old chestnut by Don Rameiro, Don’s Party, was purchased from Australia. As part of her training programme, she went down to Christchurch to have lessons with Hubertus Hufendiek. “To be honest, I don’t think he thought much of my riding” she laughs.

But this was no deterrent - probably just the opposite.

“Janelle was over in Germany at Hufendiek’s stable and I begged her to get me a spot. I didn’t care if all I did was muck out stables. That was lucky

because when I got there for a two week stint, that’s all I did. But I got lucky. Hubertus put me on a horse one day, and then another day. He came to the idea that while my riding was not technically great, that I had a good natural feel and he offered me a job. I stayed for a year and over the summer season competed three horses up to Prix St Georges level. It was fantastic, riding every day with help from either Hubertus or his partner Anne Lene.

At the same time it was very challenging. No friends to socialise with, no family on hand, very little life outside horses” So in that respect, Melissa was pleased to come home when the year was up and enjoy those important aspects of life.

Then there were more decisions. She decided she wanted to start afresh with her training and so Don’s Party was sold. Her parents said she could use his sale proceeds to buy one horse, or more than horse - her choice. One chestnut horse bought three more chestnuts... a yearling, a three year old and an older horse that had done Level 2 but had been sitting in a paddock for two years.

Risky stuff for an ambitious rider you might say. But what else did Carl Hester say that he had been advised early in his own career? “Buy what you can afford and train it well” “I had ridden some Johnson horses while I was in Germany and was really impressed with them. I was warned that the horses I was going to look at were not altogether easy. But I was so attracted to the breed already, I bought them anyway. The four year old had a buck - you had to start him in the same

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 39

RIDER PROFILE way every day, lunging, bending - and I kept this up for a while. Then I became more lenient and came off him six times in the first six months. I never got hurt, but it really annoyed me. I wanted to be the first person that didn’t fall off him!”

Having experienced the German way and observed a huge amount in the year she was away, Melissa is confident that her young horses especially, have got the ability to really excel in the higher levels. And she wants to be the best rider she can be. It sounds like a great mix. The big goal of course is to be an Olympic rider.

She believes we can train in New Zealand to be of international standard

- but recognises the logistical issues our location presents for us in terms of international competition.

“My coach Vanessa (Way) has been very supportive” she is quick to acknowledge. “It’s not all about the technical side of training. She reminds me to think about where I want to be and what I need to do to get there and of course I still have the Hubertus connection. I also want to acknowledge the long term support and coaching I have had from Andrea Raves - I have trained with her as far back as Kirkwood Annabel and her knowledge and input over the years has been invaluable”

And there is also a very special person in Melissa’s life. Her husband, Lachy Galloway. They have been together since at school when Melissa was just 14. “No - he’s not naturally horsey” she chuckles. “I put him on Annabel once and he fell off. He came to Germany for a couple of months when I was there to see what is was really all about. He is so incredibly supportive - he’s always there for me - a great truck driver too” So while this story may have been started ten years ago, but I get the feeling it’s only just the beginning.....

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40 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN |

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Melissa Galloway // Watson Equine Photography

Melissa with her competition team (from left) Windermere Johanson W, Windermere J’Obei W and Zeilinger.

BREEDING

‘Johnny’ as a three year old.

‘Johnny’ as a three year old.

Windermere Johanson W (Johnny) now as an eight year old has come into his own strength this season at level 6, representing NZL at the recent FEI World Dressage Challenge for second place. Photo: Take the Moment photography

WHEN A BREEDING VISION BECOMES A REALITY Written by Jess Roberts

This month we caught up with David Woolley, the breeder of Melissa Galloway’s two up-and-coming Johnson geldings Windermere J’Obei W and Windermere Johanson W.

Newly broken in, four years of age.

It was back in 2005 that Aucklandbased David Woolley decided to change his focus from breeding sport horses (by NZ based, multi purpose stallions) to breeding top quality, purpose-bred dressage horses. He made the decision to use only frozen semen and to take a punt on stallions that, although proven and popular over in Europe, hadn’t yet been used by other breeders in New Zealand. “Johnson was the first stallion we used,” says David. “I had a strong feeling about him but no idea of what a great riding horse and stallion he would become.”

The very first horse he bred under his new programme was Johanson W (who is out of a Kilimanjaro mare), who, at four years old, was just newly broken when Melissa and her father came up

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41

BREEDING

‘Joey’ as a new born.

‘Joey’ as a yearling.

Windermere J’Obei W (Joey) as a six year recently took all championship titles before him at the North Island Dressage Champs, FEI World Dressage Challenge and Central Districts Festival.

to look at him, along with J’Obei W, then only a 2-year-old. David jokes that Johanson had aspirations of a rodeo career when being started under saddle: “To say Johnny [Johanson] is quirky is an understatement. From a foal he was always suspicious of people and I believe there are very few people – if anyone else – who could have produced him as Melissa has.”

J’Obei W was always more straightforward, notes David, although as a youngster gave no indication of the extremely talented horse he would become. After watching some of the top young horses in Europe at last year’s World Young Dressage Horse Championships, he believes J’Obei could mix it with the best. “I have showed footage of him to top riders and

trainers in Europe and they all agree he is world class, and I think anyone who has seen him will agree that Melissa has done a superb job with him.”

The future looks bright. David has half-sisters to both these horses in his broodmare band (he now uses solely warmblood mares) and retains his best fillies for this purpose. “I actually place the greatest emphasis on breeding fillies to breed on with. I find the foals get exponentially better if I use better mares,” he observes. “Vanessa Way has the first foal from Johanson’s half sister

by Furst Romancier; I’m very excited to see that combination in a few years.

And Melissa also has a Glocks Zonik/ Johnson filly I bred and I can’t wait to see her out on that one too.”

It’s every breeder’s wish to have their

42 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

‘Joey’ at 2 years of age.

horses’ potential realised; David is thrilled to have someone like Melissa producing and competing his horses.

“I am always looking for riders for my horses but I confess to being very keen to get them into compassionate and knowledgeable homes with access to great training and riding,” he says.

“Melissa and her family took a huge gamble on these horses and it’s paid off for them. They are thoroughly lovely people and Melissa works hard and loves her horses. If I could find another five riders like her, I’d be very happy.”

Special rates for Equestrian Sport NZ members* To take advantage of our special rates, members can book online at: www.interislander.co.nz/Booking/Group-Bookings.aspx and enter reference FA5399 *Membership card must be presented at check in

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

Debbie Rolmanis, founder of db Muscle Therapy is a fully qualified Personal Trainer, Human Sports Massage Therapist and Equine Sports Therapist.

Debbie holds a BSc (Equine), BHSAI, Diplomas in Human Personal Training and Sports Therapy and Equine Sports Therapy, all gained in the UK. Debbie currently works/lives in the UK, with regular trips to clients in Germany including successful Grand Prix rider Hayley Beresford.

44 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

THE CONCEPT OF NOURISHING MOVEMENT FOR YOUR HORSE

The idea of movement that is nourishing is to think about it providing the horses body in its entirety with the movement it needs for great health and optimum function. All too often some areas of the body are repeatedly expected to move and work, whilst others remain dormant. This imbalance starts the cycle of pain, dysfunction and lameness so it is critical to have an understanding of HOW you are moving your horse every time you ride.

‘The quest to acquire skill is only a fair ask if the body is nourished with the appropriate movement. Acquiring skill should never be an isolated focus. How the horse is moving his body every day, week and month should always be a priority’

THE DANGERS OF REPETITION

Performing the same activities every day, in the same way, inevitably leads to some structures receiving too much nourishment (over eating is never a good thing) and others that receive very little; they are, if you like, malnourished with movement.

In people, the danger with repetition is that it becomes a habit, a habit doesn’t require much mindfulness, and without mindfulness the body can consult its ‘cheat sheet’ for the way in which it wants to move.

The equine body works the same way, so if they are left to sort things out by themselves, the bare minimum of structures will be recruited in an effort to conserve energy and find the ‘easiest’ way of moving their body.

Unfortunately, this doesn’t always translate to a sound, happily performing athlete.

The way to tackle this problem is to introduce a bit of variety to the regime; by using the body in a different way, previously dormant soft tissues and neurological pathways will be stimulated, helping to target areas that otherwise may be having some unauthorized time off.

VARIETY REALLY IS THE SPICE OF LIFE The Strength and Conditioning Journey, Part 3 Article by Debbie Rolmanis www.dbmuscletherapy.com Photos provided by Hayley Beresford and Libby Law

THE SCIENCE BIT

The equine body is made up of constantly evolving, active stuctures; bones, cartilage, fascia, tendons, ligaments and muscles, which are controlled by a sophisticated operating system.

The joints of the body all contain ‘location receptors’ known as Proprioceptors, whose job it is to inform the brain of where the body is in relation to time and space. When your horse works or moves in the same way every day, these receptors become accustomed to the stimuli they receive and are able to accurately and rapidly communicate the location of their particular joint back to the brain. The brain can then instruct the soft tissues responsible for the positioning of the joint to make adjustments to keep it upright.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 45

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

However, when these proprioceptors receive new or different stimuli (which happens at a competition being on a different surface) their reaction is sluggish as they are not familiar with the messages they are receiving. It’s a bit like trying to decipher ‘text speak’ if you are over 30. This delay of information significantly impacts the horses’ ability to respond appropriately to a change in surface, speed, gradient and/or direction of travel.

The ideal example of this in our human world is the all too common twisted/rolled ankle. Walking across rough or different terrain to what you are used to feeds the location receptors with new stimuli. This information is slow to reach the brain, increasing the likelihood that you won’t be able to ‘catch’ your ankle before you twist it.

THE MOVEMENT BUCKETS

The balance between pushing to improve skill but to not cause injury is a universal challenge for riders. Having a formula for soundness doesn’t really exist, but by using the movement bucket concept, you will go a long way to ensuring your horse can stay as sound and as fit for purpose as possible.

Building an athlete is all about filling up the movement buckets:

A THREE DIMENSIONAL APPROACH

Top human athletes use different activities in their training to enhance their performance in their chosen sport. Sitting on top of a cardio base is a layer cake style structure of weights, plyometrics (hopping, jumping, bounding ) hill work, resistance training, etc. Athletes know that their bodies are 3 dimensional and all corners of it need to be working at an optimum level for the best, most sustainable results.

Different movement patterns and challenges are required to target different areas of the body, and to shake it out of it’s cheat sheet or complacent zone.

Transferring this knowledge to the equestrian world shows us that working horses in one way, or doing one activity will only condition the parts of the body the horse chooses to use.

By challenging the nervous system to receive new information through different activities, you can create improved neural pathways, positive musculoskeletal adaptations and a more injury resistant athlete.

46 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

If you take a look at these buckets and relate it to your own training, is there one bucket that is overflowing? Are there deposits in each bucket? Is there one bucket that is empty?

Lets look at an example. Imagine a full bucket gives you 10/10. You would attain this figure if you were concentrating solely on one of the buckets, ie if you are training sport specific skills every day, that bucket could be at a 10. That doesn’t mean that you don’t have anything in the other two; cardio will be being worked, so that can be at a 4 or a 5, and some strength and proprioceptive work is taking place so that bucket might be sitting on a 4. The idea is to level the buckets up. If you added in a couple of session of trot poles or hacking, the proprioceptive bucket would go up to a 7 or an 8 and your sport specific would come down. Cardio will probably increase a little so you start to level things out.

Remember, tennis players don’t just do sport specific work 7 days a week, they have to do specific cardio and strength/ proprioceptive work. They have to fill all 3 buckets too.

INTERNATIONAL RIDER PROFILE

TYPES OF PROPRIOCEPTIVE ACTIVITIES

It doesn’t have to be hugely technical or impossible to achieve, a few trotting/canter poles displayed differently in the arena or the paddock and used 2-3 times a week will have far reaching positive effects.

Hacking out; walking over different terrain, hill work, walking through water. 2 x week or as a warm up to work will improve the overall feedback loop and initiate communication with different muscles.

Lunging; by using proprioceptive bandaging techniques, or a pessoa lunging aid, good proprioceptive links can be developed. Also it offers a good cardio option and allows the horse to work without the rider. The key point with lunging is to ensure you are not training crookedness. Lunging with one lunge line tends to pull the nose inwards on the circle and the outside shoulder falls out, creating horrendous torque to the joints and an imbalance of load through the limbs. Lunging should be carried out with 2 lunge lines, so that the horse can be kept straight.

DRESSAGE HORSE STAGNATION

Dressage horses can often be the victims of onedimensional training. All too often their work is carried out on the same surface under the same conditions, day in, day out. This is not a criticism, it is a reality of the constraints of practicality for a lot of riders, however I believe it is essential to spice things up a bit and throw in some new activities.

Adding new messages from the limbs to the brain has a positive impact on the development of the musculoskeletal system of your horse and will help to build strength in the joint support systems, body awareness and coordination. All essential for the young horse learning where to place their feet, and for the older horse learning control in the higher level movements.

Top Tip Use the weekend, or a day off to plan your riding for the next week. Check which buckets you are not filling and schedule some prep time so that you can prepare exercises for what is needed. Set up trotting poles, find some hacking routes or use what you already have available; paddocks, driveway etc to start building your horse as an athlete.

Event horses are probably the most adaptive athletes of the equestrian community, and the reasons are pretty selfexplanatory. Their discipline requires them to be trained in a variety of different ways, over various terrains and using different skills.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47

NEWS

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It is with considerable sadness that I give notice to hang up my hat and step down from the Dressage NZ board at the end of this year. A change in my work circumstances means that now my work at the Heart Foundation takes me out of town regularly, away from my children and horses and it just won’t be viable for me to continue to do justice as the Marketing and Communications Board Member at DNZ. It has been an honor to be part of Dressage NZ. In the eighteen months that I have been a member of DNZ board I have been blown away by the commitment and professionalism of not only fellow board members but our Sport Manager, Wendy and Event Manager, Celine and also our wider team of committed volunteers. What a great team DNZ are and I shall certainly stay connected and lend a hand when I can. It has been wonderful both with Karen as chair and now with the wonderful Lynda and Dressage NZ just goes from strength to strength.

The good news for our members is it means we have an exciting new vacancy for an enthusiastic person to join the board as the Marketing/ Communications specialist. We are seeking someone who has a background in one or more of the following: marketing/ business/ non-profit management/ PR/ communications.

• The Marketing board member will have the following responsibilities: • Have overview of marketing and communications activities of DNZ • Support Sports manager and events manager to achieve Marketing plan • Work with Sports manager to support achievement of sponsorship • Engage with sponsors at events and support acquisition of new sponsors.

48 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

• Facilitate marketing and comms workshops at Planning meetings and AGM/conference.

• Attend board meetings and be a voice that supports the mission and vision of DNZ. • Work as a team with DNZ board, area groups, volunteers, riders and ESNZ. • Look at and support Sports manager to achieve strategic and corporate opportunities in Marketing, brand, fundraising.

• Have an overview of the DNZ bulletin and support regular evaluation of and ongoing development of the E magazine.

• Be a supportive sounding board for sports manager and events manager.

• Be a face of DNZ board when out and about and promote our vision and mission at all times working with good values and positive attitude.

• Be an administrator of DNZ FB page and post feeds that are relevant to our members.

This is a really exciting opportunity and if you think you might be interested please don’t hesitate to get in touch with me, Kat Macmillan on: dressagenzmarketing@gmail.com 021 02392608 or with Lynda Clark, board chair. I will support the new board member to get established and learn the ropes and can offer ongoing support where time allows. A reminder that board positions are voluntary and require some travel to Wellington and national events. Travel and accommodation expenses are covered.

I look forward to hearing from you.

KAT MACMILLAN DNZ board member – Marketing and Communications.

RED I come home from work and he stares at me When I look in his eye, he sets me free No matter how my day has been it’s like the slate, has been wiped clean I see his face, he makes me smile he stands there waiting, at the stile I know it’s just food he’s after but I don’t care, I’m filled with laughter He has such presence, I can’t deny But there’s a softness, in his eye I’d like to think, if he could talk He’d say “hey Dad, we should walk” And on that walk, I know he’d say Let’s go back, I want some hay I would oblige, it’s only right as to see his face, is such a sight I feel so blessed that we have met and to take his photo, at sunset He’ll be with me, until he dies And I just love, those gorgeous eyes My mate Red

Mark Watson

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49

IN MEMORIAM

Wim Ernes, Olympic Dressage judge and Dutch team coach, has passed away at the age of 58. He is pictured here (far right) celebrating with (left to right) his gold medal winning team of Diederik van Silfhout, Patrick van der Meer, Edward Gal and Hans Peter Minderhoud at the FEI European Championships 2015 in Aachen (GER). Photo: Arnd Bronkhorst

IN MEMORIAM: WIM ERNES (NED) 1958 - 2016

Wim Ernes, Dutch national team coach and FEI 5* Dressage judge, has passed away after a battle against cancer. He was 58.

His proudest moments during six years as national team coach came at last year’s FEI European Championships in Aachen, when the Netherlands took team gold and individual bronze, and at the 1996 Atlanta Olympic Games, when they claimed team and individual silver and individual bronze. But these were just two in a long list of successes that threw the spotlight on Wim Ernes’ role as a highly successful and admired national coach.

His efforts to improve the quality of riding and level of judging is also well known, and judging at the London 2012 Olympic Games, three FEI 50 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

World Cup™ Dressage Finals and at the FEI European Championships 2007 in Turin (ITA) were also major career highlights. When he was promoted to an FEI 5* judge in January 2008 he was one of the youngest ever to join the elite circle at that time.

Wim Ernes was also very involved in the breeding side of the industry, chairing the KWPN Stallion Dressage Selection Committee for three years until November 2015, having previously worked extensively within the Committee for five years before taking over as Chair.

In recognition of his huge contribution to

IN MEMORIAM equestrian sport in the Netherlands, Wim Ernes was honoured with the prestigious golden KNHS award by the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (De Koninklijke Nederlandse Hippische Sportfederatie).

“With the death of Wim Ernes, Dutch elite sport has lost a very special coach with a personal style of working”, High Performance Director at the Netherlands Olympic Committee Maurits Hendriks said. “He was open and believed in the power of sharing.”

“Wim possessed the ability to connect people to work together and create an atmosphere where everyone felt at home,” High Performance Director and Secretary General of the Royal Dutch Equestrian Federation (KNHS) Maarten van der Heijden said.

Frank Kemperman, FEI Executive Board member and Chair of the FEI Dressage Committee also remembers Wim Ernes fondly. “Wim was an all-round horseman with a heart for Dressage. He was also a really focused

judge and a man who was always coming up with new ideas for the sport.

We will miss him intensely.”

Former FEI Dressage Director Trond Asmyr also spoke warmly of him.

“Nobody ever had a bad word to say about Wim. He was one of the sport’s most respected judges and made a real difference to the level of our sport in many countries.”

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

The 2015 European gold medal team of Edward Gal, Hans Peter Minderhoud, Diederik van Silfhout and Patrick van der Meer will carried the coffin at Wim Ernes’ funeral service in his home town of Schimmert (NED) EDITORS NOTE: A number of New Zealand riders had the privilege to be judged by Wim Ermes in Australia, and NZL FEI Judges Helen Hughes-Keen and Sue Hobson had officiated alongside him.

He was truly respected by all who met him and the Dressage community in NZL offers deepest sympathy to Wim’s family

REMEMBERING RESPECTED EQUESTRIENNES Dressage and the wider equestrian community recently lost two members who had both contributed a huge amount to our sport Shirley Watts from Auckland was an area dressage delegate for many years and was instrumental in securing funding for the Auckland Dressage Group all weather development at Clevedon, as well as being involved in

many other facets of equestrian sport.

Anne Kershaw (Masterton) competed her charming horse Puckapunyl up to Advanced level and was a well respected judge who could always see the test from the riders viewpoint. Many horses and people also benefitted from her skills as an osteo cranial therapist.

Dressage NZ and ESNZ extend their sympathies to the families of Shirley & Anne. Our community will miss them both.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 51

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

CENTRAL DISTRICTS ROUNDUP Article by Jess Roberts, Photos by Take the Moment Photography

Manfeild Park turned into a pop-up equestrian village from 28-30 October as competitors from all over the country rolled into Feilding for the 2016 Central Districts Dressage Festival.

AMATEUR CLASSES

These averaged around 10 combinations per class, with the winners clocking up some very respectable scores. In the L1 (CN-C2), Leanne Stokes and Don Royale came out on top; the L2 (CN-C3) went to Nicki Sunley and Laila Dawn. Sharon Dixon just had the edge over Emma Clarke for the L3 (CN-C4) title, on her Gym Bello gelding Garavani.

OPEN CLASSES

The Open L1 title went to Kieran Walton and Wisdom WDS, who also claimed the Highest Percentage prize for their score of 75.804 in the Cheveaux Dansants Stables 1D. Holly Leach’s young stallion HP Fresco made a clean sweep of all his tests to take out the Open L2 Championship. A beautiful winning 73.167% test from Abbie Deken and Giuliani in their L3 Zilco MFS helped them on their way to Champion status, while Melissa Galloway continued her scorching

form; she was not only L4 champion on Windermere J’Obei W, but also reserve champion in both the L6 with Windermere Johanson W, and the L8 with Zeilinger.

Giuliani). Julie Pearson fronted the small L8 field on her Gold Star gelding, Zinstar, winning both the AR Dressage Inter A and the Bunnythorpe Feeds Inter B.

Scooping up the L5 (on NRM KH Arion) and L6 (on NRM Andreas) titles, Vanessa Way had a great show; the icing on the cake was having NRM Arawn back at top level. The 12-yearold Anamour gelding’s road to Grand Prix has had a few unscheduled pitstops along the way due to injury, but he looked fit and fabulous. “I love riding him,” says Vanessa. “We were very rusty with only a two week preparation due to a stone bruise, but I’m so excited for the future ahead this season.”

CDI-Y (YOUNG RIDER)

Waikato combination Sophie de Clifford and Ashanti were the deserving recipients of the L7 championship, maintaining the consistent success they’ve had on their way up the levels.

(On a side note, it’s interesting to see that Ashanti is the dam of L3 champ

52 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

Lucarne Dolley and Devils Chocolate have shot up the FEI Young Rider World Rankings from 127th to 70th place after just inching ahead of Canterbury’s Southland’s Sophie Griffith to win the Pryde’s Easifeed Individual, before also going on to definitively win the Heritage Equine Musical on 71.6%. “I was absolutely stoked with my musical freestyle test,” she says, crediting her success to her recent time in Taranaki. “I’ve been lucky enough to be able to base myself at Vanessa Way’s yard over the winter period which has helped Matilda and I immensely. I cannot thank her enough for all of the help she gives us on a regular basis. Matilda is feeling great at the moment and she keeps trying so hard for me even though she has her

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

moments!” Dolley plans to compete at L7 at their next show – the Wellington Champs.

GRAND PRIX

The Grand Prix competition drew the crowds in, and the last-minute decision to livestream Saturday night’s freestyle saw over 1,500 viewers watching from home. To qualify for the musical, riders had to get over 60% in the previous day’s GP, and so seven combinations lined up: Jody Hartstone and Ali Baba, John Thompson and JHT Antonello, Vanessa Way and NRM Arawn, Abbie Deken and KH Ambrose, Bill Millar and Raukura Satori MH, Kallista Field and Prima Park Vincent, and, last but as it turned out definitely not least, Wendi Williamson and Dejavu MH. The top three all popped up over the 70% mark; Abbie Deken was unlucky to miss out on reserve champion, just half a percent behind John Thompson in the MFS, who finished on 71.175. “I was really happy with the overall feeling that Ambrose gave me in the Grand Prix, he felt more relaxed so I was able to show some nice harmonious work,” Abbie says. “In the freestyle I thought I had really stuffed my canter pirouettes so I repeated one of them which then disrupted my timing and the end of my test was messy and not on plan!”

But neither could beat Team Williamson, topping the leaderboard with 72.95. Now they have their first season tucked safely under their belts, Wendi and ‘DJ’ were on great form,

although Wendi admits to feeling a lot more pressure this time round. “[It’s] very nervous starting your second season because you kind of have an excuse in the first season, you come out in the second season and people expect you to have improved, and it is such a long process with Grand Prix.

“Going into the show I sort of wondered how much progress I’d made over winter but when I got to the show and started riding the tests I really could notice it. I’m really excited and I feel like I’m really going to be well in the 70s soon… hopefully!” She might look at taking DJ to Sydney next April but for now the big focus is on the FEI World Cup Pacific League Final at the 2017 Bates National Championships.

Julie Brougham – sans Vom Feinsten – received a warm welcome when, just prior to prizegiving, she was presented with a beautiful bouquet from Dressage NZ acknowledging her huge achievement of representing New Zealand at the Rio Olympics this year. She gave a short speech about her remarkable experience and thanked everyone for their good wishes and messages of support, which she said were gratefully appreciated when she was so far away from home.

Yet again, a massive thankyou must go to our generous sponsors, and to the show organisers, in particular Celine Filbee and her legendary army of volunteers who keep the cogs of a very large machine running smoothly.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 53

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

PRYDE’S EASIFEED FEI WORLD DRESSAGE CHALLENGE Article by Jess Roberts

New Zealand still leads FEI World Dressage Challenge - With just 6 countries still scheduled to compete in the 2016 FEI World Dressage Challenge, New Zealand is still on top. With a total of 28 countries having competed so far, the New Zealand team of Vanessa Way, Melissa Galloway, Louisa Ayres & Alex Matheson have a comfortable 12.5 pt lead from their nearest rivals Cotsa Rica.

The world-wide challenge will complete in mid-December.

54 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Dressage NZ sincerely thanks the sponsors of the FEI World Dressage Challenge and FEI Dressage World Cup qualifier/ CDIY held at the Central Dressage Festival.

The WDC was held in conjunction with the Central Districts Dressage Festival at the end of October. Each country can enter up to 40 riders, with New Zealand putting forward the full complement. Now in its 36th year, the Challenge has been updated and is no longer divided into regional zones, instead, riders compete across the board for Team World Rankings and Individual World Rankings. The New Zealand team was selected by Judy Alderdice and Helen HughesKeen, and consisted of Melissa Galloway and Windermere Johanson W (Marlborough), Alex Matheson and PSL Lingh II (Waikato), Vanessa Way and NRM Andreas (Taranaki) and Louisa Ayres and Playmate (Wellington).

The Syncroflex Prix St Georges Senior Rider was a team landslide with Way, Galloway and Ayres taking out first, second and third places respectively.

Matheson also comfortably won his class, the Quality Presentations Inter I Senior Rider, putting all team riders into the top 15 on the Individual World Rankings, as giving the Kiwis a provisional lead over the 22 other countries on the Team World Rankings, a healthy 12 points clear of nearest rival, Costa Rica. The WDC wraps up worldwide on 31 December, with 15 countries yet to compete.

Combinations from both the North and South Islands competed in the Pryde’s Easifeed Junior rider, although the lineup was sadly missing Sam

Gradowski Smith after his horse was injured at Taupo the previous weekend.

The honours went to Waikato’s Morgan Beere, winning the title for the second time (the first was in 2014) on Wembleybrooke Sergio, with a score of 68.67. Alison Addis – who turned down a family holiday to the United States and Disneyworld in order to be able to compete, now that’s dedication! – was rewarded with reserve on the charming Whistledown Kristopha. Both girls are also in the top 15 individually.

“The first few movements of the test were very tense with a few spooks but luckily Serge relaxed and settled into some good work,” says Morgan of her win. “This will sadly be my last season on him as I am too tall for him. I would love to ride him forever but as has been pointed out to me by other competitors, soon I will need roller skates!” Morgan has Nationals, HOY and Young Rider mapped out for the remainder of their swansong, and has a 4-yr-old Furstenball mare waiting in the wings: “she will have very big boots to fill.”

Melissa Galloway also rode as an individual on her other mount, Windermere J’Obei W, in the Equissage Medium Senior Rider. Her 71.016 score not only won her the class (just ahead of Sophie de Clifford on Kinnordy Golda and Abbie Deken on Giuliani, who were second and third) but also puts her – also provisionally - into third place on the Individual World Rankings, just a fraction behind two riders from the United Arab Emirates.

“I was incredibly happy with both horses’ tests. Even though [Windermere Johanson W] in the PSG didn’t get a huge score it was one of his best tests and he is very very new to that level, so I was over the moon with him,” says Galloway. “And [Windermere J’Obei W] is something very special and he is always such a pleasure to ride.” She feels very surprised and excited to be ranked third globally at this stage, adding “I’m just so blessed to be able to do something I love so much all the time.”

The WDC provides an opportunity for riders to gain experience competing at FEI level, such as being subject to equipment and welfare stewarding checks, presenting their horses at the prerequisite trot-up (congratulations to Liz Hutson from Wellington for winning the Walton Dressage Stables Champion Best Presented with her gorgeous chestnut Hapsburg PH), to riding in front of an FEI foreign judge – this year we were fortunate to have the uber-experienced Australian FEI5* judge, Mary Seefried as part of the judging panel.

A warm thankyou must also go to our class sponsors, and to Pryde’s Easifeed for their sponsorship of the World Dressage Challenge, and of course to all our indispensable writers, runners, and volunteers.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 55

OVERSEAS RIDER REVIEW

Photo: Lauren James

56 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

OVERSEAS RIDER REVIEW

NICOLE MAGOFFIN - Australia Originally from the Waikato, Nicole Magoffin moved to Australia with her family when she was just two years old. “We are still a fiercely Kiwi family though - All Black lovers through and through!” she says.

This NZL affinity is further demonstrated by the fact that Nicole has to give up her place on the Queensland State Dressage Squad if she wishes to ride as Kiwi in forthcoming CDI competitions She rode for NZL in the Olympic Dressage Qualifying event in Sydney on Jaybee Anzac back in 2008. It was during the season that Equine Influenza hit Australia, forcing the Regional Championships and Olympic qualifying event scheduled for Oct 2007 in Sydney to be cancelled. The FEI Judges headed by Mariette Withages, travelled to Europe, Australia and New Zealand to decide which two nations from Group G would compete at OG 2008 in Beijing. Three members of the NZL team, Kallista Field (Soda) Bill Noble (Vincent St James) and Jody Hartstone (Landioso) competed at Tielcey Park and Nicole competed as the lone Kiwi and fourth team member in Sydney.

Sport Manager Wendy Hamerton recalls the dreadful arena conditions in Sydney “There had been torrential rain and the main arena was simply unrideable. The competition was moved last minute to another arena after Heath Ryan’s horse had a shoe sucked off in a warm up. The new arena was marginally better but not conducive to great performances” Anzac has since been retired but Nicole has another Jaybee bred horse in her stable to continue living her dressage dream.

Affectionately known as Princess Lizzie, Jaybee Ryana is a 16.3hh 11 yr bay mare by Royal Hit out of Jaybee Acacia) “I’ve had the privilege to work with Lizzie for 4 years now and let me say it has truly been a steep learning curve. An incredible athlete with a high sense of self worth and status, she has lived up to her name: Ryana - meaning Princess. I’ve had such pleasure and success with the Jaybee horses that it isn’t hard to believe I wanted another. With a few issues in the changes she is still consistently scoring mid to high 60s, with a few 70% to her name. I keep telling myself I will get those changes sorted.

With a difficult start Princess Lizzie has proven to be a horse you need to look outside the box with, she insists on her princess demands of massages, treats and her personal minions to serve her. However under saddle she gives everything she has to be her best, often at the detriment of her work but she is a dedicated, hard working horse Since beginning her competition career, Princess Lizzie has been nominated in the Top 5 QLD horse of the year at each level she has competed in. We were named on the 2016 State Squad and have just received news of being named in the top 5 Small Tour horse of the year, with a weighted average of 69.8%. “ The short term goals are for the pair are Australian CDI competitions at small tour level Prix St Georges level in 2017. Then hopefully in 2018 on to Grand Prix and travel overseas to campaign, learn and train.

“I’m forever thankful to her owners, Toni and Bruce Savage, Vikki Wade, Amanda Wright and my partner Blake Johnston, and of course our sponsors Mitavite, Horselands and All About Physio.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 57

RIDER PROFILE

SOPHIE DE CLIFFORD’S TRIO OF SUCCESS ASHANTI (Owned by Debbie Smith) is the most experienced of the trio, and is growing the confidence in Level 7. She was a late starter to the more serious business of dressage having been a broodmare in a previous life. She is a real challenge, being so sensitive in every respect and gets very nervous about learning new things, but once she realises she can do it, she’s away! Every time we go down that centreline we get more confidence in each other. I just take it day by day with Ashanti. I’d love to get her to Grand Prix, but she will tell us if that’s possible. I am careful not to fry her insecure brain.

Ashanti: 12yr old mare - Anamour / Devon /Dynamit

ALAMO BL (Owned by Jane Geor) is a complete showman, I absolutely adore him but he does get very hot at shows! I think we are now finally starting to channel his energy in the right direction and he can give an incredible feeling! We are very excited about this guy’s future!

Alamo BL: 7yr old gelding - Anamour / CentapulseXX /T.V Heart ThrobXX

KINNORDY GOLDA has impressed me with her impeccable competition brain and work ethic. This is her first season competing and she just loves being a part of the team! She also shows a lot of talent for the future so I feel pretty lucky to have acquired her from Julie Brougham a few years ago.

Kinnordy Golda: 8yr old mare - Gymnastik Star / Kinnordy Dancing /Daktylus

“It certainly was not my plan to compete three horses but with this lot, how do you choose who to leave behind?

So they all get to go!”

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Sophie (nee Akers) and her husband Leigh are based at Matamata. Sophie and Leigh both have potent equestrian backgrounds from an early age. Sophie is originally from the Manawatu being one of five “Acres of Girls” who rode ponies. Nowadays, it’s the three girls still riding, Sophie, Chloe & Lucy. Chloe & Lucy specialise in the showjumping arena with help from Mum Jane, who is their chief groom, eyes on the ground and rail picker upper! Husband Leigh was born and raised in rural Australia growing up around racing, rodeo and camp drafting. He graduated from Massey in 2008 and worked in a large equine hospital in western Victoria before taking up a position as the private veterinarian for Qatar Bloodstock and Qatar Racing, based in Gloucestershire, UK. His has strong interests in equine sports medicine, and is keen on advancing the management of the equine athlete to get maximum performance in any discipline.

NATIONAL RESULTS

ASHBURTON DRESSAGE SUMMER CHAMPIONSHIP OVERALL CHAMPIONS Training L1 Champion

Carla Lucas

Martini

Reserve

Caitlin Aubrey

Trevalada irish Raighn

L1 Pony Champion

Emma Copplestone

Dinky Di Doff

Reserve

Lucy Cochrane

Haven Witchazel

L2 Pony Champion

Lucy Cochrane

Inspector Gadget

Reserve

Charlotte Thomas

Farview Free Spirit

L1 Open Champion

Bailey McIntosh

Flensburg DeLazio

Reserve

Charlotte Thomas

Te Puke

L2 Open Champion

Lorraine Ward-Smith

Fernlea Diamond Day

Reserve

Jodi Gardner

Zactac Dun-for-Fun

L3 Open Champion

Rebecca Rowlands

Solo

Reserve

Dani Simpson

Greenmoor Euphoria

L4 Open Champion

Sonya McLachlan

Alliarna

Reserve

Nicola Sim

Chocolate Ice

L5 Open Champion

Kirsty Schist

Kintore Romany

Reserve

Adelle O’Neill

Luna Rosa

L6 Open Champion

Fiona Sharpe

Leo Dreams Of Gold

Reserve

Sara Waddell

River Rock

L7 Open Champion

Barbara Chalmers

Rosselini

L8 Open Champion

Kirsty Schist

Kinnordy Gambado

Reserve

Siobhan Fauth

Hollywood Superstar

L9 Open Champion

Jude Nickolls

Glenview Caballero

Kirsty Schist & Kintore Romany Photo: NZ Equine

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 59

RIDER PROFILE

SOPHIE GRIFFITH AND FRANGELICO F Article by Jess Roberts Photo by Take the Moment Photography

This talented South Island combination were runners-up in the CDI Young Rider classes at Central Districts Dressage Festival after travelling all the way up from Christchurch, a trip that starts while most of us are tucked up in bed dreaming about dressage…

“We leave Christchurch at 2.30 in the morning to catch the ferry at nine, and then travel the whole way,” says Sophie. “She (Frangelico F) isn’t a great traveller so we have to do it all in one hit.

Once she has settled in the truck she is ok – I have a chair in the horse area so I can sit with her while she travels. So we end up spending a lot of time together, this can be good and bad!”

They’ve made the trip several times now, and their travel tactics again worked a treat as ‘Fran’ looked fresh as a daisy in her first test, the CDI-Y Individual, where the pair very narrowly missed out on the win, chasing Lucarne Dolley and Devils Chocolate (66.868) into second place (66.658). “It was really good, we just wanted to go out there and do a clean and tidy test and that was exactly what we did. The score came out super close but I couldn’t be disappointed in her performance,” she praises.

20-year-old Sophie describes her mare – who comes from Florencio/Jive Magic/Jazz lines - as “pretty quirky” with an attitude much bigger than her 15hh stature, and likes to live life by her own rules. “She loves her own space and refuses to 60 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

have anyone in the stable next door. She likes to see them but not be able to touch them! She is definitely the dominant one with other horses and occasionally me.”

However she is quick to point out that the horse in the stable is not the same as the one in the arena. “When I get on she tries her hardest and always wants to please. She always keeps me safe and has taught me more than I could ever thank her for. This has been a learning process together [Sophie has been riding Fran, now an 8-year-old, since she was a newly broken youngster] which has formed a pretty strong bond between us.”

Eventing was Sophie’s discipline of choice for most of her childhood, during which she competed in six Springston Trophies for an impressive three individual wins. She caught the dressage bug aged 14 when she started riding for Brugs Nicholls, training her first pony through to L4. She continues to train with Brugs, and says the support she receives from her is amazing.

We wish Sophie and Fran all the best for the rest of their 2016/17 season.

TRAINING TIPS

Sara Waddell and River Rock Photo: Tui Images

OTAGO SUMMER DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIP TOURNAMENT OVERALL CHAMPIONS L1 Open Champion Reserve L2 Open Champion Reserve L3 Open Champion Reserve L4 Open Champion Reserve L5 Open Champion Reserve L6 Open Champion Reserve L7 Open Champion Reserve L8 Open Champion L9 Open Champion

Heilke De Graaf Hannah Johnston Lorraine Ward-Smith Jackie Thomas Rebecca Rowlands Ann McDonald Sonya McLachlan Nicola Sim Adelle O’Neill Sue Woerlee Fiona Sharpe Jackie Thomas Barbara Chalmers Joy White Kirsty Schist Jude Nickolls

Southern Hit Beechcroft Absolute Fernlea Diamond Day Sartorial Hit SW Solo Dixie Rose Alliarna Chocolate Ice Luna Rosa Isle of Mystique Leo Dreams Of Gold Te Peka Liselott Rosselini Gammon KS Kinnordy Gambado Glenview Caballero

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

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 61

YUKIKO KOMORI FONDLY FAREWELLS HER NEW ZEALAND DRESSAGE EXPERIENCE Japanese student Yukiko Komori recently spent the school year at Nga Tawa School (Marton) in the International Equestrian programme. Thanks to Glenrose Friesians (who are a member of the Dressage Stable of Stallions) Yukiko was able to become a regular dressage competitor at central events at Level 3 and 4, and competed successfully at the NZ Young Rider Championships in April and the recent Central Districts Festival.

“I was so happy that I could meet an amazing horse, Ataahu of Glenrose Friesians. It was the first time ever I had ridden a Friesian so sometimes I had a few difficulties, but all these things are very good experience for me. I had a really great time in NZ with him and with many lovely people. For example, my coaches gave me some good advice. To refresh is important for both you and your horse. I rode outside on the beach, in the river and my friends helped me with jumping him - this was also a first time for me. I really enjoyed it, of course I learned a lot of great dressage in NZ. I was able to take lessons from wonderful dressage riders.

And fnally, I was able to gain many valuable new experiences. Before I came to NZ, I had never dreamed I could ride outside (in the open) or try jumping and so on. And now I’m sure these experiences made my horse riding life abundant. So I want to say ‘Thank you so much’ to my coaches, friends and horses. I really enjoyed horse riding in NZ thanks to their support. I love you guys” Yukiko was one of the most experienced riders to go through the Nga Tawa programme having ridden up to Prix St Georges level, had been placed in the Japanese Young Rider Championships on her German imported mare, and had also ridden in Germany and the USA. “Although Yukiko had more equestrian experience than most international students when she arrived, she could not speak more than ten words of English” said Libby Rayner who manages the programme. “However, she soon fitted into life at the school and proved to be a happy 62 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

positive student who formed a great relationship with the owners of the horse, Marianne & Louis Weitenberg, the other students and of course Ataahu. It was a bit of a novelty for her to ride a Friesian, but she grabbed the opportunity with both reins” Many of the girls who come through the programme have very limited experience and some have never touched a horse before they arrive. Students come from all over the world, Thailand, Japan, China, Korea, Germany and France to name a few, and a number of GAP students from the UK are hosted as well.

Nga Tawa is always on the look out for good schoolmasters up to Prix St Georges level to lease for their international students. Contact them if you may have something available. International contacts and relationships can be beneficial for our sport.

TRAINING TIPS

TOP TIPS FOR YOUR WARM UP WITH ANDREA RAVES 1. It is helpful to have a warm up routine at home and stick to this at a show. This allows the horse to rely on something familiar in a different environment and relax more quickly.

The routine is based on the “Scale of Training” and should build up to the appropriate competition level. On the day of competition the warm up includes the movements of the test required and when the horse does them well, they are not repeated during that warm up. If you realise you have not got enough time before your test to practise everything, make sure your basics are correct and the movements will still come off in the test. If you have got too

much time, walk your horse, and use some lateral work in the walk to keep it engaged.

2. Use the same equipment at the show that you use at home so everything feels familiar to you and the horse.

3. Practise your tests or parts of it at home. Set a time when you ride a test at home. This helps you work out the time needed for your warm up.

Good Luck Everyone

Andrea Raves

Photo: Eye Witness Images

UPCOMING EVENTS AT ST PETER’S EQUESTRIAN ACADEMY, CAMBRIDGE Sunday, 6 November 2016 Waikato School of Dressage/Parenga Pony Club Spring Tournament Sunday, 20 November 2016 Practice Show Jumping Saturday, 3 & Sunday, 4 December 2016 Pukete Show Jumping 1* Show Sunday, 19 February 2017 Waikato School of Dressage/Parenga Pony Club Summer Tournament Sunday, 26 March 2017 Waikato School of Dressage/Parenga Pony Club Autumn Tournament Friday, 31 March 2017 N.I.S.S Dressage Championships For further information visit www.stpeters.school.nz - Equestrian Academy

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 63

NATIONAL SERIES LEADERBOARD

NATIONAL SERIES LEADERBOARD current as at 20th November 2016

To keep up to date with the full results Dressage National Series go to National Series Results Equitak Excel Area Team Challenge at 21/11/16 Although they only added three points to their score at Gisborne, Waikato retains a commanding lead in the Equitak Excel Area Team Challenge. Canterbury have moved into second place and still have the home advantage of the Canterbury Championships to come in early December.

This competition is going to build up to a nail biter as the season progresses towards the final decider at the Harper Horsecoaches SI Championships in mid -February 1

Waikato

301

2

Canterbury

193

3

Wellington

177

4

Otago

171

5

Taranaki

138

PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN / PRESTIGE ITALIA DRESSAGE FUTURES PRIZE UP TO 21/11/16 Horses up to 10yrs. Riders up to C7 1

Lorraine Ward-Smith

Fernlea Diamond Day

SCNO

30

2

Rebecca Rowlands

Solo

Canterbury

27

3=

Sophie de Clifford

Kinnordy Golda

Waikato

24

3=

Susan Tomlin

Reflexions

Central Districts

24

3=

Alliarna

Sonya McLachlan

Otago

24

AMS SADDLERY PONY & YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE AWARDS 21/11/16 Riders 20yrs and under at 1/8/16 competing in AMS Levels 1 & 2, Super 5 League Level 3 and above 1

L3

Prima Bella

Isabella Chatfield

Bay of Plenty

24

2

L2

AD Dennache

Isabella Chatfield

Bay of Plenty

20

3

L2

Kiwi Buddy

Bronte Johnston

Wellington

20

4

L2

Tempo’s Magic

Tylah Brown

Wellington

19

5

L6/7

Devils Chocolate

Lucarne Dolley

Waikato

18

64 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

NATIONAL SERIES LEADERBOARD

NORTH ISLAND SUPER 5 LEAGUE Includes points from NICH, Central Districts, Wellington, Waikato, Gisborne VETPRO LEVEL 1 1

Wisdom WDS

Kieryn Walton

Bay of Plenty

27

2

Oranoa Morepork

Anne Webster

Wairarapa

20

3

HBS Always

Zoe Towler

Northern Hawke’s Bay

12

MATTHEWS HANOVERIANS LEVEL 2 1

Presley MH

Wendi Williamson

Waitemata

27

2

HP Fresco

Holly Leach

Waikato

20

3

Laila Dawn

Nicki Sunley

Northern Hawke’s Bay

14

BATESON TRAILERS LEVEL 3 1

Giuliani

Abbie Deken

Taranaki

27

2

Kinnordy Golda

Sophie de Clifford

Waikato

24

3

SWE First Romance

Hannah Best

Northern Hawke’s Bay

14

DUNSTAN HORSEFEEDS LEVEL 4 1

NSC Pronto

Vanessa Way

Taranaki

20

2=

Sisters II Etta J

Chelsea Callaghan

Wellington

20

2=

Alamo BL

Sophie de Clifford

Waikato

19

FIBER FRESH FEEDS LEVEL 5 1

NRM KH Arion

Vanessa Way

Taranaki

24

2

Reflexions

Susan Tomlin

Central Districts

24

3

Sparks Will Fly

Mandy Littlejohn

Central Districts

21

HOBSON HORSECOACHES PRIX ST GEORGES 1

NRM Andreas

Vanessa Way

Taranaki

27

2

Campion KSNZ

Tessa Jacks

Waikato

14

3

Astute

Toni Louisson

Central Districts

14

CUSTOM LOGISTICS LEVEL INTERMEDIATE I 1

Ashanti

Sophie de Clifford

Waikato

19

2

Playmate

Louisa Ayres

Wellington

12

3=

PSL Lingh II

Alex Matheson

Waikato

10

3=

Besonders

Robyn Coupe

Waikato

10

3=

Donnerheim

Vanessa Fenemor

Auckland

10

ANDREA RAVES DRESSAGE INTERMEDIATE A 1

Zinstar

Julie Pearson

Central Districts

10

2

Aztec Lad

Paula Stuart

Waikato

8

3

Woodsbee

Kylie Baker

Waitemata

8

SUPERIOR RUBBER SURFACES GRAND PRIX 1

K H Ambrose

Abbie Deken

Taranaki

14

2

Ali Baba

Jody Hartstone

Waikato

12

3

Dejavu MH

Wendi Williamson

Waitemata

10

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 65

NATIONAL SERIES LEADERBOARD

SOUTH ISLAND SUPER 5 LEAGUE Incl SCNO, Otago, Ashburton, NICH, Central Districts (SI riders are allocated points at NI events) VETPRO LEVEL 1 1

Southern Hit

Hielke De Graaf

Otago

20

2=

Beechcroft Absolut

Hannah Johnston

Otago

17

2=

Count Griffyn

Sharon Chambers

Otago

17

MATTHEWS HANOVERIANS LEVEL 2 1

Fernlea Diamond Day

Lorraine Ward-Smith

SCNO

30

2

Zactac Dun-for-Fun

Jodi Gardner

SCNO

19

3=

Astek Georgia

Jane Olsson

Canterbury

7

3=

Buckton Denniston

Meila Picard

Nelson

7

3=

Delago

Shannon Brien

Canterbury

7

3=

Everton Hara Z

Ann Macdonald

Canterbury

7

3=

Legend

Melissa Hobbs

Southland

7

3=

Sartorial Hit SW

Jackie Thomas

Otago

7

BATESON TRAILERS LEVEL 3 1

Solo

Rebecca Rowlands

Canterbury

27

2

Chocolate Noir

Amanda Waddell

Ashburton

12

3=

Gymnastik Gift

Rhiannon Moss

Canterbury

10

3=

Three Aces

Tiffany Ottley

SCNO

10

DUNSTAN HORSEFEEDS LEVEL 4 1

Alliarna

Sonya McLachlan

Otago

24

2

Chocolate Ice

Nicola Sim

Ashburton

21

3

Windermere JObei W

Melissa Galloway

Marlborough

20

FIBER FRESH FEEDS LEVEL 5 1

Kintore Romany

Kirsty Schist

Canterbury

17

2

Luna Rosa

Adelle O’Neill

Otago

11

3

Isle of Mystique

Susan Woerlee

Canterbury

7

HOBSON HORSECOACHES PRIX ST GEORGES 1=

Windermere Johanson W

Melissa Galloway

Marlborough

12

1=

Leo Dreams Of Gold

Fiona Sharp

Southland

12

3=

Greta

Deborah Rutherford

Otago

8

3=

River Rock

Sarah Waddell

SCNO

8

3=

Sandman

Sharon Brown

Canterbury

8

CUSTOM LOGISTICS LEVEL INTERMEDIATE I 1

Rossellini

Barbara Chalmers

Otago

19

2

Fortunato

Tessa Van Bruggen

Marlborough

5

3

Glamorgan Rhythm ‘n’ Blues

Agnes Irwin

Southland

3

ANDREA RAVES DRESSAGE INTERMEDIATE A 1

Kinnordy Gambado

Kirsty Schist

Canterbury

15

2

Zeilinger

Melissa Galloway

Marlborough

10

SUPERIOR RUBBER SURFACES GRAND PRIX 1

Furst Jupp

Tessa Van Bruggen

Marlborough

3

2=

Glenview Caballero

Judy Nickolls

Southland

1

2=

Millstream Magic

Wendy Butler

Otago

1

2=

AJK Carronade

Soo Wells

Canterbury

1

66 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

NATIONAL SERIES LEADERBOARD

ZILCO NORTH ISLAND DRESSAGE TO MUSIC LEADERBOARDS Includes points from NICH, Central Districts, Wellington, Waikato, Gisborne ZILCO LEVEL 2 1

Presley MH

Wendi Williamson

30

2

HP Fresco

Holly Leach

20

3

The Lovable Rogue

Chanelle Walsh

17

ZILCO LEVEL 3 1

Giuliani

Abbie Deken

30

2=

Kinnordy Golda

Sophie de Clifford

27

2=

SWE First Romance

Hannah Best

27

ZILCO LEVEL 4 1

Sisters II Etta J

Chelsea Callaghan

27

2

Alamo BL

Sophie de Clifford

21

3

NSC Pronto

Vanessa Way

20

ZILCO LEVEL 5 1

NRM KH Arion

Vanessa Way

27

2

Sparks Will Fly

Mandy Littlejohn

24

3

Dante MH

Hannah Burden

17

ZILCO ADVANCED 1

NRM Andreas

Vanessa Way

27

2

Ashanti

Sophie de Clifford

21

3

Devils Chocolate

Lucarne Dolley

17

ZILCO LEVEL 8 1

Zinstar

Julie Pearson

10

2

Parkridge Disco SW

Sheena Ross

7

3=

Woodsbee

Kylie Baker

5

3=

Saskatoon

Nicky Pope

5

3=

Busuto

Devon Raos

5

3=

Aztek Lad

Paula Stuart

5

ZILCO GRAND PRIX 1

K H Ambrose

Abbie Deken

27

2

Dejavu MH

Wendi Williamson

20

3=

NRM Arawn

Vanessa Way

14

3=

Raukura Satori MH

William Millar

14

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 67

NATIONAL SERIES LEADERBOARD

ZILCO SOUTH ISLAND DRESSAGE TO MUSIC LEADERBOARDS Includes SCNO, Otago, Ashburton, NICH, Central Districts (SI riders gain points at NI events) ZILCO LEVEL 2

1 2 3

Fernlea Diamond Day Sartorial Hit SW Delago

Lorraine Ward-Smith Jackie Thomas Shannon Brien

30 10 8

Rebecca Rowlands Tiffany Ottley Amanda Waddell

30 19 17

Sonya McLachlan Melissa Galloway Rebecca Rowlands

21 20 15

Luna Rosa Kintore Romany

Adelle O’Neill Kirsty Schist

15 14

Amberleigh Remembrance

Shannon Brien

6

Barbara Chalmers Melissa Galloway Fiona Sharp

17 14 12

Melissa Galloway Kirsty Schist Siobhan Fauth

12 8 3

Judy Nickolls Soo Wells

3 1

ZILCO LEVEL 3

1 2 3

Solo Three Aces Chocolat Noir

ZILCO LEVEL 4

1 2 3

Alliarna Windermere JObei W Southwell Rendevouz

ZILCO LEVEL 5

1 2 3

ZILCO ADVANCED

1 2 3

Rossellini Windermere Johanson W Leo Dreams Of Gold

ZILCO LEVEL 8

1 2 3

Zeilinger Kinnordy Gambado Hollywood Superstar

ZILCO GRAND PRIX

1 2

Glenview Gaballero AJK Carronade

68 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

NATIONAL EVENT QUALIFICATIONS

QUALIFICATION FOR NATIONAL EVENTS 2016/17 BATES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS: 2-5 FEBRUARY (OPEN & AMATEUR) Entries Close 16 Dec on Equestrian Entries Qualification Criteria: The following scores must be achieved at a Regional, Island or National Championship or Horse of the Year between 1st January 2016 and 30th January 2017.

Levels 1 - 2:

One total score of 63% and over Levels 3 - 5: One total score of 60% and over Levels 6 - 9:

One total score of 57% and over (A total score is the final combined marks of all judges) Level 6 - 9, Championships: Grading points at date of close of entry (16th December 2016).

Level 6: PSG Championship for horses that have gained not more than 60 points in Level 7 Level 7: Int I Championship for horses that have gained not more than 60 points in Level 8 Level 8: Inter II Championship for horses that have gained not more than 60 points in Level 9 Note: Level 6 &7 Freestyles at the NCH will be ridden as separate classes. Level 6 horses will be restricted to level 6 movements using the Dressage NZ Advanced Freestyle (ie 3x and 4x tempi changes and canter half pirouettes only). Level 7 will ride the FEI Int I Freestyle.

HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 7-12 MARCH 2017 Entries Close 24 January on Equestrian Entries HORSES Level 1: Horses must have gained one score of 63% or more in a graded ESNZ test at a Regional, NI or SI Championship or Young Rider Championship show. Level 1 Horses that have qualified in a Zilco Level 2 Musical Freestyle Qualifier may enter either the HOY Level 1 Horse Title OR the HOY Level 2 Title classes.

Level 2: 63% (1 score) in a Zilco Musical Qualifier.

Level 3 and Level 4: 63% (1 score) in a Zilco Musical Qualifier.

Level 5 and 6/7: 60% (1 score) in a Zilco Musical Qualifier.

Level 8:

58% in a level 8 or 9 test (not FS) at a RE, ICH or NCH Grand Prix (CDI 3*)

58% in a Grand Prix, or GPS at a RE, ICH or NCH CDIY 60% in Test 6B, PSG/YR, Int I at a RE, ICH, YRCH or NCH PONIES Ponies do not qualify in a Musical Freestyle.

Levels 1, 2 & 3 must have gained 60% or more in a graded ESNZ competition since 1 August 2016 at the level they are entering.

The Dressage Pony of the Year Title is run under Dressage NZ Article 465 Special Conditions.

Ponies with more than 30 Level 5 points or above are eligible. All ponies compete on equal terms.

The Dressage Pony of the Year Title will be decided at Level 4 and will be open to ponies that have gained 60% or more in a Level 3 or above graded competition since 1 August 2016. Downgraded ponies are eligible EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES U25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS Taupo NEC 1/2 April 2017 New for 2017: The Waldebago Trophy for the NZ Young Rider Championship will be contested at Level 6, not Grand Prix. There will be a new U25 Championship introduced at Grand Prix level. Riders from 16-25yrs may contest the U25 GP level Championship No prior qualification necessary for any class at this event DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 69

DRESSAGE NZ PROUDLY PRESENTS THE

2-5 FEBRUARY 2017 MANFEILD PARK SOUTH ST, FEILDING

Molly Lumb & Lucarne Dolley // Libby Law Photo

BATES NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

INCLUDING… » BATES NZ OPEN CHAMPIONSHIPS » FEI CDI-P & CDI-Y » NORTH ISLAND SUPER 5 SEMI FINALS LEVELS 1-9 » NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS LEVELS 1-7 » ELITE EQUINE YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIP » NATIONAL MASTERS CHAMPIONSHIPS » PARA EQUESTRIAN NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Dressage Musical Spectacular featuring the

CARTOWN FEI PACIFIC LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINAL Grand Prix Musical Freestyle (CDIW) With Australian Competitors, Livamol Optimiser Jumping Class - Saturday Night, Stadium Opens 5.30pm. Arena Side Tables & Dinner $880 per table of 8 or $120 individual.

To book email: dressage@inspire.net.nz

ENTRY CLOSING DATE: Friday 16th December 2016 via www.equestrianentries.co.nz

GENERAL ADMISSION TICKETS $15 AT DOOR OR EVENT OFFICE FROM 2ND FEB OR FROM WWW.TICKETDIRECT.CO.NZ + BOOKING FEES

EVENT LIVE STREAMED AT WWW.EQUESTRIANLIVE.CO.NZ 70 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

BATES NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS & FEI PACIFIC LEAGUE WORLD CUP FINAL™ 2-5 February 2017 | Manfeild Park – Feilding

Entries Close Friday 16 Dec 2016 on Equestrian Entries: Qualification Period 1 from 1 Jan 2016 • CDIW and Young Rider & Pony International Events (CDIY/P) • Bates All Grade Championships, Super 5 League Finals.

• Elite Equine NZ Young Dressage Horse Championship • Amateur Rider Championships and Masters Championships • Para Dressage National Championships • Dressage Musical Spectacular Sat 4th March. Door sales from 5.30pm NATIONAL AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS AT THE BATES NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Amateur Championship at levels 1 to 4 will be run alongside the Bates Open Championship at the Bates National Dressage Championships as separate classes. Amateur Awards will be awarded in higher grades based on Championship points earned in the Open classes. Eligibility is based around rider categories. Qualification for the Championships will be at Regional Events with the same qualification for both championships. The term “Amateur” is connected to rider category status and bears no reference to the term amateur vs professional in terms of earning income in the sport.

HARPER HORSECOACHES SOUTH ISLAND FESTIVAL OF DRESSAGE Gore |10 – 12 February 2017

Entries close on 31 December at www.equestrianentries.org.nz

SI JUDGES CLINIC WITH 4* FEI JUDGE ANNE PRAIN (FRA) Gore|Monday 13th Feb Details SI Festival Dressage Facebook https://www.facebook.com/ SIDressage/?fref=ts&ref=br_tf

SUPER 5 DRESSAGE LEAGUE

The 2016-17 Super 5 League comprises a points series in each island at all graded Levels 1-9 (top 5 points only to count) plus an island final at both the South Island Festival of Dressage and the Bates National Championships. National Super 5 rankings will be determined from % in each level at both these events.

Tests used for Super at Regional and National Events: Levels 1 to 5 - C Tests, Level 6 - FEI PSG v 2015, Level 7 - FEI Intermediate I v 2015, Level 8 FEI Intermediate A v 2015, Level 9 Regional Events - FEI Intermediate II or Grand Prix 2015. South Island Festival of Dressage & Bates National Championships SRS Final - FEI Intermediate II 2016.

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 71

NATIONAL SERIES ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES

perform at International Dressage level.

The Elite Equine National Young Horse Dressage Championship & Age Group Championships will be held at the Bates National Championships, 2 –5 Feb 2017 at Manfeild Park.

The series includes Levels 2 to 9 (Advanced levels 6/7 combined) With an increasing number of riders competing inter-island the series conditions for 2016/17 have been amended in order not to disadvantage riders competing outside their island of origin

The Elite Equine South Island Young Horse Dressage Championships will be held at the Festival of Futures Stars Championships, Canterbury Agricultural Park, 8/9 April 2017

Only the top 5 points will count • Combinations earn points in their Island of origin Leaderboard regardless of the venue of the competition • The SI Leaderboard will complete at the South Island Championships.

• The NI Leaderboard will complete at HoY • South Island based riders can earn points for the SI Leaderboard at any RE or ICH except HoY. • South Island riders will not earn Leaderboard points at HoY, but can be placed in the class.

• North Island based riders can earn points towards the NI Leaderboard at any RE, ICH or HoY • North Island Leaderboard points will be attributed to the top 5 placed North Island combinations at HOY. • Scores of 70 plus % - gain 10 points • Scores of 65 to 69.99% gain 7 points • Scores of 60 – 64.99% gain 5 points • Scores of 57 – 59.99% gain 3 points.

• Scores less than 57% gain 1 point.

• Bonus points will be added at the South Island Festival of Dressage and at Horse of the Year - 2 extra points per placing for scores achieved.

ELITE EQUINE YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPIONSHIPS The purpose of the competitions are to select the best young horse which is progressing on the correct way of training, with the potential to capably 72 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

PRESTIGE Equestrian www.prestigeequestrian.co.nz

Ltd.

PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE FUTURES PRIZE

The Prestige Equestrian Futures Prize will be awarded to the best performed combination competing in the Super 5 League at Regional & Island events from October 2016 – February 2017 and meeting the following eligibility conditions. 4-10 year old horses competing at Levels 1 - 7 with CN - C7 riders at 1 August 2016 (Riders not to have ever earned grading points at Level 8 or above as at 1 August 2016) AMS SADDLERY PONY & YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE LEAGUE

AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance League aims to increase participation at a Pony & Young Rider level and to establish a culture where these riders compete against their peers of a similar age and experience. Every Regional Event, the Pryde’s Easifeed South Island Festival of Dressage and North Island Championships will run Pony and Young Rider classes at Levels 1 and 2. The league will culminate at the U25 NZ Pony & Championships in April 2017. Competitors must be 20 years or under at 1 August 2016 to participate. Scores will be taken from Super 5 tests at Level 3 and above.

League winner to receive a fabulous dressage saddle.

NATIONAL SERIES EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES NZ U25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS (PONY RIDERS & RIDERS 16-25 YRS) 1-2 April 2017 | Fiber Fresh

31st March 2017. The competition is open to Category CN - C5 riders aged 21yrs and over as at 1 April 2016 (C5 riders have never earned grading points at any level above Level 5) Riders must be annual competitive members of the ESNZ. All participating horses must be registered and pay start levies for graded competitions.

National Equestrian Centre Taupo

HORSE SPORTS YOUNG RIDER AMATEUR TOP TEN LEAGUE

Featuring the Hyland Pony Championship & Waldebago Young Rider Championship, York Corporation Inter-Island Team Challenge plus the final of the AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance League.

Classes for riders up to 25yrs and including pony and young rider nongraded section up to 21yrs. No prior qualification required. www.facebook. com/NZ Pony & Young Rider Dressage Championships.

Pony & Young Riders who have never earned points at level 5 or above, and are competing on horses or ponies up to Level 4 at 1/8/16 can compete in the Horse Sports League. All participating riders, ponies & horses must be fully ESNZ registered. Scores from 1/8/16 until 10/4/17 will count towards the Horse Sports League. Level 1 horses & ponies must be competed by riders with no Level 3 or above points, Level 2 by riders with no Level 4 or above points and Level 3 & 4 and above by riders with no points at level 5 and above as at 1/8/16.

FLYING HORSE MASTERS TOP TEN LEAGUE

This competition is designed to promote dressage competition and participation for Masters Riders.

The Flying Horse series provides an opportunity for riders to compete against peers at five different levels at all levels of events and competition regardless whether riders compete locally, regionally or nationally. The competition will be open to riders 50 years & over as at 1 April 2016 and is run in five main divisions plus special awards from 1st April 2016 until 31st March 2017.

ALLINFLEX AMATEUR TOP TEN LEAGUE

The AllinFlex Amateur Top Ten League extends from 1 April 2016 until

The top 10 scores in graded competitions will count. There will be rosettes for the top placed horse and top placed pony in each area, plus national champions and reserves in all six divisions.

PRYDES EASIFEED SOUTH ISLAND YOUNG RIDER HI-POINTS SERIES

Each of the seven South Island Regional Events will offer a Hi- Points Qualifier class with the finals being decided at the South Island Festival of Dressage in 10/12 Feb in Gore. Riders must be max 20yrs as at 1 Aug 2016.

There is no minimum age limit for pony riders. Riders on horses must be at 12yrs in the calendar year 2016

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 73

STABLE OF STALLIONS AIRTHREY HIGHLANDER

lmoughan@xtra.co.nz

www.airthreylodgesporthorses.co.nz

CRYSTAL MT XODO

sandy@crystalmountain.co.nz

www.crystalmountainstud.co.nz

DONNERUBIN & ROHDINGER

jacindayounger@xtra.co.nz

www.donnerubin.co.nz

EQUIBREED & WEST KINGTON STUD

lee@equibreed.co.nz

www.equibreed.co.nz

FLORIS & JOLMER FAN TWILLENS

marianne@glenrosefriesians.co.nz

www.glenrosefriesians.co.nz

FUGATO SW

sheenamross@gmail.com

www.sterlingwarmbloods.co.nz

GOLDEN STRIKE

adponystud@hotmail.com

A D Pony Stud - Facebook

GOSS GREEN MIRAGE

info@gossgreensporthorses.com

www.gossgreensporthorses.com

GT JAKE

info@roystonequine.co.nz

www.roystonequine.wordpress.com

GYMNASTIK STAR

pwjmatthews@xtra.co.nz

www.matthewshanoverians.co.nz

HP FRESCO & JHT CHEMISTRY

hpequine@vodafone.co.nz

www.hollywoodparkequine.com

WORLDLY

renai@riverparkfarm.co.nz

www.riverparkfarm.co.nz

The Stable of Stallions is a co-operative fund raising venture between Stud Owners and Dressage giving mare owners the opportunity to secure discounted service rates and support Dressage WHAT IS THE STABLE OF STALLIONS? The Stable of Stallions is a joint venture between Dressage NZ and stallion owners.

WHAT ARE THE OBJECTIVES OF THE STABLE OF STALLIONS PROJECT? The Stable of Stallions has four key objectives • For the Studs: To assist stallions owners promote their stallions in a cost effective way by utilising the marketing opportunities available via Dressage NZ • For the Breeders: To make available discounted stallion services from participating studs/stallions which makes the use of these studs more desirable and cost effective and with the knowledge they are also supporting the development of equestrian sport in New Zealand • For Equestrian Sport: The increased availability of quality purpose bred sport horses thus boosting the development of equestrian sport in all disciplines.

• For Dressage NZ Events: Increased funds to further develop the major events on the Dressage Calendar, the National Championships and the Under 25 Championships HOW DOES IT WORK? All participating studs have generously donated ONE SOS service. The stud retains any booking fee and any usual applicable stud charges and Dressage NZ benefits from the service fee balance. The good news is we discount all services by $200 giving our fans a great deal. You must call the stud and use the promo code Stable of Stallions - and contact Dressage NZ if you are the lucky purchaser. Tell your friends - help us sell ALL of these services.

Dressage NZ wishes to thank the above studs who so generously supported the Stable of Stallions this season. Your involvement in this fundraising project has been simply amazing and will make a huge difference to the events you have supported. The Central Dressage Festival CDIW 2016, the Bates National Championships and the Equestrian Entries U25 Championships 2017.

Thank you all.

74 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | DECEMBER 2016

DRESSAGE DIRECTORY Dressage Area Group Websites and other useful links.

Equestrian Sports NZ/Dressage www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage www.facebook.com/Dressage NZ www.facebook.com/Equestrian Sports NZ www.facebook.com/DressageNZ U25 Championships www.facebook.com/Stable of the Stallions Dressage Bay of Islands www.sporty.co.nz/bayofislandsdressagegroup Dressage Northland www.sporty.co.nz/dressagenorthland

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

Dressage Waitemata www.dressagewaitemata.co.nz

Dressage Taranaki www.dressagetaranaki.co.nz

Dressage Warkworth www.warkworthdressage.webs.com

Dressage Wellington www.dressagewellington.org.nz

Dressage Auckland - Manukau www.amdg.org.nz

Dressage Horowhenua www.horowhenuadressage.com

Dressage Waikato www.dressagewaikato.co.nz

Dressage Wairarapa www.dressagewairarapa.com

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

Dressage Nelson www.nelsondressage.webs.com

Dressage Gisborne www.gisbornedressage.org.nz

Dressage Marlborough

www.sporty.co.nz/marlboroughdressage

Dressage Bay of Plenty www.dressagebayofplenty.co.nz

Dressage Canterbury

www.freewebs.com/canterburydressage

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

Dressage Otago www.dressageotago.webs.com

Dressage Rotorua www.sportsground.co.nz/dressagerotorua

Dressage Southland www.dressage-southland.com

Dressage Tauranga www.dressagetauranga.co.nz

National Equestrian Centres www.nzequestrian.org.nz

Dressage Taupo www.sportsground.co.nz/taupodressagegroup

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

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

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

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

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

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

Northgate Lodge www.northgatelodgeequestrian.com (Northland)

DECEMBER 2016 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 75