Dressage NZ Bulletin Issue 35 July 2019 by DressageNZ Bulletin

Issue 35 | July 2019

DRESSAGE SQUADS ANNOUNCED

Team Williamson the Waitekauri Farm Winning Edge SPOTLIGHT ON SPORTSMANSHIP

Water Quality Critical to Equine Health

The 2019 Dressage NZ annual awards and AGM

EDITORIAL

The DressageNZ Bulletin is the official magazine of Dressage NZ - a discipline of Equestrian Sports NZ Editor: Wendy Hamerton E: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz Graphic Design Sales and Advertising: Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2018 Cover Image: Toby and Shine artworks by Sarah Baker

“The Dressage Waitemata Collection comprises a set of four limited edition reproductions of four different horses performing four different movements from Grand Prix dressage. The drawings have been inspired by top dressage horses all over the world, as well as the by the beloved companions seen in our local arenas. The ORIGINAL graphite and wash drawings are reproduced on A3 artists’s quality light card. These beautiful drawings are only available through Dressage Waitemata: at competitions and meetings or via the website, www.dressagewaitemata.co.nz The edition is limited to 100 of each, and each print is hand-editioned by the artist. All proceeds go to Dressage Waitemata.”

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GUEST EDITORIAL with Andra Mobberley

GROWTH STRATEGIES

ou don’t have to have a thick skin to compete in dressage, but it sure helps. Under prevailing conditions, the density ratio is inversely proportional to age. This is not an ideal growth scenario for any sport. These days, thriving sporting codes rely on a values-based culture as a key driver of success. It is often this factor that results in transformational change. (*Gilbert Enkoa, the All Blacks mental skills coach has famously introduced a ‘no dickheads’ policy. It applies to the self-absorbed, the self-entitled, the corrupt, the arrogant, and those who expect the rules to be different for them. The policy is policed by the players. It is appealing in its simplicity.) Culture setting may well be driven by those who organize and manage sporting codes, but culture change is an individual responsibility. For the most part, a positive sporting culture simply requires a commitment to basic courtesy and good sportsmanship. Adherence to five principles goes a long way: Don’t be toxic. Lend a helping hand. Senior competitors are role models (like it or not). Encourage your opponents or hold your tongue. Enjoy your successes and don’t take your failures out on anyone else, especially not your equine buddy. Canada has adopted a model for long term equestrian development. Their mantra is that success is not only about building up high-performance athletes but is also to ensure the highest quality riding experience for every person who engages in equestrian sport, including riders with disabilities. Shows at our local Wairarapa Dressage club have had an impressive growth in popularity over recent years. The committee focuses on creating a legacy by promoting inclusiveness, welcoming the uninitiated, and placing value on a quality experience for all competitors. What will your legacy be? Andra Mobberley

CONTENTS

SQUADS ANNOUNCED

DRESSAGE NZ NEWS

RULE CHANGES

SPOTLIGHT ON

Preparing for the future of our sport by announcing the 2019 NZ Dressage squads...

Don't miss the latest news, especially the test changes that will occur next month!!...

Following on from the recent AGM and NZ Dressage Conference...

Ann McDonald, winner of this years Karmargen Sportsmanship award...

A WILLING MINDSET

ELITE FROZEN FOALS

WATER QUALITY

OUR PEOPLE

Tristan Tucker shares tips on how to get on the same page with your horse...

A respected business that now has it's own NZ branch, bringing you the best stallions...

Dr Lucy Waldron shares why quality control with water is of upmost importance...

Peter and Mary are this months Official and Volunteer of the month...

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HUGE ANNOUNCEMENT! Tristan Tucker is coming to EQUITANA Auckland as a Star Presenter

Tickets on sale now! www.equitanaakl.co.nz

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NATIONAL NEWS

Christine Weal and Schindlers Liszt

Samuel Gradowski Smith and Heritage Don Quilla

YOUTH SQUAD Don Tobio Heritage Don Quilla Popstar MH Redwood Furst Affair Fiorenza Plutonium Lady

Rebecca Williamson (Waitemata) Samuel Gradowski-Smith (Waitemata) Stephanie Baker (Waitemata) Morgan Beere (Waikato) Tessa Van Bruggen (Marlborough) Brina Carpenter (Auckland)

NZ SQUADS ANNOUNCED All photos: Libby Law

DEVELOPMENT SQUAD Astek Geronimo Don Vito MH Bon Jovi MH Jax Johnson

Kellie Hamlett (Bay of Plenty) Wendi Williamson (Waitemata) Wendi Williamson (Waitemata) Gaylene Lennard (Waikato)

ADVANCED SQUAD Ali Baba Vollrath Leila Schindlers Liszt Sisters II Etta J

Jody Hartstone (Waikato) Carole Christensen (Wellington) Christine Weal (Waikato) Chelsea Callaghan (Wellington)

Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J

ESNZ DRESSAGE HIGH PERFORMANCE SQUADS HIGH PERFORMANCE FUTURES RM All About Me Decadance MH NSC Pronto NRM Andreas Belladonna MH Windermere J'Obei W

Amy Sage (Auckland) Wendi Williamson (Waitemata) Vanessa Way (Taranaki) Vanessa Way (Taranaki) Julie Flintoff (Northland) Melissa Galloway (Marlborough)

HIGH PERFORMANCE Don Amour MH

Wendi Williamson (Waitemata)

Julie Flintoff and Belladonna MH

extremely Moore’s Riding proud MooresWear Ridingis Wear Ltd to support The best place to shop a jacket & styleteam. Melissa Galloway andforher talented to suit your dressage needs. Show specials available during the South Island Festival of Dressage.

view the entire range at www.mooresridingwear.co.nz | info@mooresridingwear.co.nz | 03 313 6116 • 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, call in & see us. P: 03 313 6116 E: info@mooresridingwear.co.nz

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NATIONAL NEWS

AWARDS CEREMONY All photos: Caitlin Benzie

Victoria Wall (Elite Equine)

MC Aaron Bloomfield with Celine Filbee and Betty Brown (AllinFlex)

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L to R: Samantha Belsham, Piper Crake, Bella Small, Alicia Zeludko (Equizee), Sachleen Kaur and Savannah Robinson

Rebecca McKee and Sheena Ross (Sterling Warmbloods)

Lucy Russell and Lynda Clark

NATIONAL NEWS

Our fabulous sponsors

Rachel Hughes and Nicole Sweney

Lynda Clark and Chris Paston

Philippa McLeod and Judy Alderdice

Rachel Gillon, Diane Wallace and Kathryn Corry

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NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS New Dressage Tests to be implemented 1 August

he 2019 ESNZ Dressage Tests Effective August 1 2019 are now available to view. Follow the link for more information.Organisers who have already published schedules may use the 2013 version until 1/9/19. Hard copies of tests books including diagrams a for each at every level will be available from the ESNZ online shop, many area dressage groups and a number of saddlery stores. The cost is $20 per book plus PP depending on circumstances. Saddlery stores will have their own mark up.

https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/resources/dressage-tests/

Official ESNZ

DRESSAGE TESTS 2019

TOP TEN

LEAGUE Sponsors

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Dressage NZ acknowledges the assistance from the USDF, USEF, EFA / Dressage Australia and the Dressage Directory for their assistance in the production of this set of tests. The tests will promote the further development of training towards the FEI levels with the aim of providing an encouraging and progressive pathway for all riders and horses. The tests will also facilitate a more effective judges exchange programme and collaboration with Australia at national level. There are now 6 Introductory level tests, 4 Preliminary tests (Level 1) and three technical plus one freestyle test for Novice (Level 2) Elementary (Level 3), Medium (Level 4), Advanced Medium (Level 5) and Advanced (Level 6). Single flying changes are introduced at Advanced Medium, and sequence changes gradually at Level 6. From 1/8/19, FEI Prix St Georges, Int I and Int I Freestyle, and all FEI Young Rider tests will be Level 7. Int A/B remains Level 8, and Grand Prix Level 9. LEVELS 6 – 9 Dressage Rules effective 1/8/19 (yet to be published) will permit horses competing at the FEI levels to compete at Level 7, 8 or 9 with no restrictions on points. Points will continue to be recorded for statistical purposes. Any horse with current level 6 points from tests designated Level 6 prior to 1 August will retain those points at Level 6 and therefore will be able to compete in either Advanced 2019 or FEI Small Tour (level 7) or a mix of these. Organising committees have been recommended not to restrict horses to specific grades or levels at events to permit combinations to make a gradual competition progression. OC’s may restrict the number of tests a combination may enter per day, however. Introductory (L0) Preliminary (L1) Novice (L2) Elementary (L3) Medium (L4) Advanced Medium (L5) Advanced (L6) Small Tour (FEI) (L7)

6 Tests 4 Tests 4 Tests 4 Tests 4 Tests 4 Tests 4 Tests 3 Tests

OA - OF 1A - 1D 2A - 2C and FS 3A - 3C and FS 4A - 4C and FS 5A - 5C and FS 6A - 6C and FS PSG; INT 1; INT 1 FS and FEI YR Tests

INT A/B (FEI) (L8)

3 Tests

INT A; INT B; INT A/B FS

Grand Prix (FEI)

4 Tests

INT II; GP; GPS; GPFS

NATIONAL NEWS

APPOINTMENTS Judges Sub-Committee Mura Love (Canterbury) has been appointed to the Judges Sub-Committee Mura is a very dedicated official, currently holding the roles of FEI Dressage 3* Judge, FEI Para-Dressage 3* Judge, FEI Eventing Ground Jury 3*, National Steward and national Dressage Mentor. In 2017 he was awarded a Prime Ministers Scholarship to support his judge pathway. “What resonates to me is that we have the opportunity to seek positions that will allow us to use our abilities to make a difference to the people and the sport of dressage and the constant evolution of its future direction” said Mura. Lesley Jacobson (Wellington) and Michelle Paterson (Waikato) have been co-opted to the Judges SC to assist with specific projects and tasks. Mura replaces Linda WarrenDavey who stood down by rotation and did not seek reappointment, but continues in the role as Board Performance and Development Officer and Chair of the Performance and Development committee. Performance and Development Committee Linda Warren-Davey (Chair), Judy Alderdice (Chair of Selectors) Jude Nickolls (Riders Rep), Christine Weal (Coach Rep), Bill Noble (co-opted)

North Island Riders Rep Owing to an extraordinary vacancy following the resignation of Alicia Zeludko in April, Jody Hartstone was elected at conference by special resolution to fill the vacancy until Conference 2020 South Island Riders Rep Jude Nickolls elected at SI Championships 2019. Note: There was general agreement to change the process for election of Riders Reps to the Dressage Committee by an online vote instead of at Island Riders meetings. This voting process is being considered and will be advised when confirmed. National Equestrian Centre Committee Dressage Representatives Jon Williamson (NEC Taupo) and Sue Wells (NEC Christchurch)

DRESSAGE VACANCIES North Island based National Selector Judy Alderdice retires by rotation 31 August and has advised she will not seek a further term Dressage NZ seeks expressions of interest for the position of a North Island based national dressage selector. This volunteer position is for a four-year term Refer to: Terms of Reference (Selector) Terms of Reference (Selection Panel) Expressions of interest are invited and should be sent by email to the Dressage Sport Manager by 1 August 2019. Enquiries and EOI to: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz Steward General Jane Robertson is wishing to stand down from the position of Dressage Steward General and EOI

are sought to fill this pivotal role. Ideally this steward should FEI qualified, able to mentor and lead the pathway for steward education and development of the team of NZ stewards. Although this is a volunteer role The Steward General is a member of the national dressage committee with expenses paid to the Planning Forum and Dressage Conference. The appointment Is for a one year term until July 2020 Enquiries and EOI to: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz

ANNUAL AWARDS Judge of the Year: Sue Hobson (Southern Hawkes Bay) Official of the Year: Rachel McCallum (Southland) Volunteer of the Year: Heather Hilder (Waitemata) Sponsors Choice Event of the Year: South Canterbury / North Otago Fissenden Trophy for Outstanding Contribution to Dressage: Chris Paston (Horse of the Year Show Convenor) Northern Hawkes Bay St Georges Trophy for First Year Advanced Rider: Philippa McLeod and Astek Ginsling (South Canterbury / North Otago) Pot Black Trophy Amateur Top Ten League: Lucy Russell and Donneroyale (Central Districts) Karmargen Sportsmanship Award and Windsor Lad Trophy: Ann Macdonald Chairman's Award for Excellence Jane Robertson

Judges SubCommittee members all recently attended the Asian Pacific IDOC (International Dressage Officials Club) seminar conducted by Isobel Wessels and Susie Hoovenaars. A number of other NZL judges also attended. Our sport is very fortunate to have such a dedicated group of officials. Thank you all for the part you play in the development of our sport. JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

NATIONAL NEWS OUR PEOPLE

SCOTT MCKENNA - TAKING THE REINS Waikato based Grand Prix competitor Scott McKenna has been elected Chair of Dressage for a three-year term. that our sport is unique and has huge potential for growth. The sport also faces some significant challenges. I am motivated to preserve the traditional nature of the sport and the values that underpin that while also adapting in positive and productive ways to modern challenges. l am committed to a culture of openness, transparency and inclusivity." He considers his attributes to be a trusted person who is open, approachable, receptive to criticism and willing to consider all ideas, points of view and opinions, even when they conflict with his own. He also trains numerous combinations from FEI level riders to children and adult beginners. By virtue of this he has a valuable insight into the sport from the perspective of a rider and a trainer.

cott is a barrister and solicitor by trade, having practiced law for thirteen years in the areas of civil and criminal litigation. He previously held the technical officer position for one term and therefore also has experience on the dynamics of the Board and the interaction between Dressage and ESNZ. His motivation to stand for Chair is his love for dressage and a desire to see the sport grow and become accessible to more people. "I believe

SCOTT'S PRIMARY GOALS IN HIS TERM ARE:

• To influence the culture of our sport to make it more inclusive of new participants and those on the fringes of our sport • To increase the level of transparency in the administration of our sport and increase dialogue between board members and all participants including riders, officials, volunteers, sponsors and dressage fans of any other description • To lift the standard of dressage rider and training in New Zealand. At the Annual Awards Dinner, Scott paid tribute to former Chair Lynda Clark who had been on the Dressage Board for six years, three as Training and Development Officer and the last three as Chair.

WELCOMING ANDRA AS DNZ TECHNICAL BOARD MEMBER

ndra Mobberley is motivated to be involved with dressage at board level, with a particular focus on rules. This year, when her daughter entered her first FEI CDI-P competition, they found they were exposed to the complexity and ambiguity involved in interpreting the FEI Rules. She hopes that she can offer professional support to the Dressage NZ Board in carrying out its technical tasks and for developing the sport for the betterment of all competitors and officials. ABOUT ANDRA Andra Mobberley is a barrister. She was admitted to the Bar in New Zealand in 1988 and holds a masters degree with distinction in Public

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International Law. Andra prosecuted genocide, crimes against humanity and war crimes for the United Nations for eight years. In New Zealand, she worked for the Crown Law Office as Crown Counsel on constitutional, public, international and criminal law cases. Andra now practises as a criminal defence barrister in New Zealand conducting trials and appeals. She works internationally as a consultant to the United Nations on criminal justice issues and is also involved with cases in the European Court of Human Rights. Andra lives in Masterton. Her daughter, Rebecca, is a member of the Solway dressage club in the Wairarapa.

JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11

NATIONAL NEWS

NEWS New Rules Round Up Effective 1 August 2019 ARTICLE 460: HORSE ELIGIBILITY RULE 460.3. Horses may compete in any FEI Level (7-9) irrespective of the number of grading points in Levels 7 or above Explanation: This enables FEI level horses to compete at any level regardless of the number of points earned in each level. This means riders with horses who may have level 8 /9 points may compete them ARTICLE 463.2 DOWNGRADING OF HORSES AND PONIES RULE 463.2 A horse or pony may be downgraded to the rider category level which the applicant rider has competed, but not lower than Level 2 unless the applicant rider is a CN rider in which case a horse or pony may be downgraded to Level 1. Explanation /Example: A rider may now request a downgrade to their rider category level. Previously a rider wanting to downgrade a horse or pony to Level 3 (Elementary) must not have competed at level 4 or above. The new rule permits a rider with up to 15 level 4 pts (Medium) to downgrade a horse to Elementary.

ARTICLE 477: SADDLERY 1. RULES 477 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Nosebands An approved noseband appropriate for the bridle must be worn, however if a noseband is not worn the penalty is no longer elimination but a penalty of 2pts (marks) per judge will be deducted. If a non-approved noseband, or noseband not appropriate for the bridle is worn (eg a flash or a drop noseband with a double bridle, then the penalty is elimination 2. 477- Bits Snaffle or bridoon and curb must be made of metal or rigid plastic and may be covered with rubber. Flexible rubber snaffles and bridoons are permitted. (Wrapping of bits with any kind of material is not permitted). ARTICLE 479: RIDER DRESS Rule 479.2 - addition Stock or tie/choker collar or integrated stand up collar. Buttons on shirts must be done up The Rules Officer noted that there are a number of rules which require updating to align with ESNZ GRâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s, the introduction of the new tests and new judges levels

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

BIDDING BEGINS TO HOST FEI WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS All Disciplines • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) and Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA), World Equestrian Games • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA), World Equestrian Games Dressage • Herning (DEN) – part of a multi-discipline bid • Pratoni del Vivaro (Rome), Elementa (Rome) and Isola della Scala (Verona) (ITA) – part of a WEG bid • Saudi Equestrian Federation, Riyadh (KSA) – part of a WEG bid Para Dressage • Herning (DEN) – part of a multi-discipline bid FEI ALLOCATES EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS TO BUDAPEST Budapest (HUN) will lead the way as host of the FEI Jumping, Dressage, Para Dressage, Driving and Vaulting European Championships in August 2021. This will be the first time that the Hungarian capital, which has a long tradition in equestrian sport, will host a multidiscipline FEI European Championships. The event will mark the 50th anniversary of the first FEI Driving European Championships, which were held at the same venue – Kincsem Park in the heart of the city - in 1971.

Photo: Libby Law

total of 10 countries have put in formal bids to host the FEI World Championships 2022, including two proposals to host the multi-discipline FEI World Equestrian Games™. Bidding countries are Denmark, Estonia, Hungary, Ireland, Italy, Kingdom of Saudi Arabia, Slovakia, the Netherlands, United Arab Emirates, and the United States of America. More than 20 years after Rome stepped in as host city of the FEI World Equestrian Games™ 1998 following Ireland’s late withdrawal, the Italians are looking to once again host the full Games. The Saudi Arabian capital city of Riyadh is also in the running having put forward an all-discipline bid for 2022. “The number of formal bids that we’ve received for single and multi-discipline FEI World Championships and full Games is an excellent indication that the interest in the World Championships is as strong if not stronger than ever”, FEI President Ingmar De Vos said. “We knew that some of the countries that put in expressions of interest back in February were just dipping their toes in the water, but these formal bids are a great validation of the new bidding process and show that we have a really strong product.” All bids will be fully evaluated over the summer and allocation of FEI World Championships 2022 will be made at the in-person Board meeting during the FEI General Assembly in Moscow (RUS) in November this year.

JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13

NATIONAL NEWS

A beautifully elegant rider who always has her horse’s well-being at heart

he season ended on a high note for Otago’s Ann McDonald, being selected as the winner of the Karmargen Sportsmanship Award and Windsor Lad Trophy, an initiative sponsored by past Chair of Dressage Karen Trotter and her husband Peter who recognise the value of sportsmanship within Dressage NZ. This coveted award https://libbylawphotography.photoshelter.com brings with it a $500 training grant.

SPOTLIGHT ON ANN MACDONALD

Story by Sonja Swale Photo by PRW Photography and Design NZ

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NATIONAL NEWS Ann was somewhat overcome when Dressage NZ rang her to advise her of the award as she was in the doctor’s waiting room at the time… “I’m very grateful and humbled to be the recipient of this award. It was a huge lift to me before the appointment to have my eye assessed. I think they wondered why I was quite cheerful...I have now received the trophy and the League rosettes. It was like Christmas. The training grant is a real blessing. I had watched Hubertus Hufendiek a few years ago and thought he was very similar to the teaching I received, then about a month ago I saw a Facebook post saying he may come to Dunedin. He was too expensive for me to consider having a lesson so I thought I’d watch again but now I can use some of the grant money to help subsidize the cost of a real lesson. I’ll keep some of the grant money aside too in case another opportunity like that comes up” Over the 2018-2019 season, the equestrian scene in the lower part of the South Island has been graced by the elegant combination of Ann Macdonald and her lovely eight-yearold warmblood cross mare, Sands of Time (affectionately known as ‘Maggie’). Ann (who currently lives in Alexandra, Central Otago, with her husband, Bernie) and Maggie have been a combination for just under a year and have gone from strength to strength, competing in dressage, jumping, and A andP shows. The pair make a striking combination, with Maggie’s distinctive buckskin colour gleaming from

immaculate turnout and preparation, particularly with Ann’s trademark perfect plaits complete with white tape to finish to look. Ann has had a superlative season, ending up with the following awards: • Karmargen Sportsmanship award • Flying Horse Masters Top Ten League awards: Champion Bronze award, the South Island Hi Points award, and the Amateur Owner award, all achieved after scoring the maximum of 100 points • Reserve Champion in the Bronze category of the Sterling Warmbloods Ltd Small Stars Top Ten League, just missing out on the championship title by 0.032% • South Island Super 5 Vetpro Equine Supplements Level 1: 3rd place (from only three qualifying competitions) • Dressage Otago Championship tournament: Level One Champion • Dressage Southland Championship tournament: Level One Reserve Champion Ann is a disciple of the late Christian Thiess, who Ann recalls as being a “perfectionist”. In Ann, Christian found someone who had that same trait. By her own admission, when Ann started training with Christian, she was very intense, but she feels that she softened her approach over the years but still maintains her focus on the principles of training espoused by Christian, wanting to honour what he had done for her. Ann, every time she rides or works with others and their horses, whether it be out hacking in the thyme

covered hills in her home town of Alexandra, to jumping, to dressage schooling, to coaching others, tries to stay true to what Christian taught her. Ann is a truly deserving winner of the Karmargen Sportsmanship award. Sportsmanship is a word that is epitomised in Ann. Many riders have received an encouraging word from Ann, help around the floats and yards, supervision of a horse at competitions when the owner couldn’t be there, a quick Messenger comment of congratulations or praise when things have been going well or encouragement if things haven’t gone quite according to plan. If anyone needs a helping hand, Ann is your ‘go-to’ person. It is also important to note that Ann always puts her horse’s wellbeing above all else. Indeed, she is held in such regard by fellow riders in her home area that, when they found out she was unable to travel to Wellington to attend the Dressage NZ awards function, they arranged for a coffee catch up (well, Ann thought it was just a coffee catch up) that was actually the Alexandra version of the NZ Dressage Awards, complete with speeches and flowers. Julia Latham, CE of Flying Horse Ltd (sponsors of the Flying Horse Masters Top Ten League), sums up Ann beautifully when she said recently, “Ann is the rider I strive to be like at the tournaments. She is a beautifully elegant rider who always has her horse’s well-being at heart. It’s so rewarding to have one of the riders I respect so much win a division of our top Ten League competition”.

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EQUITANA MASTERCLASS FEATURE

how to

CREATE A WILLING MINDSET IN OUR HORSES Article by Tristan Tucker

We all want our horses to enjoy their daily work. That each day they are enthusiastic and energetic in their attitude towards their training. We want to create a willing mindset in our horses, but how do we create this?

t of course starts with the right mind set of the rider, which begins with the right focus. Traditionally riding or training horses for sport begins with a focus on studying or applying a technical aspect of riding, executing a sequence of steps and repeating them to form a certain movement. I recently had a student come to me with a horse that he was having trouble doing sequence changes with. The student said: “He starts with the first change okay and then he just ignores my leg. So, then I made him really sharp on the leg so I hardly had to touch him for the change. But then he started running off with his head in the air after the second change. So, I put the draw rein on him to hold him and now sometimes he’s just stopping and rearing.” Me: “What is he thinking?” Student: “He’s just running through the aids.” Me: “No, I said what does HE think about it?” Student: “What do mean? You mean him? The horse? What is he thinking?” Me: “Yeah” Student: “Well, I don’t know? I just want him to do it!”

If you ask yourself ‘what is he thinking‘ before you start the changes, you will know what the reaction will be before you enter the movement and you won’t have to force him to make the mistake. When you know what he is thinking about it, it is only then you will know what you need to train first. You can then change the approach, go back and gain the missing ingredients to be able to be successful in the changes. ‘Who is my horse and what it he thinking?’ is what I always try to remind myself of. Changing the mindset of the rider to think not what the horse is doing but why is he doing it, alters the whole vibe of the training session. It opens the rider’s mind and shows what information the horse really needs at that time to progress easily towards the goal. Setting the right feeling through the training each day determines how your horse experiences his education. Does he feel it’s an education? Is it something that motivates him? Where he seeks the little rewards and the feeling of accomplishment and that it’s easy? Or does he feel that it’s just hard

work and that the time he spends with you is full of confusion, frustration and fear. The horse becomes a direct reflection of the rider. Aside from a method of training or steps on how to archive the moments with your horse that seem effortless with a clear confident understanding of the exercise, it is the mindset of the rider to think what my horse is thinking and not what is he doing. And also why is he doing is? The way the horse experiences his daily training determines the effort and motivation he will willingly put forward the next day, creating a patterned momentum of self-improvement in the horse that generates excitement and energy about his work.

Want to learn the skills that will help you overcome your challenges in horse training and establish a stronger relationship with your horses? Tristan is coming to Auckland to help you! Tickets are on sale now to see his Dressage Masterclass on Friday November 22. Get yours here – www.equitanaakl.co.nz JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17

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BREEDING

ELITE FROZEN FOALS IS NOW NEW ZEALAND OWNED

lite Frozen Foals is an importer of top quality licenced stallions from Europe. The company was founded in Australia during 2005 by Jane Bartram, expanding to New Zealand in 2014. Recently the New Zealand side of the business became locally owned and operated. The new owner, Sarah Catherwood from Matamata, is a former Olympic athlete and experienced Horse Stud Administrator. She works full time at one of the largest Thoroughbred Studs in New Zealand, however Sarah’s primary passion is Dressage and Show Jumping sport and breeding. Currently there is a range of stallions listed on the website however with not all available stallions listed, should you desire a different stallion please contact Sarah to discuss availability. Plans to expand the stallion roster for 2020 are already underway. The future for New Zealand dressage breeding is very exciting so why not breed your own frozen foal?

ELITE FROZEN FOALS STALLIONS WELL REPRESENTED AT WORLD CHAMPIONSHIPS FOR YOUNG HORSES 2019 Elite Frozen Foals offers stallions to fit every budget, with prices varying from the proven more expensive stallions, through to the less expensive younger, well-bred stars of the future. On the proven, well performed end of the scale are the Big Guns, the likes of FEI World Number 1 ranked dressage horse in 2016, Desperados FRH, and his sire De Niro, current FEI ranked stallions Damsey FRH, Dante Weltino, and Franziskus, plus Belissimo M 2018 Hanoverian Stallion of the Year and sire of Bella Rose, ridden by Isabell Werth. At the other end of the scale are the future stars. The younger stallions who are in the early stages of their careers. Three of these up and coming stallions, Secret, Valverde, SpringBank II VH and Marc Cain have been selected to represent their country at the 2019 World Championships for Young Horses next month. This takes place on 1 – 4 August, and is being held in Ermelo, The Netherlands Several other stallions offered by Elite Frozen Foals for 2019 feature in the breeding of horses selected to represent their country at these championships.

QUALIFIED FIVE YEAR OLDS GERMANY

• Dante’s Hit by Dante Weltino x Sandro Hit, ridden by Dorothee Schneider • For Gold by Franziskus x BH Zack, ridden by Stefanie Wolf • Moosbend’s Rockadera by Rock Forever x Ricardos, ridden by Jill de Ridder • Secret by Sezuan x St. Moritz, ridden by Jessica Lynn Thomas/SWE • Valverde by Vitalis x Ampere, ridden by Eva Möller SWEDEN

• Springbank II VH (Skovens Rafael x De Niro), ridden by Severo Jurado Lopez AUSTRIA

• Diamond of Eternity, by Diamond Hit, ridden by Tamara Michei HOLLAND

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HEALTH

THE IMPORTANCE OF WATER QUALITY FOR HORSES Article by Lucy Waldron

oth water and feed hygiene and quality are essential for a horse’s health and wellbeing. Whilst mouldy hay and feed may be obvious to the naked eye, contaminated water may not be. In addition, keeping up with cleaning out water troughs, especially in the summer when toxic algae are growing rapidly, and can be a messy and time-consuming job. In general, water quality from bore holes or rivers, is increasingly contaminated with nitrogen and other farm runoff nutrients which encourage the growth of dangerous bacteria and algae. The rise in red-zoned rivers and outbreaks of human diseases in the last few years attests to this problem. So, what are the actual dangers from water? In analysis from NZ water troughs, several disease causing (pathogenic) or toxic organisms were found. Samples were taken in the late summer from a variety of concrete troughs on farm in the Manawatu. The lab results showed that the troughs contained toxinproducing bacteria (Pseudomonas and Campylobacter spp.) and three types of toxic algae. Campylobacter is a pathogen found in a variety of environments which causes gastric infections. Pseudomonas is a common, water-borne bacteria which can lead to potentially fatal diseases of the lungs, urinary tract and kidneys. It is implicated with necrosis in wounds, gastrointestinal infections, pneumonia and septic shock/gangrene. If feed is low in

20 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JULY 2019

phosphorus or unbalanced in some way, this bacterium will secrete lethal amounts of toxins. Certain algae produce neurotoxins (which attack the nervous system), cytotoxins (causing cellular damage), endotoxins (manifested as skin rashes, allergic-type reactions, gastrointestinal and respiratory disease) and hepatotoxins (liver damage). Indeed, some of the ‘staggers’ symptoms and behavioural problems seen in horses may, in fact, be due to drinking water being contaminated with algae. In the farm trough sampling, one aim was to examine if the addition of a specific water sanitiser and disinfectant product (Credence™) added at levels of one tablet per 1000 litres of water, could control these pathogens. The troughs were not emptied or cleaned in any way, all that was added was Credence™. The data showed that adding Credence™ to the contaminated troughs started working within one hour, and, after 24 hours treatment, the pseudomonas, campylobacter and two of the toxic algae species were completely negated, and the remaining algae was drastically reduced (Table 1).

DR LUCY WALDRON PhD RNutr RF

TABLE 1. CONTAMINATING SPECIES

BEFORE TREATMENT

CREDENCE TREATMENT AFTER 24 HOURS

Pseudomonas

Present

Undetected

Campylobacter

Present

Undetected

Pseudanabaena*

1000 CFU/ml

380 CFU/ml

Aphanocapsa*

1600 CFU/ml

Undetected

Phormidium*

1100 CFU/ml

Undetected

*toxic algae

HEALTH

WIN! WIN! WIN!

A SAMPLE PACK OF CREDENCE WATER SANITISER

Read this article and then head over to the Dressage NZ Bulletin Facebook page to enter...

It must be remembered that, although Credence™ will destroy the organisms in drinking water, it cannot (and neither can any product) destroy the highly stable, robust toxins they produce. On a practical basis, for potentially contaminated troughs, the majority of water should be removed and the trough allowed to refill with the Credence™ added to the new water. This will keep the water clean for around three months, depending on weather and temperature conditions. Credence™

contains a unique fizzing activity, allowing the stabilised chlorine it contains to get into every nook and cranny of the trough, and has long persistence - compared to seven days for bleach-based products, and even less for volatile chlorine sources. The unique aspect of using Credence™ is that, as well as being an effective water sanitiser, it is more animal friendly, easier to use, less corrosive and has a wide activity against not only bacteria and algae, but also fungi and viruses. The graph below shows the range of microorganisms Credence is effective at controlling. Credence™ is used by the WHO in clean up following major disease outbreaks, as it is effective against Mycoplasma, the Ebola virus and other dangerous diseases worldwide. Merely changing the concentration allows Credence™ to be used in multiple applications, from cleaning feed buckets and equipment, stables (especially foaling boxes) and keeping concrete yards free of slippery green slime. It is highly effective as a stock wash, having a rapid effect in killing the multiple micro-organisms that cause rain scald and mud fever in certain parts of the country (usually within three days of application). The table below shows the amount of water per tablet of Credence™ needed for various disinfection jobs. USE

LITRES PER TABLET

Biosecurity/footbaths Equipment washing Non-porous surfaces Hand/udder washing Water systems clean out (shock treatment) Stock wash Drinking water/troughs

5 litres 10 15 100 200 30-100 1000

So, if you want to make sure your horse’s water, as well as buckets and stables, are hygienically safe and clean, but you don’t want to spend hours scrubbing or rinsing corrosive detergents away, Credence™ is a perfect product that works rapidly and is highly effective. Every tack room should have a tub! Credence™ is available online from Animal Health Direct as well as from saddleries, major farm store outlets and certain vets.

HOW CLEAN IS YOUR WATER?

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www.ahdltd.co.nz JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

YOUNG RIDER NEWS From left: Brina Carpenter, Hannah van der Horst and Madison Schollum

FLYING THE NATIONAL FLAG HIGH IN QUEENSLAND The Arnage Warmbloods Queensland Under 25 Championships at Cabooulture gave three up-andcoming young New Zealand riders the opportunity for a return contest on borrowed horses.

ust leading into the event, a severe storm warning was issued for the region meaning the organisers were putting a contingency plan in place as the NZL team was boarding the plane for Brisbane. Had the weather bomb hit, all competition was to be transferred indoors and the schedule slashed so every rider at the event would ride just one test per level. Fortuitously the weather gods were kind and the event went ahead as scheduled and was a great success. The competition structure at this championship event was somewhat different to what New Zealand riders normally encounter. Each rider competed at two consecutive levels, with just two tests (no freestyles) counting for each level of championship. The New Zealand team of Brina Carpenter (Auckland), Madison Schollum (Hamilton) and Hannah van der Horst (Whakatane) made the most of the experience and the additional challenge of competing at

22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JULY 2019

this level on a horse on they had only known for twenty-four hours. Hannah competed on Ennovyars Piccasso Dream in Elementary and Medium (with flying changes), Brina competed Diamond Z Blue Ferro in Medium and Advanced and Madi was aboard the lovely character Moosimus Maximus in Advanced and FEI Young Rider levels. HANNAH VAN DER HORST The QLD Youth Dressage Champs were a fantastic opportunity and learning experience for me! The Aussies were super hosts and made us feel very welcome. My original loan horse sadly went lame a couple of days before the event but luckily I was offered the lovely Ennovyar Picassos Dream, an Australian Warmblood owned by Fiona Hills. I was stoked to come away with a couple of placings in the Medium on Saturday! On Sunday I competed in a tough Elementary class and was really happy with how much both of my tests had improved from the first day.

I am so grateful for this experience made possible by the owners of the three great loan horses. As well as the competition, was great to be able to meet and mingle with the Aussie riders. We even managed to sneak in a day trip to the Australia Zoo Iâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;d like to say a huge thank you to my teammates Madison and Brina who rode brilliantly and made the weekend one to remember! A huge thanks to the support team which included my coach Karen Anderson and Mum who both travelled with me. And lastly thank you to Dressage New Zealand and Dressage Queensland for creating this opportunity for us to dip our toes into international competition!" BRINA CARPENTER My first impression of the venue was its sheer size. The main indoor competition arena was large enough for 2 dressage arenas, plus a good-sized warmup, and a large grandstand. Outdoors there were four grass arenas. Even the stables were on

YOUNG RIDER NEWS

Above, Brina, Hannah and Madison getting to know their horses Left, back row from left: Karen Anderson, Janine van der Horst, Lynley Schollum, Tracy Carpenter Front from left: Hananh van der Horst, Brina Carpenter, Madison Schollum Photo: Gone Riding Media

a grand scale! There were about 200, all permanent, with large walkways and plenty of room. I was very lucky to be allocated the ride on Diamond Z Blue Ferro (Zorro), a 17.3hh gelding who is competing PSG and Inter 1. My first ride went really well and helped ease the nerves of getting on a new horse. I also really appreciated the support and guidance from Zorro’s owner, Rachael Spring. Friday night we went out for dinner with some of the Queensland team, and we were able to spend some time getting to know each other. It was really cool to see how quickly the horses and riders clicked together on Saturday and the results were really thrilling with all three of us placing Sunday morning was an early start and some more placings for our team, but we couldn’t head off the Queenslanders who came out on top with some stunning team rides. MADISON SCHOLLUM I was lucky to get the ride on Moosimus Maximus (Moose) who was kindly loaned by Tracy Rathjen. Our first ride on Thursday afternoon felt great, phew! I competed in the CDI-Y and Advanced levels. Unfortunately, a few little costly few mistakes crept in while doing our sequence changes, but I was so happy with everything else, feeling that we adapted to each other very quickly. Moose is such a cool little horse that tries so hard to please, he made it a very enjoyable weekend and kept

us all laughing. The hospitality was awesome, and I made some great friendships on the trip. A massive thank you to Dressage NZ and Queensland Dressage for creating this amazing opportunity. It was such a rewarding challenge for us all and we learned a lot. The best bit was going away as part of a team; Hannah and Brina were fun and supportive it made a nice change to be a part of something bigger than just your own camp. Our little support crew was helpful and so much fun! I am very thankful to have had this opportunity. It was a good way to see how shows are run in another country and a fun way to meet other young riders. TEAM MANAGER - LYNLEY SCHOLLUM As manager, I can only say my job was easy! The girls were professional and so focused on their competition. They treated their horses and owners beautifully and represented New Zealand well. I was proud to be a part of it all. Dressage Queensland had it all under control. The competition ran like a well-oiled machine; however, we did miss the online scoring, we sure are spoiled here in New Zealand! The grounds, the arenas, the warmup and stables were all amazing, really beautiful facilities. The girls support teams, Tracy, Janine and Karen thank you for making it a fun and easy trip also.

Thanks to Dressage NZ and Queensland Dressage, we had a great trip, came away with our fair share of the beautiful sashes on offer. RESULTS: Hannah van der Horst

Elementary 3B 60.94% (9th) Elementary 3C 63.11% (10th) Medium 4B 60.14% (5th) Medium 4C 62.15% (4th)

Brina Carpenter

Medium 4B 64.73% 2nd) Medium 4C 64.17% (3rd) Advanced 5B 64.79% (3rd) Advanced 5C 63.5% (3rd)

Madison Schollum

FEI Young Rider Team Test 60.98% (6th) FEI Young Rider Individual Test 61.08% (4th) Advanced 5B 65.541% (2nd) Advanced 5C 61.439% (6th)

TEAMS EVENT Queensland 1: Mackenzie Boundy

and BZ Fortune Cookie (Medium), Lucy Alati and Rubinzent (Advanced), Elloise Devlin and San Rhythmic (FEI Young Rider)

New Zealand 2: Brina Carpenter and Diamond Z Blue Ferro, Madison Schollum and Moosimus Maximus and Hannah van der Horst and Ennovyar Picassos Dream JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23

NATIONAL NEWS

TEAM WILLIAMSON Article by Jess Roberts

After a strong and fabulous finish to the 2018 -19 season, Team Williamson captured the attention of the selection panel, with all six horses named on Dressage Squads for the year ahead. Jess Roberts goes behind the scenes with Wendi and Jonnie Williamson, their daughter Becki and wondergroom Steph.

he 2018/19 NZ season came to a finely-focused head at Hastings for Wendi Williamson, taking home that holy of holies: the Grand Prix Dressage Horse of the Year title. This was a first for Wendi, at just her fourth attempt to put her name to one of NZ dressage’s highest honours. She had lined up twice previously with her stunning super-horse Dejavu MH (DJ) – now very sadly deceased – coming tantalisingly close, and again in 2018 last year with Don Amour MH, who was victorious this time around. “He has always struggled at HOY,” says Wendi of her 11-yr-old mount. “He’s won a few titles along the way but it has always been a little bit hit and miss with him. I guess I was a bit spoiled with DJ, he was much easier to ride at Grand Prix, whereas Donny doesn’t make such a good shape with his neck so you’ve got to ride

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Wendi and Don Amour MH are looking forward to the future Photo: Libby Law

NATIONAL NEWS

everything pretty perfectly to make it happen. And he’s quite loose and big-moving so it’s hard to not make mistakes.” Going on to the Sydney CDI after HOY was excellent experience for the Don Frederico gelding, Wendi says. “He gets much better as the show goes on, and now it’s about making the Grand Prix mistake free. It’s always the first test of the show so he’s not quite into it! But it’s just maturity I think, and he’ll get better.” The pair rode into Reserve spot in the Grand Prix championship in Sydney, finishing just a fraction behind Australia’s Rozzie Ryan and Jarrah R, and posted a brilliant mid-seventies freestyle score. These results saw her skyrocket up the FEI World Rankings from number 250 to 149. Does that bring Tokyo Olympics peeping over the horizon? “Ultimately, I would love to, but I think if you fixate on things like that… I’ve had too many disappointments, especially with DJ dying before WEG,” states Wendi. “I don’t make too many plans -

although my plans for now are to go back to Australia. We train all this time to get them to Grand Prix, then you get them to a level where you may as well go and do some international competitions with them. So I’ll just keep doing that, and if it happens, it happens,” she says. If the Tokyo opportunity does arise, her experience with DJ – the 2017 World Cup Finals Omaha, USA – has taught her to grab it with both hands. “I did um and ah about going to the World Cup, and now I wouldn’t even think twice about it. I’d just go, because I’m so glad I went overseas with him and I think you’ve got to take your opportunities when you’ve got a fit, sound Grand Prix horse. Because you spend five years getting them there and if you just wait because it’s never quite right, then you’re going to miss out,” she says. “If that’s what your goal is, which is what my goal is, to ride internationally, then do it if you can.” Despite the impossible-to-foresee disappointment of the World Cup Final (where DJ bit his lip, drawing

blood resulting in elimination due to FEI rules), the combination went on from Omaha to successfully tackle the European season. This included competing at Hagen (GER), Bolesworth (UK) – at this show the class included none other than Carl Hester. Then it was on to the renowned Royal Windsor show before coming home to NZ. Wendi wouldn’t change a thing about her northern hemisphere campaign: “You’ve just got to keep going, really. It probably wasn’t right with DJ at the World Cup preparation-wise because it was such a massive atmosphere, but if I hadn’t gone, I wouldn’t have known,” she reflects. “And I tell you what, going to those 5* competitions is something quite different! It’s completely different – amazing.” After taking out the Prix St Georges title at the 2019 Horse of the Year Show, Decadance MH also made the trip over the Tasman alongside stablemate Donny to compete at the Sydney CDI. The mare is a relatively new addition to the Williamson string, being sent down from

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NATIONAL NEWS

Awanui twelve months ago by Judith Matthews (Matthews Hanoverians) after the loss of DJ. “She’s hot! She’s a complete handful,” laughs Wendi. “I’ve had her for a year now, finishing up doing Inter I internationally and doing pretty well. Sydney was really good for her and she got a lot better as the show went on.” There has been a lot to work on, as she is one of the few horses that Wendi hasn’t started from scratch with and so needed some time to go back and consolidate her training through Wendi’s system. “I only got her last winter and that was all about teaching her things – this winter is about building strength so I’ll see what she looks like at the end of this winter. Hopefully something more manageable! But I am very grateful to have her,” she adds.

THE GUEST RIDER EXPERIENCE As well as competing her two horses, Wendi also had the honour of being asked to be the guest rider for the Young Dressage Horse Finals in Sydney. “It’s really hard to put yourself out there, and you think ‘oh my god what if I fell off!’” she says. “I did think about it quite hard – I didn’t really feel like I could. But then I thought 26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JULY 2019

I’d kick myself if I didn’t, it would be another one of those World Cup experiences where if you don’t do it you might never get the opportunity to do it again. So I said yes.” After talking to previous guest riders, including Vanessa Way and Christine Weal, who gave her a rundown of their own experience and some good tips, Wendi was ready for action. “And I loved it actually! I really enjoyed it. The judges were really complimentary. And it was quite surprising how intuitive it felt once I got on them, I realised that I could do it and that I did have the skills to suss them out pretty quickly, and see what I needed to test. It was fun!” The event was livestreamed so Young Horse enthusiasts back here in NZ were able to watch this fascinating class, and hear the judges’ commentary. They (the judges) said she did an incredible job, and particularly praised her for being able to get straight on and immediately establish a lovely, settled contact with every horse. There were a variety of youngsters presented – eight in total - from compact powerhouse types to big, loose-moving ones: Wendi’s favourite was the 6-yearold stallion Bluefields Dankeschoen (Desperados). “I gave him a 9 or 9.5 for his rideability.”

THE HORSES All but one of Team Williamson’s horses are from Matthews

Hanoverians (Becki’s Don Tobio is the exception); it’s a standing joke that his show name should be Don NotAnMH! They are in abundance including foals and another half dozen youngsters waiting to be broken in or having their early ridden education. There are the six competition horses, including Don Vito MH and Bon Jovi MH, both Horse of the Year Show Reserve Champions at L4 and L5 respectively, making a total of 18 horses on their Waimauku property. “Dressage is a long game, and if you want to keep riding, then you’ve got to keep thinking about what the next one’s going to be,” Wendi advises. A ‘made’ horse isn’t just something you can grab at the last minute? “No,” she agrees, “and if you do want to grab one at the last minute, you’re going to be paying several hundreds of thousands of dollars for a horse from overseas. Plus, I absolutely love riding the young horses and enjoy training them through.” Running an operation of this size alongside full-time jobs – Wendi is a Contaminated Land specialist and Jonnie runs his own company, Williamson Water and Land Advisory - is no mean feat, and is truly a team effort. “You should see our list of what’s happening when we go to a show, it’s massive!” Wendi laughs. “I’ve been doing four at a show and one each (for daughter Becki and groom Steph) so there’s six

NATIONAL NEWS

Above: A rare relaxing moment, on holiday in Bali Left: Steph plaiting Decadence MH while Becki holds her Photo: Libby Law

going. We’re all pretty tired by the time we get home.”

THE YOUNG GUNS Wendi’s daughter, 16-year-old Becki, has always loved horses. She was a keen showhunter competitor – winning the 2017 Cat C Showhunter Pony of the Year with the distinctive palomino, Hes Pryceless (or Chubby, as he was rather less elegantly known at home!). She still maintains an interest showhunter but has well and truly caught the dressage bug. “From Mum, probably!” she laughs. “I like the challenge of dressage and training my young horses up the levels. Plus, I can get lots of lessons!” Becki paired up with Don Tobio when he was newly broken and has trained him herself: he’s now a six-year-old, and she describes him affectionately as ‘quite arrogant but quite intelligent, and very teachable.’ The combination currently hold the U25 Championships Level 4 title. Forward planning and goal setting is a big part of Team Williamson’s mindset and Becki has already made plenty of her own. “I’m hoping in two years’ time to do the Young Rider challenges in Sydney and Melbourne. I’m aiming for the Aachen Challenge at Melbourne CDI, it sounds really

cool,” she enthuses. “You have to be at L6 and under 25. For now, I’m hoping to come out Level 5 this season and aim for the NZ Young Rider Championships again next year.” Does she find it hard competing when her mum is so well-known and successful? “Well, there’s definitely expectations,” she admits. “I’ve had a few things where people think ‘oh, your mum has trained your horse for you’ but it’s good with Toby because I’m training him myself. I mean, mum is helping me constantly and I get to ride some of her horses, so I can feel it on a horse that knows how to do it, and then I know what it feels like to do it for Toby. But when I started, I found it a bit difficult when we competed in the same classes – next year we’re both going to be doing Level 5 which is scary! But it’s fine! Because they’re completely different horses.” Twenty-year-old groom Stephanie Baker came to Team Williamson straight from school and has now been with them for two and a half years. “She actually came to do a bit of holiday experience when we were about to take DJ overseas,” remembers Wendi. “When we found out we were going, we asked her if she would like to come and groom for all

the rest of the horses here at home while we were gone. She was literally with us for just three weeks and then we left her with 12 or 13 horses!” Wendi says, who is full of praise for both Steph’s riding ability and her work ethic. “She is amazing, an incredible girl. She is just the hardest worker, really wants to be a great rider and trains herself, and tries really hard to gain knowledge. She’s just an amazing, selfless person.” Steph competed Popstar MH (owned by Stephanie Hudson) last season for Level 3 title wins at both Waikato and Auckland Championships. She had also been looking for a horse of her own for some time before buying Status Quo MH, owned by Team Williamson and just back from the breakers. Now a four-year-old, the Sir Donnerhall gelding had his very first starts at Woodhill last month for 70% scores. “He is a very hot, nervous, sensitive horse,” explains Steph, “but I get on really well with him and we have a really close bond, so I’m excited to see what the future brings.” From Auckland, Steph grew up riding and did lots of dressage and showing on her pony Wembleybrook Ben. Her goal is to train her own horse JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27

NATIONAL NEWS

Wendi and Dejavu MH at the Bolsworth International CDI (UK) Photo: Libby Law

to Grand Prix, to compete internationally and represent NZ. It seems she in the right place to start that journey! “One hundred percent, yes,” she enthuses. “Wendi inspires me every day, and I am lucky to have such a great role model, both as a rider and as a person. I can’t wait to get to work every day and I’m truly lucky to be able to say that I love my job.” Sydney CDI was her first international experience as a groom, and she loved every minute. “I learned so much. I got to fly with the horses on the plane, and I learned a lot about what goes on behind the scenes and how the horses cope with travel – learning to manage them through that. I love them like my own,” she affirms, “and I’m very committed to keeping them in tip-top shape, happy and healthy – they are high performance athletes and I make sure all their needs are taken care of.”

WAITEKAURI FARM

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Right now, it’s the routine of daily care and training in the depths of the New Zealand winter: dark mornings, dark evenings, short daylight hours, and lots to get done. Back at Team Williamson’s Waitekauri Farm, it’s again the teamwork that gets through the workload of the day-to-day running of the yard. As well as Steph, who is full-time, a morning helper comes every day to muck boxes and paddocks. Even fifteen-year-old son Benji helps out, doing the evening skip-out of the yards. “He is a bit of a reluctant stable boy,” says Wendi’s husband Jonnie, sounding amused. “We’ve nicknamed him the

28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JULY 2019

crapologist! He’s not into horses but he does have his favourites, he goes up and talks to them and gives them a pat. He rode a bit when he was younger and was actually really, really good. But he’s a bit like me: couldn’t be bothered with all the tacking up!” The days are long, twelve hours, starting at 7am with morning feeds. Steph tacks all the horses up, hacks the ones that are rostered for a hacking day, and warms horses up for Wendi. “I help with stretching and cooling them off too, so Wendi can get through them all,” says Steph. “I also handle a lot of the youngsters. They are all bought as foals so there’s lots to do, getting them in for the farrier and that kind of stuff. Managing all the horses, basically!”

DOUBLE VISION With all high-performance sport – and particularly equestrian, with its demand for a lot of time and money – it’s imperative to have a partner who is on-board with the dream, and luckily Wendi’s husband Jonnie is equally as passionate as her. “I’m a competitive person by nature and played a lot of sport when I was a youngster so I really enjoy the competitive side of it and the successes that Wendi has had. I would’ve lost interest earlier if she wasn’t achieving good results I guess. Often, I’ll see an event and say, ‘I think you should target going here because it’s a steppingstone for this.’ I was pushing her hard to go to Sydney this year, and to go to Victoria next January. They’ve got a show down there on the Mornington Peninsula,

NATIONAL NEWS then we’ll head up to Willinga Park. We can get three 3* shows under our belt in Australia before heading home to Nationals and HOY. “I sort of sat down and said, we’ve spent 20 years now doing this – what’s the point of doing all that if we’re not going to give it a real good nudge? We’ve got the horsepower, we’re now a little bit more financially secure, and we’re still young: let’s just get into it!” Despite their position now, neither Jonnie nor Wendi could have predicted this outcome at the start of their journey. “It’s just happened,” Jonnie states. “There was absolutely no plan!” The pair first met at University in Waikato, where Jonnie grew up. Shortly after completing his degree, he left for Australia. He loved surfing and spent lots of time in the Sydney water. Wendi crossed the ditch to join him a short time later. In 1999, they both returned to New Zealand. “Wendi couldn’t function without a horse,” says Jonnie, “and when we got back home she started concentrating on dressage. In those days I’d go to the shows and help out, it was just Wendi and I. Then it got to a point where we had three horses, then we had the kids and it was becoming too full on, so we decided to get a groom and then it became easier to compete more horses.”

ENTER MATTHEWS HANOVERIANS “It was around 2007 when we realised that to be successful in dressage you had to have proper dressage horses,” says Jonnie. “Neither of our parents rode, and we didn’t come from families with a huge amount of money, so it was really up to us to figure it out and do it. We decided that if we were going to get better marks and be competitive, we had to get purpose-built horses. So that’s when we started to think well, we can’t go overseas and buy them.” And so began a longstanding relationship with Judith Matthews, of Matthews Hanoverians, based in the Far North. At first the Williamsons aimed to purchase one horse from Judith every year so that they always had new horsepower coming through

“but time passed and then it was two a year and then three and now we’ve got about 17 or 18 on the property,” he says disbelievingly, in true horsehusband fashion. Joking aside, he says it is great having such a good relationship with the breeder of their horses. “It works both ways, because Judith helps us out in terms of ‘this is what I think’, and she knows far more about the history of the bloodlines,” he acknowledges. “So we take her advice, and we give her our own feedback [on temperament and rideability].” Jonnie’s work frequently takes him to Kaitaia so he’ll call in when he’s up there and take a walk around the farm with Judith to see what’s up-andcoming, and report back to Wendi. Compiling freestyle music is another strong interest for Jonnie, who puts together all the musicals for the Team Williamson horses. He can often be found on a cold rainy winter night with a glass of whisky in hand, researching and listening to new music in front of dressage videos of the Team horses. “It’s very stimulating and I love doing it, so long as I’ve got enough time to put it together,” he says. “I’ve always been interested in music, as a kid I played the saxophone and was in jazz bands and things. Plus it’s quite technical, and I’m quite mathematical and analytical.”

THE FUTURE Team Williamson has no plans to slow down any time soon. Jonnie has been enjoying seeing Steph and Becki riding and having success. “I like it,” he states simply. “We’re both in our late forties and you don’t know

how much longevity you’ll have so for me having Becki there makes it feel like its going to be a much longer programme. I’m really happy about that because I don’t want to stop doing this any time soon. I really enjoy the travel, I like getting away from home in the truck, I like the people, and I like the horses.” “It is crazy,” says Wendi of their undertaking, one they’ve created from their own determination and sheer hard work. “But I want to do it properly, and you definitely make your own luck.” Team Williamson would like to thank their sponsors: Tuffrock, Zilco, Spurs and Vets North JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29

NATIONAL NEWS

NEWSFLASH

Louise Duncan and Wolkenstein BC, Para Grade IV National Champions Photo: Libby Law

Louise Duncan and Wolkenstein BC have scored wins in both the Grade IV Team Test and Individual Test in the CPEDI3* at the Brisbane CDI. A score of 65.33% in the Team test put them ahead of Australians Kaye Hannan (64.71%) and Sarah Sherwood (56.92%). The individual test saw Louise increase the winning margin scoring 66.42%, with Hannan and Sherwood again second and third on 63.74% and 60.73% respectively Louise goes through to the Saturday Grade IV Freestyle. Follow the link for results Congratulations Louise and Spirit https://www.qld.equestrian.org.au/dressage/brisbane-cdi/timetable-draw

A QUEST FOR QUALIFICATION Article by Wendy Hamerton

A brief conversation at the 2018 Horse of the Year Show was a defining moment for Louise Duncan

“

International para dressage judge Sue Cunningham (AUS) approached me after I won the Para Grade IV Horse of the Year. She suggested I aim to qualify for the World Games. She said it was unlikely I would have a podium finish, but it would be a great experience towards future international competition.” Louise felt both humbled and inspired by Sue’s suggestion but with WEG just a matter of months away, she knew it would be incredibly challenging financially. “I have my own hairdressing business and I couldn’t just shut the doors... and in

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all honesty it was my first season as a Para Equestrian and I just didn’t believe have the experience to make a good fist of it.” But although they were in their first year competing in para equestrian events, Louise and Wolkenstein BC (Spirit to his friends) had shown good form in premier league and national events in both level 5 and Grade IV Para classes. Louise had also picked up the ride on her mother Frankie’s Northern Ivanthus during the season but just as they began to form an exciting new partnership, Jed unfortunately suffered a severe colic episode and is recovering from surgery.

“I would have to say it was Sue’s approach that has motivated me to look towards an international campaign. Preparing for Brisbane CPEDI has been a huge learning curve and the journey has just begun. Mum has had to do a lot of the paperwork as I’m working full time and my grandfather has given me a lot of financial support so I am really lucky” says Louise acknowledging the support from her family. Spirit flies to Sydney and then has the long truck trip up to the Caboolture venue to meet up with Louise and his support team. Louise is thrilled that Chris Beach, Spirit’s breeder, and previous owner and rider, will be at the event to support them. “My ultimate goal would be to ride for New Zealand at Tokyo, but I’m under no illusion, there’s a lot of bridges to cross - and at the end of the day New Zealand might not get a spot but this experience will be amazing whatever the outcome.”

YOUNG RIDER NEWS

From left: Tayla McDonald, Hayley-Jane Malcolmson, Emma Mail Photo: Caitlin Benzie

DRESSAGE SCHOLARSHIPS TO INSPIRE YOUNG RIDERS Tayla McDonald (Waikato), Emma Mail (Wairarapa) and Emma Copplestone (Canterbury) were named as the three young riders who participated in the 2018 Dressage Talent ID camps and were awarded the Pryde’s Easifeed scholarships at the end of the season.

cholarship prizes include a Pryde’s Easifeed presentation rug, 6 bags of Pryde’s EasiFeed, entry fees to the U25 Champs (excluding stabling and associated costs), a follow up lesson from the camp coach and with a Pryde’s EasiFeed sponsored rider and a ridden test assessment from a Dressage NZ Judge.

WHEN SELECTING THE SCHOLARSHIP WINNERS, THE FOLLOWING ATTRIBUTES ARE CONSIDERED:

• Improved performance and results following the camp • Demonstrated good horsemanship and a high level of sportsmanship and “fair play” • Should be ambassadors for the Sponsor and the sport Fifteen-year-old Tayla McDonald, one of the recipients was delighted to receive her award and had this to say following the presentation. “When I received the email from

Dressage New Zealand saying that I had won one of the Pryde’s Talent ID scholarships I couldn’t believe how lucky I was. I was honoured to accept my award at the Dressage New Zealand awards dinner. The generous scholarship couldn’t have come at a better time for me. The feed sponsored by Pryde’s means that my horses have “dinner in the cupboard”, that’s one less worry for me. With the help of my Grandad Jeffery, I have purchased a lovely youngster named Wonda Why. I hope to take him to as many premier league shows as I can this season. As part of my scholarship, I have already had a fantastic lesson with Sophie De Clifford on him, I came away with a very positive plan to keep him on the correct path forward. I have long term plans to produce Wonda Why up to the highest level I can. I also intended competing a pony that I believe has a lot of talent. I am working hard with him over

winter to try and unlock that talent before the season starts. The third member of my team is Ramsbury. I have moved up to competing him at level 5 at practice days. This has been an exciting move for me and I am enjoying the challenge of the advanced levels. One of the most exciting parts of being in the Talent ID squad 2018 was the network of friends I made. I love to catch up with them at shows. Hayley-Jane Malcolmson from Pryde’s is always readily available to check that my ever-changing team is on the correct feed to perform at the best of their ability. I appreciate the continued support from Dressage New Zealand and all the wonderful people that help run these camps. It has been a large contributing factor in my enjoyment, growth, and pursuit of excellence in dressage. Thank you from Tayla McDonald JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 31

OUR PEOPLE Bay of Plenty prize giving, Peter with Tessa Calder Photo: Janine van der Horst

VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH

PETER JENKINS Sponsored by AllinFlex

ete has a lifelong history of volunteering in many aspects of equestrian sport. He has been volunteering for various equine bodies since he was an eighteen-yearold lad living in the UK. Since arriving in New Zealand, Pete has been head coach for Wharepapa South and Te Awamutu Pony Clubs and been responsible for setting up the cross-country course phase of their ODE. He then moved on to Dressage co-convener, followed by Vice President and then Event Director for Kihikihi International Horse Trials. When Pete and his wife Ali lived in the Waikato, he became heavily involved in the local Dressage Waikato group, acting as Vice President and writer coordinator for their Premier League show for three years. Following a move to Taupo, he has recently become President of the 32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | JULY 2019

Bay of Plenty Dressage Area Group which comprises four branches, Taupo, Rotorua, Tauranga and Eastern Bay of Plenty. Earlier in the year he put his hand up as writer coordinator for the Dressage New Zealand Elite Equine NI Future Stars and Equestrian Entries Under 25 Championships and will be the writer coordinator for the 2020 Bates National Dressage Champs and FEI CDI. The writer coordinator task is always a challenge and even more so at a national and international event, but Pete has a proven track record of putting in the considerable hours contacting and arranging writers for dressage events. But he is a man who can multi-task, helping put up/take down dressage arenas and show jumping courses, fence judge, marshal and skip out yards before a competition begins! Debra Cowen event manager for

Dressage Waikato said of Pete “He is very good at communication and flagging if the show scheduling is going to cause an issue and appreciates that not all writers work with all (levels of) judges, so likes ensures that that both judges and writers are appropriately matched and managed.” Pete has ridden since he was twelve. He multi tasks on horseback too, having hunted, evented in the UK to 2** level, and competed in dressage to Intermediate 1. He said he was very lucky to have trained with Carl Hester for two years on an advanced Dutch stallion, Jantin, who he produced from novice level. Unfortunately, Jantin did not make it to New Zealand having been humanely put down just three weeks after Pete and Ali’s arrival in NZ. This proved to be one of the most difficult times in their life.

OUR PEOPLE

OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH

MARY CRAINE Sponsored by AR Dressage

M Outside of horses, Pete worked in various general clerical, customer service and office management roles for over twenty years (obtaining a qualification in Business Administration) before taking a redundancy package from the Bank of England which allowed him to retrain as an equine dental technician and finally obtain the British Horse Society Assistant Instructors certificate, something he had wanted to do ever since leaving school. He now works full time as an equine dental technician and freelance riding instructor, as well as helping in the running he and wife Ali’s owned sport horse stud, Goss Green Sport Horses, which stands the dual UK graded pinto/colored stallion Goss Green Mirage, who came to New Zealand with them in September 2009. Pete and Ali find it very satisfying to hear how horses by this stallion are progressing and achieving both here and in the UK. They have produced and started a number of homes bred youngsters, which is something Pete particularly enjoys. He now has two promising eight-year olds to compete. “Ï reckon they should see me through to retirement with training and help from Debbie Barke”. Pete is the recipient of this month’s AllinFlex Volunteer prize. Check out their range of products at www.allinflex.co.nz

ary enjoyed the archetypal New Zealand “horsey upbringing” on a farm in Hunterville, belonging to the local pony and Rangitikei Hunt Club. She participated in all those fun horse activities as a child - pony club camps, eventing, area trials, sports meetings and A andP Shows. Her mother, Jean Horton, was an encouraging influence plus she benefitted from instruction by local dressage stalwarts Jude Simpson, Pat Dalrymple and Barbara Hopkinson. When the Central Districts Dressage Group was formed in the mid 1970’s, Mary attended a few of their fun rallies, and was soon quite involved on the committee helping organise tournaments. She also enjoyed competing in dressage events around the lower North Island. Mary said that lots of fun was always had while away competing but admits, “I always had a competitive streak”. Children put her riding career on hold briefly but she was soon back in the saddle hunting and competing successfully to open medium level until around 2002. She first “sat at C” way back in 1982 at a Central Districts Dressage Group tournament under the guidance of Barbara Hopkinson, helping out when not riding or between tests. Mary credits the late Ann Warren and Mrs QO Wilson for a lot of the knowledge she gained in those early years of involvement. A change in circumstances meant a move to the Southern Hawkes Bay area where still resides and is very involved with both the local dressage group and the Dannevirke A andP Assn. Following the move to Dannevirke Mary decided it was time to hang up her competition boots and focus on improving her judging skills now that she had more time

to devote to this area of the sport. Helen Ransom was instrumental in planning a pathway and encouraged and mentored Mary to develop her confidence. She has since travelled throughout NZ judging and learning from senior colleagues and visiting FEI Judges, and has been fortunate to be a recipient twice on the Victorian Exchange to Melbourne and now heads off shortly to the Gold Coast. She attended the IDOC (International Dressage Officials Club) Aachen clinic in 2017. Mary said, “Aachen is a must for any horse enthusiast”. Like most other volunteers, Mary works full time. She is a qualified veterinary nurse but now works in an administration/sales role at Veterinary Services, Dannevirke. The team there are are always supportive of her judging commitments. In her out of judging and work hours, she dabbles at golf when she can and one day would love to have more time to improve! She loves tramping and would like to do some more of the Great Walks in NZ. Travel is always in her sights, and if she can combine anything dressage as well, then that is a bonus. She has also been involved in event management, helping out with shows at Tielcey Park and the NZ Dressage Nationals at both Taupo and Manfeild Park. Dressage has been good to me, I have made a great network of colleagues and some wonderful friends” Mary is the recipient of this month’s AR Dressage Official’s prize. For further information on AR Dressage contact Andrea at tetch@xtra.co.nz

JULY 2019 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

FEI NATIONS CUP DRESSAGE IN COMPIEGNE Story by FEI Photos by FEI/PSV J. Morel

The 2019 FEI Dressage Nations Cupâ&#x201E;¢ features eight events over five months as teams vie to see who will compete in the finals at Hickstead in July.

Morgan Barbancon (FRA) and Sir Donnerhall II part of the fifth placed Team France.

AMATEUR

CHAMPIONSHIP