DressageNZ Bulletin

Issue 10 | May 2017

Featuring...

UNDER 25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS

Redefining the core

issue Rolmanis is proudly - This Debbie brought to you by

LIFE IS ABOUT HATTON LILLY HAVING A & PASSION HORSE - TaraFLOATS Kusch EQUITANA Auckland 2017 announced

EDITORIAL

From the Editor WELCOME TO THE TENTH ISSUE OF THE DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN From time to time we get queries about the business model of the DressageNZ Bulletin. First and foremost, we are proud the magazine is free to view on line for all our members and fans.

Yes, it is less costly to produce than a printed version with associated subscription and distribution costs.

Yes, it is the official publication of DressageNZ but that does not mean that it is affordable to include unpaid advertising. Our goal is to produce the magazine at a neutral price tag to the membership by selling advertising to cover the production costs. Advertising of any event or project (including those run by Dressage NZ) must contribute to the production costs, but we love to run post event reports and images if provided, at no charge. Area groups are offered discounted advertising rates. Take advantage of this to promote what is happening in your area in the coming season. Reach a wider fan base to increase participation and perhaps get more volunteers involved – people who love horses and may be prepared to come and help out in all sorts of ways. By sharing the links to the magazine you just never know who you may inspire.

Consider promoting your own activities and encourage your sponsors to advertise – you may even be able to build a joint venture with one of your sponsors to fund your advertising.

Snaffle Design is contracted by Dressage NZ to secure the advertising and produce the magazine. If you are contacted by Snaffle Design, know that you are supporting Dressage NZ. The bigger and better the magazine, the more advertising we need to support it.

Before I sign off this month, a reminder to riders to make a special effort to thank the sponsors of your events, big or small, win or lose. Sponsors support your show not only as a form of advertising, but also because they enjoy seeing our sport prosper and develop. Aside from the commercial aspect, they also really enjoy hearing from riders, getting product feedback and like to know their support is appreciated.

DRESSAGE NZ - THE TEAM THEME.

Wendy.

Cover Image: Caitlin Benzie and Rosari Royal Gem Photo Credit: Libby Law Photography

Editor: Wendy Hamerton Email: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz

Back Page: Alix Campbell on Nicky Pope’s HPH Phelix Phelicious Photo Credit: Libby Law Photography

Graphic Design, Sales & Advertising: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz

2 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz

Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2017

CONTENTS

8

16

32

40 CONTENT

6

14

EQUITANA AUCKLAND ANNOUNCED

MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH

36 FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS...

We have your winter season sorted across the whole country!

Proudly presented by Zilco, we take a look at the champions...

44

22

30

AMY SAGE...

The AMS Pony & Young Rider Performance Award winner...

SPOTLIGHT ON: ALICIA RYAN

48

51

52

WHAT'S ON...

SI JUDGES SCHOLARSHIP

DRESSAGE NZ NOTICE BOARD

and Hapsburg PSH

with Maria Schwennesen...

Applications now open...

What's happening this month for Dressage in New Zealand...

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 3

NEWS

NEWS GUEST COLUMN WITH DRESSAGE CHAIR LYNDA CLARK We are a Team As I write this I am enjoying the extra days afforded by Easter. Great to get some quality horse time, family time and time to reflect. Easter for some of us came right on the heels of dressage planning meeting, held 12th April. This was my first planning meeting in my role as chair and the first run through under the revised dressage by-law. It was great to catch up with familiar faces and to welcome those new to the committee.

The Committee comprising area delegates, rider’s reps, dressage board members and the President and CEO of ESNZ ex officio get together twice during the year, the first being planning meeting and again at the AGM/ conference. Area delegates and riders

reps are your voice and vote at these forums. You are welcome to attend and take part, however voting is limited to committee members.

Planning meeting provides the opportunity to contribute to two key aspects influencing the future of dressage in NZ. Firstly, to inform and contribute to the development of the strategic plan and secondly to engage in discussions pertaining to remits and other relevant business. A remit is a recommendation or request to amend or include rules governing dressage in New Zealand.

The opportunity for Committee to contribute to the strategic direction of dressage in New Zealand doesn’t happen very often. The session, themed Change is constant, progress is optional provided the opportunity to further develop the purpose, vision and values

HOY LOWRY MEDALLION TO VANESSA WAY Congratulations to dressage devotee Vanessa Way who has won the coveted Lowry Medallion for the Rider of the Year at the 2017 Horse of the Year Show.

The medallion is for most points accrued at the show in any discipline/s.

Donated by Mr J N Lowry, Hastings, the medallion was first awarded as the Presidents Spurs Trophy by WR Duncan 4 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

then as the Lowry Medallion in 1962 With her team of four top performing dressage horses, NSC Pronto (2x 1st/1 x 2nd), NRM KH Arion (1x 1s /2x 3rd), NRM Andreas (1x 1st/2x 2nd) and NRM Arawn (2x 4th /1x 6th in Grand Prix) Vanessa was a deserved winner outclassing performances across all disciplines.

of Dressage NZ. Time was invested in identifying the strategic priorities for the sport. What really hit home for me was the significance of volunteer fatigue and that succession is a very real issue for us all.

Another observation was that some of the remits received could more appropriately be categorised as topics for discussion. Rather than receive these as remits (which is more about rules) I sense we need to ensure there is time set aside at these twice-yearly meetings to address and rigorously debate topics pertaining to the successful and professional running of dressage in NZ. To provide the opportunity to take part in rigorous, respectful and honest discussion is valuable as we work towards being the A team and part of a great organisation supporting champions in all aspects of the dressage.

NEWS

"We have noticed and felt an immediate improvement in the attitude and movement of 'Leo', he appears so much more comfortable in himself and his progress has accelerated since using your products."

Kate McMillan - Moore's Riding Wear

HP FRESCO IN DAZZLING FORM Holly Leach and HP Fresco (Fackeltanz/HP Leibelei/ Lander) wound up their successful 5YO Young Horse campaign in Australia with a Reserve Champion at the Sydney CDI. On day one, from a field of 19, they finished in 6th place with a score of 79.60. The top ten placegetters went through to the second round and Fresco really found form being edged out of a win by a mere 0.2% scoring 77.2%.

This put them into an overall top three 5YO position and a place in the third round where horses were put through their paces by Melanie Campbell (nee Schmerglatt) pictured below.

The winner of the second round, the Emma Youngman owned Desperados gelding, Revelwood Desmond, ridden by Daniella Dierks prevailed and took out the 5YO title.

Photo: Franz Venhaus

HP Fresco proved to be very consistent over the two events he contested, Dressage with the Stars and the Sydney CDI. An amended result from DWTS saw them move up to Reserve Champion in Melbourne as well.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

NATIONAL EVENT PREVIEW John Thompson and JHT Antonello in full flight during the Riding With The Stars show last year.

Photo Credit: Libby Law Photography

EQUITANA AUCKLAND NZ OPEN ANNOUNCED Dressage to Scale New Heights at EQUITANA Auckland There’s prestigious honours and plenty of money on the line at the inaugural New Zealand Dressage Open being held at EQUITANA Auckland in November.

In announcing the EQUITANA NZ Open today, event director Andrew Hansen said it was an exciting step for the sport of dressage, and a progression from the innovative Riding With The Stars, held in 2016 which attracted a stellar line-up of trans Tasman stars.

“The N Z Open will offer the richest prizes in dressage in New Zealand this year and with interest already signalled from some top trans Tasman riders, is stacking up to be a real Aussie versus Kiwi battle.”

There will be two EQUITANA NZ Open crowns up for grabs – in the freestyle to music and grand prix.

The NZ Freestyle Dressage Open 6 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

will feature just six of the very best combinations on Friday evening, while the New Zealand Grand Prix Dressage Open is on Sunday morning.

“We are all really looking forward to this,” he said.

The news has been welcomed by Dressage New Zealand sport manager Wendy Hamerton.

“Riding with the Stars in 2016 represented a new concept in bringing dressage to the public in a wonderfully entertaining way,” said Hamerton. “I am sure EQUITANA Auckland will not disappoint and that this will be an event not to be missed. It will be a great opportunity for riders and fans to have fun and be part of a fabulous equestrian showcase in central Auckland.”

Hansen is also in talks with potential international technology partners who will bring the possibility of special

crowd interaction for the classes.

EQUITANA Auckland is the first time the internationally-successful event has come to New Zealand, but it has a huge following at its Germany and Australian equivalents.

“Stars presenters like Charlotte Dujardin, Ingrid Klimke, Isabell Werth and others have all been at EQUITANA, and we are planning to bring real superstars here too.”

EQUITANA Auckland is being held at the ASB Showgrounds in Greenlane, Auckland, from November 23-26.

“It is going to be quite special to have an event like this, featuring top riders from across Australasia right in the heart of our biggest city.”

Tickets go on sale in July and will be available through www.equitanaakl.co.nz .

THE EQUINE WORLD IS COMING TO NEW ZEALAND.

FEATURING SOME OF THE BEST COMBINATIONS FROM BOTH SIDES OF THE TASMAN. 23-26 NOV 2017, ASB SHOWGROUNDS. WWW.EQUITANAAKL.CO.NZ TICKETS ON SALE JULY

IN PARTNERSHIP WITH

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7

Photo credit: LL-foto

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

MEETING WITH TRIUMPH AND DISASTER Article by Jess Roberts

Jess Roberts caught up with Wendi Williamson for a quick chat before she hopped back onto another plane, bound again for the Northern Hemisphere. Ever positive and the consummate professional, Williamson has left the heartbreak of Omaha behind her and is headed into the midst of Europe’s outdoor dressage season with the irrepressible Dejavu MH. How you’d fit into your diary what Wendi Williamson has managed to fit into hers lately leaves one exhausted at the thought; when I call her she has just walked in the door of her Waitekauri Farm home in Waimauku. We conduct our interview to a symphony of pots and pans and “now’s good if you can put up with me stirring dinner!” She’d 8 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

only been back in NZ for a week and left for the UK again on Easter Monday.

Meanwhile, Dejavu MH is safely back in England, enjoying a spring breather after his whirlwind trip to Omaha. He is based in Ledbury, Herefordshire, and being expertly cared for by his ‘supergroom’ Hannah Comrie. “He’s

had a little break, he’s had a week off now and by the time I get back there it’ll be two weeks but Hannah’s been hacking him,” says Williamson. She will then have a fortnight to prepare for the Hagen CDI4* in Germany, after receiving the exciting news that her entry for this prestigious show, and also Windsor CDI 4* 10th - 14th

INTERNATIONAL NEWS [Dujardin] here at Christmas and she helped me a lot and he’s gone up a notch again since then. I felt disappointed that we couldn’t showcase NZ dressage and the horse’s ability.”

May had been accepted. “It’s a massive deal, it is really hard to get into,” she points out. “That’s going to be a whole new experience again for sure! It’s an outdoor show and very big.”

It is hugely expensive to get horses transported to shows around Europe – as in, tens of thousands of NZ dollars - so Williamson has instead hired a horse van and will drive herself, DJ and Hannah to the event. They’ll take the ferry across the English channel before driving a further 12 hours up into Germany. “I have to grow some big girl pants!” she laughs. “I just don’t know my way round the environment - and I’ve got to get myself and Hannah there driving on the righthand side of the road!”

So… Omaha. With the world watching, not to mention the massive cost of travelling halfway round the planet. Utterly devastating, to say the least. “We were gutted. I hid for about an hour, and re-evaluated my life. I thought, if I stop now I basically…

all the goals that I’ve been working towards… my riding wouldn’t have any meaning if I didn’t keep going,” she reflects, after her shock elimination subsequent to stewards finding a small amount of blood in DJ’s mouth at the final check after their Grand Prix had been completed. Wound up, he had inadvertently bitten the inside of his cheek, ruling them out of the World Cup Final Freestyle. The rules require a score on the board of 60% or more and the elimination by the President of the Ground Jury was not subject to appeal.

Even though the horse was cleared to ride (school) the following day by the FEI vet, FEI rules for dressage competition meant the dream was over as a qualifying score had not been posted.

“It was really disappointing and gut wrenching because it was such an effort to get there. And I just felt so disappointed because the horse was going so well – he’d gone up a gear again from Nationals. I had Charlotte

30 YEARS OF EXPERIENCE IN SAFE, QUALITY HORSE TRANSPORT CONTACT: LYN HATTON PH 027 206 7439 | sales@hattonandlilly.co.nz

“The thing that was so amazing was how many people were supporting us and it seemed to be getting more and more and more,” she says of the NZ contingent following her journey on social media. “I just felt like I let everyone down, I really felt that. The support has been amazing and the people that contacted me after the event saying ‘it happens, and that’s horses, and we support you,’ it’s just amazing, incredible really. So I feel like people understand.”

Was it a little scary to be riding around with the likes of Carl Hester and Isabell Werth? “Absolutely! The first day I rode over there I sort of felt like a bit of a nervous rabbit! I sort of didn’t look the other riders in the eye and I was kind of shuffling around getting out of peoples way,” she admits. “Then it was my husband [Jonnie], he said to me ‘your horse is as good as any of those out there, just hold your head up.’ And I did, and I got some amazing compliments from some of those top riders. I think they really recognised his ability.” The 11-year-old De Niro gelding certainly looked amazing: “Yes, he was passaging and piaffing around

Proudly New Zealand Made

www.hattonandlilly.co.nz MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

INTERNATIONAL NEWS the arena familiarisation like a real international horse, it felt very cool!”

DJ was stabled next to Isabell Werth (GER) and Judy Reynolds’ (IRE) horses and across from Carl Hester (GBR) and Kristy Oatley (AUS). “I had the best aisle!” says Williamson. “Carl’s groom Alan and Judy Reynolds’ groom and Kristy Oatley’s grooms are truly professional grooms and they were just amazing; and they were really amazing to Hannah - they really tried to make her feel included. Because it’s pretty much a groom’s world there, the riders just rock up and ride their horses and do their tests. The grooms do everything – they’re a really amazing bunch of people, that’s for sure.”

“It’s not anything we can be acclimatised to from NZ,” Williamson states, when I wonder about solving the problem of atmosphere. Her two indoor shows at NZ’s Manfeild Park pale in comparison to the 10-12 indoor starts her European counterparts have over winter. “We might have a few hundred people as an audience; they’ve got thousands. I would recommend to anyone to first go over and try to get some exposure in one of those indoor venues. The people clap in the middle of your tests, there’s clapping all the time. My horse just thought he was in a prizegiving! It was crazy. And of course you are indoors inside the venue [at Omaha] so it’s really noisy – they’re in a pumped up atmosphere even though they’re in their stables.”

“But [the atmosphere] is amazing at the same time, I so wished my horse had coped with it,” she says wistfully.

“Because I felt that I would have been able to do the freestyle better because you’ve got more leeway to get things done at your own pace, so I felt like I would have had a better chance, but…”

It’s onwards and upwards from here, however, and DJ is in great shape. “He felt amazing [at the World Cup Final] and he continues to amaze us how well he is. He hasn’t done any of the normal things that people say they do [travelwise; it was 50+ hours just to get to 10 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

England initially] in terms of energy level and stuff like that so we’re very pleased with him. I guess we’ve just refocused with getting on with trying to get some experience in the [European] outdoor season.”

She’s still trying to work full-time while she’s over there, so even though she just has the one horse to campaign Williamson is glad to have groom Hannah with her. “Hannah has been with me for five years and this is what she’s been gearing up towards as well so it’s fantastic she gets the opportunity to be there. She manages DJ really well, she knows him really well, so it’s a win-win.”

STOP PRESS Since we last caught up with Wendi, she has competed at Hagen CDI 4* and competed very creditably in strong international fields. Deja Vu finished in 20th place in the Grand Prix for the Freestyle on 68.48%. The top 15 combinations qualified for the freestyle and in the end, less than 2% covered 15th - 20th places, the 15th placed rider scoring 70.38%. This left no room for riders to score, on average, less than a 7 for every movement in the test if they were to proceed to the next round.

Wendi was delighted with the feel DJ gave her in this test considering it to be one of the best they’ve ever done.

Combinations who did not qualify for either the Freestyle or the Special had the opportunity to compete in another Grand Prix class on the Monday.

Fifteen combinations lined up and what a tussle it was. Finland’s Kristina Bockmann was the eventual winner on 68.86% and Wendi and DJ excruciatingly close on 68.02% for fifth.

Before she rings off to finish cooking dinner and spend some time with her family – husband Jonnie and their two teenagers Becki and Benji - Williamson doublechecks that her thanks will be passed on to all the people supporting her while she’s on the other side of the globe. “I still can’t get over it – people are just amazing. I had a message from Vicki Wilson, she sent me a message wishing me luck while she was in the States at the World Colt Starting Championship [which she won!], and she also sent me a message after it didn’t go so well with some really nice words. All sorts of people, just everyday people as well, that have sent really nice messages. Please remember to put something in about that.”

DNZ wishes Wendi well on the next leg of her adventure – best of luck, and we are behind you and DJ every step of the way.

We can all be so proud of watching another NZL combination in the final prizegiving at a show in Europe.

Much recognition and praise has been conferred on this pair from many sources, possibly bringing new opportunities to make the most of this European experience.

Next stop is the Royal Windsor Horse Show CDI 4* Grand Prix on Thursday 11th May. The field includes fourteen combinations from Belgium, France, Great Britain, Hong Kong, Ireland, Italy, and New Zealand. Fifteen places are available in the Freestyle for combinations qualifying in the Grand Prix.

Excitingly overnight the FEI have granted the pair another Wild Card to compete at Roosendaal CDI 4* (NED) 1-4 June.

Plans after Roosendaal are still to be confirmed

your

GROW KNOWLEDGE

by joining our

FREE ADVOCATE PROGRAM

™

Mitavite’s nutrition team have built the Mitavite Advocate Program™ (MAP™) using accepted nutritional principals and evidence based information to deliver an industry leading tool for everyone who loves their horse. Regardless of your choice of feed, the Mitavite Advocate Program™ is relevant to you.

We invite you to take advantage of this opportunity and make the Mitavite Advocate Program™ an integral part of your care for your horse.

http://advocate.mitavite.com

Astute owners, trainers and riders know that correct nutrition and feeding is one of the most important and influential elements to a healthy horse. Most people don’t easily have the opportunity or the finances to improve their knowledge and understanding of the principals of feeding best practice – but now you have the Mitavite Advocate Program ™!

• • •

MAP™ is completely free.

MAP™ is fully accessible on your PC, tablet or smart phone.

MAP’s™ course consists of 8 modules, each with a series of multiple choice answers, making it easy to learn without performance pressure and deadlines.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11

MV_J758A/10

Mitavite recently launched a new online nutrition training and education program tailor made for you.

MITAVITE EQUINE NUTRITION

12 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

MITAVITE EQUINE NUTRITION

LEARNING TO FEED OUR HORSES When man first harnessed and saddled horses and increased demands placed on them as a domesticated, working animal - for the horse, everything changed. The horse had to adapt from a roaming, mainly fibre eating herd lifestyle to a vastly different set of restraints, requirements and of course food.

Although huge steps have been taken in recent years through research and feed processing techniques, the challenges of improving a horse’s performance, health, wellbeing and longevity are still fundamental to modern nutritional practices. Though the quality of the feed source is vitally important in equine nutrition, there is so much more to feeding our horses than reading the recommended feeding rate on the back of a bag.

Since Mitavite’s® inception in 1987, the principle driver has been to provide premium equine nutrition for horses in all disciplines and activities. Mitavite® have worked hard to ensure that their

feed quality is superior, but have also always strived to educate customers as to best feeding practice. Constantly looking to the future and the welfare of the horse, this pursuit of excellence has led to the creation of the Mitavite® Advocate Program™.

The Mitavite® Advocate Program™ is a completely free online educational tool that provides expert resources and innovative tools to educate about equine nutrition. Working through eight modules starting at the evolution of the horse and their digestive system, progressing through to feed processing techniques and the high performance athlete, the Mitavite® Advocate Program™ allows people to study at their own pace, in the comfort of their own environment. The Mitavite® Advocate Program™ is easily accessed and is compatible with a range of devices, and with no deadlines or pressure, anyone can take the time to educate themselves

Astute owners and trainers know that correct nutrition and feeding is one of the most important and influential elements to success – be it in raising a healthy young horse, producing a high performance athlete through to maintaining condition and quality of life for an older companion. This is an exceptional tool for individuals to reinforce what they already may know about equine nutrition, acquire new knowledge and tools, whist keeping appraised of best feeding practice. The program is also ideal for those working with horses to educate themselves and ensure that they can make more knowledgeable choices with their feeding practice.

The Mitavite® Advocate Program™ is free and anyone can enrol. Simply go to http://advocate.mitavite.com and start your learning journey today.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH

YOUR MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH

ABOUT OUR CONTRIBUTOR MARIA SCHWENNESEN: Maria resides in Brisbane, Queensland and has 3 children and 6 grandchildren.

Her passion is dressage, judge development and judging.

Some highlights for 2015/16 were officiating at Gothenburg FEI World Cup European qualifier, the FEI World Cup final in Las Vegas and many CDIs throughout Europe, USA and the Australasia region.

QUESTION FROM KYRIE GAUSDEN: The FEI has now promoted Maria to 5* status.

This year she has been invited to judge in Holland at the European Young Rider & Junior Championships and has officiated in many counties throughout the world, loves travelling, meeting people and hopes to continue for many years to come.

I would appreciate someone clarifying what is meant by 'technical', and how to go about improving marks for it."

Do you have a query regarding coaches to answer for you! The the care, maintenance or winning question will receive training of your dressage horse? a bag of Mitavite feed selected Go to the DressageNZ Bulletin by the expert Mitavite team for Facebook page and submit your your horse!

A question will be selected and sent to one of our participating

14 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

I can't find anything in dressage rules or the DNZ test book regarding technical execution yet so many judges talk about improving technical marks.

A dictionary explanation of 'technical' is varied and numerous.

She is currently chair of the Australian Dressage Judges Committee, on the board of IDOC and has been a National Selector for 10 years resigning in 2011.

training questions

"Freestyles have marks allocated for Technical Execution and Artistic Presentation. There are 'subsections' within the Artistic category, yet there is nothing in the Technical Execution.

Thank you Mitavite – for supporting Dressage NZ Congratulations Kyrie!

KYRIE HAS VERY GENEROUSLY DONATED HER FEED VOUCHER TO HER LOCAL RDA - THE SOUTH AUCKLAND GROUP IN DRURY

MITAVITE QUESTION OF THE MONTH

"Personally I don’t appreciate circles or lines which add nothing to either the technical marks or the artistic and to me waste time."

HOW TO IMPROVE YOUR MARKS IN THE TECHNICAL SIDE OF YOUR FREESTYLE

with Maria Schwennesen is automatically allocated plus a maximum of 5 for the artistic marks, choreography and degree of difficulty.

This is a very large deduction of marks for riders to be able to recover from.

From a judge’s perspective, there are two very different components for scoring in the freestyle, the technical and the artistic.

The technical marks will always remain within the same range of a formal test score but can result a little higher as the absolute accuracy of marker to marker, as required in open tests, is not taken so much into account.

This point comes more into the artistic choreography mark as the layout must be understandable to the judge.

For maximum technical marks, the riders should cover every compulsory movement for that level test at least once, otherwise, if omitted a zero

There should be a ‘joker line’ written into the choreography generally at the end of the pattern so any mistakes made in the first attempt can be repeated. If successful on the second attempt in the joker line, the rider will receive the average of two marks, one low and one high. Example – if there are tempi changes and a mistake in the sequence is made in the movement, perhaps a 4 is allotted. If repeated on the joker line a 7 could be allotted.

This results with an overall score of 5.5 instead of the original 4 which would have been given without the joker line written in.

The joker line must have suitable music and some riders choose to additionally include a fourth music type for the joker line which will reasonably suit both trot or canter, and depending on which pace the mistake was made, the option to repeat in either trot or

canter is available. This is more flexible.

Alternately, two joker lines can be included to be able to repeat, one at the end of the trot and one at the end of the canter. If no mistakes have been made the rider must have a plan B to execute something safe which will not eventuate in a mistake and consequently result in a deduction of the average score.

Personally I don’t appreciate circles or lines which add nothing to either the technical marks or the artistic and to me waste time. Riders should always try to write patterns that will boost marks which cross over from the technical into the artistic of degree of difficulty, but making sure the demands of the lines can be executed confidently with harmony and ease.

At the end of the day the freestyle should be entertaining, fluent and harmonious which is an original performance for that particular horse and rider, leaving the public and the judges feeling like they want to smile in appreciation.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

DRESSAGE NEW ZEALAND U25 CHAMPIONSHIPS Article by Jess Roberts | Photos by Libby Law Photography

Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, 1st-2nd April, 2017 130 young riders from across the country gathered to enjoy a weekend of competition at their own special event. Taupo’s trademark morning fog did nothing to dampen their spirits, clearing by lunchtime to reveal a stunner day: birds-egg blue, the NZL and Australian flags flapping in a crisp breeze with the bright green hills as a backdrop. The 15-strong judging panel was led by Helen Hughes-Keen (NZL FEI4*), and announcer Mark KinastonSmith kept everyone entertained over the loudspeaker. A positive atmosphere prevailed – there were many instances of riders helping and supporting one another - as well as some serious and hot competition.

16 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

DOING US PROUD: NZ YOUNG RIDER TEAM WINS THE TRANSTASMAN CHALLENGE The arrival of the Equestrian Australia Victoria team lent the show an exciting international feel. Each of the Victorian three girls did a brilliant job on borrowed horses that they’d only had a few days to get a feel for – taking turns to ride the horses on Thursday, they chose their favourite, had find-thebuttons Friday and were then straight into competition.

Fern Wright rode Pip Gibbons’ Donnerheim gelding, Don Jeremy.

22-year-old Fern is from Yarra Valley

and currently in the top 45 on the FEI U25 rankings. Alicia Ryan (20) lives on the Ballarine Peninsula and won Victoria’s recent Youth Championships; she borrowed Hapsburg PSH (His Highness) from Liz Hutson. Both competed in the L5 Championship.

Youngest team member was Harkawaybased Jamie Mita (16) – she competes at CDI-Y level back home; here she entered the L1 Championship riding Belle Clark’s mare, So Precious.

Wearing the silver fern was Lucarne Dolley (Ardmore, L5) and Kate Tobin (Bradgate Riot Act, L5), both of whom competed on borrowed mounts as part of the Kiwi team that attended the reciprocal U25 event in Melbourne

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

earlier this year. “It was awesome to be able to have such an exciting competition against the girls from Victoria,” says Kate. “It was really cool to be able to compete for the NZ team on my own horse as well.” Poor Grace Farrell had to scratch after her horse got caught in a fence just the night before but luckily Georgia Gibbons did a great job stepping in for her at the last minute on LSH Constantine.

Jamie (AUS) placed consistently in all her tests to come third overall in the L1 Championship. After strong start for Fern (AUS) in the L5, it was clear something was wrong in their second test and a lame Don Jeremy was sadly scratched, Fern cheering her teammates on from the sidelines the next day.

Alicia (AUS) was super-competitive on Hapsburg PSH, the pair clicked very well and she took reserve in the L5

Championship, behind Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore who were unbeaten in the qualifying tests. NZ finished with plenty of points in hand to win the Challenge.

Restricted was won by Heidi McAlpine and Glenvar Fez, with Reserve going to Olivia Shields and Meissen (Glenvar Meteor).

NEWCOMER CLASSES

PONY POWER Picture-postcard combination Emily Hastings and Glendale Nightlight were the deserving winners of the Hygain Pony L1 after winning three of their four tests. The pair also contributed valuable points as members of Auckland One, which went on to win the Area Teams competition. Reserve went to Katelyn Mason and Royal Park Showtime (Hivegrove Showstopper) who were never out of the money with four consistent performances.

AD Dennache kept up his winning streak with Isabella Chatfield in the Horze NZ Pony L2, adding this championship to their Pony of the Year

These classes were very sweet to watch with some cute-as-a-button combinations; a standout in the Weatherbeeta Newcomer U12 Open was Anna Isaac who sailed through all four of her tests collecting red ribbons – and excellent scores, just half a mark off 80% in the 0C – to take the championship. Grace Purdie did the same in the Jump for Joy Newcomer U12 Restricted on the charming wee grey mare Taurimu Renaissance, remaining unbeaten for the title, followed by Greer Graham and Choccy who took the Reserve spot. The Graphix Explosion Newcomer 12-16

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW title at HOY, reserve National champ and AMS series win (all at L2). Bred by Amy DeLangen, Dennache was the very first of Hilkens Denali’s foals: he is now rising 8-yrs-old.

Last month Isabella and her mum Amanda flew to Australia to watch their coach Holly Leach compete at Dressage With The Stars. They also watched some of the pony classes there, which inspired one of their goals for next season – they plan to take AD Dennache over the Tasman for “a little bit of a campaign,” says Amanda, who notes that numbers in the Pony classes, particularly at Nationals this season, are growing. “Bella had some good competition and the classes were record big. He’s the type of pony that when he’s on fire, he’s really good.”

Anna Wilson gave Mackenzie Sim a run for her money in the Maxisoy Pony L3 with both girls winning two tests each, although unfortunately Anna’s win in the first 3B wasn’t a qualifier and so the title went to Mackenzie and North East, with Anna going into reserve on her strawberry roan Pepee (Windermere Remember Me).

Mackenzie was a member of the North Island team for the Inter Island Teams Challenge and contributed more points than any other combination, boosting the North Island to victory.

MORGAN AND SERGE BOW OUT ON A HIGH Well-known Waikato combination Morgan Beere and Wembleybrooke Sergio finished their time in the Pony ring together with the Biobrew Pony L4 Championship, which also scored them the Hyland Trophy. The 15-year-old student has owned Serge since she was ten and says “it was really nice to finish the season on a solid win and for Serge to mostly behave himself in the Bell Tea arena which we have had issues in [in] the past!”

We can still look forward to seeing Morgan in the Pony competitions next

season as she plans to compete her 4-year-old by Holme Park Flute, as well as riding in some Horse classes on her 16.3hh Furstenball mare. “I really enjoy competing at the bigger competitions” says Morgan, “as this is when all the pony riders come together. Everyone is super supportive of each other and we always have a good laugh together.”

Reserve champions Alison Addis and Whistledown Kristopha also wave goodbye to the Pony ring after a successful final season (the pair were Dressage Pony of the Year winners at HOY in March), an emotional Ali shedding a few tears as they left the arena for the last time.

THROUGH THE LEVELS… This year’s Young Rider L1 Championship went to Eleisha Walls and her impressive big bay gelding Daimler Benz, with Alyssa Harrison reserve on Da Vinci Code (by the wellknown GRP stallion Davidoff). It was a close call for the title, especially after the musical freestyle where the Alyssa posted 70.673, a flea’s whisker below Eleisha’s winning 70.962 score.

Prestige VDL gelding HPH Phelix Phelicious took out the Maxisoy L2 with Alix Campbell aboard - the title could have gone either way with strong performances from eventual reserve champion Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir (also on the winning 18 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW Auckland One Area Team), until the freestyle where Alix sealed the deal and won with a comfortable 3% margin (69.062). She had a successful show, also coming third overall in the L4 on her other mount Astek Robina.

Multi-taskers Chontelle Honour and Tama Park Bradman not only took out the Champions Equestrian Supplies Para Equestrian Grade II but were sixth overall in the Young Rider L2, a fantastic achievement.

Winning the three set tests (and second in the freestyle) was Willa Aitken on her Wolkentanz mare Alpha Beta, earning them the Andrea Raves L3 title. Two combinations tied for reserve; in this case the highest average score is calculated and so it went to Samantha Fechney and JK Lucazen, their excellent 69.250 win in the freestyle paying off, leaving Tayla McDonald and Don Qudos to take third overall.

Astek Stud was well represented in the Dynavyte L4 with Astek Ginsling (by Kinnordy Gymbello, ridden by Alena Dorotich) and Astek Robina (by Ramirez, ridden by Alix Campbell) taking champion and third overall respectively. South Island team rider

Chanel Flyger and Hot Chocolate MH

Hannah Johnston did a super job for her reserve placing on RM Limbo, kindly lent to her for the show by Debbie Barke. Hannah had only the day before to familiarise herself with the very tall chestnut gelding so credit is due to both his training and her riding!

can be quite hot headed! He definitely showed how much talent he has got and to take the win in the trans-Tasman team competition topped it off,” she says. “We weren’t expecting to get on the team so to even be a part of it was a huge achievement for us.”

The Young Rider L5 was where most of the trans-Tasman tussling took place, but no-one could catch champion Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore in the qualifying tests. Alicia Ryan (AUS) and Hapsburg PSH closed in on them for reserve and in doing so also won themselves the L4-9 Hanoverian Award for the show. Third overall went to North Island team member Chanel Flyger and Hot Chocolate MH, who were also chosen for the Vetpro Best Presented award. There were so many immaculately turned out combinations that the judges really had their work cut out for them.

Whitford’s Amy Sage bagged the Waldebago Trophy for the Livamol L6/7, not a bad result for her first ever start at this level! Claudia Purvis and Papanui Don Juan (North Island team) were also ultra-competitive, winning the freestyle and reserve champion overall. Also successful at their first ever Advanced competition was Taranaki rider Caitlin Moseley, riding into third overall on Pot of Gold, owned and previously competed to GP level by DNZ Sport Manager Wendy Hamerton.

Pony Prima Magneto and Lily Jefferies footed it easily with their much-taller friends for fourth overall; this pair has enjoyed many accomplishments together but now part ways following the pony’s sale to the South Island.

2016 HOY YR Champ Lucarne was full of praise for her eye-catching 9-year-old Anamour gelding, whom she has only owned for a year (he spent his former years eventing). “It felt absolutely amazing to win on Ardmore.

This was only his third show of the season and he’s still very green and

The degree of difficulty in stepping up to Levels 8 and 9 is always apparent as the field numbers drop dramatically and it was no different at Taupo – Devon Raos and Busuto were the sole

Georgia Gibbons and LSH Constatine 7.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW contenders for the L8 championship, and just two combinations lined up for the Equissage NZ Grand Prix. Caitlin Benzie (current HOY YR Champ) and Wellington’s Kate Tobin scored very closely with a win for each from the two classes, Caitlin and Rosari Royal Gem just coming out on top for the sash and beautiful Equestrian Entries show rug.

Kate was very happy with I Like It’s performance, “especially in the Grand Prix. He’s a young horse at this level and we’ve both been learning the ropes of it together this season, but he’s really starting to put the pieces together now so I can’t wait for next season,” she says.

NGA TAWA DIOCESAN WELL REPRESENTED Inter schools Dressage is becoming increasingly popular and it was great to see Nga Tawa take the next step into national level competition. The all girls school Equestrian Academy had a 4-strong squad entered, supported by coach Sandy Fryatt (a very experienced rider herself having evented in NZ, the UK and Europe up to CCI4* level). Greta Geisendorfer and Isabella Knop competed on their leased Nga Tawa mounts Line Seven and Tidal respectively; the girls are here for just three months before they return home to their native Germany. 16-year-old Emilia Birkholz (also from Germany) is spending one year here (she flies

Alena Dorotich and Astek Ginsling

20 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

home in July) and rode HV Destino in the L1 and Kiteroa Leila in the L6/7 both generously made available by Hunterville’s Vaughn Cooper. Riding the attractive chestnut Arkenwood Wink n Wait (Worldwide PB/Witzette) in the L2 was Thailand’s Elle Chotiwaniche who has come here to study, and will call NZ home for five years.

Dressage NZ wishes to thank team loan horse owners Belle Clark (So Precious) Debbie & Peter Barke (RM Limbo) Pip Gibbons (Don Jeremy) Liz Hutson (Hapsburgh PSH) Kaye Niccol (Mr O’Riley) and reserve horse Wendy Hamerton (Shadowhunter). Without the generosity of these owners, these team competitions which provide such valuable experience and fun times, simply could not happen. Your time and knowledge at the event and making available such quality well trained horses was truly appreciated.

Huge thanks, as usual, must go to the Organising Committee; Celine Filbee and her volunteer army again did a sterling job of the show, which ran like clockwork. Many volunteers have to come out of the area and without their support, the show could not go on.

Special mention again to the group of fabulous runners from Waikanae and Otaki Pony Clubs who had a weekend away camping out, working hard, having fun and contributing so much time and leg power to help keep the scores coming up.

RESULTS: NZ/EA VICTORIA TEAMS CHALLENGE: New Zealand: Lucarne Dolley (Ardmore), Kate Tobin (Bradgate Riot Act), Georgia Gibbons (LSH Constantine). Total points: 50 EA Victoria: Alicia Ryan (Hapsburg PSH), Fern Wright (Don Jeremy), Jamie Mita (So Precious). Total points: 32 YORK CORPORATION CHALLENGE TROPHY (INTERISLAND TEAMS CHALLENGE): North Island: Mackenzie Sim (North East), Alix Campbell (Astek Robina), Chanel Flyger (Hot Chocolate MH), Claudia Purvis (Papanui Don Juan).

Total points: 63 South Island: Melia Picard (Buckton Denniston), Hannah Johnston (RM Limbo), Shannon Brien (O’Reilly), Harriet Redmond (Teodoro). Total points: 53 AREA TEAMS: Winner: Auckland One: Nicole Sweney (Flute Noir), Amy Sage (RM All About Me), Emily Hastings (Glendale Nightlight), Caitlin Benzie (Rosari Royal Gem).

Team Nga Tawa

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

FOR EQUESTRIAN

Bring your horse to school!

There’s no better partnership than that of a girl and her horse in the Dressage arena. Rangi Ruru knows this, and as the South Island’s only girls’ school with a dedicated Equestrian Programme, they are leading the way with opportunities for young riders.

Enquiries to Director of Equestrian, Pippa Young.

59 Hewitts Road, Merivale, Christchurch.

Day and Boarding, Years 7 to 13.

Learn more at rangiruru.school.nz/equestrian Ph 03 983 3700

From Left to Right: Bella Small, Judy Alderdice (national selector) and Isabella Chatfield

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

ALL ABOUT AMY Article by Jess Roberts | Photos by Libby Law Photography

The AMS Pony & Young Rider Performance Awards are a season-long accumulator series, with the U25 Dressage Champs the last chance for riders to gain points. Whitford’s Amy Sage and RM All About Me took home the coveted award, with its prize of a brand new Barnsby saddle from AMS Saddlery in Takanini.

“It was a real surprise!” says Amy. “The placings had been announced over the loudspeaker and I already knew I had placed in the L5 and L6 accumulators, but had no idea about the final result. I was told to go and stand up near the winners of each level but I seriously thought they had made a mistake! When they announced that I had won the saddle I was shocked but really excited. I am incredibly grateful to AMS for sponsoring the saddle it’s a really generous prize, and it is a beautiful saddle.”

The U25s were Amy’s very first start at L6, a last-minute decision made at HOY the day before entries closed.

The 18-year-old Auckland University student has coming firing up the levels on RM All About Me (who has the endearing paddock name of Acorn) in the two years that she has owned her, going from having never ridden above L2 to this year doing a full season of L5, and winning the L5 Young Rider at the Auckland-Manukau Champs.

Amy is an accomplished show rider - starting when she was just nine years old – and had a team of four show ponies. Some of her show ring highlights include Show Pony of the Year with Mansfield Park Magnolia in 2013, and winning Intermediate Show Rider of the Year in 2016. Last winter she travelled to the UK as part of the NZ Showing Team where they won the competition - on borrowed horses – against four other nations.

This season is also the first that she has concentrated fully on dressage.

Amy says she has been able to transfer a lot of her showing experience into the dressage arena. “It was a great place to learn ringcraft and presentation, and some of the classes have up to five judges standing in a line.

Growing up with that has meant that I’ve never been nervous or phased by competing in front of lots of pairs of eyes.”

A member of Papatoetoe Pony Club, Amy says she struggles to fit rallies in around her competitions and study.

However, she competed in the NZPCA Dressage Champs in January, coming away with the Overall Senior title. “It was a great experience going away to a competition with my own horse, and being part of a team.” The Auckland Team also won the National Team title.

22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Amy Sage receiving AMS Saddlery Award from Chair of Selectors Helen Hughes-Keen

Bred by Peter and Debbie Barke, the 8-year-old Acorn is Amy’s first horse, and only competition horse at the moment. “Peter had done a great job of schooling her and says she had her changes sussed when she was four years old!” laughs Amy. “She has an adorable personality and loves being the centre of attention – hence her name! She is an alpha mare and loves to be in charge.

She is incredibly brave and loves her work – the harder the better.”

Before Acorn, Amy had admirably never trained with anyone, being taught by her mum “straight out of the pushchair!” and “I watched lots of videos and read lots of articles and started teaching myself.” She now trains with Sheena Ross, where she first spent time getting to know her new mare – who had a lot of fancy buttons! – and learning to ride her test movements.

“Amy is a big softie and her biggest challenge was to set the boundaries for Acorn in terms of the frame and straightness,” notes Sheena. “However, once she understood the idea she has gone from strength to strength with her riding. Amy is a talented athlete – she’s totally committed to her dressage and welcomes criticism. I am very proud of her success and am very sure she will be even more competitive next season.”

Sheena echoes all of the feedback received about Amy: without exception she has been described as a positive, friendly, polite and well-mannered young person, and a deserving winner of the AMS Pony &Young Rider Performance Award.

As for Amy herself, she loved her experience at the U25 Championships.

“I am still fairly new to the dressage scene but this season I have met lots

of young riders at the shows and have made some great friends. The atmosphere was fantastic,” she says.

“It was a real credit to the organisers, sponsors and volunteers because everything ran so smoothly. And the evening presentation by Julie Brougham was inspiring and very interesting, it was a great addition to the programme.”

Plans for next season include competing at L6/7, looking toward the CDI-Y classes at Nationals and HOY. She’s also future-proofing herself with a Furstenball/Wolkentanz yearling tucked away in the paddock at home.

“Ultimately my goal is Grand Prix,” she adds. “Acorn is a natural at all the work so it is more a case of training the rider!”

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES UNDER 25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS - RESULTS JUMP FOR JOY NEWCOMER U12 RESTRICTED

AFFORDABLE POOLS L5 OPEN CHAMPION

WEATHERBEETA NEWCOMER U12 OPEN

LIVAMOL L6 OPEN CHAMPION

GRAPHIX EXPLOSION NEWCOMERS 12-16 RESTRICTED

HYGAIN L8 OPEN CHAMPION

Champion | Grace Purdie - Taurimu Renaissance Reserve | Greer Graham - Choccy Champion | Anna Isaac - Woodlands Natasha Reserve | Emily Ramsden - Aranui Bolero

Lucarne Dolley - Ardmore Reserve | Alecia Ryan (Aus) - Hapsburg PSH (owner L Hutson) Amy Sage - RM All About Time Reserve | Claudia Purvis - Papanui Don Juan Devon Raos - Busuto

Champion | Heidi McAlpine - Glenvar Fez Reserve | Olivia Sheilds - Meissen

EQUISSAGE L9 OPEN CHAMPION Caitlin Benzie - Rosari Royal Gem Reserve | Catherine Tobin - I Like It

HYGAIN L1 PONY CHAMPION

Emily Hastings - Glendale Nightlight Reserve | Katelyn Mason - Royal Park Showtime

CHAMPIONS EQUESTRIAN SUPPLIES PARA EQUESTRIAN GRADE II

HORZE NZ L2 PONY CHAMPION

Chontelle Honour - Tama Park Bradman

Isabella Chatfield - AD Dennache Reserve | Bella Small - Kingslea Busy Bee

HYLAND TROPHY PONY CHAMPION Morgan Beere - Wembleybrook Sergio

MAXISOY L3 PONY CHAMPION Mackenzie Sim - North East Reserve | Anna Wilson - Pepee

WALDEBAGO TROPHY YR CHAMPION

BIOBREW L4 PONY CHAMPION

DRESSAGE NZ TROPHY U25 GP CHAMPION

Amy Sage - RM All About Time

Morgan Beere - Wembleybrook Sergio Reserve | Alison Addis - Whistledown Kristopha

YORK CORPORATION INTERISLAND TEAM

HORZE L1 OPEN CHAMPION

North Island: Claudia Purvis, Alix Campbell, Chanel Flyger, Mackenzie Sim

Eleisha Wade - Damier Benz Reserve | Alyssa Harrison - Da Vinci Code

NZL VS EFA VICTORIA TEAM

MAXISOY L2 OPEN CHAMPION

NZL: Lucarne Dolley, Kate Tobin, Georgia Gibbons

Alix Campbell - HPH Phelix Phelicious Reserve | Nicole Sweney - Flute Noir

AREA TEAM CHALLENGE

Auckland 1: Caitlin Benzie, Amy Sage, Nicole Sweney, Emily Hastings

ANDREA RAVES L3 OPEN CHAMPION Willa Aitken - Alpha Beta Reserve | Samantha Fechney - JK Lucazen

DYNAVYTE L4 OPEN CHAMPION

Caitlin Benzie - Rosari Royal Gem

NZ HANOVERIAN SOC SASH LEVEL 4-9

Alecia Ryan (Aus) - Hapsburg PSH (owner L Hutson)

Alena Dorotich - Astek Ginsling Reserve | Hannah Johnston - RM Limbo (owner D Barke)

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

24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

Pony Champions - From left: Morgan Beere - Wembleybrooke Sergio, MacKenzie Sim - North East, Isabella Chatfield AD Dennache, Emily Hastings - Glendale Nightlight

GORGEOUS GARLANDS GALORE AT THE U25 CHAMPIONSHIPS Article by Wendy Hamerton | Photo by Libby Law Photography

So what does a pony rider do when her mother tells her she is still not well enough to be working her horses?

Well if you are Ali Addis from Northland, you start making garlands and then offer to sponsor four garlands for the Pony Champions Levels 1 to 4.

What a gesture from a pony rider. Thank you Ali. The other good news was that Ali managed to convince her mother last minute that she was well enough to take her pony to the U25 Champs –the trade off was leave the horse at home!

Then Show Circuit magazine very generously offered to sponsor more beautiful garlands which were allocated to the horse champions. A big big thanks to Sheryll Davies at Show Circuit.

On the final count up the OC calculated they were a garland short for every champion to receive one.

But the multi-talented Sue McKenna was on hand doing the catering and in between whipping up fabulous fare for the officials on Sunday, also whipped up the missing garland.

What an amazing prize giving line up it was as the sun set on the Taupo NEC.

THANKING YOUR SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS

Riders at this event were so so lucky to be receiving such beautiful prizes to remember their show success by. All these garlands were not in the original event budget. So it’s a timely reminder to all riders that sponsors and supporters are a really valuable part of your sport, making it possible for Dressage NZ to offer such affordable, fun, quality events.

Make sure you thank all your sponsors no matter how big or small. Your appreciation goes a long way in helping your sport retain sponsors for future events.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

6.

ALL PHOTOS: LIBBY LAW PHOTOGRAPHY 1. Caitlin Benzie Rosari Royal Gem 2. Kerrin Beatson & Murray Anderson 3. Jamie Mita (AUS) So Precious 4. Caitlin Moseley Pot of Gold 5. Liz Hutson, Fern Wright (AUS) Pip Gibbons, Jamie Mita (AUS) Alicia Ryan (AUS) and Julia Battams – AUS Team Manager 6. Grace Purdie – Taurimu Renaissance 7. Hamish Doulton & Nicky Pope - A wedding is in the air!

7.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

RIDER PROFILE

SHE WHO DARES, WINS Article by Jess Roberts | Photo by Libby Law Photography

Together, 22-year-old Devon Raos and her South Island stationbred Busuto have steadily worked their way from scratch all the way up to L8. They were the sole contestants for the U25 Champs L8 title - which only proves just how hard it is to reach dressage’s upper levels – and deserved every inch of their championship rug.

“I find there’s always some nerves when you go into the arena at a competition, but at Taupo, Busuto felt relaxed and responsive – I’m so happy with our freestyle score as that was our personal best and a super way to finish our season,” says Devon. The pair scored 66.375 in their FEI Oceania Musical Freestyle test.

The Whitford-based rider bought Busuto sight unseen as a newly-broken 3-year-old: a big leap of faith on the word of horse-breaker Andrew Froggatt, who described him as having potential and ‘a true gentleman’. Any doubts they may have had proved unfounded as Devon (then just 12) began at Pony Club and was soon competing in ODE’s, moving on to Horse Trials as she got older. “We had a lot of success up to Pre-Novice,” remembers Devon. “It was at Novice that Busuto let me know he didn’t really want to keep doing cross country and became very clever at napping at some of the jumps which made staying on a bit difficult - he always loved the gallop back to the float without me!” she laughs.

Noting Busuto’s natural ability, eventing coach Donna Smith suggested that they make the switch to dressage 28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

and the pair have never looked back, trotting up their first centreline at L4.

Until that point they had been having dressage lessons with Haydee Wells and Devon credits her with Busuto’s solid flatwork foundation. “For the last few years my main coach and mentor has been Sheena Ross,” Devon explains.

“She has been patient and instrumental in fine tuning my position and helping me realise my goals – she has always advocated that we could reach L8 and that Grand Prix is around the corner for us both.”

“My aim is to consolidate further over this winter. It’s taken us longer as we’re both learning and I know I’ve got to work that bit harder to get that little bit more expression as it doesn’t come as naturally to him but he always gives me his best, and he loves showing how a clever horse from the hills can foot it with the warmbloods,” praises Devon.

“To say I have been incredibly fortunate to have a horse like Busuto is such an understatement, we have learned so much together. I know he has the heart and willingness that keeps me wanting to improve myself.”

Graduating last year from a Bachelor of Business degree – majoring in

Marketing and Sales – Devon now works fulltime, and says fitting in schooling and lessons around a daytime job (she previously worked in hospitality as a manager) has been “quite the adjustment!” She is hoping to breed her own future dressage horse and looks forward to her first foals arriving later this year. She events her other horse, Conquest, at Novice level and still enjoys jumping Busuto. She says it’s a great balance for both horse and rider - this winter you’ll find them up the front of the Pakuranga Hunt field, blowing out the cobwebs over some full-wire fences.

“He loves to be up the front with all the action, must be the Irish Hunter!” she jokes.

Devon thanks her parents for supporting and funding her horse dreams for so many years, and says she is now appreciating fully the costs involved as she stands on her own two feet! But her last word must go to man-of-themoment Busuto: “He has always been admired for his kind, gentle and willing nature. He has been my most influential teacher in life as we have learnt and grown up together and, at times, he has been very forgiving of mistakes I have made.”

EVENT PREVIEW

MASTERCLASS SERIES OFFERED BY WAIKATO Dressage Waikato Widens the Education Opportunities thanks to Equitak Excel Prize. The 2017 Equitak Excel Team Challenge Winners, Dressage Waikato, are putting their $1500 prize to great use and are presenting another winter Masterclass Series following on from the three very popular sessions held in 2016.

Waikato Area Delegate Debra Cowen is excited about the 2017 programme.

“We ran three Masterclass sessions last year led by John Thompson, (as a fundraiser for John’s Olympic campaign), by Isobel Wessells (in association with ESNZ High Performance) and by Bill Noble. All three were extremely well supported, and it was clear that people wanted more. This year it has been a thrill for Waikato to win the Equitak Team Challenge prize as it means we can expand the 2017 series”

The 2017 Masterclass Series has been championed by Dressage Waikato President Bill Millar, who believes that one of the key purposes of the Area Groups should be to offer education opportunities as well as competitions for riders.

For many years there have been an abundance of competition opportunities within the Waikato, with events offered by Dressage Waikato, Morrinsville/Te Aroha Dressage Group, the Waikato Combined Equestrian Centre (WEC) and more recently the Waikato School of Dressage, but there has been a distinct lack of opportunities for learning in a group session, which the Dressage Waikato Masterclass Series is looking to cover.

The Equitak Excel Masterclasses are to be held at the well presented indoor arena of Airthrey Lodge, owned by Linda Moughan. Linda has been a supporter of Dressage Waikato for a

number of years, and her facility is perfect for the Masterclasses, with the Indoor arena being nicely sheltered from the inclement weather which no doubt will be hitting during the winter months.

Any additional funds raised from the Masterclass Series will be used to support Training and Development initiatives run by Dressage Waikato for next season, including the continuation of the Superior Rubber Surfaces Dressage Waikato Rider Squad, and Judges and Stewards Training.

The Masterclass Series starts on 21 May with local trainer and Dressage Waikato supporter Christine Weal presenting “ Starting Lateral Work” followed by dates in June (Andrea Raves), July (Tracy Smith), August (Bill Noble) and September (Jody Hartstone).

For the August and September dates, Dressage Waikato will be asking for volunteer riders to work with Bill and Jody.

Dressage Waikato Equitak Excel Masterclass Series 2017 Masterclass 1 – May 21 with Christine Weal - On starting Lateral Work Masterclass 2 – June 11 with Andrea Raves - On the Training Scale and arena-craft Masterclass 3 – July 9 with Tracy Smith - On the Road to Flying Changes Masterclass 4 – August 20 with Bill Noble – On Developing Cadence* Masterclass 5 – September 10 with Jody Hartstone - On Resolving Conflict and Behavioural Issues with Dressage Horses* See www.dressagewaikato.co.nz for booking details

Photo Dark Horse Photography

Held at the indoor arena at Airthrey Lodge, 1045 Victoria Road, Hautapu,

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

RIDER PROFILE

SPOTLIGHT ON: ALICIA RYAN AND HAPSBURG PSH Article by Jess Roberts | Photo by Libby Law Photography

“It is definitely not an easy task to jump aboard an unfamiliar horse in a foreign country, when the owner, who doesn’t know me or how I ride, stands and watches… you don’t want to put a foot out of place or do wrong by the horse, so the pressure is ramped up enormously!” says Alicia (20). As it turned out she had nothing to worry about, as “Liz’s training of Hapsburg PSH (Pete) was super as he was so rideable and enjoyable, an absolute delight to ride in every way.”

Liz was equally complimentary, saying she was proud to have Alicia ride her horse. “She was just delightful, very easy to work with and very appreciative.

She plaited him and groomed him and rode him beautifully – I was very pleased with the way she rode him and in fact her scores were better than mine! She’s a very very tall young lady, she must be six foot easily, and Pete went super for her.”

The L5 set tests here are composed quite differently to their Australian equivalents, and Alicia also had to modify her musical, using one that she rides her PSG horse to at home.

“Pete and I took it in our stride and although we had a few communication difficulties here and there we managed to perform four calm, poised and accurate tests, which were highly rewarded by the judges – I was pretty thrilled!”

There are five horses on Alicia’s family farm in Victoria: her two competition 30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

horses – Bluefields Fustentanz (William) and Grand Kalypso (Wally) – as well as two youngsters and her mum’s riding horse. Starting off at Pony Club, she spent her early years dabbling in eventing and showjumping before choosing to focus exclusively on dressage. “At age 12 I acquired this super little speedy hot Appaloosa/ TB gelding, he was the most talented jumping horse I had ridden but at the same time he was very enthusiastic, which could intimidate me when I jumped him,” she explains. “So I focused on improving his dressage for a couple of years, in order to improve his jumping and that’s when I decided dressage was for me.”

She clearly has a talent for the discipline, winning State, National Young Rider and Interschool titles as a junior. More recently she has produced her 8-year-old William from Preliminary to Prix St Georges level in just three years, during which time they have successfully competed and won at State and National level, and been selected onto both the Victorian Young Rider A squad and the Australian National Futures squad. She also counts herself lucky to have been a demonstration rider in Carl Hester’s 2016 Australian Masterclass.

The ambitious 20-year-old aims to consolidate William at Small Tour level this season and hopes to progress him through to Grand Prix over the

next few years. She says she is also enthusiastic about getting her two young horses under saddle during the next 12 months – as well as fitting in study toward her University degree.

As for her Kiwi experience, Alicia was very grateful for the chance to ride Pete here. “I’m so thankful to Liz Hutson for allowing me this opportunity. I came to New Zealand with no expectations, I just wanted to bond with the horse I was offered the ride on and produce elegant tests with positive scores.

Winning Reserve Champion for L5 and the Champion Hanoverian award was unexpected but fabulous and those results topped off what had already been such a fantastic week!”

“I would like to say a massive thank you to the organising committee for inviting the Victorian team,” she continues, “as well as the volunteers, sponsors, judges and all others involved in making the U25 Dressage Championships run so well and for making all us Aussies feel very welcome – I hope to see everyone again next year!”

It’s not the first time Liz has offered one of her own horses for an international rider, or the last. “It’s something I like to do,” she says. “I get a lot of enjoyment, satisfaction and personal pride out of seeing the horse that I’ve trained be ridden by someone else successfully.”

RIDER PROFILE

The Young Rider from the Bellarine Peninsula did the Equestrian Australia Victorian team proud on her borrowed mount Hapsburg PSH (owned by Liz Hutson), winning Reserve Champion Young Rider in the L5, as well as the L4-9 NZ Hanoverian Society Award.

ABOUT HAPSBURG PSH… Bred by: Phoenix Sport Horses Owned by: Liz Hutson Colour: Chestnut Age: 8 years old Breeding: By His Highness (German Hanoverian exp USA), out of a TB mare named Suzanne Paul.

Liz bought ‘Pete’ as a rising 4-yr-old and has done all his dressage training herself. He was very successful at L1, winning numerous championships, and

this year he was fourth overall for the L5 title at HOY.

the sequence changes in the musical for a medium canter.

The Upper Hutt-based Liz and Pete accepted the kind offer of a ride up to Taupo with Kate Tobin. Upon arrival – Thursday - the three Aussie riders each had a test drive of the borrowed horses, with Alicia electing to ride Pete. She wasn’t able to get his changes consistently (most competitors find the changes difficult when riding borrowed horses as the change aid is so unique from rider to rider) so they swapped

“She got a really good score [68%], the first three were very close. She was right up there and I was certainly really proud to have her ride my horse,” enthuses Liz, who thoroughly enjoyed the show. “It was very positive, right at the end we had the Aussies helping us to take the arenas down! So we really appreciated their input and support for our event.”

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

OVERSEAS RIDER PROFILE

LIFE IS ABOUT HAVING A PASSION - TARA KUSCH

Back in 1991 Auckland’s Tara Kusch (then Tara Woolley) sold her two eventers and headed off from New Zealand on her OE, arriving in London with just a backpack some six years later. She then completed her Masters Degree and started working as a Management Consultant in the city. In 2000 she decided that working to live was a better life option than living to work and she bought another event horse. This plan proved to be more difficult than she anticipated. Having been away from the sport for nine years combined with living in the centre of London and having a job that required lots of European travel made training for all three disciplines somewhat challenging. 32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

OVERSEAS RIDER PROFILE

TARA PICKS UP HER STORY

In 2002 I married a German colleague and moved to Bonn soon after, basing myself at Rodderberg, an Eventing centre that at the time ran a CDI. Four months in, I had a bad cross country fall at a 2* fence and after two weeks in hospital I made the decision to turn to pure dressage. It had after all, always been my strong point! I bought Florestino, an approved son of Florestan and King, a PSG grandson of Donnerhall. Being able to focus on one discipline meant that I started learning and progressing again and it was hugely satisfying. I did my Bronze Reitabzeichnen, for which the riding was not difficult but involved a lot of both equitation and horsemanship theory in German. To be honest I can’t remember the digestive system anymore but it was invaluable

as it meant I could go on to train in German and helped me understand what was going on at the competitions, the Bundeschampionat and various foal, mare and stallion gradings that I attended. I also was lucky enough to visit the barns of Isabell Werth, Hubertus Schmidt and Heike Kemmer and will never forget Hubertus teaching a Bereiter while practicing canter pirouettes on Wansuela Suerta.

In 2006 I moved to Hungary where I was lucky to train for two years with the great Gyula Dallos (of Aktion fame). I had the opportunity to ride Grand Prix horses every day and it was Gyula who taught me to not always blame myself for things in training and instead he taught me to ask ‘What happened? Where did it happen. Why did it happen? “ (in that order). I believe mastering this was a significant turning point for me as it is when I

started to progress from ’trying to ride’ to ‘learning to train’.

In 2008 my husband and I separated and I returned to London, this time with two suitcases and a toddler. I had absolutely no choice but to stop riding.

Florestino was sold to America and I gave my then 17 yr old King to Gyula.

He’s now 24 and still competing PSG. In London, I went back to work but I realised time constraints of such a career while being a ‘solo’ mum would mean I would never have time to ride. I needed to change tact.

In Hungary I had had weekly 1:1 pilates sessions with a ballerina with the National Ballet. It made such a difference to my riding that in 2009 I started my training in the UK. In 2010 I opened my home studio and in 2013 I launched Evolved Pilates (www. evolved-pilates.com). The studio now runs 27 classes a week plus the seven

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

OVERSEAS RIDER PROFILE

trainers I employ teach numerous 1:1 sessions. I have since gone on to complete many specialist courses including Pilates for MS and the Pink Ribbon Program (rehabilitation for Breast Cancer sufferers) and am now an Accredited Equipilates Biomechanics Trainer. I teach approximately 40 clients a week, about half of them are riders.

In 2012 after a four year break, I was in a position to ride again and it was the opportune time to make some fundamental changes. A friend had given me a book written by Mary Wanless and later that year I found myself on my first course with her. I will never forget when she made the first changes to my position whilst in halt and then told me to walk on. I thought “you’ve got to be kidding! I can hardly sit here like this let alone maintain it in walk!” That November I bought Regrette, a 5yr old Rheinlander mare from my friend Ursula Thiebes in Germany and in 2013 I did five week long courses with Mary. I still train with Mary or one of her coaches regularly - her eye is brilliant and her method 34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

extremely helpful. I have seen her bring about phenomenal changes in riders and I am in training with her to become one of her coaches.

In 2014 I started training with Nikki Crisp, the travelling reserve to 2012 Olympics for Great Britian. Nikki is a small package and cannot use force or strength in her riding and I love that she has to think outside of the box. Her horses are all so supple and expressive and believe me; many are not like that when they first come to her. I now teach an Equipilates segment on her monthly Bootcamps and with my brother, NZ breeder David Woolley, we are planning to arrange some clinics for her when she comes to NZ for my wedding this December so watch this space. Nikki has just won the Advanced Medium Freestyle Winter Championship and was third to Charlotte Dujardin on her two horses in the straight Advanced Medium Class.

Nikki heralded a competitive milestone for me. Six months after starting with her we won British

Champion Amateur at Elementary level at the Nationals. Two years later we were British Freestyle Medium Restricted Reserve Champions. In 2016 my fiancé Mark and I made the decision to move closer to Nikki and buy land so that I could have more horses.

Mark’s not horsey and had to leave his golf course to do so - no wonder I am marrying him!

So my horse collection is slowly growing and my barn just outside Newmarket is now home to:Hero - 5yr KWPN Sorento (Sandro Hit)/Sir Sinclair/Jetset D. I bought him as an unbacked 3 year old from a video as I could see that he sits and turns on a sixpence. He’s not disappointing me, offering small steps and changes so easily that I have to be careful not to ask for too much. He’s 17.1hh and still needs more balance and maturity so he hasn’t competed yet. He was purchased through a European contact.

Flo - 7yr KWPN Tango/Sandreo/ Gribaldi Elementary-Medium Level.

Tango is by Jazz and Sandreo by Sandro

OVERSEAS RIDER PROFILE Hit. Flo has only been under saddle for 13 months. She won her music class at the Regionals in February in the Novice Class, earning her ticket to the British Winter Championships this April where she handled the huge atmosphere like a seasoned professional for a respectable 13th. Flo was purchased through Kebe & Craig Rawlins, who run the Elite Horse Auctions in the Netherlands.

Regrette - 10yr Rheinlander Riccio/ Ferragamo/Damenstolz Advanced Medium Level. Unfortunately ‘Greta’ bruised a check ligament in the field on New Year’s Eve and is currently on box rest. We’ve been a bit held back with her advancement as the changes make her a little anxious so I am hoping that the enforced break might clear her head.

Baron - 11yr KWPN Goodtimes/ Jazz/Ariban. I’ve only had Baron a month after having purchased him from the Netherlands after his owner died suddenly. He’s not competed but is working at Advanced level. He’s hot but sensible and I am very excited about him. He was quite the find and purchased through the same contact that found Hero for me.

ON COMPETING IN BRITAIN

Competing here in England is both exciting and daunting. There are so many lovely horses (at all levels) and the sheer numbers at shows can be unbelievable but it’s also great for getting horses used to busy atmospheres. Access to incredible trainers is another advantage but training with too many can affect your progress. I try to carefully select who will complement Nikki. At the moment it is Portuguese Trainer Nuno Baptista who is very classical and Nikki’s German Trainer Hans Schmiedler, who is very clever with patterns and the use

of gymnastic pole work.

For me the other major advantages are the demonstration days, conventions and additional demonstrations at the large competitions, most of which are arranged by British Dressage.

It’s a complicated process getting to the National level championships each year. There are two of them the ‘Summers’ (Le Mieux National Championships) in September and the ‘Winters’ (British Dressage Winter Championships) in April. In order to get to each you must first qualify for the Regional Championships and then win your class at the Regionals (some wildcards are offered to the highest scoring non automatically qualifying riders nationally and that is how I got to the Summers in 2014). I’ve come second at the Winters, only to not qualify for the Summers at the same level a few months later. There is just so much hinging on that one test and it can be so disappointing. The answer is to compete as many horses as you can and hope you get there on at least one of them!

British Dressage now has a three tier system of Bronze, Silver and Gold at each level upwards from Novice. Riders are also graded from 1-8 depending on the level at which they have successfully competed. The Rider’s grade predominantly dictates at which tier one must ride. Nikki, having competed very successfully internationally at Grand Prix is Grade 1 and has to ride in the Gold section at every level. At the moment, I can still ride at most levels as a Silver competitor but the disadvantage of that is far fewer spaces are given to Silver competitors for National qualification. I also anticipate that I will be going up to Group 4 next year

which would put me in the Novice Gold section against the likes of Charlotte Dujardin and Nikki, so that’s not a great alternative!

Silver and Bronze (Amateur) Riders have 27 Petplan Festival Shows (with classes from Prelim to Inter 1) and 8 Area Festival Finals, giving the Silver Riders a backup Championship if we do not manage to qualify for the Regionals (but you can’t do both and you do have to decide early on which one to do).

Professional Riders have 8 Premier League Shows (these are shows that aim to provide the large show atmosphere as warmups for CDI’s), 7 CDI’s and 5 High Profile Shows. There is certainly a lot going on and for the horses it all adds up to them getting lots of experience without having to step off British soil.

And when they do, there is there Small and Big European Tour. The Western European league is very difficult to get into, the Eastern European League less so but it’s a long way from the UK. I’ve been to watch numerous in both (Prague, Lipica & Warsaw in the latter) and there is definitely a big difference in standard between the two.

Living and competitng in the U.K. has it’s pros and cons and I am grateful for the opportunity. I focus on the fact that our sport is about having fun while challenging oneself mentally and physically. Life is about having a passion and I count myself as very lucky that I do.

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

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

ZILCO FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS - RESULTS L0 TRAINING CHAMPION

Champion | Sarah Hazlewood - Riverdance Supernova Reserve | Dani Simpson - Farloe Gretel

L1 TRAINING CHAMPION

Champion | Debbie Vincent - Fozzie Reserve | Sandra Mackenzie - Ultimate Reward

L2 TRAINING CHAMPION

Champion | Andrea Spain - Zactac Snack Reserve | Angela Stockdale - Lady Langdale

YDH 4YO CHAMPIONSHIP

Janelle Sangster-Ward - SE Greenwich Time Reserve | Nicola Kennedy - Hez All That Jazz

YDH 5YO CHAMPIONSHIP

Jan Morice - Denmark Reserve | Emma Rowe-Pledger - Whispers Matapiro

YDH 6YO CHAMPIONSHIP

L4 PONY CHAMPION

Millie Thompson - Rifesyde Prancer

L1 OPEN CHAMPION

Kaye Blundell - Sisters II Mrs Robinson Reserve | Linda Cocks - Belvoir

L2 OPEN CHAMPION

Jan Morice - Denmark Reserve | Sarah Collins - Mardi Gras

L3 OPEN CHAMPION

Zena Chart - Renaissance Reserve | Tanya McKenzie - Glenrose Fire and Ice

L4 OPEN CHAMPION

Sophie Griffith - Hells Bells Reserve | Julie Fraser - Arnage Rhumba

L5 OPEN CHAMPION

Kirsty Schist - Kintore Romany Reserve | Seija Parkkali-Glew - Lodestar

Anne Cochrane - Lovely Rita Reserve | Lindsay Colwell - Che Bello

YDH 7YO CHAMPIONSHIP

L6 OPEN CHAMPION

Kerryn McLean - Lavetta

Phillippa Thompson - Gemstar Reserve | Kirsty Schist - Sandman

L1 PONY CHAMPION

L7 OPEN CHAMPION

L2 PONY CHAMPION

L8 OPEN CHAMPION

L3 PONY CHAMPION

EQUISSAGE L9 OPEN CHAMPION

Georgia Allison - GE Prides Dreamcatcher Reserve | Mikayla Wycliffe - Hollybank Just an Illusion Charlotte Thomas - Farview Free Spirit Reserve | Imogen Morrison - River Dance Drummer Boy Millie Thompson - Greenmoor Euphoria Reserve | Lucy Cochrane - Inspector Gadget

Kirsty Schist - Donna Bonita Reserve | Sophie Griffith - Frangelico F Kirsty Schist - Kinnordy Gambado Reserve | Gael Kofoed - Il Divo Mura Love - J L Champs Elysee’

BEAUTIFUL GARLANDS FOR YOUR NEXT EVENT?

Contact us for a FREE quote - proud supporters of Dressage NZ and we deliver nationwide!

36 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

NATIONAL EVENT REVIEW

ACCOLADES FOR ZILCO FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS… Photos by Dark Horse Photography

The accolades have been rolling in for the inaugural Zilco Festival of Future Stars which was held over two days at the SI National Equestrian Centre in Canterbury. The Dressage Canterbury committee had been enthusiastic about promoting a young horse show for some time, and after consultation with Michele Zielazo, Vice President of the NZ Warmblood Assn, agreed to host and incorporate the SI Warmblood championship show alongside a dressage competition. This became the platform for showcasing the young horse concept in the South Island.

FEI 3* judges Kerrie Swan-Bates (Aus) and Linda Warren-Davey (NZL,) both Australian accredited young horse judges, were joined by Australian show judge Kim Martin who judged the Warmblood led and ridden classes. By all accounts the show has been a great success receiving over 120 entries, with 17 in the young horse classes and

Janelle Sangster-Ward and SE Greenwich Time with Linda Warren-Davey

riders travelling from Nelson, Blenheim and as far south as Queenstown. The committee also decided to include the newly introduced FEI 7 yr old YH test.

Musical freestyle tests were available for Level 5 horses and above and were well supported.

Zilco Equestrian Products sponsored the dressage championship rugs, grooming kits and sashes. Syncroflex sponsored the rugs and sashes for the YH classes, Mitavite supported the Showing classes, Rangiora Equestrian the unregistered classes, and along with support from Saddlery Barn, Equestrian Elegance, Catwalk and lifestylelivingwithlinda.co.nz, there was an abundance of fabulous prizes for competitors.

The Young Horse judges were full of praise about the quality of the horses presented, and were delighted to hear from several riders who thought the

feedback they received was valuable and will assist with the further training and development of their horses over the winter months. Linda is confident the YH competitions will become popular in NZ as riders, owners and breeders of young horses become more familiar with the concept. Linda emphasises that “the judging is different to standard tests.

There is a mark for each of the paces, the submission and the overall perspective of the horse, with feedback provided on the horse’s strengths and weaknesses in this all-important development phase, and which areas require more focus as per the Training Scale for the horse to realise its full potential”.

Dressage riders enjoyed being able to add in a few showing classes amongst their dressage tests, and the committee is looking forward to developing the show further in 2018.

Pictured L to R: Kim Martin (Aus), Kerrie Swan-Bates (Aus) and Linda Warren-Davey (NZL)

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37

NEWS

ONE DOOR CLOSES… Article by Jess Roberts | Photo by Libby Law Photography

This month we bid farewell to the Pony that could. German Riding Pony Hilkens Denali heads offshore for the next chapter of his life, where he can look forward to doing what he does best: being a dressage superstar.

“Denali has found a fabulous new home in Australia where his focus will be on competition and helping his rider move up the grades. He’s a special boy and I have no doubt that his new owner will love him as much as I have… and do,” says Amy DeLangen; her AD Stud has been Denali’s home for almost a decade. “He has some lovely progeny both here and in Australia and I’ll continue to get a thrill out of following their journeys.”

Matangi-based Amy still faces a long, empty truck drive home from Auckland International Airport when she delivers her special cargo to the terminal later this month. “He’s part of the family. We have been together for nine years so dropping him off at the airport is going to be incredibly hard – I’ve already told my husband he has to come with me, I’m not sure I could drive myself home afterwards,” she admits.

Denali leaves a lot of talented offspring here in NZ, the oldest now rising eight: AD Dennache this year won the Pony L2 titles at both HOY and the Young Rider Championships, and was reserve at Nationals. Buckton Thellini (AUS) won the 5-year-old Pony at Werribee’s Dressage With The 38 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

Stars last month in some very elite company, and there are a multitude of Denali progeny competing successfully across the disciplines back here, Buckton Denniston (Melia Pickard, dressage), Benmore Alpha (Lexi Nolan, sidesaddle), BBS Picasso (Jemma Gold, showjumping) to name but a few.

Amy imported Denali almost a decade ago as a rising 3-year-old, after her search for a “nice, competitive, good-moving pony” led her to Davidoff (the only German Riding Pony in NZ at the time), igniting in her a real passion for the breed. The 14hh stallion was only lightly backed when he arrived; DeLangen has done all his training herself.

“I’m very proud of what I have achieved with Denali. I would never have thought nine years ago when I purchased him from Germany that I would have achieved what I have with him, having ridden up to L7 against the hacks. And he’s got some pretty neat Grand Prix moves installed!” she adds.

Competing horses is something new to look forward to, she says, and is in the process of buying a nice horse for

next season. “I love riding ponies but it can be frustrating at times – I do often feel Denali was undervalued here but was perhaps a bit ahead of his time?’ she muses. “It would seem that Pony dressage is starting to take off albeit slowly which is good to see.”

And of course she will still have her stunning palomino stallion Golden Strike to focus on, another GRP import and already-popular sire. Amy also has a rising 3-year-old at home that she “is pretty excited about” and has kept a gorgeous Denali park hack for her daughter Caitlin to ride. Caitlin took over the ride on Denali last year, doing a beautiful job with him and making it onto the FEI Pony Rankings after their CDI-P FEI Pony class at Nationals in February. “Caitlin is going to be much taller than me – lucky her!” jokes Amy. “So we’ve kept Delta for her. She is out of a Ramirez/TB mare and it will be nice to have her around, a little bit of Denali here still.”

NEWS Amy DeLangen, Caitlin DeLangen on Hilkens Denali at Bates National Championships with coach John Thompson

JUDGES NEWS The list of Dressage NZ Official Judge Educators and Mentors has been revised effective 1/8/17

all shadow judging and mentoring as explained in Schedule in Technical Manual.

Warren-Davey, Mura Love (CTBY) Barbara Chalmers (OTAGO) Lyn Fox (STHLD)

EDUCATORS : for North and South Island Official Clinics Sue Hobson (FEI 4*), Helen Hughes-Keen (FEI 4*), Betty Brown (FEI 3*) Linda Warren-Davey (FEI 3*) Jan Bird (NZL List 1, RET FEI 4*)

Carol Going (NTHLD), Judith Cunningham (WAIT), Betty Brown, Judy Alderdice, Robin Potter (AKLD) Marcia Bayley, Margs Carline(WAIK), Sue Harris (GIS), Felicity DobellBrown, Carol Eivers (NHB), Sue Hobson, Mary Craine (SHB), Julie Brougham (CD), Helen Hughes-Keen, Jan Bird (WGTN), Tracey Johnson (MARL), Myra Friend (NEL), Linda

YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE JUDGES: Sue Hobson, Helen HughesKeen, Linda Warren-Davey, Judith Cunningham, Jacqui Winspear, Margs Carline, Carol Eivers, Vaughn Cooper

MENTORS: These judges are able to officiate at local clinics for List 5 to List 3 judges and can also sign off

Brand new styles, brand new website...

Still the same high quality, uniquely tailored garments Moores Riding Wear Ltd toThe ensure maximum style and& comfort. best place to shop for a jacket style to suit your dressage needs.

Show specials available during the www.mooresridingwear.co.nz South Island Festival of Dressage.

e: info@mooresridingwear.co.nz | p: 03 313 6116 | find us on facebook • Dressage tails, Cutaways & Traditional double vented jackets.

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

• Here on site for the duration of the show, MAYcall 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | in & see us.

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

39

OVERSEAS NEWS

EMILE FAURIE SIGNED AS TRAINING SUPERVISOR AND SALES MANAGER AT HOF KASSELMANN British Olympic and European team gold medal winner Emile Faurie has signed as training supervisor and sales manager at Ullrich Kasselmann's dressage sales and training facility Hof Kasselmann in Hagen (Germany). At the same time Faurie steps down as Finnish team trainer.

Emile Faurie (GBR) & Weekend Fun. Photo: © Stefan Lafrentz

40 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

OVERSEAS NEWS

Emile Faurie assisting with the selection of the young horses for the PSI Auction.

Photo: © PSI

Emile Faurie has represented Great Britain at two Olympic Games, three World Equestrian Games and six European Championships on Virtu, Legrini, Rascher Hopes, Insterburg and Elmegaardens Marquis. He has garnered a wealth of knowledge and experience as a competitor and trainer.

"I'm very excited about this new opportunity," Faurie explained. "I will be dividing my time between the UK and Germany and will be riding a number of horses at Hof Kasselmann as well as supervise the training of the youngsters and FEI level horses. I will also be assisting François Kasselmann, Hartmut Lammers and Stephan Plüm with the sales of the horses."

Based at Heath Farm in Oxfordshire, Great Britain, Emile teaches a number of British talents from Young Riders to international Grand Prix level. His student and assistant trainer Tom Goode has recently made a smashing debut at national Grand Prix level aboard the KWPN stallion Dior (by Gribaldi x Goodtimes). Emile is

currently competing Hof Kasselmann's Weekend Fun (by Welt Hit II x Rubinstein) at international Grand Prix level.

With the acceptance of his new job at Hof Kasselmann, Faurie resigned from his position as Finnish team trainer. "I've had a good conversation with the federation and we decided to continue working together. I will no longer be the team trainer, but will be a Top Dressage Trainer for Finland, working with several of the international Grand Prix riders," Faurie stated.

Faurie is not unfamiliar with Hof Kasselmann and Performance Sales International, which hosts the most prestigious auction of young sport horses in the world. At the beginning of his professional dressage career in the 1980S Emile worked for PSI helping to back and prepare youngsters for auction.

how to recognize a good young horse," he said. "I'm excited about the future working collaborating with the Kasselmann family, who I consider long-time friends. They have an outstanding collection of horses from young horse level to Grand Prix and a professional team at Hof Kasselmann.

It will be a pleasure to train and work with them."

Hof Kasselmann CEO Francois Kasselmann is looking forward to this great cooperation: “We have been working together for a long time now and I am glad that we can finally successfully expand this partnership.

Emile is a very professional but at the same time fun guy who fits perfectly into the philosophy of Hof Kasselmann and PSI. His international background, his experience on forming youngsters up to Grand Prix level and at the same time bringing the riders in shape can only have a good effect for us.”

“It was phenomenal. I was riding lots of different horses, received brilliant training and gained knowledge of MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

COMPETITION ANXIETY - ON THE DAY Article by Lindsay Cook - Open Minds Equestrian Performance

Why is it that we can ride at home producing some of our very best work, yet when we go to a competition it all falls apart or doesn’t go quite as we expected?

So competition day has dawned. How are you feeling? Anxious? Nervous?

Snapping at your partner, friends or others who are there to help and support you? Maybe your appetite has gone, or worse! Perhaps you haven’t slept for a week running through all those ‘what ifs’ in your mind? You ride for fun, right?

It’s your time out, your hobby, why then are you feeling like this?

Competing is a time when all your training comes together and you go out to show what you have achieved, a marker for your progress. Usually it involves being cleaned, dressed, plaited, warmed up, in the right place with your horse going the best it possibly can all at the right time, on time. Phew! No

42 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

pressure! Plus, you’ve got two, three or more tests to ride. How are you going to remember them all or not get them muddled?

Can you see what’s happening?

Pressure, tensions, expectations are building. Unlike when we practice and train in our own time there is so much more going on at a competition. It didn’t really matter in training as we worked to our own schedule, but now it’s a different story! It has to go well.

STOP! Breathe. Take a moment.

Whoa, a little half halt for yourself.

Check yourself and bring things back into perspective. If you are uptight and frazzled then your horse is going to wonder what has become of you. He’s

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

"A winner is one whose subconscious mind and conscious mind are in agreement..."

going to get worried and he (and you) won’t be able to concentrate on what you’re doing. Give yourself plenty of time. Try this simple grounding exercise just before you get on • Shake out the tension in your shoulders. Roll them up and down a few times.

• Look straight ahead and take a deep breath. HOLD that breath.

• Now – keeping your eyes open – turn your head to the LEFT. • Then – still keeping your eyes open – turn your head to the RIGHT. • Turn to look straight ahead and EXHALE. When you are riding in the warmup, make sure you remember to breathe – easy said. Watch those thoughts – keep them present and on the job. This is not the time to think about the endless ‘to do’ list or concern yourself about anything other than your riding. So go for the feeling – focus and concentrate on getting him going – is he working correctly, engaged, moving off your leg?

Establish a warm up routine and use it – get the rhythm, the pace, the suppleness.

This way your mind is narrowed down to what you are doing and shouldn’t have time for anything else. In doing this you are becoming more present – in the here and now, thus communicating more effectively with your horse. There’s a pattern developing here – positive is building on positive – there’s an upward swing. You are working together, in harmony, just you and your horse.

Things such as people watching or other distractions have faded away to the background, and so it becomes more enjoyable, you’re in a zone with your horse. When you’re riding in this way – in the present – in the now – whatever you like to call it – you are better able to

instantly and instinctively make good decisions if something unexpected should happen. This is called controlling the controllables. Not being present scatters your thinking because it reduces your focus, and makes it easier for negative thoughts to come in. In the same way if you’re concerned about others watching, fellow competitors, or listening to others who are attempting to put you off in any way, or ‘psyche’ you out – you are lacking in both confidence and concentration, and not truly on top of your game. If you are not in the present moment, then where are you regretting a mistake you just made or angsting about something that hasn’t even happened yet?

This is key to when you are riding in the arena. If you make a mistake, drop it. Straightaway. If you forgot to trot at C and keep going around the arena till E, what is done is done. There is no point getting rattled by it, as it’s now of the past. It cannot be undone – it can however be a lesson to be more aware next time, but if you allow this to error to rattle you during the test it will quite possibly ruin the rest of your performance.

So, did you win? Winning is not necessarily getting placed first. It is performing up to 100% of your ability on the day. There is nothing worse than feeling you missed out because you made some silly mistake - you know when you have gone out there and ridden your absolute best. You may have actually got third place, but in your own mind you knew that you performed to the best of your ability, and that’s what counts. There will be times where you are well beaten by someone who is simply better than you, but as long as you can say that you gave it your best shot, that’s all you can ask for.

A winner is one whose subconscious mind and conscious mind are in agreement. If we make up our conscious mind to be successful then all we need to do is tell the subconscious mind also. This result = two minds working together and when we do this we have a winner.

Lindsay Cook is an accomplished Clinical Hypnotherapist with more than 30 years’ experience, specialising in Equestrian Sports Performance for horse riders. Open Minds Equestrian Sports Performance has supported riders and their coaches at all levels to achieve their dreams and ambitions.

Lindsay is an experienced trainer and facilitator in Executive Coaching and Leadership Development, and also runs SafeTech her own Health & Safety consultancy. Based in Auckland Lindsay travels frequently to Australia and designs individually personalised programmes to bring out the best in everyone. www.lindsaycook.net Feel free to contact Lindsay on 021 222 5546 or email openminds@lindsaycook.net

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

COMPLETE CORE MOVEMENT The following are a few movements and postures that target the lower back, the hamstrings and the glutes and which will begin to initiate correct hip mobility.

To target the posterior chain, this pose does it all! It may not look the most stylish, but it is a lower back, glute and hamstring builder like no other.

Take your feet into a shoulder/hip width stance and keep the knees very soft. With your pelvis in neutral push your bottom out behind you and keep a curve in the lower back. Rock your weight onto the heels and extend your arms up in front of you and bring the fingertips together. Once you are here, imagine your arms are being pulled up and your bottom wants to get closer to the ground behind you; you are wanting to increase the tug of war affect through your body. Stay here for 3 expansion breaths (see issue 8 of NZ Bulletin for a breathing ‘how to’). This posture can be done anywhere, at any time and it is encouraged that you aim to do it at least 3 times during the day; as always, the more the merrier.

44 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

If you so much as whisper the word ‘core’ to a rider, chances are you will get an elaborate display of eye rolling, accompanied with either a slightly aggressive response ‘feel these abs, just feel them!’ or a ‘I don’t want to do anymore sit ups’ in a toddler tantrum type of scenario. Arenas around the globe are full of a familiar cry of ‘Your core needs to be stronger’ and it is used for the rider who cannot sit to the trot all the way up to those unable to conquer a clean flying change. It has become the go-to, get out of jail free card for every unbalanced piece of riding and whilst the message that a strong core will give you an independent seat is not inherently wrong, piggy backing off the fitness industry’s obsession with a 6 pack, is.

REDEFINING THE CORE Article by Debbie Rolmanis www.dbmuscletherapy.com

SO, WHAT REALLY IS THE CORE? To be biomechanically correct, the core should be thought of as every muscle that attaches to the pelvis (of which there are over 30 including attachments to the sacrum and the hips). The pelvis really is the biomechanic super power of the human body, and for the rider it is especially critical as it becomes the base of support in the saddle.

Every movement of the horse is received by the pelvis. That means that all the muscles which connect to this titan of a structure; above, below, front, back, side to side, superficial and deep, will have an impact on the positioning of the body in the saddle. Thinking of the core as this entire unit will give the rider a much more accurate and holistic approach to ‘core training’ and how it influences everything; from how the upper body is stacked above the pelvis, to how the legs hang beneath it.

BACK TO FRONT Mechanically, the strongest part of the body should be the Posterior Chain, ie the muscles at the back of the body; lower back, glutes and hamstrings.

In days of old we would’ve used our bodies in a way that complimented this design; every movement our ancestors made in the form of squatting, pulling, pushing etc would be strengthening the back and keeping the hips mobile.

Modern day compressive living leaves us shortening the front of the body and leaving the posterior chain lengthened and weak.

Sitting for long periods of time presses against the hamstrings which restricts the bloodflow they receive, putting them into a habitually shortened and weak position. At the same time it lengthens and weakens the glutes and tightens the hip flexors.

The upper body begins to fold forward, shortening the front of the body. In MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 45

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS clear terms, all we are succeeding at is bringing the nose and the knees closer together. And nobody wants that.

Unravelling this posture is not possible by just standing up (however this does help) as habitual shortening of the front of the body pulls the pelvis out of optimal alignment, even when standing. Transferring this misalignment and weakness into the saddle creates an incredibly difficult challenge for the pelvis. Trying to maintain balance and stability when it has to constantly adjust to the horses’ movement with poor ‘complete’ strength becomes a near impossibility.

strength required. That is a key piece of information. If the body is working correctly, the lower back fires up and provides intelligence to the abdominal corset on how strong it needs to be. It is the conductor of the orchestra, the CEO, the captain of the ship. You get the idea. It’s the boss.

This network of muscles that attach to the pelvis are a complete unit. They are constantly communicating with each other and when the body is aligned and functioning correctly they are happily all speaking the same language.

Unfortunately, when the lower back musculature is weak and abused from poor movement, it cannot stabilise the spine and therefore cannot direct the rest of the core muscles into their roles. Targeting the front of the body (standard ‘core’ training) without looking after the posterior muscles, is similar to communicating vital statistics on a phone with poor signal.

Information is lost and the result is unsatisfactory. Without the leadership of the lower back, targeting the front part of the core becomes purely an exercise in shortening the abdominals whilst closing the gap between the vertebrae of the lumbar spine, which ultimately means damage and pain.

The muscles of the lower back, who have been assigned the role of the strongest member of the team, dictate the conversation. When these muscles are switched on and strong, their communication (via spinal stabilisation) tells the abdominal muscles to switch on at the level of

The message here is that the lower back needs to be the first one on the list of priorities. When we are able to align and strengthen this area, the abdominals at the front and sides of the body are able to switch on and carry out their supportive roles with the appropriate level of tension.

CRUNCH TIME; HOW DOES THE CORE WORK?

BACK EXTENSIONS If you are suffering with back pain, the first posture ‘Strengthening the Posterior Chain’ is an excellent one to do frequently. Start with doing this at least 3 times a day for a couple of weeks, and see how your back is starting to feel.

Back extensions are another way of targeting the posterior chain. Here I have lifted the shoulders and the legs,

46 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

THE HIPS The function of the hips forms a massive part of this story of looking at the ‘complete core’. The muscles below the pelvis, particularly the glutes and hamstrings are key to the correct function of the pelvis and the hips, which is vital for the rider.

In order to sit in the saddle with a long, elegant leg the rider needs to take the hip into some external rotation and extension (moving the leg towards the back of the horse), which requires the glutes and hamstrings to be firing.

The unavoidable truth is that most riders have at least one hip they wished could be traded in, and once again, we have to look at the effect of compressive living; that is a habitually seated posture that closes our hip joint and makes our butt muscles disappear. The result is a hip that cannot move into extension (glutes weak, stretched and unable to contract) which impacts the positioning of the pelvis, the leg and the upper body in the saddle.

The hips should be the main fulcrum of the body, and treating every muscle that attaches to the pelvis as part of the core ensures that the hips start to regain some mobility.

targeting the glutes, hamstrings, lower and upper back. You can do just the legs, or just the shoulders, you don’t have to do both at the same time. Make sure you are squeezing your glutes together, and for the shoulders you want to be squeezing your scapulas towards each other.

Repeat 10 reps x 3

RIDER HEALTH AND FITNESS

STRENGTHENING THE POSTERIOR CHAIN Staying in this posture we can use it to perform squats that target the glutes and hamstrings, rather than the traditional squat which makes the thighs burn and overloads the knees.

For this one, lower your chest slightly further then come to standing by

squeezing your glutes together; your glutes and hamstrings should be the guys who raise your upper body.

Keep squeezing all the way to upright.

Repeat 10 x 3.

SQUATS This picture also shows how we should be bending from the hips. Here the hips are being used as the fulcrum

for the body; their correct role. Try this posture when you are picking out feet, or bending down for any reason. It will begin to improve the mobility of the hip joint and it will strengthen the posterior chain, all in one little bend!

Repeat 10 reps x 3

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. www.dbmuscletherapy.com

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER

WHAT’S ON MAY 2017 | NORTH ISLAND 7

Auckland-Manukau Dressage Group

LE

Clevedon Show Grounds

7

Dressage Northland

LE

Barge Park Whangarei

7

Solway Dressage Autumn Series #2

TE

Solway Showgrounds

7

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Series Dressage - Day 1

TE

Waikato Equestrian Centre

14

Dressage Waitemata

LE

Woodhill Sands

14

Horowhenua DG Ribbon Day

TE

Waikanae Park

14

MTDG Group Autumn Non-Graded Dressage Ribbon Day 2

TE

Waihou Recreation Grounds

14

NHB Winter Series Day 2

LE

HB Equestrian Park

Dressage Central Districts Winter Show (tbc)

LE

Manfeild Park

Dressage Northland

LE

Barge Park Whangarei

LE

NEC Taupo **

20/21 21

**27/28 Dressage Rotorua Wendy Richards Memorial Show 28

Gisborne Dressage Autumn Series #2

LE

Gisborne Showgrounds

28

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Pony Series Day One

TE

Waikato Equestrian Centre

JUNE 2017 | NORTH ISLAND 4

Solway Dressage Autumn Series #3

TE

Solway Showgrounds

4

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Series Dressage - Day 2

TE

Waikato Equestrian Centre

11

Horowhenua DG Ribbon Day

TE

Waikanae Park

11

NHB Winter Series Day 3

LE

HB Equestrian Park

Dressage Taranaki Winter Event

LE

Egmont Showgrounds

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Pony Series Day Two

TE

Waikato Equestrian Centre

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Series Dressage - Day 3

TE

Waikato Equestrian Centre

**2

Horowhenua DG Ribbon Day

TE

Waikanae Park

29

Dressage Taranaki Winter Event

LE

Egmont Showgrounds

30

Waikato Equestrian Centre Winter Pony Series Day Three

TE

Waikato Equestrian Centre

24/25 25

JULY 2017 | NORTH ISLAND 2

APRIL 2017 | SOUTH ISLAND 1/2

Southland Dressage Group

LE

Gore Showgrounds

1/2

Zilco Festival of Future Stars Championships

LE

SINEC

Marlborough Training Event

TE

Marlborough Equestrian Park

8/9

Dressage Central Otago

LE

Cromwell Racecourse

16

North Loburn Equestrian Centre

LE

Rangiora Showgrounds

23

Ashburton Dressage

TE

Ashburton Showgrounds

30

Nelson Winter Series #1

LE

Rough Island Equestrian Park

30

NEG Autumn Series Day 2

LE

Harrs Road

30

SCNO Dressage Group

LE

Winchester Showgrounds

2

48 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER MAY 2017 | SOUTH ISLAND 7

Canterbury Autumn Series Day 3

LE

SINEC

7

Marlborough Training Event

TE

Marlborough Equestrian Park

21

Ashburton Dressage

TE

Ashburton Showgrounds

21

North Loburn Equestrian Centre

LE

Rangiora Showgrounds

28

NEG Autumn Series Day 3

LE

Harrs Road

28

Nelson Winter Series #2

LE

Rough Island Equestrian Park

JUNE 2017 | SOUTH ISLAND 4

Canterbury Winter Series Day 1

LE

SINEC

4

Marlborough Training Event

TE

Marlborough Equestrian Park

18

Ashburton Dressage

TE

Ashburton Showgrounds

18

North Loburn Equestrian Centre

LE

Rangiora Showgrounds

25

Nelson Winter Series #3

LE

Rough Island Equestrian Park

JULY 2017 | SOUTH ISLAND 2

Marlborough Equestrian Barn Series #3

TE

Marlborough Equestrian Park

30

Nelson DG Winter Series #4

TE

Rough Island Equestrian Park

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

NORTH LOBURN EQUESTRIAN CENTRE

@NLECDressage

AUTUMN DRESSAGE SERIES Dressage for everyone

April 16th, May 21st, June 18th // Rangiora Showgrounds download the schedule at WWW.NLEC.CO.NZ | email: info@nlec.co.nz | phone 03 313 1247 A relaxed and friendly atmosphere with classes for everyone, from new partnerships to the more experienced combinations.

We welcome junior riders and encourage riders to “Give it a Go” with our judge assisted Training classes available at all of our days.

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49

NEWS

From L-R: Murray Anderson, Rachel McCallum, Robin Savage, Jos Gresham, Susan O’Brien, Nigel King, Karen Anderson, John Wall, Jane Roberston (absent Robyne Naylor who was busy taking the photo)

A FLURRY OF UPGRADINGS & REFRESHERS FOR DRESSAGE STEWARDS 2017 Horse of the Year hosted an FEI stewards promotion and refresher course for the both upgrading of from ESNZ National to FEI Level 1 Dressage stewards, and ongoing accreditation for current FEI stewards. The course was ably facilitated by approved FEI course director Nigel King (Hong Kong). Candidates found Nigel to be a very informative and humorous Course Director with an encouraging, approachable manner and so putting people at ease during the course.

Having stewarded all over the world at WEGs, Olympics, he had many photographs and experiences which he willingly shared.

It is an FEI requirement that Stewards courses are held around a CDI competition as there are various aspects of the competition that the Course Directors want the candidates to see or be involved in. This made stewarding at the HoY even more of a challenge as the course ran from Thursday to Saturday. The candidates were not however freed from their stewarding duties as they worked before and after their course time.

50 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

Both groups of stewards were in “school” on Thursday until the Horse Inspection which the refresher ran. Nigel took photographs of this for discussion afterwards and as it happened there was plenty to discuss.

Matters such as; suitable footwear for some officials, who should be in the panel and who was the other person taking photographs, being some aspects which were discussed.

On Friday the refresher stewards managed the final warm –up area for the CDI class and the candidates observed with discussion later. The candidates also looked at the stabling and other aspect of the competition again discussion ensued.

The FEI require that candidates for promotion sit a written exam and this is the aspect most people were apprehensive about. They also require the candidates to partake in an oral interview, which was a nervous experience for some.

The candidates are not told immediately if they have been successful and had to wait for about

a fortnight for the good news that all had passed. Susan O’Brien (Level 2), and Karen Anderson and Murray Anderson (Level 1) were all successful maintaining their current status.

Dressage NZ congratulations these stewards and our six new FEI Level 1 Dressage stewards; Helen Christie and Rachel McCallum (Southland), Jos Gresham and John Wall (Central Districts), Robyne Naylor and Robin Savage (Canterbury) Marcia Bayley and Jane Robertson did a Level 2 refresher course with the amazing course director Elisabeth Williams (CAN) in West Palm Springs, Florida about week later and managed to a side trip to the World Cup Final in Omaha to boot.

Our thanks to Nigel King for facilitating the course and to ESNZ national sport manager Heidi Bulfin for making the course happen. The recent activity in stewards training has been a very valuable investment in technical education for our sport

NEWS

2017 SI DRESSAGE JUDGE’S SCHOLARSHIP Mission statement: To assist South Island dressage judges in their personal development and to enhance judging skills in their journey for the betterment of our sport.

Two scholarships of $500 each will be awarded in 2015, ideally one for a List 5 4 or 3 judge, the other for a list 2, 2A or 1 judge.

CONDITIONS FOR THE SCHOLARSHIPS Recipients would have two years to spend their scholarship and submit a written report about how their scholarship enhanced their development as a judge Judges may apply for funds for any activities to develop their judging; it is not intended that scholarships would be limited to judge education at North Island dressage competitions.

However if this is the preference of recipients, the administrators will endeavour to ensure recipients receive the best possible education opportunities, including preferential (but not guaranteed) treatment for sit in, writing, and shadow judging assignments at major shows.

This is an annual award for a total of five years; 2017 being the third of the five.

PARAMETERS: PREFERENCE WILL BE GIVEN TO CANDIDATES WHO; • As judges aim is to enhance the sport of dressage by encouraging riders with educated, accurate and positive marking and comments.

• Are dedicated and available when asked unless there are extenuating

circumstances.

• Preference may be given to those who are disadvantaged by geographical distance and in areas without optimal numbers of competitors to be routinely assessed, not just committed to upgrading.

Winners to be announced 1 July 2017; unsuccessful candidates will also be informed and encouraged to apply again the following year.

2016 SCHOLARSHIP

• Preference will also be given to people that are absolutely committed to dressage and dressage judging • Show initiative in their own development • Previous winners are welcome to apply again, but preference will be given to those who have not been successful previously.

Applicants need to show that they have already been proactive in furthering their education and advancing their skills. A desire to upgrade is commendable but not paramount.

Directions: Please fill out the application form found on the ESNZ Dressage website at http:// www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage/ resources/officials/judges-information/ judges-documents/ and return it in electronic form to Tedi Busch, busch@ts.co.nz or Stuart Bishell, sm-bishell@xtra.co.nz (Note: Brief, succinct answers are encouraged. Good luck with your application. We are looking forward to hearing from you! If you have questions, please feel free to contact either Tedi Busch busch@ts.co.nz, Linda Warren-Davey ponytail007@gmail.com, or Stuart Bishell sm-bishell@xtra.co.nz APPLICATIONS MUST BE RECEIVED BY 5 PM Wednesday 7 June 2017

RECIPIENTS WERE: Melanie van der Pol (Canterbury) “Being a recipient of the 2016 South Island Judges Scholarship increased my focus over the past season to attend events and gain experience outside my area of Canterbury to continue my upgrading to become List 3 judge”

Barbara Chalmers (Otago) “The scholarship is a fantastic idea, so thank you very much to the kind, anonymous benefactor. My plan this year was to take every opportunity I could to increase my knowledge, judging, attending and watching clinics, and getting more experience both judging, training and riding both in NZ and overseas. This is both to help develop my knowledge and progress the upgrade to 2A that I have been coaxed into” MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 51

NEWS

DRESSAGE NZ NOTICE BOARD DRESSAGE NZ CONFERENCE & AWARDS DINNER & COMMITTEE MEETING To be held in Blenheim 24/25 June at the Scenic Hotel. Book the date now.

Accommodation and registration forms are available from area delegates and are on the ESNZ/Dressage website http:// www.nzequestrian.org.nz/dressage/ whats-new/area-member-information/ notices/ APRIL PLANNING FORUM WRAP UP The Rules Officer noted that remits are associated with sport rule changes, not policy or administrative decisions.

REMITS Re: Art 453: Use of Voice: From Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay That the voice be able to be used in Ungraded and level 1 Tests (Not at RE, HOY, NCH) 6 votes for, 16 against : FAILED Re: Art 462.5 Rider Categories: From Dressage Taranaki 1. That rider category restrictions only apply to last ten years 2. That riders are permitted to have max 15 pts in two grades above Amateur level being contested These remits created a lot of discussion with consideration being given to management of eligibility and the perception of fairness around skill set of both newcomers to the sport and of more experienced riders returning to the sport. It was agreed to clarify the current rule and wait until the new 52 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

database is in place before making any major changes to this rule.

UNDER REVIEW AT CONFERENCE Re Art 477.4: Permitted Bits: From Robert Kofoed That Dressage NZ follows recent changes made by the FEI and Equestrian Australia, which allow the use of low and medium ported Myler bit mouthpieces in conjunction with already approved cheek pieces In principle it was agreed that NZL follow Australian equipment rules as closely as possible and that NZL will liaise with Dressage Australia re the possibility to use the DA document re equipment (excludes dress code in some matters)

UNDER REVIEW AT CONFERENCE Re Judges Upgrading JSC / Upgrading co-ordinator: From Dressage Nelson & Southland That an upgrading judges coordinator be appointed on to the JSC whose sole responsibility it is to manage the process for upgrading judges from a central database. That the NCH and Dressage at HOY also be allowed to be used as shows for which judges can shadow judge at for their upgrading from levels 6 and above It was noted that this is not a remit but a policy discussion point. Opinion around this matter was divided with six indications of support, 11 against and 4 neutral. It was agreed to progress the general discussion around the

NEWS

DRESSAGE NZ NOTICE BOARD possibility to simplify prerequisites for upgrading without compromising quality Re Dates / Venues Sub-Committee: From Dressage Nelson & Southland That a sub-committee be responsible for forward planning of dates and venues for the major events Nationals/ HOY/NICH/SICH/WDC/YRCH and create a working plan 3 years in advance It was noted that this is not a remit but a policy discussion point. It was agreed that wherever possible dates and venues for key events need to be decided three years ahead wherever possible to ensure venues can be secured on the date required, but that the formation of a sub-committee may not be effective Re National Dressage Championships: From Dressage Canterbury That the venue of the National Dressage Championships be centralised, for 2018/19 and onwards, is centralised at the NEC Taupo It was noted that this is not a remit but a policy discussion point. The Sport Manager presented a .ptt presentation to the meeting outlining current facilities at Manfeild and reporting on a tour of the indoor arena currently under construction at Taupo. Noted

that the NCH are committed to Manfeild for 2018 and dates are booked for 2019/20. This will give time to better understand what the implications of a possible move to Taupo NEC would bring for all stakeholders of the event, including all resources and financial implications.

The Canterbury delegate requested that further discussions be based around “when the National Dressage Championships are held in the North Island, that they be held at Taupo NEC�.

That the thrust of the remit was about supporting an ESNZ facility as opposed to a private facility.

Re North Island Championships: From Linda Warren-Davey That the Planning Meeting consider holding the NICH as a CDI 1* or 2* with PSG level as the International component It was noted that this is not a remit but a policy discussion point. This proposal to be considered again at conference. Concerns were expressed about cost and resource required to run for both OC and riders for little apparent benefit.

BOARD ELECTIONS & APPOINTMENTS Board Elections 2017: The Training and Development portfolio currently held by Judy Alderdice

will come up for election at Conference 2017 with the successful candidate being appointed for three years.

DRESSAGE NZ BOARD ROLES 2017: Marketing Portfolio currently being filled by appointment Rules Portfolio: Gen Denize has indicated she is regrettably unable to continue in the role and this position will become vacant in June 2017. The Rules officer will be appointed for a two year term. Expressions of interest in this role should be directed to the Sport Manager by 10 May or contact gen@denize.co.nz for more information about the role In 2019 the elected position of Chair will become vacant and appointed/ elected for a three year term from 2019 In 2018 the appointed position of Finance Officer and elected position of Judges Officer will become vacant and appointed/elected for a three year term from 2018

COMMITTEE APPOINTMENT PANEL MEMBER Nominations for this position elected at conference are open and close on 12 May. Nomination Forms are available on http://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/ dressage/whats-new/area-memberinformation/notices/

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 53

NEWS

DRESSAGE NZ NOTICE BOARD DRAFT KEY DATES FOR 2017/18 SEASON SOUTH ISLAND 14/15 Oct SCNO Qualifying Tournament 21/22 Oct Marlborough Championships 11/12 Nov Otago Championships 18/19 Nov Ashburton Championships 1 Dec FEI World Dressage Challenge (SI NEC) 2/3 Dec Canterbury Championships 9/10 Dec Southland Championships 14/15 Jan Nelson Championships 27/28 Jan South Island Festival of Dressage & SICH

NORTH ISLAND 12 Oct Equidays Dressage (FEI levels only. Nat WEG qualifier) 13/15 Oct Equidays 20/22 Oct Bay of Plenty Championships 28/29 Oct Central Districts Championships 11/12 Nov Wellington Championships 11/12 Nov Northern Hawkes Bay TBC 18/19 Nov Gisborne Championships 23/26 Nov Equitana Auckland (Invitational GP only) 2/3 Dec Southern Hawkes Bay Dressage Championships 8/10 Dec Waitemata Championships 16/17 Dec Taihape Xmas Championships 16/17 Dec Northland Championships 13/14 Jan Taranaki Championships 19/21 Jan AMDG Dressage Festival & NICH 20/21 Jan Wairarapa Championships 2/4 Feb Waikato Festival of Dressage (Venue TBC) 15/18 Feb Bates National Championships (Manfeild) CDI/Y/P 13/18 Mar Horse of the Year Show CDI/Y (Hastings) 14/15 Apr (TBC) U25 Championships (Taupo NEC TBC) 54 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | MAY 2017

DIRECTORY

DRESSAGE DIRECTORY Dressage Area Group Websites and other useful links.

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

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

Dressage Waitemata www.dressagewaitemata.co.nz

Dressage Taranaki www.dressagetaranaki.co.nz

Dressage Warkworth www.warkworthdressage.webs.com

Dressage Wellington www.dressagewellington.org.nz

Dressage Auckland - Manukau www.amdg.org.nz

Dressage Horowhenua www.horowhenuadressage.com

Dressage Waikato www.dressagewaikato.co.nz

Dressage Wairarapa www.dressagewairarapa.com

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

Dressage Nelson www.nelsondressage.webs.com

Dressage Gisborne www.gisbornedressage.org.nz

Dressage Marlborough

www.sporty.co.nz/marlboroughdressage

Dressage Bay of Plenty www.dressagebayofplenty.co.nz

Dressage Canterbury

www.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)

MAY 2017 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 55