Issue 54 | October 2021
EQUESTRIO STYLE WAIRARAPA DRESSAGE Sarah Wilkinson Takes National Title In The UK DYNAVYTE NZ CANTERBURY DRESSAGE New High Performance Selectors Announced IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE - Catherine Smith
EDITORIAL
FROM THE EDITOR WELCOME TO ISSUE FIFTY FOUR OF THE DRESSAGE NZ BULLETIN
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lthough frustrations are high with continuing COVID Lockdowns and competition uncertainties, the dedication of volunteers to keep events available in Level 2 where at all possible is truly commendable and much appreciated by those competitors able to attend. The future of our bigger events for the rest of the year still looks to be on shaky ground however. Many A&P Societies who rely on trade and gate takings have already cancelled. No active crystal balls sadly – just a relentless optimism and will to keep working towards events but quietly thinking of contingencies alongside.
Wendy Hamerton
Alyssa Harrison
Sarah Gray
TH E D RE SSAG E N Z BULL E T I N TEAM
Jessica Roberts
But while in lockdown, if you had subscribed the popular event streaming site Clip My Horse, you certainly weren’t locked out of the international scene. There was the Olympics, the Young Horse Championships, Aachen CHIO and then the Europeans – what a feast could be enjoyed. Although the Olympic three combination per equestrian team format and heats format in the Dressage has been under fire from riders (and understandably so - let’s face it who wants to take a horse across the world and back and probably not get a start) from spectator’s perspective it was pretty darned exciting. Which was one of the goals – to make dressage more exciting for spectators. Discussion has already begun at FEI and National Federation level as to what Paris 2024 qualification for New Zealand might look like. But getting back to Europe – two things stay with me. The first, a wonderful line that cannot happen in too many sports. When your idols become your peers. There are few sports where your childhood idols can become your fiercest competition. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl (35yrs) vs Isabell Werth (52yrs). Isabell won her first Olympic gold medal aged twenty-three in 1992 on Gigolo when Jessica was just six years old. The show of elation and emotion from Isabel after her Freestyle win at the Europeans was something rarely seen and somewhat poignant. After thirty years at the top, it clearly still means so much.
The DressageNZ Bulletin is the official magazine of Dressage NZ a discipline of Equestrian Sports NZ
Editor: Wendy Hamerton E: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz
Graphic Design Sarah Gray Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz
Copyright © Snaffle Design and Dressage NZ 2021
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Cover Image: Aggie Shearer & Vanace Rosalie Photo: Belinda Pratt Photography
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CONTENTS
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ADVE RTISE W ITH US OV E R 140, 000 REA D E RS A L L T I ME A DVERTS TH AT NEVER STOP WORKING, WITH GLOB A L REA D ERS (AUS, UK, EUROP E, A SIA )
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OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 3
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Sarah Wilkinson and Koko II
KIWI DRESSAGE RIDER TAKES UK NATIONAL TITLE Written by Wendy Hamerton Photos by Kevin Sparrow
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Short term I hope to finish qualifiers for the next winter’s regional shows with Koko in Medium level. My ultimate goal had been to get Hello to Grand Prix and a Paris hopeful, but over the past year with Koko’s development I believe she could also be a possibility. She learns so fast and similar to Hello she puts so much effort into her work. She would be young but would be nice to have another GP horse campaigning around that time. I will keep up her training to slowly work our way up the levels and see where we end up. As for Hello, she is doing well. We had an unfortunate set back with her shoeing before the Wellington CDI which put her out of work for some time. She reacted to a nail badly and seems to be so sensitive with her feet. The timing meant we missed the winter regionals to get us to the winter champs and then also the qualifiers that were to be for summer regionals and nationals. A real shame to have missed a lot of the season with her. But I am working to get her well established in small tour and we are practicing all the Grand Prix moves. She just has to get stronger. I hope to get her to a Grand Prix early next year providing her training stays on track! Gareth has been a great help with both Hello and Koko. He has been pushing me to get Hello out to a GP so we could possibly work our way towards Herning next year! I would really love to work towards that and have the opportunity!”
Sarah Wilkinson and her six year old Koko II (Desperado x Johnson) were foreign celebrities at the recent Lemieux National Dressage Championships in the UK winning the Equitop Elementary Gold Championship with 74.813%, heading off GBR international rider Becky Moody and Jack Diamond.
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his win followed up a Reserve Champion in the TopSpec advanced medium gold the day before. Sarah’s trainer Gareth Hughes who is a GBR team rider was on hand to assist the pair. “She (Koko) just tries so hard. I was so proud of her” said Sarah.
LOOKING AHEAD SARAH HAS HER SIGHTS SET ON PARIS 2024 “When I first got Koko, I hadn’t made any plans, but over the last year and a half I’ve come to realise how amazing she is. Behind my chestnut mare, Hello D’Ottie, I do hope Koko could be a Paris hopeful.
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BUSINESS FEATURE From top left, clockwise: Robyn Mauger, Katharine Van Tuyl and Natalie Tanner.
Mitavite and Hygain have been proudly associated with the Dressage Bulletin since it first went to circulation nearly 6 years ago supplying nutrition articles and advice on a regular basis. We caught up with Robyn Mauger to learn more about the team and everything Mitavite / Hygain NZ.
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itavite was formed in the mid-1980’s by racing enthusiast Bob LaPointe as the business grew in Australia Bob joined forces first with Dr Ray Biffin and then NSW entrepreneur Sam Rutherford and a Sydney based veterinarian Treve Williams their common goal was to take the guesswork out of horse feeding by providing trainers and horse owners with a range of horse feeds that were scientifically formulated and in their words “provided everything in the bag”. Mitavite is well known for the use of new techniques to formulate complete feeds, including the development of horse-specific amino acid profiles, the analysis of energy pathways and the understanding of the interaction and metabolism of vitamins and minerals through the horse’s digestive system. A critical Mitavite led innovation was the process of ‘steam extruding’, which continues to be a favoured horse feed type due to the inherent benefits to the horse which has now been replicated by other feed-mills in the industry due to its outstanding benefits for equine digestion. Fast forward to 2018 and Mitavite joined forces with another innovator in the Australian feed market Hygain from Melbourne which prides
THE POWER OF TWO BRANDS AND A PASSIONATE TEAM itself on research based nutritional formulations and a long history of quality using the revolutionary process of micronization to create a consistency of feed in the bag that is envied by many. Mitavite has been feeding horses in New Zealand for well over 25 years and Hygain was introduced to the New Zealand riders by its founder Lee Manly 15 years ago. The small market that Hygain had here grew rapidly under the capable guidance of Revell Douglas who was based out of the North Island and managed both islands until he was joined by Robyn Mauger (0276 464 118) in late 2018 to run the South Island and a small chunk of the lower North Island, Robyn is breeding and training her own horses and has a strong background in nutrition. Unfortunately, Rev was lost in a tragic drowning 8 months ago that shocked the entire industry but his impact on the horse people of New Zealand is not forgotten and he forged a proud path for those of us that follow him. The Upper North Island is now in the practical hands of Natalie Tanner (0275 206 863) who has had a long association with thoroughbred racing in New Zealand as both a trainer, owner and sales preparer. Katharine Van Tuyl
(027 3030 348) just recently joined the team to manage the lower North Island and is well known in both eventing and show-jumping circles in the Manawatu. One of the things all three managers like about having two high quality brands to recommend from is that all the feeds and supplements are ultra-consistent, perform as they say they will and there is something for every horse. Both brands have achieved the HAACP accreditation so that you can be rest assured that feed is sourced and handled to the highest industry standards. Although manufactured in Australia the feeds are formulated to suit New Zealand horses as well with the trace mineral and vitamin levels sitting at levels that suit our country where things like selenium, zinc and copper can be in short supply in our soils. Hygain Mitavate as an essential business never had a shut down in its feed produtction. Like many other importers there was some hiccups to feed supply when the various ports in New Zealand and Australia where hit by COVID outbreaks or lack of container space. An aggressive feed ordering system has now been set in place to overcome issues and warehouses are now fully stocked in both Auckland and Christchurch. OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 7
As an equestrian you’ve probably heard of Dynavyte Microbiome Support® – but do you really know what it does or what it contains?
Dynavyte Microbiome Support®
Dynavyte Microbiome Support® (MBS) is a truly remarkable product which keeps your animals healthy from the inside out. It’s a unique, 100% natural, liquid pre and pro biotic with an added immune boost and an anti-inflammatory that promotes overall gut health. There’s nothing else like it in NZ. Dynavyte MBS which, unlike yeast-based products, multiplies when it hits the gut. Spores then continue to repopulate right through the digestive system, improving gut health, immune systems, condition and performance. It’s perfectly safe for competition use too. And that’s why it really is liquid gold for your horses’ overall wellbeing and general health.
BEFORE
PRODUCT SPOTLIGHT
Dynavyte Impulso®
With summer approaching using Dynavyte Impulso after exercise may minimize the oxidative damage that occurs when exercising performance horses. AFTER
These photos were taken 19 days apart. This 26 year old Anglo Arab mare was given 50ml of Equine MBS daily. The difference speaks for itself and is testimony to the fact that if you look after your horse’s inside, it will show on the outside.
Containing natural Vitamin E and other vitamins and minerals required for recovery, it may also be beneficial for the stresses that occur from travelling in hot or humid conditions.
For the complete premium range of Dynavyte’s equestrian products and to see how
8 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN OCTOBER 2021 we| can help you improve the wellbeing of all your animals check out the website:
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NATIONAL NEWS
DYNAVYTE NZ CANTERBURY DRESSAGE
Goldie Lester and Crystal Mt Cruzeiro
Spring series - Day one
Photos by Bella Maitland Photography https://bellamaitlandphotographynz.pixieset.com/dynavytedressagespringseriesdayone/arenas1and2/
Please feel free to share this magazine or page with others, however out of respect to our photographers, screenshots of photos will be asked to be removed from Social media.
Lorraine Ward Smith and Fernlea Diamond Day
Beth Condon and Kozee
Millie Thompson and Sisters II Imke
Karolina Dyszy and SWE Dempsey
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9
NATIONAL NEWS
Water where and when you want it. Thanks to Water Force technology and innovation, arena sprinklers can be activated remotely by Ipad!
Meg Johnston & BL About Time. Photo: Bella Maitland
MAJOR ARENA UPGRADE AT NEC CHRISTCHURCH WELCOMED “We are really excited about the further arena upgrades at the Dunstan Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre” reports Sally Goldsmith, Canterbury Group delegate.
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With the main arenas 1 & 2 and Water Force T 3 Arenas at the Centre having already been upgraded, Dressage Canterbury considered that in order to encourage more participation at all levels, that all our main all-weather arenas needed to have equivalent surface upgrades. So we have added sand and Treadlite, and during this process applied for funding from Dressage NZ to assist with the cost. With the new irrigation system, we can now offer up to nine all-weather irrigated arenas, seven of which have been upgraded with Treadlite. We are now confident we can offer excellent surfaces year-round for all levels from training through to Grand Prix riders New Zealand wide. It also means that with the three matching warm up areas we can host the upcoming FEI Dressage World Challenge and future CDI events.
We held the first event on the upgraded surfaces on 3 October with over 100 horses, whilst in COVID level 2, which was also a practice run for future Premier events that we are still hopeful we can host whilst in Delta 2 COVID restrictions. We would like to thank our supporters and sponsors, Dressage NZ and Treadlite, as well as the team from Protranz who donated the sand, and the extra volunteers who made this happen.”
DRESSAGE NZ ASKED COMPETITORS WHAT THEY THOUGHT ABOUT THE UPGRADE EXPERIENCE “As if it wasn’t a good enough feeling to be able to be out and competing amidst the COVID disruption we’ve all been dealing with, it was a real treat to arrive at the Island and see the beautifully resurfaced Treadlite arenas ready
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for us to ride on. It is brilliant to be able to work in on the same high quality footing as the competition arenas. The surface is just what you’d want for a competition arena – very consistent and stable with a nice forgiving spring to it. It’s also lovely and quiet to ride on (no gravel to flick on letters and spook sensitive horses!) and it also cuts down on the glare that you used to experience on bright sunny Canterbury days. It’s great to see that the decades of dedication that many people have put into McLeans Island, is being built on to continue to develop the Island into an Equestrian Centre we can be proud of”. Jen Scotter – FEI Level rider “The new Treadlite was really bouncy, making it much nicer for the ponies to work on, and way less dusty.” Beth Condon – Elementary Pony Rider
GOOD FOR YOUR HORSE GOOD FOR THE PLANET!
PREMIUM ARENA MIX The recycling process takes used tyres which would otherwise be disposed of in landfill, stockpiled, illegally dumped or shipped offshore to be burnt. At our plant in Cambridge our triple treated refinery process uses a series of shredders and magnets to produce a consistent evenly sized material that is 99.9% metal free. Why use Treadlite arena mix: • Less wear and tear on horses hooves • Reduced concussion on joints through better impact absorption • Lively surface allows horses to get more air above the ground and better take off for jumping • Maintains a more even spread than traditional sand surface • Less affected by rain • Reduced dust means less respiratory issues • Can be used alone over base-coarse or spread on top and mixed with existing sand
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Tracy Smith riding Jamesons RE on her Premium Arena Mix surface
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PROUDLY SUPPORTING
For more information follow us on Facebook OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 11 or visit www.treadlite.co.nz
NATIONAL NEWS Anna Wilson and Neversfeld Rupert at Takapoto May 2021. Photo: Libby Law Photography
COVID UPDATE FROM DRESSAGE NZ The Dressage Board wishes to reassure our riders, areas, organising committees and sponsors that we are monitoring closely the situation with the changing COVID levels.
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Competitors want to be out at events as soon as possible however we must also keep our sport and participants safe and well.
the Series results calculations. Any changes will be communicated via social media channels and the ESNZ website.
We support and encourage events that are able to continue and respect those that make the hard call postpone or cancel. It is important everyone is on board with this and follow all conditions and instructions from these shows.
Dressage NZ has considered the impact of this on fair play and the National Series. At this time our decision is to allow shows to continue when and where they can, in the format they can. This is being closely monitored and should a significant inequality of opportunity develop, the Board reserves the right to retrospectively apply a change to
Our very valued sponsors are also dealing with COVID level issues in their own businesses, and we see continuing the Series is a way to keep them in the spotlight they deserve.
rganizers and competitors need to keep current with the ESNZ website Covid page which is amended as often as required and only after advice from Sport NZ following any new government announcements
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We’re all in this together and encourage you to continue your support for our sponsors throughout this tough time.
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NATIONAL NEWS Ann Webster and Rustic Challenge
EQUESTRIO STYLE WAIRARAPA DRESSAGE Photos by Belinda Pratt Photography https://belindaprattphotography1.shootproof.com/gallery/16175665/album/all
Aggie Shearer and Vanace Rosalie
Please feel free to share this magazine or page with others, however out of respect to our photographers, screenshots of photos will be asked to be removed from Social media.
Wendy Jeffery and CDS Donero
14 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
NATIONAL NEWS Leia Maxwell and Lox Dolce Weltina
Charlie Halewood and TG Riviera
Kendall Hamilton and PP Ben 10
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NATIONAL NEWS
New Zealand’s high performance dressage selection panel brings with it plenty of expertise and passion.
PASSION TO THE FORE FROM NEW HIGH PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE SELECTORS Written by Diana Dobson for ESNZ
has big plans for dressage, it’s critical to have a quality group of selectors and we are fortunate to have this group. I look forward to working them as the new Dressage High Performance selection team.”
Justine Kidd
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elen Hughes-Keen has been reappointed, and has been joined by chair Margs Carline and Justine Kidd. The panel, which is in place until after the 2024 Paris Olympic Games, is responsible for the selections of the dressage High Performance Futures and High Performance squads, as well as international and world championship events. High performance general manager Jock Paget says it’s an exciting time. “High performance
Justine is no stranger to equestrian having formerly been ESNZ chief executive (2004-2007), high performance manager (2003), chef d’equipe for dressage representative Louisa Hill at the 2004 Olympic Games in Athens, and a team manager for young rider teams on both sides of the Tasman. She won the level 4 national dressage championship title with Vital Image and went on to compete at level 6 and 7. In 2001 she and Anna Stewart won the South African Federation Cup aboard borrowed horses, and has even dabbled in reining, winning regional competitions and placing at national level. These days she rides mostly for fun but admits to contemplating bringing the reining pony for the odd competition in the coming season. Her business background is extensive and varied and while primarily in the dairy industry, and most recently as a chief executive of corporate dairy farm businesses, she is now a small business owner in Waipukurau. “I feel I can bring a lot to this position,” says Justine, “but particularly perspective.” Having
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ridden in the sport, supported the New Zealand team at Athens and been across many other facets of national and international competition she said exposed her to so many facets. “I’ve also worked and volunteered across the dairy industry so have plenty of experiences, both good and bad, to draw on so I’ve got a breadth of experience which gives you that perspective.” She appreciates the huge challenges COVID brings to everyone and says it calls for creative thinking – especially for nations like New Zealand. “COVID and the disruption and challenges of travel that it is bringing to our campaigning is new territory to navigate and is going to make creating international and qualifying event opportunities difficult,” she says. “I worry that the international dressage world isn’t ready for the creativity that is going to be needed to continue growing the accessibility of the sport throughout the globe.” New Zealand currently had some super talent in its riders, horses and support teams and Justine says it will be tough to bring everything together to support the realisation of that talent on the world stage, given the pandemic. “Access to competitions, international judging and training is extra tough at the Helen Thompson-Carter. moment with the risks of travelling,
NATIONAL NEWS
Margs Carline
Margs has been chief New Zealand dressage selector for two seasons and sees the move to high performance as the next logical step. “It is so rewarding to follow the journey of emerging talent through their development to becoming accomplished Grand Prix combinations,” says the dairy farmer who oversees the operation of three farms. “Being involved with riders from the early stages of their training and guiding through objectivity, encouragement and helpfulness in their performance and direction is an honour... and one that is hopefully of value to riders.”
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A long time rider, she too came through the Pony Club system, rode at Pony Club Champs and is now a level 3*/4* FEI eventing judge and an A level dressage judge and mentor. She is a previous winner of a Prime Minister’s Scholarship which saw her officiate at events in Europe.
Justine felt the national performance squads had a great team feel to them and continued to create a supportive and encouraging environment for riders coming through the ranks. She is hugely excited about the new challenges ahead. “Selection for me isn’t just about picking the team... it is also about building a relationship with the high performance squad riders to really understand them, their horses, their plans and what creates that winning performance for them and then working with the wider Dressage New Zealand support team to create the environment that supports them excelling at those pinnacle events.”
from $5450 “I love the Harry Dabbs Mariella because it puts me in the correct balance as a rider and allows my horse to move with freedom and expression underneath me.” Melissa Galloway & Windermere J’Obéi W Current Grand Prix National and HOY Champions
“New Zealand is now breeding some amazingly talented purposefit dressage horses and we have riders who are both hungry and committed to performing on the world stage. The results they are producing are getting them to the level that a team may be competitive against some of the stronger nations.” The challenges were to get more regular competition in Australia before moving to bases in the United Kingdom and Europe. “The other huge hurdle is financing such moves.” She is very excited to be part of the push for WEG 2022 and beyond. “I feel as committed to seeing or making this happen as if I were still riding. The love of the sport of dressage is an absolute passion and to see riders reach this goal would be a dream come true for me.”
Photos: Mark Watson
MIQ and border restrictions,” she says. However, the sport is looking good. “There seems to be a lot of energy in it and there are really nice horses coming through with a growing group of riders at level 6 and above. We have combinations producing well above qualifying standard performances so we are looking better than ever.”
While she retired from competitive riding some years ago, the purchase of Foxleigh Mr Darcy saw her briefly back in the ring in the 2019-20 season but Margs quickly realised she didn’t have the time to commit to perform, so now has someone else riding the horse while she concentrates on judging, mentoring and her role as selector.
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OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17
NATIONAL NEWS
Helen Hughes-Keen (R) with Abbie Deken Photo Libby Law Photography
Helen has been a high performance selector since 2013. She has decades of experience in equestrian and has ridden in most disciplines including endurance but moved to specialise in dressage in the early 1980s as a competitor, coach, owner, judge and national selector. She has competed to Grand Prix level and is an ESNZ performance dressage coach. She has been an FEI 4* dressage judge since 2011 and an FEI young dressage horse judge since 2019. Her judging has taken her around much of New Zealand and Australia, but also to Asia, the United Kingdom and a number of European countries. “I will certainly be continuing as soon as our New Zealand borders become easily accessible again,” she says.
“Helen tipped her hat to the world class horses that are being bred and produced in New Zealand.” development of the correct way of going for the dressage horse.”
who are willing to work towards an international goal.”
Helen tipped her hat to the ‘world class’ horses that are being bred and produced in New Zealand. “COVID has not made it easy at all, spoiling the loss of CDI competition both here and in Australia over the past 18 months. However, I do believe New Zealand has some very dedicated riders
And having already been part of the journey towards 2022 WEG and the 2024 Paris Games for the past few years, she says it is an exciting time for all. “We are now seeing the strength building in both horse and rider power... there is certainly a place for New Zealand on the world stage.”
Helen, who runs a grazing establishment with husband Tony in Ohariu Valley near Wellington, is also involved in judge education in New Zealand. “I bring the strength that comes with many years of judging and observing international competition,” she says. “I understand well the changes and standards in the sport, and the 18 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
Margs Carline (L) with WDC Team 2021 Photo: Libby Law Photography
NATIONAL NEWS
FOCUSING ON COACH DEVELOPMENT
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his month we hear from Andrea Raves, the newly appointed Coach Representative to the Dressage Performance and Development Committee. Andrea needs no introduction as an ESNZ Elite Dressage Coach and focused on rider performance at all levels. “The Performance Committee is keen to engage with all dressage coaches with the objective to develop the coaching structure and support coaches within that structure.
https://www.facebook.com/groups/172006741724564 A Facebook Group named ‘Dressage NZ
Coach Database’ has been created as a start point. This is designed to start dialogue and collect viewpoints about the current state of coaching and to get an indication of how many coaches (already registered with ESNZ or not) are out there helping our competitive riders.
By collecting this information the Performance Committee hopes to offer support via programs, providing coaches already in Dressage with good skills and motivation to upskill and encourage new coaches. This program will run alongside the Equestrian Sports NZ Coaching Program for registered coaches, who we also welcome to join our Database. So... anyone out there coaching should visit ‘Dressage NZ Coach Database’ on Facebook and join up! It would be fantastic to get Dressage Coaches in New Zealand united and on the same page which will help take our sport to new levels.” Andrea Raves Coach Representative of the DNZ Performance & Development Committee
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
HIGH QUALITY AND HARMONY IN VERDEN Charlotte Fry and Kjento. Photo: Leanjo de Koster
Stallions from the KWPN studbook claimed both the six and seven year old titles with a Danish Warmblood crowned five year old champion at the 2021 FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses in Verden in Germany. 20 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
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eflecting on another great FEI WBFSH Dressage World Breeding Championship for Young Horses, German judge Ulrike Nivelle commented that this year “we saw huge quality and the level is much better than before, both in breeding and riding. We saw more harmony and softer riding”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Manuel Dominquez Bernal and Escamillo. Photo: Leanjo de Koster
SIX-YEAR-OLDS Tokyo 2020 Olympic team bronze medallist, Great Britain’s Charlotte Fry, posted 94.000% in the six year-old qualifier with the KWPN stallion Kjento (Negro x Jazz), earning 10s for both trot and canter, and the pair never looked back. In Saturday’s Final they shone even brighter, with judges Peter Storr (GBR), Adriaan Hamoen (NED), Maria Colliander (FIN) and JeanMichel Roudier (FRA) awarding them gold with a score of 96.000. Kjento earned 10s for trot, canter, submission, and perspective. Silver went to the Rheinlander stallion Escamillo (Escolar x Rohdiamant) ridden by Spain’s Manuel Dominguez Bernal who posted 93.4%, while the Hanoverian gelding For Magic Equesta (For Romance OLD x Jungle Prince) scored 86.4 for bronze with Poland’s Beata Stremler. Fry is no stranger to success in these Championships, taking the seven year old title with Glamourdale in Ermelo (NED) in 2018, and now with Gert-Jan Van Olst’s Kjento she has another exceptional ride. “When I got all those 10s I got very emotional, and it is thrilling to see that everyone sees the same quality as we do. He felt his best ever, and I don’t know how to describe this horse - if you look up the word power, he is it!”, she said. Judge Jean-Michel Roudier praised the quality of both the horses and horsemanship he witnessed. “The improvement in breeding and riding is incredible over the last years. The winner Kjento was a happy horse like all the three medallists - a happy horse means wonderful training and it gives a wonderful willingness in the horse.”
Jeanna Hogberg and Hesselhoej Down Town. Photo: Leanjo de Koster
FIVE YEAR-OLDS Germany’s Eva Moller had a sensational day in the five Year-Old Qualifier riding the Hanoverian stallion, Danciero 7 (Dancier x Fuechtels Floriscount), into first and the Oldenburg stallion Global Player OLD (Grand Galaxy Win T X Blue Hors Don Schufro) into third. Sandwiched in between these two was the KWPN mare Lightning Star (Ferguson x De Niro) ridden by the Netherlands Kristen Brouwer. Danciero 7, owned by Helgstrand / Schockemohle, scored 96.600, Lightning Star posted 95.200% and Global Player OLD was awarded 95.000%. In Sunday’s medal decider it was
Eva Moller and Danciero. Photo: Leanjo de Koster
the Danish Warmblood stallion Hasselhoej Down Town (Hasselhoej Donkey Boy x Blue Hors Zack), ridden by Sweden’s Jeanna Hogberg, who grabbed the gold with an amazing score of 97.000%. The pair had finished fourth in the opening competition three days earlier, but with 10’s for trot and perspective, and 9.5s for walk, canter and submission, this time they left the rest in their wake. Danciero 7 had to settle for silver with 96.600% while Lightning Star took the bronze with 92.8%. Hasselhoej Down Town was real crowd pleaser. “When I got him everyone said he’s so cute and he really is, but he’s also a really fantastic horse!”, Hogberg said. “I OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21
INTERNATIONAL NEWS have a great team behind me and I have a lot of support from Andreas (Helgstrand), and I think today it was a matter of riding a really solid test without faults and at the same time showing the best of the horse, and he really stayed with me”, she said.
Andreas Helgstrand and Jovian Photo: Leanjo de Koster
Thursday’s test had been a bit disappointing, but yesterday’s performance was in a different league. “He was a bit surprised by the environment on the first day, but today he was much more relaxed”, Hogberg said. However she pointed out that the young stallion is no pushover. “He’s also the only horse at Helgstrand that I have fallen off!”, she added with a laugh. Brouwer was delighted with bronze for the mare Lightning Star. “I’ve been riding Lily a long time and know her well but of course with Corona Virus I didn’t get the chance to show her a lot. But she makes me every day happy, also here, she’s always fresh and willing to work. Today maybe there was a bit more tension because there was a lot of applause when you were warming up. But she’s only five and has a great future, I hope I can ride her a lot longer”, the Dutch athlete said.
SEVEN-YEAR-OLDS The last Championship to be decided was the 7-Year-Olds, and Danish riders completely dominated the podium, but it was the KWPN stallion Jovian (Apache x Tango) who claimed the title with Andreas Helgstrand on board.
But in Sunday’s final only Jovian stood his ground. A mark of 89.136 from judges Sharon Rhode (RSA), Ulrike Nivelle (GER), Maria Colliander (FIN), Mariette Sanders van Gansewinkel (NED) and Kurt Christensen (DEN) gave Jovian the title, while silver went to the Danish Warmblood gelding Blue Hors Touch of Olympic L (Don Olymbrio x Fidermark) who posted 83.965 with Denmark’s Nanna Skodberg Merrald on board. And the third
The Helgstrand name was all over these Championships as owners, sponsors, riders, and producers of top-class Dressage horses, and in Friday’s qualifier Andreas steered Jovian to victory ahead of the Danish Warmblood stallion Elverhøjs Raccolto (Sezuan 2 x Sandro Hit) ridden by his wife Marianne Yde Helgstrand. The Hanoverian stallion Quando Unico (Quantensprung 3 x Fidertanz 2), partnered by Australia’s Simone Pearce, lined up in third while Andreas Helgstrand also finished fourth with the Danish Warmblood mare Queenpark Wendy (Sezuan 2 x Blue Hors Soprano). 22 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | AUGUST OCTOBER2021 2021
Anne-Mette Strandby Hansen and Eternity Photo: Leanjo de Koster
Dane on the podium was AnneMette Strandby Hansen who steered the Westphalian gelding Eternity 75 (Escolar x Sir Donnerhall) to a score of 83.75% to pin Pearce and Quando Unico back into fourth place. “To win with Jovian is special, he is my favourite horse. He is a PR machine for us and he will have a lot of very nice foals coming up”, said Helgstrand. https://reitturniere-live.de/2021/verden/ RESULTS HERE
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INTERNATIONAL SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY NEWS SIMON'S RECOMMENDED LIST OF WORKS TO LISTEN/READ: 1. Belonging – Owen Eastwood (Book) 2. Grit: The Power of Passion and Perseverance – Angela Duckworth (Book)
Haydee Wells-Parmenter and her support team.
3. Life Lessons: From Sport and Beyond (Podcast) 4. Trained – by Nike (Podcast) 5. The power of believing that you can improve – Carol Dweck (TED Talk)
'KNOWING YOUR WHY' WITH SIMON KENT Written by Alyssa Harrison Photos by Libby Law Photography
Life – it is a juggling act! Add in a few horses, paddocks to muck out, work (or university/school), whatever social life we can scrape together, and we have the life of the crazy equestrian! It can be easy to get caught up in the ‘daily grind’ and lose sight of where you are headed, which is why I sat down with Simon Kent, the Bruce Pulman Park Sports Academy Director and national coach for Weightlifting New Zealand, to discuss the ways we can maintain our focus and create a healthy mindset for ourselves. 24 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY
I ABOUT SIMON KENT Simon is a Performance Coach based in Auckland, New Zealand. He holds a Bachelor of Science degree from St Mary’s University, Twickenham, United Kingdom, and has 20 years international experience as a coach, coach developer and high performance director in both professional and community sport. He is the current high performance director and national coach for Weightlifting New Zealand, and head coach of Papatoetoe Olympic Weightlifting Club (POWC). Simon is highly regarded for the work he does in developing leaders of character, and his ability to create high performance cultures. He has helped various organisations, clubs and individuals to more adequately define success, character and leadership, and continues to provide an experience that cultivates values and beliefs in these organisations and individuals.
n recent news, it has become increasingly obvious that maintaining a healthy mindset is overlooked in both sport and life and it is about time we highlighted the importance of it. A healthy mindset, as well as the knowledge around it should be accessible to all, no matter what age, level of riding or aspect of life. Whilst we chatted, Simon he shared one of his key methods to developing this, 'Knowing Your Why'. As soon as he mentioned it, I noticed that everything we talked about linked back to this concept. Your goals, the way you train, your attitude and habits are all related to these key three words. So, let’s dive into what they mean!
Practicising mindfulness can happen at any time.
WHAT IS ‘KNOWING YOUR WHY’? 'Your Why' is deeper than just wanting to win the next championship. 'Your Why' is what makes getting out of bed early to care for your horses, no matter the weather, easy. It is something that varies from person to person, everyone has a different view of what their own ‘why’ really is. It can be anything, from something small and simple to something a bit more personal, but they should all link back to the reason you chose the sport you do. Knowing your why is a concept that we should all become aware of as it is (hopefully!) what drives your motivation, the reason we choose to ride. If you do not understand the reason why you are doing a sport, a job, or any other activity in life, then creating long-term goals
and maintaining your focus will become difficult.
HOW DOES ‘KNOWING YOUR WHY’ HELP? By understanding your why, you develop an understanding of who you are as a person and become more self-aware of the reason you do the things you choose to do. Whether that is your sport, job or hobby, everyone always has a story about what it is that inspired them to start. One of the most important things to remember is that sport is not your identity, it is what you do, not who you are. It can be hard to differentiate the two sometimes, especially when so much of our lives are incorporated with our horses, but it is possible!
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SPORTS PSYCHOLOGY With knowing your why and becoming self-aware of your purpose, comes an easier understanding of the goals you want to achieve, and it helps you to develop the habits you need to become your best. Keeping your presence in the moment also stems from this and helps to keep your mind set on what you are doing. It also helps a person to be able to focus on the big picture and not to get caught up in one outcome, if something does not go to plan or an event is cancelled (cheers COVID!) then there is always something else to work for and look forward to.
WHAT CAN PARENTS DO TO ENCOURAGE THEIR CHILDREN TO FIND THEIR ‘WHY’? As parents, one of the best things you can do for your kids is let them explore, test themselves and learn in different environments. It is important that you encourage them to try multiple sports, hobbies and experiences, as this widens their perspective and allows them to develop their own why and understanding of who they are. By allowing your children to expand outside of their comfort zone, they expand their mindset and learn that trying new things is okay and that they do not need to be stuck within their bubble their whole lives.
WHAT IS A GROWTH MINDSET, AND HOW DOES IT HELP? As humans, we are very good at creating an environment where we feel safe and comfortable and we tend to hide in it, not pushing our own boundaries. However, if we embraced the things that challenge and scare us and let them help grow our mindset, they would help us reach higher levels of achievement. When you operate outside of your comfort zone, you are helping yourself find the tools you need to improve performance. With a growth mindset, intelligence can be developed, and it can lead to a desire to learn, embrace challenges, persist in the face of chaos and learn from criticism. With a growth mindset, you understand that the traits that you naturally have are
Loving what you do - there's no greater inspiration than Julie Brougham and Vom Feinsten. Photo: Libby Law Photography
not the only ones you are stuck with, they are a starting point for you to grow upon and use to get better. It is in this mindset that failure is faced as a problem that can be solved and learnt from.
HOW CAN YOU HELP MAINTAIN FOCUS ON YOUR ‘WHY’?
to happen. Instead, think about the reason you started riding and re-visit your dreams, the things that get you out of bed and on your horse. Give something new a try, try some new moves (so long as you stay safe!) and just enjoy spending time with your horses.
TOP TIPS:
To maintain focus, you need to become connected to your why and then become addicted to the process of getting better. This does not mean training 24/7 and pushing yourself too hard, but it means becoming self-aware of your habits and finding small ways that you can progress to achieve your goals. Developing these habits helps to keep you focused as well as helping you to remain present in the moment, keeping your mind set on what you are working towards.
• Go think about what it is that makes you love what you do. There is no correct answer to this, it is a personal choice! Once you have thought about what it is, write it down and figure out how you can become connected to your why, as well as some goals that can accompany it.
WHAT ARE SOME WAYS TO MAINTAIN A POSITIVE MINDSET DURING LOCKDOWNS?
• It is okay to lose sight of your why, it is nothing to be ashamed of! It is something that we all experience, and it is perfectly okay. Also, exploring new things is also okay, do not be confined to your safe bubble!
Make sure you have fun! Worrying about the show that was meant to be on the weekend or the scores you were meant to be achieving will not get you anywhere, so do not get caught up in scenarios that are not able
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• Yoga, Pilates and meditation are also perfect for mindfulness practice and can really help to decrease stress, allowing you to connect back to yourself.
• Make sure you are doing what you love and that you are enjoying being out there. Then you can give it your all and enjoy the process.
Standing at stud
Wyoming 16.3hh, 2017 NZWB Stallion (Licence Pending) Whisper / Landioso / Weserwolf / Haajii xx
$1500 plus GST and collection fees jody@hartstoneequestrian.com 027 280 3369
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OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27
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BREEDERS CORNER
IN PURSUIT OF EXCELLENCE Article by Jess Roberts Photos by Michelle Clarke
Catherine with Rokeby Valachi, 3 yr old gelding (Vitalis / Furst Romanicer / Sir Donnerhall).
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BREEDERS CORNER
Catherine Smith isn’t new to the horse breeding business, but it’s only recently that she’s turned her focus to breeding specialist dressage horses. Her 500 acre farm on the rich alluvial plains of Rokeby, near Rakaia south of Christchurch, is a nursery for impeccably-bred youngstock boasting some of the hottest European bloodlines available.
“
It was when I started riding my mare Rosari Faberge,” says Catherine, “that I wondered how I was going to get another horse so nice, and that made me try to breed one.” That was six years ago: fast forward to today and she has a pretty serious operation going on. Four breeding mares, a handful of fillies for potential riding and breeding, a selection of lovely up-and-coming youngsters, and some standardbred mares that carry embryos. “But we don’t count them,” laughs Catherine. “I’ve actually lost count!” After initially trying unsuccessfully for embryo transfer with Faberge, the opportunity came up to purchase Faberge’s mother, along with her eight day old colt foal by Quaterhall. That colt foal was Quendrix, now a 6-yr-old, whom Catherine has trained from scratch. Together they won the National Young Dressage Horse 4YO and Young Horse Champion title back in 2019, and this year were the 6YO Young Horse Champions at the Syncroflex Festival of Future Stars. They also took out the Ashburton Area and the National Award for the South Canterbury Saddlery Dressage Amateur Top 10 League, competing at Medium level. The National Award bought with it the coveted Pot Black trophy, originally presented by Waikanae’s Margaret Harris in 1997.
Rosari Faberge (Furst Romancier / Sir Donnerhall / Master).
Catherine, Baxter and Paul with Jazz (dog).
“It was our first season at Medium,” admits Catherine, “and he is a young horse for an Amateur rider! He’s quite big moving too so it’s not easy, but I’m not afraid to give it a go. Hopefully we can keep progressing up the grades.” Catherine trains with Penny Pearce, who comes to Ashburton regularly to coach. “We have a wonderful group made up of supportive friends, and we all love watching each other’s lessons - it’s really cool,” Catherine says. With a handful of half-siblings to Quendrix that make up part of her band of breeding OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29
BREEDERS CORNER Yearlings, from left: Rokeby Sevarchie (Sezuan's Donnerhall / Furst Romancier / Sir Donnerhall), Rokeby Barcia (Bon Courage / Furst Jupp / Krack C), Rokeby Francette (Franklin / Dante Weltino / Furst Romancier), Glenhill Idalia (Imp) (Ibiza / Negro / Worldly).
mares, Catherine is expecting five foals this year, the first due in November, and already has next season planned. “I’ll probably have another six for the following year, but it depends on what gets in foal. I also purchased a nice filly foal from Australia this year so I’ll try and get a high-level rider to ride and compete her, and possibly get a foal via embryo transfer (ET) from her once she’s old enough.”
It makes for a busy life; Catherine and her partner Paul run their farm by themselves. It comprises a variety of cropping, fattening store lambs and, most recently, taking on dairy and beef cattle for winter grazing. “We do it all. I’ve learned to drive tractors and headers and trucks. It’s busy busy! And with all the mares and foals and things, everyone gets fed and cared for first, so often my riding comes right down the end of the list” They have an eleven year-old son Baxter,
Finding the perfect match for her mares is another task in itself, although Catherine says having the European classifiers and assessors from the different breed societies coming out to NZ has been very helpful and made the selection process a lot easier. “The classifiers know all the stallions in person and can recommend up-and-coming stallions too. It’s also so cool to be able to follow social media overseas and see things online,” she notes. “Then it’s just a case of following bloodlines and different crosses, what your mare is versus the stallion, and trying different combinations.” 30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
who is well into his own sport of Motocross. “It is all very intensive,” admits Catherine.” Whilst the business of breeding can be far from easy, Catherine says it does help being based on a working farm. “I’m lucky, for putting hay bales out and things like that I’ve got tractors and loaders and a shed. I also crush a bit of our barley that we’ve grown ourselves, so things like that really help. Of course it’s much easier to make money from a paddock or crop than
Standardbred Recipient mares with masks to help with early cycling soon to go up to Equibreed in NI to potentially have embryos inseminated that are currently frozen from previous season.
BREEDERS CORNER
Catherine with Broodmare Rokeby Zelebrate (Glocks Zonik / Sir Donnerhall / Master).
Broodmare Showfields Sophie (Furst Jupp / Krack C / Amor).
running, and I have a lot of people contacting me looking for horses under saddle but it’s just not do-able with so many.”
raising horses - so many things can go wrong with livestock - but I love horses, it’s my everyday life and it’s something I love doing.” The work of handling the foals and youngstock is also something Catherine is passionate about. “I love the whole deal,” she says. “I’ve done quite a lot of horsemanship so I love the handling and all that part of it, including riding and making a really nice start on them. My ideal goal would be that I could send them all out the gate already up and
Most leave the farm as foals and yearlings, especially the colts who are gelded and sold. Catherine has retained a select few that will go on to be started, and high level riders found for them to compete under. She’s always on the lookout to fulfil her original goal too: one for herself. “Some grow too big for me, so they’re not suitable to keep. Lots of people prefer geldings so the boys are not hard to sell, and some of them have gone to wonderful homes. I’ve already had lots of interest from people wanting babies to purchase for next season.” It was Catherine’s passion for horsemanship that sparked her interest in dressage. “As the horsemanship progresses it’s all
about feel and timing and how the horse is, mentally and emotionally, and how to make their body operate better, with correct biomechanics. So that’s where even just walk, trotting and cantering a circle in the best possible way, dressage kind of ticks that box,” she affirms. “I’ve only done 30 or so dressage shows in my life! But it ties in nicely with my horsemanship. The way the horse is thinking and feeling and operating just means everything to me.” As an Amateur competitor herself, Catherine is positive and encouraging and doesn’t believe anyone should be afraid of getting a top quality horse, or a young horse. “A lot of people are a wee bit wary of having a more performance-bred horse, but I say go for it!” she smiles. “When a horse is naturally talented to do movements and has the desire to go, then it’s so much easier to be
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BREEDERS CORNER
“I’ve only done 30 or so dressage shows in my life! But it ties in nicely with my horsemanship. The way the horse is thinking and feeling and operating just means everything to me.”
Quendrix and Catherine at the Festival of Future Stars 2021as the 6 year old YDH Champions. Photo: Bella Maitland
Maiden Broodmare Rokeby Izzabella (Ibiza / Sir Donnerhall / Master).
able to do a good job and enjoy the ride. You just need the right help and remember not to treat the young horses too much like young ones, just get on with it. Of course you do need to be mindful that they’re young but also just say to them ‘come on, step up to the mark.’”
Catherine Smith and Quendrix won the National overall prize for the South Canterbury Saddlery Dressage Amateur Top 10 League, competing at Medium level. This awarded Catherine and Quendrix The Pot Black Trophy for 2021. Quendrix bred by Debra Bromily of Kismaayu horses is the half brother to Rosari Faberge, Rokeby Zelebrate, Rokeby Izzabella and Rokeby Fullulah.
THE FOLLOWING ARE THE SIRES OF THIS YEAR’S CROP OF FOALS BRED BY CATHERINE SMITH OF ROKEBY STUD: Glamourdale Le Formidable Viva Gold Franklin Damaschino 32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
It’s an exciting time to be involved in both dressage and breeding, and Catherine is proud to be sending her beautifully bred babies out the gate with the Rokeby prefix. “There are so many cool horses being bred for dressage all through NZ now, and lots of cool breeders. The mares are all getting better too, so I think the horsepower and quality for NZ is going to be fabulous in the years to come.”
Imported Yearling Filly - Glenhill Idalia (Ibiza / Negro / Worldly).
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Semmieke Rothenberger and Flanell.
FEI U25 EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Photo by Lukasz Kowalski
U
25 German riders matched the success of their nation’s senior team by claiming all the gold medals at U25 FEI Dressage European Championship at Hagen in German. Semmieke Rothenberger (Flanell), Raphael Netz (Elastico), Ellen Richter (Vinay NRW) and Ann-Kathrin Lindner (FBW Sunfire) grabbed team gold, pinning the
Netherlands’ Devendra Dijkstra (Hero), Febe van Zwambagt (Edson), Jessica Poelman (Chocolate Cookie RDP) and Jasmien de Koeyer (Esperanza) into silver medal spot. Sweden took the bronze when Nathalie Wahlund (Cerano Gold), Jennifer Lindvall (Midt West Casino), Elin Mattson (Beckham) and Lina Dolk (Languedoc) pipped Denmark for bronze by a narrow margin.
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
FEI SENIOR EUROPEAN CHAMPIONSHIPS Photos by Liz Gregg
Jessica von Bredow-Werndl and TSF Dalera BB.
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS Team Grand Prix. Team Germany gold medal position. Helen Langehanenberg, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl, Isabell Werth, Dorothee Schneider.
Bronze for Team Denmark in the medal ceremony.
Catherine Dufour and Bohemian.
G
ermany claimed team gold at the FEI Dressage European Championship 2021 in Hagen posting their 25th victory in the fifty eight year history of the event and pinning Great Britain into silver medal spot with Denmark taking bronze. Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD put a leading score of 79.860 on the board early on day two and when her Tokyo Olympic Games team gold-medal-winning compatriot Jessica von Bredow-Werndl backed that up with a whopping 84.099 with TSF Dalera BB, the German team total of 238.944 was just too big for the rest and the pair joined Dorothee Schneider (Faustus) and Helen Langehanenberg (Annabelle) for another Germany victory.
Team GBR. Carl Hester, Charlotte Dujardin, Charlotte Fry, Gareth Hughes.
Jessica and Dalera backed up the team win with stunning victories in both the Special and the Freestyle for a golden trifecta, and along with Catherine Dufour, bringing an exciting new era and heroes to our sport OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Young Riders Team Champions Netherlands: Quinty Vossers, Thalia Rockx, Milou Dees, Marten Luiten.
OLIVA NOVA TURNS ON A COLOURFUL CHAMPIONSHIPS Photo by Lukasz Kowalski
Marten Luiten (NED) and Fynona.
T
he Netherlands proved unbeatable in the Young Riders category. The team total of 225.530 gave them a significant nine-point victory over Germany’s silver medal winners and Denmark for bronze. Team member Marten Luiten (NED) proved untouchable again in both the Individual and Freestyle titles. “Taking home three gold medals is an amazing feeling and I don’t know the words to describe it, it feels awesome!” he said. Great Britain’s Annabella Pidgley sprang a surprise when producing the top score of 75.455 in the Junior Team Championship, but Germany was again on top in the gold medal team stakes. Sixteen year old Pidgley only started riding the eleven-year-old Sultan des Paluds in March of this year when a hat-trick of wins at the CDIJ in Wellington (GBR) two months ago brought the pair to the attention of selectors.
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And it was three from three for Germany when Children team members Lara Lettermann (Soleil de la Coeur H), Lotta Plaas (Balsamico), Clara Paschertz (Danubio OLD) and Martha Raupach (Jack Sparrow) produced
INTERNATIONAL NEWS the best four rides in the Children’s Team competition to put the result beyond doubt. In the Children’s Individual Championship some marks are allocated for the quality of riding, and with a strong 9.5 for both Effectiveness and General Impression, Latttermann had the edge in the battle for the title when scoring 85.548. Team-mate Paschertz was not far behind in silver medal spot on 83.834 and it was Dutch team-member Lize van de Heuvel, silver medallist at this year’s Dutch Dressage Championships, who clinched the bronze when racking up 81.570 with Hilton-S.
Children individual medalists: Clara Paschertz (GER), Lara Lettermann (GER) and Lize van de Heuvel (NED).
Paul Jobstl (AUT) and Bodyguard 49.
Team Germany - Lang, Baumgurtel, Schwierking and Merkt were winners of the FEI Dressage European Championships 2021 Junior Team.
Lara Lattermann (GER) and Soleil De La Coeur H.
Luca Sophia Collin (GER) and Descolari.
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 37
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
Rose Oatley (GER) and Daddy Moon.
EUROPEAN PONY POWER IN STRZEGOM - POLAND Photo by Lukasz Kowalski
T
he German squad took top honours in both the team and individual competitions. Silver went to Denmark, and bronze to the Netherlands.
German team: Rose Oatley with Daddy Moon, Antonia Roth with Daily Pleasure WE, Julie Sofie Schmitz-Heinen with Carleo Go and Antonia Busch-Kuffner riding Kastanienhof Cockney Cracker finished on the combined result of 236,172. “All the girls rode great; they gave it all they could and I can’t find the words to express how proud I am of them” said the German chef d’equipe Heike Kemmer. Rose Oatley then took the individual gold medal after a great test with her eleven year-old Daddy Moon. “I can’t really describe what happened today. I’m overwhelmed with my feelings. My pony was just amazing in the test. I can’t believe that we are now the European champions!” said Rose.
Individual Pony placegetters Antonia Roth (GER), Rose Oatley (GER), Sophia Boje Obel Jorgensen (DEN).
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The silver medal went to her teammate Antonia Roth riding Daily Pleasure WE, and Denmark’s Sophia Boje Obel Jorgensen with Adriano B took the bronze.
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Antonia Roth and Daily Pleasure WE (GER)
Sophia Boje Obel Jorgensen and Adriano B (DEN).
Rose Oatley (GER) and Daddy Moon.
Team Germany - Rose Oatley, Julie Sofie Schmitz-Heinen, Antonia Roth, Antonia Busch-Kuffner.
Individual Pony placegetters Antonia Roth and Daily Pleasure WE (GER), Rose Oatley and Daddy Moon (GER), Sophia Boje Obel Jorgensen and Adriano B (DEN). Antonia Busch-Kuffner (GER) and Kastanienhof Cockney Cracker.
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YOUNG RIDER PROFILE
SIBLING RIVALRY OF THE BEST KIND Article by Alyssa Harrison Photos by Libby Law Photography
L to R Frankie Lawn, Sue Hobson (ESNZ President) and Zoe Lawn.
F
rankie and Zoe Lawn (13 and 12 years old respectively), are sisters who have been dominating the pony levels this past season. Frankie received the AMS Series Champion for Novice Ponies, while Zoe took out the Novice Pony Champion at the Equestrian Entries Youth Festival. They are based in New Plymouth, Taranaki, where Frankie attends Sacred Heart Girls College and Zoe attends St. Patrick’s School Inglewood.
WHAT PONIES WILL EACH OF YOU HAVE ON THE CIRCUIT?
WHAT DO YOU EACH LOVE ABOUT HORSES?
HOW DID YOU BOTH GET INTO DRESSAGE?
Zoe: I will be competing Rifesyde Firefly (by Hilkens Denali) at Novice level Dressage, as well as my show pony Braeburn Park Pure Soprano in RAS classes.
Zoe: I have always enjoyed spending time with the horses and caring for them all.
We both started out in showing with our first competition pony, Brookfield’s China Doll, who we both also started Dressage on. However, Frankie was originally set on jumping, following in our cousins’ footsteps but then caught the Dressage bug from Mum. Zoe started Dressage last season when we brought Firefly after her show pony was injured.
Frankie: I will be stepping my 6-year-old, Pied Piper Trick or Treat (by Golden Strike) up to Elementary level, I may also compete Kirkwood Greenlight at a couple of shows, but he is also moving into retirement as he is 22 years-old.
Frankie: I love working with such caring animals, there is nothing quite like it! Both of us also enjoy the travelling that comes along with competitions, which is lucky when most shows are a minimum of 3 hours drive!
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YOUNG RIDER PROFILE
WHO INSPIRES YOU BOTH? Our coach Vanessa Way inspires us both at every lesson we attend. We both would love to be able to ride like FEI Pony rider world record holder Rose Oatley (Based in Germany and daughter of Australian Olympian Kristy Oatley) and Charlotte Dujardin. The Olympics have really inspired us to improve over the winter.
WHAT BENEFITS ARE THERE FROM COMPETING AGAINST A SIBLING? One thing we find is that even on bad days, being a part of a team means someone is always able to focus on the positive and there is a lot of support behind the scenes. Competing against each other was never planned (although it is quite fun!) but Frankie moved up to Novice so we both ended up in the same class. There is a little bit of sibling rivalry, especially when the scores are quite close, such as the Youth Festival when we were tied on points before they did a countback.
WHAT GOALS DO YOU EACH HAVE FOR THE SEASON? Zoe: My focus for the season is training the basics, preparing ourselves to move up the grades. Firefly is not the easiest ride, so I want to make sure everything is correct before progressing.
Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat.
Zoe Lawn & Rifesyde Firefly.
Frankie: My goal is to improve my scores at Elementary so that they are more consistent.
in life to keep ourselves grounded, having the resilience to keep going and getting through the challenges is a big thing in itself!
WHAT ARE YOUR LONG-TERM GOALS?
WHAT HAVE BEEN YOUR BIGGEST ACHIEVEMENTS TO DATE?
Zoe: Realistically I am not sure exactly what I want to career wise, but I want to personally start and produce my own horses to the higher levels. Frankie: My plan is to study at university and find a career that can support my dream of riding and training horses to the top level. I have a young horse at home that I will start that journey with. We both have big dreams we want to achieve, but we are aware that horses are some of the best things
Frankie: I had quite a few last season, including finishing third in the Youth section at the Livamol World Dressage Challenge, as well as inside the Top 10 Internationally on Kirkwood Greenlight. I was also the recipient of the Champion Novice Pony at the NI Championships, as well as going on to win the National AMS Series for Novice ponies. Zoe: I have just had a cracker of a season; I was so happy to be hitting the 70% mark on more than one occasion! I also won the Novice Pony title at the Equestrian Entries Youth Festival, where I also beat Frankie, so that was a real highlight for me!
WHO IS YOUR SUPPORT CREW? We are incredibly lucky to have our Mum and Dad, Andrea Robertson, and Martin Lawn, support us with our sport along with our super coach Vanessa Way. Our aunties, Gill Robertson and Jan Marshall support us in so many ways, we are so grateful to have them around. Horses have become the revolving factor of our family; our gatherings often revolve around them! O OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 41
DNZ SQUAD MEMBER PROFILE
Ottilie Upshall
Lendon Gray. I then spent a year as a working pupil with Lendon in the USA. After that I went to England and worked for John Lassiter Dressage at Goodwood.
PROFESSION: Agricultural Consultant from Rotorua LIVES IN: Rotorua HORSE: Mistadobalina AGE: 9 HEIGHT: 162cm OWNERS: Geraldine Kawabe & Ottilie Upshall BREEDER: Geraldine Kawabe BREEDING: Donnerubin / Donnerwind IV / Northern Congress
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO IMPROVE? I enjoy the training and seeing the horse develop mentally and physically. The challenge of communicating very precisely with an animal through physical language. Competition provides an extra level of challenge with the mental aspect, planning, management, strategy that goes into producing the best possible performance from your horse and yourself on the day.
Ottilie Upshall and Mistadobalina with class sponsor Libby Law
THINGS YOU WOULD LIKE TO SEE DEVELOPED IN DRESSAGE? Riders and horses enjoying the sport, clearer steps to bridge the gap for newcomers.
FUTURE GOALS? To produce more horses to Grand Prix
YOUR KEY TIP FOR OTHER RIDERS?
BEST PERFORMANCE? Level 5 Reserve Horse of the Year on Regal Xavier
MOST CURRENT ACHIEVEMENT? 2020 Bates NZ National Champion Medium
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DRESSAGE? As a young kid I did Pony Club,
Get a coach, keep learning, help out (writing, volunteering – you learn from watching and listening alongside more experienced riders/judges) showjumping, and eventing. We happened to acquire a medium level dressage schoolmistress in my early teens, and in my later teens we found a quirky PSG schoolmaster (going cheaply because he had a reputation for bucking and bolting). With this horse I competed in Small Tour at Lochinvar CDI where I met
HOW DO YOU PUT BACK INTO DRESSAGE? President of Dressage Rotorua (committee member for ten plus years), Bay of Plenty Championships show committee since inception (currently Sponsorship & Funding portfolio), Dressage NZ rules review group and general volunteering.
ADVERTISE WITH US OVER 140, 000 REA DERS A L L TI ME A DVERTS TH AT NEVER STOP WORKING , GLOB A L REA D ERS (AUS, UK, EUROP E, ASI A)
TO REC EIVE O U R 2021/22 M EDIA KIT EMA IL JOH NNIE AT D NZ B UL L ETIN@GMA IL . COM
42 | DRESSAGENZ 1 BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
DNZ SQUAD MEMBER PROFILE
Sachleen Kaur and HPH Levitate Photo: Libby Law Photography
Sachleen Kaur
AGE: Eighteen years old PROFESSION: Auckland University Student studying Bachelor of Architectural Studies LIVES IN Drury, South Auckland HORSE: HPH Levitate (Levi) AGE: 13 HEIGHT: 166cm OWNER: Sachleen Kaur BREEDER: Stacey Hartshorne BREEDING: NZWB Limonit/The Commander xx
BEST PERFORMANCE? Winner Youth Division 2018 FEI Dressage World Challenge NZ section with a score of 71.1%, first place in Zone 8 and third in the world ranking.
MOST CURRENT ACHIEVEMENT? Competing in Horse of the Year in Advanced Medium. It was such a big opportunity for me, and I was very pleased to be in that class. Levi and I learnt so much from that competition.
HOW DID YOU GET STARTED IN DRESSAGE? My school friend rode horses and she told my mum about how she was learning to ride near our school. So my mum signed me up and it all started from there. Then I focused more on dressage as it seemed to suit me better and I enjoyed it more. Slowly over the years I got my own pony then gradually went to a horse, HPH Levitate.
WHAT DRIVES YOU TO IMPROVE? When you see your improvements and the results proving that you are improving every time you ride. It makes you want to work harder and set more goals to complete. I feel really enthusiastic and happy when I am getting results that show me that I have improved in my riding.
HOW DO YOU PUT BACK INTO DRESSAGE? I do some volunteering at shows which helps the dedicated committee that organise the competitions that we all love to compete in for dressage. My parents have also contributed to the yards and arena upgrades being undertaken built by the local AMDG dressage group at Clevedon Show Grounds.
FUTURE GOALS? I would love to increase through the levels either with my current horse or to try to train another horse
through the levels myself. This would be a thrilling opportunity to learn more skills and knowledge. With the more training I get the higher up the levels I can proceed. My future goal is to be able to compete in Grand Prix.
WHAT WOULD YOU LIKE TO SEE DEVELOPED IN DRESSAGE? More young riders performing in Dressage. Otherwise I am very happy with everything happening in the dressage area for now, there is so much help and supporters that are promoting this sport and allowing riders to do such a fun hobby/sport.
YOUR KEY TIP FOR OTHER RIDERS? Take your time especially when you have a new horse. It is crucial to go slow and steady with getting to know the horse. The connection to have with your pony/horse will determine how well you will do in the future.
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 43
OUR PEOPLE
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH OTILLE UPSHALL Sponsored by Big Barrel
D
ressage Bay of Plenty has nominated Ottilie as the Big Barrel October Volunteer of the Month showing leadership and commitment to the sport as a squad rider. In recent years Otillie has become more involved in the organization of the sport… as President of Dressage Rotorua, at competitions she is to be seen everywhere. She has probably done every job that exists, from arena maintenance, to catering, writing, scoring, helping with draws, organizing prizegiving, playing the music for the freestyles… while at the same time riding, training, and competing her own horses.
All this plus having a ‘real’ job as an agricultural consultant, which, in non-COVID times takes her overseas for several months of the year. Her mother Geraldine Kawabe says that since her youngest days, Ottilie has been involved in volunteering; she was a writer at the age of seven!
MORE ABOUT OTTILIE From round the age of about seven, Ottilie was frequently taught by Heath and Rozzie Ryan from Maitland in NSW. She was always involved in dressage, largely due to Geraldine’s influence who insisted she ride in the open classes rather than the junior (in those days
Otillie and Regal Xavier at the Land Rover Horse of the Year. Photo: Chontelle Honour
junior stopped at Novice, and she was riding Elementary). Her first FEI horse was The Baron, who was noted for not being very big and for shying and dumping a lot of people. She rode him in the CDI at Lochinvar when she was fourteen and to her great surprise was awarded a special prize by Chris Hector of ‘The Horse Magazine’ because she was by far the youngest competitor. Through high school she rode pretty much daily, competing in both dressage and showjumping. After that, she spent a year at Lochinvar, gaining her instructor’s qualifications, and then left Australia for New York to work for Lendon Gray. After a year, she moved to the UK where she spent about six years with John and Charlotte Lassiter. While there she had her own horse, Mascot and competed successfully in many FEI Young Rider classes in Europe. Eventually she returned to Australia and then to NZ to attend Auckland University. About this time, the Kawabe family were also planning to return to New Zealand, so Geraldine sent her Prix St Georges horse, Bradman over in advance only to have him stolen by Otillie. Ottilie took him on to Grand Prix competing him here and in Australia until she felt he deserved a more low-pressure life, when he went on to Chontelle Honour for Para-Equestrian and to be pampered in the extreme!
44 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
OUR PEOPLE
OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH STUART BISHELL
S
Sponsored by AR Dressage
tuart Bishell has been nominated by South Canterbury North Otago Dressage as the October AR Dressage Official of the Month. Stuart is a key figure in South Canterbury North Otago Dressage. He has been a member for many years always keeping us on track with his down to earth, matter of fact way of doing things coupled with a great sense of humor. As a Level A judge he is a wellrespected amongst colleagues riders alike, and he is also well liked for that dry sense of humour - this trait manifesting itself in his very colorful and comical collection of socks which are often the topic of dinner chat and mirth at events... Originally mentored by the late Graeme McCrostie, Stuart worked hard to become to become a toplevel judge in both Eventing and Dressage. He has since traveled all around the world judging at international Horse Trials. He has spent a lot of his own time and upskilled himself at his own expense to keep us current with what is going on in the national and world scene. He is passionate about the consistency of judging and the assessment of riders performance in New Zealand. As Area Judges Officer for South Canterbury North Otago he supports and promotes the education and development of our judges by submitting proposals for funding applications to bring mentors and senior judges to our area, as well as seeking
Photo: Tiffany Ottley
opportunities for them to attend shows in other areas. He arranges travel for visiting judges and is instrumental in the scheduling of classes and judges at our shows to ensure the events run smoothly. He is also the area delegate in a shared role capacity for SCNO. Thanks to Stuart’s positive can do attitude and his very well thought out COVID plan, SCNO recently
managed to successfully run a two day show at COVID level 2. Thanks Stuart for your commitment to both your area and to Dressage NZ. Stuart is the recipient of this month’s AR Dressage Official’s award. For further information on AR Dressage contact Andrea at tetch@xtra.co.nz.
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 45
NATIONAL NEWS
WHICH EVENTS ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON ? BATES NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 24 -26 March 2022 Taupo National Equestrian Centre
The Bates National Championships event will run over three days, Thursday to Saturday with the Grand Prix Freestyle and Young Dressage Horse Finals featuring in the stadium on Saturday night. Subject to international judges being able to come into New Zealand quarantine free, the event will include a CDI3*, CDIY, and CDIP. There will be Open Championships for all levels plus with Bronze and Silver Championships for Preliminary to Advanced Medium. The North Island Super 5 League Series Finals will be featured on the first day of the event with prizegiving held Friday evening. The full schedule will be published on EvoEvents in December and entries will open on 4th January 2022.
ELIGIBILITY FOR NZ DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2022: (Graded competitions only) From 1 Jan 2021 until date of close of Entries. If excessive entries are received, wait lists and balloting will be implemented All graded classes
MES
Event Classification (Graded competitions only)
Preliminary & Novice
63%
Premier League 2021 & 2022
Elementary – Advanced
60%
CDIP (Ponies) Qualify at Elementary or Medium Level)
60%
CDIY & Small Tour (PSG /Int I)
57%
U25 Championships 2021 & 2022
Medium Tour (INT A/B) & Grand Prix
57%
Named Events: Dressage by the Lake 2021
Island Championships 2021 & 2022
YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CLASSES No prior qualification but the OC reserves the right to restrict numbers. If balloting is required priority will be given to horses who have scored at least 65% at a Premier League or Named event. Proof of age of horse must be verified on ESNZ database by breed papers or passport, or other approved documentation
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NATIONAL NEWS A MESSAGE FROM EVENT DIRECTOR CASSIE FREEMAN “I am thrilled and excited to be part of the Bates National Dressage Championships 2022. Organising has already begun, and at this early stage I am delighted to welcome key back members of last year’s wonderful team, including Margs Carline (Technical Delegate) Heather Hilder (Event Secretary), Cathy Vennell (administration Manager), and Jos Gresham (Stable Manager).”
JOIN THE TEAM “We are a very friendly team and if anyone would like to volunteer to help at the event or is interested in the sponsorship, marketing and trade opportunities that are available, I would be very pleased to hear from you. I am planning be at the Premier League Show in the Bay of Plenty at the end of October. I’m looking forward to meeting some of you at this event, if you are there please do come and say hello to me.” You can contact Cassie via email at: dresssagenationals@gmail.com
Bates open preliminary Championship. Rochelle Spiers and Feuer Tanz (R) and Sophie de Clifford and Riverrock Nigella (L) with David Jones-Parry Photo: Libby Law Photography
ABOUT CASSIE Cassie is a qualified BHSII (British Horse Society Intermediate Instructor) and has an MA Business Studies from Edinburgh University. She has been riding since she was five and competing since age seven. Her main competitive discipline is Showjumping, but she has also competed extensively in dressage. During her Showjumping career she represented Scotland, and competed on Home Pony International teams. As a senior she competed up to Grand Prix level, at competitions including HoYS, Hickstead, Royal Windsor and Royal
Highland Show – (these are some of the biggest and most prestigious national equestrian competitions in the UK). In 1994, when she was thirteen her parents purchased an Equestrian Centre in Scotland, and for more than twenty years Cassie ran the riding school, livery yard and competition centre. Cassie organised all manner of dressage/showing/showjumping competitions. The centre ran both affiliated and unaffiliated competitions including HOYS Foxhunter second rounds and four day home pony internationals. Being a family business, Cassie
was involved in all aspects of the show, including creating and designing the schedule, advertising and marketing the event, gaining sponsorship, updating and maintaining the website. On the day of an event she could undertake any role which could include some all or of; taking entries, writing for the dressage judge, course designing for showjumping, judging showjumping, arena stewarding, or any other job necessary! Having recently arrived in New Zealand, Cassie is working as a senior coach at a newly established riding school in Albany.
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47
NATIONAL NEWS
THE LIVAMOL FEI DRESSAGE WORLD CHALLENGE (NZL) 9/10 December 2021 McLeans Island National Equestrian Centre – CHRISTCHURCH
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/FEI-WORLD-DRESSAGE-CHALLENGE_Schedulev2_2021.pdf
The Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge in conjunction with the Canterbury Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League Event. Owing to the limited number of qualifying opportunities available so far this season, Dressage NZ has extended the nomination date to Tuesday 26th October (following Marlborough Premier League) and amended the qualifications required for Classes 3-5.
FOLLOW THE LINK FOR THE UPDATED SCHEDULE. The event will be able to go ahead under current Level 2 COVID conditions.
RIDER AGE: Youth: Riders from beginning of calendar year in which rider turns 12yrs until end of calendar year in which they reach 16yrs. Seniors: From beginning of calendar year in which a rider turns 16. Ponies may be ridden in all sections.
CLASSES FABULEUX VOUS YOUTH 12 -16 years (NZL approx Level 3/4) FEI Children Team Competition Test ED 2020 No restriction on grade of horse or pony but must have qualified at Novice level or above. Minimum age horse / pony 6yrs.
Peppers Clearwater Resort is the official accommodation partner for the Event so take the opportunity to stay at Peppers and enjoy a 10% discount for the Challenge and the Cooltranz Premier League Event.
ASTEK STUD SENIOR I CLASS (NZL approx
Untouched World is a new partner for the event with details of a special Dressage NZ offer to be announced soon and also providing special gifts for the Challenge judges recognising their significant role at the event
(NZL approx Level 5) Senior Riders only FEI Junior Team Competition Test ED 2021. Horses/ponies may not have points in Advanced (Level 7) or above at 26/10/21
APPROXIMATE TIMES Arena Familiarization Thurs 9th December from 1- 3pm Horse Inspection from 3.45pm, followed by draw and LIVAMOL team announcement function
CLICK HERE FOR LINK TO RULES & TESTS https:// inside.fei.org/fei/disc/fei-world-challenge/dressage
Level 3/4) Senior Riders only. FEI Children Individual Competition Test ED 2020 Horses / ponies may not have Advanced Medium (Level 5) or above points at 01/11/21
CLASSIC EQUESTRIAN SENIOR II CLASS
SYNCROFLEX FEI PRIX ST GEORGES FEI Prix St Georges ED 2021 Senior Riders only. Open to combinations qualified in FEI Level 7. Combinations may not have Level 8 or above points at 26/10/21
LIVAMOL FEI INTERMEDIATE I: FEI Intermediate I: ED 2021 Open to combinations qualified in FEI Level Combinations may not have Level 8 or above points at 26/10/21 Combinations must have competed in graded classes at the Level nominated between 1 January 2020 and 25th October 2021 and be able to demonstrate a minimum total score of 63% in Classes 1-3 and 60% in PSG and Int I Classes 4 & 5. Grading points and all eligibility restrictions as at date of close of nominations 26/10/21.
48 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
NATIONAL NEWS
Photo: Libby Law Photography
EVOEVENTS NZ U25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS & YOUTH FESTIVAL January 29/30 2022 Taupo National Equestrian Centre (NCH/RE) ESNZ National Titles (NCH) Hyland Pony Championship (Pony FEI tests – Medium level) the Waldebago Trophy for Young Rider Championship (Young Rider FEI tests – Prix St Georges level), and the KH Arvan Trophy for the U25 Grand Prix. All other grades and/or age group competitions include event championship titles. The York Corporation Inter-Island Team Challenge will be another feature of the event. No prior qualification required. Event Manager is Cathy Vennell who can be contacted at: dressageyouthfestival@gmail.com If you are interested in supporting this event by sponsorship or marketing please contact Amanda Condon: dressagemarketing@nzequestrian.org.nz
DOWNGRADED HORSES & PONIES May compete in any class or classes which do not contribute to an ESNZ National title as above Refer to Annex 3 of the 2021 Rule Book re Young Rider Competitions and Art 463 re Downgraded Horses & Ponies Entries on www.evoevents.co.nz
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49
NATIONAL NEWS
Dressage NZ is feeling both excited and privileged to announce a full stable of Series Sponsors for the coming season. Alongside the support from many loyal returning sponsors, some of which span a phenomenal three decades, we also welcome Excel Equine as Masters Top Ten League sponsors to our series team. Thank you all from the Dressage NZ team for making it possible to create this “Series of Inspiration” – each series targeting its own unique demographic of our riding membership, officials and volunteers. For more details about the series click here. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/
Casey Burton and Fanfare MH Photo: Libby Law Photography
SUPER 5 PRELIMINARY
Vetpro
SUPER 5 NOVICE
Matthews Hanoverians
SUPER 5 ELEMENTARY
Animal Therapeutics
SUPER 5 MEDIUM
Dunstan Horse Feeds
SUPER 5 ADVANCED MEDIUM
Back on Track
SUPER 5 ADVANCED
Hobson Horsecoaches & Motorhomes
SUPER 5 SMALL TOUR
Custom Logistic Services
SUPER 5 MEDIUM TOUR
Andrea Raves Dressage
SUPER 5 GRAND PRIX
Superior Rubber Surfaces
MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES
Zilco NZ
PREMIER LEAGUE EVENTS
Kiwi Arena Rakes
AMATEUR TOP 10 LEAGUE
South Canterbury Saddlery
PONY & YOUNG RIDER AMATEUR TOP 10 LEAGUE
Equizee
PONY & YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE TOP 10 LEAGUE
AMS Saddlery
SMALL STARS TOP 10 LEAGUE
Oro Equestrian
MASTERS TOP 10 LEAGUE
Excel Equine
DRESSAGE FUTURES
Prestige Equestrian
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH
Big Barrel
OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH
Andrea Raves Dressage
50 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
NATIONAL NEWS
WHICH SERIES ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON? For more information about series go to: https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/
For information about Bronze & Silver Divisions refer to Rule Book Annex 8 https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/rules-regulations/dressage-rules/
SUPER 5 DRESSAGE LEAGUE The 2021-22 Super 5 League comprises a points series in each island from Preliminary - Grand Prix 9 (top 5 points only to count) plus an island final at both the South Island Festival of Dressage and the Bates National Championships. Bonus points are added at the South Island Festival of Dressage 2022 and the Bates National Dressage Championships 2022. National Super 5 rankings will be determined from % in each level at both these events. These national awards will be presented at the Dressage Awards Dinner 2022. Tests used for Super 5 League at Premier League Events: Preliminary to Advanced B Tests Small Tour – FEI Int I Medium Tour FEI Intermediate B Big Tour Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special. Progressive results can be viewed through the season https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/results/
ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES The crowd pleasing Zilco Musical Freestyle Series will be a feature again this season from Novice through to Grand Prix. Refer to the current Dressage Test Book for the new Freestyle Tests from Novice (L2) through to Advanced (L6). Small tour (L7), Medium Tour (L8) and Grand Prix (L9) use the FEI tests. Go to the FEI web site for guidelines for these tests. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/FEI%20Freestyle%20Directives%20for%20Judges_final-19.04.2017.pdf
The competition comprises two Island Series contested at Premier League Events (Top 5 scores to count). The North Island Series completes at the Horse of the Year Show and the South Island Series completes at the South Island Festival of Dressage. Top 5 National Awards presented at AGM. Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ. Progressive results can be viewed through the season. https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/results/
PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE FUTURES PRIZE
The Prestige Equestrian Futures Prize will be awarded to the best performed combination competing at Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League Events 2021-22 and meeting the following eligibility conditions. Horses 148cm and over, aged between 4 & 10 years old and competing at Levels 1 - 7 with riders who have no grading points in Level 8 or above on any horse. The prize is a fabulous Prestige Saddle. (Riders may only win the saddle prize once) Enter online at EvoEvents by 1/11/21
AMS SADDLERY PONY PERFORMANCE LEAGUE AND AMS SADDLERY YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE LEAGUE There are AMS Saddlery Leagues for both Pony Riders and Young Riders this season. Points will be earned from graded classes at Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League events and the Evo Events Youth Festival. The Pony League is for riders 16yrs or under at 1 August, but if a rider turns 17 on or after 1 August, they may continue to compete in the Pony League. The Young Rider League is for riders 20yrs or under at 1 August but if a rider
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 51
NATIONAL NEWS
TOP TEN LEAGUES turns 21 on or after 1 August, they may continue to compete in the League The AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance Leagues aim to increase participation at a Pony & Young Rider level and to establish a competition where riders compete against their peers of a similar age and experience. Enter online at EvoEvents by 1/11/21 All Top Ten Leagues accrue points from 1/8/21 - 01/5/22. Entries close on 1/11/21 Riders love the Top Ten Leagues for a number of reasons but the biggest draw card is that they can simply enter online with no fee attached and then can see how their performances compare against other riders in the same league and division from throughout New Zealand. And then of course there is the chance to win stylish sponsor rosettes and fabulous sashes and rugs at national level
1/4/2021
So get across to EvoEvents and choose the series that are just right for you and your horse or pony. Chances are there is more than one. Conditions for each of the leagues are on both EvoEvents and the ESNZ website.
Amateur Owner Horse with zero grading points with any other rider at any time.
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/
EXCEL EQUINE MASTERS TOP TEN LEAGUE For riders at least 50yrs as at 1/1/21 on horses or ponies
National Section
1. Preliminary and Novice Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze or Novice Bronze 2. Preliminary and Novice Combination Classification Preliminary Silver, Preliminary Gold, Novice Silver or Novice Gold
Owner /Horse Combo Award Highest age horse/rider combined
SOUTH CANTERBURY SADDLERY TOP TEN LEAGUE The competition is open to riders 21yrs and over at 1/8/21 and over and is run in four National divisions plus special awards, with twenty area winners, this year aligning with Gold, Silver Bronze Divisions.
National Divisions 1. Preliminary Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze
3. Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary Bronze, Medium Bronze or Advanced Medium Bronze
2. Novice Combination Classification Novice Bronze or Novice Silver
4. Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary Silver, Medium Silver or Advanced Medium Silver
3. Elementary Combination Classification Elementary Bronze or Elementary Silver
5. Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary Gold, Medium Gold or Advanced Medium Gold
4. Medium and Advanced Medium Combination Classification Medium and Advanced Medium Bronze or Medium and Advanced Medium Silver
6. Advanced and above No classification. Special Awards Newcomer (First year member) Open to new ESNZ graded Dressage rider with no grading points in Dressage prior to
52 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
Special Awards
NATIONAL NEWS
ORO EQUESTRIAN SMALL STARS TOP TEN LEAGUE New for 2021: Ponies are eligible but must be ridden by riders who have reached the 17 years at the 1 August 2021 And for horses over 148cm and not exceeding 163cm (verified by RAS height certificate by 1/2/22) Riders must turn at least 12yrs in the calendar year of the beginning of the competition. Points accrue from 1/8/21 until 1/5/22
Divisions BRONZE SILVER GOLD
Preliminary & Novice Elementary & Medium Advanced Medium and above
EQUIZEE PONY & YOUNG RIDER TOP TEN LEAGUE National Sections Ponies: Riders 16yrs and under at 1 August 2021 1. Pony Preliminary Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze 2. Pony Novice Combination Classification Novice Bronze or Novice Silver 3. Pony Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary to Advanced Medium Bronze or Elementary to Advanced Medium Silver Horses: Riders must turn at least 12yrs during 2021, and be 20yrs or under at 1 August 2021 1. Horse Preliminary Combination Classification Preliminary Bronze 2. Horse Novice Combination Classification Novice Bronze or Novice Silver 3. Horse Elementary to Advanced Medium Combination Classification Elementary to Advanced Medium Bronze or Elementary to Advanced Medium Silver
Special Awards Top Score Rider North Island 12yrs & under at 1 August 2021 Top Score Rider South Island 12yrs & under at 1 August 2021 Newcomer ESNZ graded Dressage rider Must have not earned any dressage grading points on any horse or pony prior to 1/4/2021 OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 53
NATIONAL NEWS
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/wp-content/uploads/Premier-League-Events.pdf
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NATIONAL NEWS
OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 55
NATIONAL CALENDAR
PREMIER LEAGUE & NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR Keep up to date with the latest competition calendar by clicking here... PLEASE NOTE THAT RESCHEDULED DATES ARE MARKED WITH ** www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/show-dates-card-for-2020-2021/
OCTOBER 2021 16/17
Central Districts POSTPONED
Manfeild Park
Premier League
23/25
Dressage Bay of Plenty
Taupo NEC
Premier League
23/24
Marlborough
Marlborough Equestrian Park
Premier League
30/31
Nelson Summer Series
Rough Island Equestrian Park
Premier League
30/31
Wellington
Solway Showgrounds Masterton
Premier League
Northland
Barge Park Showgrounds
Premier League
13/14
Otago
Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
19/21
Auckland-Manukau POSTPONED
Clevedon A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
20/21
Gisborne
Gisborne Showgrounds
Premier League
20/21
South Canterbury / North Otago
Waimate A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
27/28
Northern Hawke’s Bay
Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
NOVEMBER 2021 6/7
DECEMBER 2021 3/5
Oro Dressage by the Lake
Takapoto Estate
Zilco, Prestige
4/5
Southland
Gore A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
9/10
Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge
McLeans Island NEC
INT
11/12
Canterbury
McLeans Island NEC
Premier League
11/12
Southern Hawke’s Bay
Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
18/19
Taihape
Taihape A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
JANUARY 2022 15/16
Taranaki
Egmont A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
22/23
Wairarapa
Solway Showgrounds Masterton
Premier League
22/23
Waitemata
Woodhill Sands
Premier League
29/30
Ashburton
Ashburton A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
29/30
EvoEvents U25 Championships & Youth Festival
Taupo NEC
Premier League
Central Districts
Manfeild Park
Premier League
Auckland-Manukau
Clevedon A&P Showgrounds
Premier League
5/7
South Island Championships (incl SI Series Finals)
McLeans Island NEC
Premier League
18/20
North Island Championships (Dressage Waikato)
Taupo NEC
Premier League
FEBRUARY 2022 **11/12 **11/12/13
MARCH 2022 8/13
Land Rover Horse of the Year Show
Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds
NAT (incl NI Zilco Finals)
24/27
Bates NZ Dressage National Championships
Taupo NEC
NAT (incl NI Super 5 Finals)
56 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | OCTOBER 2021
OUR MISSION: TO INSPIRE BY SHOWCASING HIGH PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE ON THE N AT I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L STA G E . TO I N F O R M , E D U C AT E A N D E N CO U R A G E PA RT I C I PAT I O N I N O U R S P O RT F R O M GRASSROOTS LEVEL. TO INDULGE BY PROVIDING OUR READERS WITH QUALITY CONTENT AND NEWS, FROM OUR REGIONAL DRESSAGE COMMUNITIES THROUGH TO THE I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C E N E .
www.issuu.com/dressagenzbulletin | New Zealand | dnzbulletin@gmail.com F O U N D E D AU G U S T 2 0 1 6 OCTOBER 2021 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 57