Dressage NZ Bulletin Issue 59 April May 2022 by DressageNZ Bulletin

Issue 59 | April/May 2022

Kiwis flying high on World Stage DRESSAGE FOR DENMARK REVIEW ORO Equestrian NI Champs preview SI FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS OUR PEOPLE

READ ONLINE ISSUU.COM/DRESSAGENZBULLETIN

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EDITORIAL

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

Wendy Hamerton

acebook statistics for April to date confirm we love celebrating the success of our riders both at home and offshore. A massive 35.5k Facebook readers were reached when we published the Melissa Galloway story of her 4th place in the Grand Prix Special at Opglaabeek in Belgium. Not only that, but her story has also been picked up by https://www.stuff.co.nz/marlborough-express/news/128377415/marlborough-dressage-star-taking-on-europe-and-the-world mainstream media - read it here if you missed it A total 48,089 Facebook reaches were achieved in the four weeks to 22nd April on the Dressage NZ page, the majority connected to our offshore riders. It’s a true mark of respect to our riders that our sport celebrates alongside them.

Alyssa Harrison

Digital power of all types is massive - but it can be both positive and negative. It can be intentional and unintentional. It can influence sponsors, organisers, and volunteers positively and negatively. Sharing both the positive and negative takes a simple click but the outcome of the click can be far reaching... it can give a boost, a sense of achievement and belonging, a desire to invest and be involved, but equally it can create the loss of all of those things.

Sarah Gray

TH E D RESS AG E N Z BUL L E T I N TE AM

Jessica Roberts

So think before you click if your sport can be implicated in any way I’m looking forward to attending the North Island Championships on 7th & 8th May at the Taupo NEC and will be available at the Dressage Drop In Desk at the office to answer any questions you may have. The desk will be manned for a couple of hours each day - times to be advised once the draw is available. Until the June issue - Pas pa - Take care translated from Danish

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

Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz

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

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CONTENTS

CONTENTS 14

Creating connection through authentic Graphic Design solutions.

Sarah Gray B Des (VisComm) 021 459 811 sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz www.snaffledesign.co.nz

bra nding | pa c k a ging | a dve rtising c a mpa igns | print & web design

APRIL/MAY 2022 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 5

Photo: © Libby Law Photography

NATIONAL NEWS DRESSAGE FOR DENMARK

ORO EQUESTRIAN NORTH ISLAND CHAMPIONSHIPS

Taking place from the 6th - 8th of May at the Taupo National Equestrian Centre. This event features powerful rivalry, trade stands galore, and the North Island Series Finals.

he Dressage Waikato team are on a roll with preparations for the ORO Equestrian North Island Championships well underway with a fantastic 187 riders and 224 horses entered. The Grand Prix class will be one of the biggest we have seen all season and will provide fans with some excitement. A notable omission from the event will be Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson who will have only just arrived back from their Sydney CDI Tour but none the less the nine strong field is an inspiring mix of new and more experienced talent. This will be the first head to head between the first season combinations of Taranaki’s Vanessa Way and NSC Timbermill Prequel and Waitemata’s Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH, with Timbermill Prequel fresh from the recent CDI where he scored

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a win and second at this level for reserve champion. Ali Baba fans will be pleased to him back in the arena with his Raglan rider Jody Hartstone, and Sisters II Etta J and Chelsea Callaghan from Wellington always bring a smile from the crowd as they happily dance their way through their test. Carole Christensen (Vollrath Leila), William Millar (Centurion III), Cooper Oborn (Aphrodite), Janet Shaw (Jitter Bug) and Kieryn Walton (Rosari Don Carlos) complete the field. The event will take place across eight arenas, with the first riders heading down the centreline from 11.30am Friday, and prizegiving scheduled for approximately 3pm Sunday. There will be an array of presentations during the event including the North Island Championships, the North Island Zilco Musical Freestyle Series and the North Island

NATIONAL NEWS

There is free entry to the event and spectators are most welcome. The organisers are sure the riders will appreciate the support from the side-lines that has been missing since March 2020.

TRADE SHOW EXHIBITORS ORO EQUESTRIAN DUWELL SUPPLEMENTS RIDIR CLOTHING LH EQUESTRIAN GATESHEAD EQUESTRIAN SUMMIT GRAINS AND SADDLERY BACK ON TRACK

Super 5 League Series, and the final round of the Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures Prize, the series finals having been rescheduled from the ill-fated Land Rover Horse of the Show and Bates National Championships.

Oro Equestrian, naming rights sponsor of the event will be showcasing their new range of Equine LTS products as well as a large selection of other brands including the Anky, BR and Petrie ranges.

The welcomed change to Covid gathering restrictions has seen an enthusiastic take up from trade exhibitors and the organisers are pleased to announce that fifteen valued sponsors have confirmed they will be having a Trade or Exhibition presence at the event.

The trade stands will be placed in the Indoor Arena and in two large marquees off the back of the indoor stadium, perfectly placed for calling in and browsing when riders are collecting test sheets or supporting friends in the Waikato Equine Veterinary Centre Indoor Arena.

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NATIONAL NEWS

FAQ WHY HAS THE ESNZ & NZPCA IMPLEMENTED THESE NEW REGULATIONS?

CHANGES TO HELMET SAFETY STANDARDS

rom 1 August 2023, all helmets used in ESNZ and NZPCA competition will require one (or more) of the standards in the table below and also a quality safety mark (third party test), to meet the new yellow tagging procedure. Helmets currently approved but not meeting the yellow tag standards can still be tagged with the existing red tag and used in ESNZ and NZPCA competition up until 31 July 2023. This brings the ESNZ and NZPCA helmet standards in line with the FEI helmet standards, which were introduced in 2019. The updated table below states which helmets with applicable helmet standards will be able to be fitted with a new yellow helmet tag. These tags will be available from June 2022 to allow over 12 months to ensure all helmets meeting the new standards, have time to be tagged. A helmet label must include and display at least one of the standards below accompanied by the appropriate quality mark. A helmet label may include and display more than one standard, in which case at least one standard must be accompanied by the applicable safety mark.

Helmet Standard

Safety Mark

PAS 015:1998 or 2011 (or later) with BSI Kitemark or IC mark VG1 01.040 (2014-12 or later) - Must carry BSI kitemark or IC mark from August 2023 Snell E2001, E2016 (or later) with the official Snell label and number ASTM-F1163 2004a (or later) with the SEI mark AS/NZS 3838 1998, 2003, 2006 (or later)

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Currently all of our helmet standards apart from VG1 require a third-party Safety Test mark. Concerns have been received regarding the quality of some VG1 helmets on the market in New Zealand. As safety is our primary concern, and after consultation with experts, ESNZ and NZPCA resolved that that all approved helmets would require a third-party safety mark which indicates assurance of continuing quality and thus bringing VG1 in line with other standard requirements.

BUT MY HELMET IS ONE OF THE SAFEST ON THE MARKET ? The ESNZ and NZPCA are unable to comment on any variation of safety between different brands that carry the VG1 standard. There are very real concerns over the safety of some helmets that only carry the VG1 standard which has meant that we will now require the assurance of a third party test to ensure that all the helmets that are used at our events are up to the standard that we, and you as the wearer, would expect.

WHY SO QUICKLY - MY HELMET LASTS 5 YEARS? Eighteen months is the standard time that our organisations give for changes to our PPE requirements as happened with the last helmet policy change in 2017 and the body protector standards change. This allows time for suppliers to source the necessary stock.

Suppliers of premium brands from around the world right here in New Zealand Oakridge Equestrian are proud suppliers of Kask helmets, KOO sunglasses & Parlanti riding boots

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www.oakridgeequestrian.co.nz Follow on social media www.facebook.com/oakridgeequestrian Instagram: @oakridge_equestrian APRIL/MAY 2022 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 9

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

ONE BOLD & BRILLIANT STEP AT A TIME Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson have packed their bags and their MER ambitions and are currently getting settled in Australia for the Sydney CDI taking place from the 27th - 30th of April

Photo: Libby Law

ith one MER now in the bag, Gaylene Lennard and Jax have arrived safely at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre in a bid to earn their all-important second FEI qualifying score at the Sydney CDI. While it was no problem getting Jax Johnson onto a flight, finding one for herself was another story. “Trying to organise flights in these covid times is a real nightmare - you just couldn’t fly to Australia in April,” she says. “All the flights are full because it’s school holidays and Easter. I only got my seats because of a cancellation.” Having previous experience campaigning her show horses in Australia has been a big help: “I’ve got an idea of what is involved and what you need to do which has definitely helped a lot. I’m leaving the day before the horse so I will get there and get the stable organised, and a transporter picks him up from the airport and brings him out to the Sydney IEC.”

Whilst her aim is another MER score in order to qualify for the World Championships, Gaylene is taking this journey just one step at a time. “Jax has travelled well - he was a bit lonely at the centre on his own in the beginning so I bought him a mirror for his stable - he seemed quite content with his own company and is enjoys the hacking. It’s all going to be a big learning experience”. The CDI will be lived streamed at http://www.equestrianlife.com.au/pages/live-tv

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

M Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale

elissa Galloway and Windermere J'Obéi W followed up their great form at Lier with seriously competitive international performances at Opglabbeek CDI4* held at the stunning SenTower Equestrian Centre in Belgium. With forty four starters in the Grand Prix the class was held over two days. While an early draw at number four on day one seemed daunting, it turned out to be a boon as on day two the weather predictions proved accurate and a bitterly cold wind with snow and sleet struck for the greater part of the day. Many horses were affected, but Charlotte Fry and Glamourdale just rode it like they stole it regardless to unanimously win on 77.969%.

Melissa was 9th on 69.956% but the judges were not so close in their scoring ranging from 66%-72% and rankings from 4th to 28th place amidst a star-studded international field. In the end less than 1% separated 5th to 10th placings. So it was easily through to the Grand Prix Special which was restricted to the top 15 qualifiers only and held in the magnificent indoor arena the following evening. Once again Melissa and Joey showed they are all class finishing in fourth place behind three Olympians, Charlotte Fry, Patrick Kittel and Lyndal Oatley. https://online.equipe.com/en/competitions/46406

SIMPLY SENSATIONAL DESPITE BITTER SPRING SNOW AT SENTOWER PARK Photos by Eurodressage

Melissa Galloway and Windermere J'Obéi W

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Photo: © Libby Law Photography

NATIONAL NEWS

DRESSAGE NZ YOUTH COUNCIL

PROMOTING SUPPORTIVE SPIRIT The Dressage New Zealand Youth Council has been hard at work with the launch of their new Facebook Group, supported by Dynavyte and Grit & Grace, two amazing companies that are keen to get behind our youth.

he launch of this group is an exciting new development for the Youth of our country, providing them with a private platform of their own to discuss ideas, ask questions, create new friends and learn from experts through online webinars, which are all elements that the Council are hard at work putting together. The group is private, limited to riders under 25 (with exceptions). These exceptions allow for one parent or guardian of a child/children that do not have direct Social Media access yet to join the page on behalf. This has been put in place so that our riders feel comfortable having discussions but allows for our younger members to also be included so that we are able to accommodate all. All riders are welcome, including Pony Club and other interested non-ESNZ members, so that we can provide information and training for a broader range of Kiwi kids. The Council is also planning to do some in-person get-togethers with Youth Riders at events before the

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end of the season, so if you are going to be at the AMDG YR and Amateur Championships (30th April - 1st May Clevedon) and the North Island Dressage Championships (6th-8th May, Taupo) please come along! Another project underway is to incentivize Youth riders to be encouraging, supportive and helpful at events, working alongside the #GameChanger framework to make the environment of our sport more welcoming. This initiative is being backed by the team at the Hawkes Bay based TackShop NZ, another business backing Youth participation in our sport, so make sure you support them, and all our sponsors return. The TackShop have generously sponsored $500 worth of vouchers which will be awarded to youth riders who are recognised as Game Changers for youth. If you have any queries or #GameChanger nominations for the Youth Council, please contact them direct on dnzydc@gmail.com

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

READY SET SYDNEY John Thompson and Chemistry are set for the Sydney CDI.

“

Tommy’s feeling great and hopefully we’ll be putting in a solid performance. I’m really looking forward to joining Gaylene at the event. Her mother Betty (Lennard) taught my Mum to ride when she was starting out, so it’s super special to have her here in Australia and hopefully if all goes to plan, in Denmark together” John told the Bulletin. John will be busy at the event with Chemistry and two young horses, the four-year-old Johnny B Goode MI and the five-year-old Aston MI who John really rates. “This is a seriously special horse” said John. Follow the Kiwis and the event... https://www.sydneycdi.equestrian.org.au/

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NATIONAL NEWS

DRESSAGE NZ PLANNING FORUM

Remits & Agenda Items Wednesday 4th and Thursday 5th May 2022 By Zoom: 7pm - 9.30 pm

f all of the agenda items are completed during Session 1 on May 4th, Session 2 on May 5th will be cancelled. Meeting access by will be Pre-Registration and approval only. The Zoom link will be published on the ESNZ website and sent to area groups

PRESENTS

•

Attendees must be current annual ESNZ members or Life members.

•

Membership number and expiry date will be required at time of registration

•

Members have speaking rights at the meeting.

https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEufuGvqzgjE9EMzOr1OsqWYE8iRNmOBI8d

•

Delegates and Committee members have voting rights

•

Click here to be taken to Zoom link

AGENDA 1. Annual Starts & Financial Reports YTD March 2022 2. Draft Budget 2022/23 3. Draft Calendar 2022/23 4. ESNZ Data Base Report 5. Remits & Discussion Items 6. Bronze Silver Gold Categories Review & Discussion 7. Dressage AGM, Conference & Awards Dinner 2022 8. Dressage NZ Youth Council Update

THE 2022 DRESSAGE NZ AGM, CONFERENCE AND COMMITTEE MEETING The 2022 Dressage AGM and Committee Meeting will be held at Rydges Hotel, Christchurch on Saturday 16th & Sunday 17th July 2022. This is a little later than usual however the first choice and venue availability clashed with the new public holiday Matariki on Friday 24th June. Registration details will be made available to area groups and published on the ESNZ website. Check in from 8.30am, Conference 9.30am - 4pm Saturday. Sunday 8.45am noon (Lunch will not be part of the conference package on Sunday but there will be a good morning tea provided).

For personalised, friendly service anywhere in NZ, please contact us today. p: +64 21 627 082 e: info@classicequestrian.co.nz www.classicequestrian.co.nz

There will be an election for Chair this year with Scott McKenna having completed a three-year term but is eligible to stand for a further three-year term. Expressions of Interest will sought for the position of Technical Officer. Nomination / EOI Forms will be available on the ESNZ website soon. The Dressage Awards Dinner will be held at the venue on Saturday evening with theme being Dressage for Denmark so red and white will be the order of the night. Dressage Annual Awards, Top 10 League Series, TiES Dressage & Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures Prize will be presented

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NATIONAL NEWS

7. REMITS SUMMARY FOR PLANNING FORUM REMIT 1

That tailcoats be permitted at levels Advanced to Grand Prix at Local Events RATIONALE:

In the current rules, the use of tailcoats is only mentioned for Regional Events and National Championships. ‘Jackets’ is the term referenced for local events and training events. This remit is proposed to ensure that there is no misinterpretation, and to allow for the use of tailcoats at all types of competition, at the competitors discretion, without penalties for incorrect dress being awarded. REMIT 2

4.5 A judge is not required to declare a conflict of interest at local and training events. PRESENTS

RATIONALE:

• Remote regions struggle to get judges who are not also coaches. • Difficult to allocate judges at local and training events with small entries and small judges pool. Cost is prohibitive to get judges from outside of the area for such small events. • Coaches may be reluctant to become judges. This affects the ability to get judges in smaller regions. • Riders will be reluctant to get coaching if their trainer is also a judge and this affects their ability to ride in Local and Training Events • We should be encouraging judges to impart their knowledge as coaches in their locality – not discouraging this. • If Article 440 4.1 and 4.2 is going to apply for local and training events then judges must declare any coaching conducted with competing riders within the previous three weeks only.

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RULE REVIEW: For Discussion from Conference 2021

Review Rule Regarding Outside Assistance Around Arena It was agreed at the 2021 AGM that the outside assistance rule be reviewed specifically in respect it being permissible for horses to be led around the space outside the arena prior to the judge bell being rung. CODE OF CONDUCT: For Discussion from Dressage Nelson & SCNO

Topic: Abuse of Officials & Volunteers Proposal and / or Rationale for Forum Discussion: With a strong commitment and focus on the “Change the Rein” campaign, we would like to focus discussion on the pillar of “rein in rubbish behaviour”. Passive-Aggressive behaviour by people in our sport, especially hiding behind a key-board, threatens to undermine the goodwill of our volunteer officials. Our sport needs to find a way to encourage more officials to speak up when they have been verbally abused, spoken to inappropriately or been sent inappropriate messages/emails etc.

For personalised, friendly service anywhere in NZ, please contact us today. p: +64 21 627 082 e: info@classicequestrian.co.nz www.classicequestrian.co.nz

APRIL/MAY 2022 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obéi W Photo: © Eurodressage

IF YOU CAN DREAM IT YOU CAN ACHIEVE IT Just 10 years ago Melissa Galloway was an awe struck teenager, grooming at the prestigious Horses and Dreams event hosted at Hof Kasselmann in Hagen, Germany. Melissa knew in that moment, this was where she wanted to one day compete... well with her beloved horse Windermere J’Obéi W (Joey) and husband Lachy... finally that day arrived. 20 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | APRIL/MAY 2022

INTERNATIONAL NEWS Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obéi W Photo: © Eurodressage

PERFECT AND CONNECT with a saddle from

Another early draw at number four meant a long wait to know if they would ride the Special but finally, in her own words “We are in the Special by the skin of our teeth”, in 15th place on 69.609% tucked in behind thirteen riders who have competed at World Cup Finals, World Championships and the Olympic Games. A model of consistency, they finished the Special on 69.511% and thirteenth place. “I was so happy with him, he felt really good. Warmed up so beautifully with sooooo many people watching - it was a very cool experience.” Melissa’s husband Lachy who has joined her in the Netherlands is also achieving in his own right as a groom. “He has an official international groom card now so he is very proud of himself” quipped Melissa.

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Lachy Galloway unloading Joey.

“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

Ulrike Nivelle - 5* Judge (GER) with Cesar Torrente

CESAR TORRENTE (COL) 4* FEI judge who has judged at CDI in Manfeild, New Zealand, was on the Ground Jury for the event was also very happy to be having his first Horses and Dreams experience. “It has been a wonderful event with superb organization, I've been part of a great group of fifteen colleagues on the ground jury. Every single detail has been just perfect. From the weather and pristine surroundings, to the arena footing, stands, food, entertainment, and shopping!”

Photos: Mark Watson

he Grand Prix was run in two divisions, one for the combinations wishing to qualify for the Special, 24 starters, and another 20 in the division for athletes wanting to qualify for the spectacular Saturday night Freestyle held under lights in the Jumping ring. Only the top 15 in each would go through to the next round. Melissa again opted for the Special. As an aside for New Zealand fans and riders who consider 9pm is a late enough finish on a Saturday night, the Hagen Freestyle didn’t start until 9pm with a near midnight finish.

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APRIL/MAY 2022 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Victoria Wall and Letty Lei EDH at the picturesque Kronenberg CDI 3*

From their base near Paderborn in Germany, to compete at Sint Truiden in Belgium and then on to Kronenberg in the Netherlands,Victoria Wall and Letty Lei EDH had an action packed ten days for their first international competitions on the European circuit.

int Truiden (Belgium) is a popular CDI 3* event with thirty-three riders from eighteen nations competing across Small Tour and Big Tour classes. Victoria and Letty Lei's first international start after nigh on two years was always going to be a tough one and their Grand Prix mark did not truly reflect the quality of much of the work - pinging along so elegantly. So it was through to the Freestyle and the first opportunity to dance to their new drum music. Letty Lei was more confident in the arena, so it was a pleasing finish to their first show on European soil. On to the Netherlands (Kronenberg) and the classy Peelbergen Equestrian Centre with thirty-seven athletes from fifteen countries, including some of the Dutch superstars Adelinde Cornelissen, Hans Peter Minderhoud, and Emmelie Scholtens. “It was just surreal to sit and watch these riders in the warmup. You learn so much” explained Victoria.

BACK IN THE ARENA WITH LETTY LEI EDH Photo by © Digishots

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Letty Lei performed a virtually mistake free test (aside from a missing stride in the canter zig zag) and although Victoria felt she was getting her competition mode back she thought the mare was starting to feel a bit flat after ten days away and was starting just to pick at her feed. So rather than push unnecessarily in the Freestyle early in their campaign, Victoria made the right call for her horse and headed home to prepare for Redefin CDI in Germany in mid-May. The spring European circuit is well underway so there are a number of CDI 3* on the horizon for the pair over the next couple of months and hopefully a start in some young horse classes for Victoria’s home bred stallion, Furst Hit EDH, a New Zealand bred Rheinlander by Fürstenball/ Sandro Hit/Jazz .

NATIONAL NEWS

CELEBRATING A COLLECTIVE CENTURY PLUS OF SERVICE

A small South Island Dressage Group is strengthened by some very special ladies.

ressage Marlborough recently recognised the long-term involvement of five key members of their group. Collectively the five have been involved for over a century in a variety of roles including area committee office holders, committee members, judges, area delegates to the national committee, FEI Dressage World Challenge team members for New Zealand and have each been regular competitors on the Dressage scene.

PICTURED FROM LEFT: Diane Wallace (25 years service), Sue Lucas (54 years), Leanne Andrews (16 years), Tracey Johnson (30 years) and Sharon Inwood (30 years).

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NATIONAL NEWS

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NATIONAL NEWS

Oliver Shattock

Mackenzie Adlam

DRESSAGE NELSON ANNUAL AWARDS The Dressage Nelson end-of-season awards celebrated having another successful year for the group and recognising how grateful they were that none of their scheduled events were cancelled because of covid restrictions.

n addition to these awards, year two winner of the MTF Finance Nelson Future Stars Scholarship was announced. In 2022, ten applications were received, double the number of 2021 applications. Owing to the exceptional standard of the submissions, Dressage Nelson decided to sponsor a second scholarship to match the MTF Future Stars Scholarship package. The two worthy winners of this years Scholarships are Oliver Shattock (9 years old), and Mackenzie Adlam (12 years old). Both receive an ESNZ annual rider and pony registration, along with a screen printed rug, and funding towards lessons. Both riders have been participating locally for the past two seasons starting at Introductory level and recently stepping up to Preliminary non-graded. They both plan to compete in their first graded classes at the upcoming Nelson Dressage Winter Series.

AWARD WINNERS

VOLUNTEER AWARD Dawn Cyzs MOST IMPROVED ADULT RIDER Kirsty Lalich SPORTSMANSHIP AWARD Irene Keeley PARTNERSHIP AWARD Wendy MacLean RISING STAR AWARD Oliver Shattock JUDGES BELL Suzanne Inglis TAHUNA PHARMACY CUP (MOST POINTS SUMMER SEASON - HORSES) Rilee McMeekin TAHUNA PHARMACY CUP (MOST POINTS SUMMER SEASON - PONIES) Macy Morgan ALANA FRIEND TROPHY (ANNUAL MOST POINTS) Anna Terrell RICHMOND SADDLERY YOUNG RIDER TROPHY Rilee McMeekin

Well done Dressage Nelson and congratulations to Oliver and McKenzie.

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NATIONAL NEWS

Kirsty Schist and Epiton MD, also pictured below as a foal at studbook inspections in Germany.

YOUTH REIGNS SUPREME AT FESTIVAL OF FUTURE STARS Photos by Michelle Clarke Article by Wendy Hamerton

The 2022 Syncroflex Festival of Future Stars hosted again by Canterbury Dressage also incorporated the final round of the Canterbury Dressage Rangiora Vet Centre Autumn Series Championships.

EPITON MD

nfortunately the southern covid wave was still evident with an original 494 entries being reduced to 372 resulting in some long hours and busy shuffling of times by the event organisers. But for those who did attend, there was a wide variety of classes from in hand for youngstock, ridden sport horse classes on type most suitable for jumping and dressage, lead rein and children’s classes for 12 years and under, Introductory level and all the way through to Grand Prix.

Owner: Sharon Brown Rider: Kirsty Schist Age: 5YO Breed: Oldenburg Breeder: Dr. Marliese Dobberthien (Germany) Sire: Escolar Dam: Harfe Sire of Dam: Quaterback The supreme champion young dressage horse was the five-year-old winner Epiton MD ably shown by North Canterbury’s Kirsty Schist and owned by Sharon Brown.

The attractive buckskin gelding now standing at just under 16hh caught Kirsty’s eye while browsing the Internet. He was a yearling at the time and the name of the sire made

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NATIONAL NEWS

Supreme Champion Young Dressage Pony KS Helter Skelter ridden by Paige Fitzgerald

her look more closely - a youngster by Escolar and a connection to the German stable of Hubertus Schmidt where Kirsty and her mother Sharon Brown saw and fell in love with Escolar on one of their visits. Escolar’s own achievements speak for themselves. Described as the “stallion of the century” by his rider Hubertus Schmidt, this exceptional equine athlete was nominated for the German Tokyo Olympic squad in 2019 at the age of ten. He has proven his quality with victories up to 4* international level and it is considered he passes many ideal qualities to his offspring: they show themselves powerful and strong in character, and they show an enormous talent for movement, dynamism and the urge to perform. Epiton MD was imported as a yearling and was kept as a colt for a time as Escolar’s semen is not available in New Zealand. He now has seven progeny on the ground (four owned by Sharon and Kirsty and three from outside mares). His first foal came as a complete surprise a couple of weeks after the Horse of the Year Show in 2020. Sharon’s mare Fling VP (Furst Romancier/ Krack C) was at the event and was looking slightly subdued. Nationals were subsequently cancelled, and the team headed home to Canterbury early. Much to their complete surprise the mare foaled a few days later “Imagine if we had been at Taupo for the nationals” quips Kirsty. Epiton is now gelded, and Kirsty is loving the journey with him. “He’s a really nice horse to work with - really easy and takes it all in his stride. He is a pleasure to hack out. I’ll keep doing Young Horse Classes with him, but the ultimate aim is to train him to Grand Prix.” 28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | APRIL/MAY 2022

Supreme Young Dressage Pony KS HELTER SKELTER

Owner: Sarah and Paige Fitzgerald Rider: Paige Fitzgerald Age: 6YO Breed: English Riding Pony Breeder: KS Show Horses Sire: Kolbeach Rembrandt Dam: Pemmain Lilly of the Valley Sire of Dam: Fernleigh Fine Print The diminutive chestnut gelding (132cm) ridden by thirteen year old Paige Fitzgerald was the standout pony for the judges. This pony won the Horse of the Year Rising Star Show Pony as a four year old having been produced since he was a weanling colt by Paige and her mother Sarah. Paige is a showing to dressage convert admitting to loving the new challenge of dressage, possibly fired by her win in the FEI Dressage Youth Challenge

in 2021. More recently the well performed, advanced pony Greenmoor Euphoria has joined the Fitzgerald stable. “Paige has lots to learn from him and is having a wonderful time” said Sarah. “We just hope she doesn’t get too tall for Skittle, the little guy too soon, but we have a rising four year old in the paddock by him out of an anglo arab x warmblood mare ready to be broken in so we are looking to bring him on as her next young pony.”

NATIONAL NEWS

The pony was super confident in the level and the job at hand. The transitions had an uphill quality and the hind leg was active, stepping under the body. He was elegantly ridden and the rider’s presentation was super.”

“We loved the elasticity of the Young Horse winner, the ground cover in all paces and forwardthinking outlook combined with a very expressive canter. Linda Warren-Davey FEI 4* Judge and FEI Young Horse Judge

Syncroflex Festival of Future Stars Champions and Canterbury Dressage Rangiora Vet Centre Autumn Series Results SUPREME CHAMPION YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Kirsty Schist & Epiton MD FOUR YEAR OLD YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Dani Simpson & DS Freestyle Reserve Sharon Templeton & Los Angeles AH FIVE YEAR OLD YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Kirsty Schist & Epiton MD Reserve Janelle Sangster-Ward & SWE Baloo SIX YEAR OLD YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Cherie Pearson & Dulcet Reserve Julie Fraser & Fandango SEVEN YEAR OLD YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE Shannon Brien & SWE Shutterfly SUPREME CHAMPION YOUNG DRESSAGE PONY Paige Fitzgerald & KS Helter Skelter FOUR YEAR OLD YOUNG DRESSAGE PONY Jessica Brechin & Rosemoor Diamond Reserve Savanna Robinson & Paperboy SIX YEAR OLD YOUNG DRESSAGE PONY Paige Fitzgerald & KS Helter Skelter Reserve Gemma Lewis & Miss Magic LEAD REIN CHAMPION Harper Robson & Thunder Storm Reserve Drew Fitzgerald & Jubilee Chicken Licken NON GRADED JUNIOR Gemma Lewis & Miss Magic Reserve Emily Gameson & Vienna PRELIMINARY NON-GRADED CHAMPION Angela Ruddenklau & Anthem Reserve Ailsa Fry & Paddy O Donald NOVICE NON-GRADED CHAMPION Melanie Bruce & RTB Dakota Reserve Louisa Doig & Southern Aurora

PRELIMINARY PONY CHAMPION Paige Fitzgerald & KS Helter Skelter Reserve Chloe Foster & Amberleigh Prima Donna NOVICE PONY CHAMPION Katie Fitzsimons & Eastdale Henrietta Reserve Lil Ogano & River Dance Drummer Boy ELEMENTARY PONY CHAMPION Katie Fitzsimons & Apsley Golden Secret MEDIUM PONY CHAMPION Paige Fitzgerald & Greenmoor Euphoria Reserve Gemma Lewis & Pennyweight Effervescent PRELIMINARY OPEN CHAMPION Corey Miln & Royal Love Story WP Reserve Georgia Lewis & Madison Grey NOVICE OPEN CHAMPION Jordan Fairbrother & Totally Confidential Reserve Karen Withell & BV Minuet ELEMENTARY CHAMPION Katie Doncliff & Ted Astaire Reserve Emily Templeton & NPE Donello MEDIUM GOLD CHAMPION Sandy Houston & Southwell Razzmataz Reserve Robert Kofoed & Astek Queens Counsel ADV MEDIUM CHAMPION Vanessa Pickens & Rubinesque Reserve Goldie Lester & Crystal Mt Cruzeiro ADVANCED CHAMPION Holly Merritt & Geppetto Reserve Jenny Scotter & Madis Gras SMALL TOUR CHAMPION Amelia French & Wisdom WDS Reserve Jenny Scotter & Mardi Gras

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HYGAIN & MITAVITE NUTRITION SERIES

GATHERING OATS THE GLOBAL IMPACT OF A POOR SEASON

Last month we talked about forage quality and how the current season is going to make it hard to source good quality hay and baleage for the winter. The harvest is now complete in most cases, apart from the odd bit of maize still to come in and grain quality has also been badly affected by weather in most regions. So what does it all mean to you and your horses when they talk about farmers having a bad season on the nightly news? 30 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | APRIL/MAY 2022

HYGAIN & MITAVITE NUTRITION SERIES

ig parts of North and South Island have been exposed to a poor growing season, either through crops going into late as it was too wet to get them in early enough, or they got in early enough but then didn’t receive enough rain. There was a distinct lack of sunshine and heat in some regions and then rain at just the wrong time when crops were fit but just couldn’t be got in. Ever wonder why when you are driving to a show you see a crop in a paddock on the side of the road that looks as though it has only been partially harvested and then left? Seed mills have an ability to put grain through a dryer once it has been headed to lower the moisture levels in the grain so it can be safely stored. Time through the dryer needs be booked though and lots of farmers are all trying to bring in crop at the same time. Some crop is left past when it should have been harvested for best quality and sometimes it can’t be brought in at all causing it to resprout in the paddock. All scenarios lead to the same thing a shortage of good quality grain needed for a lot of purposes – not just for horse feed but other livestock feeds and human consumption too. What are the solutions to this? – in any other year we look to Australia and source more grain from them to make up our shortfall because they are right next door and generally able to supply when needed at not too much extra cost. This year however is slightly different, the Ukraine which grows 20% of the export grain market for the world is fighting for its freedom and the harvest has been unable to

"All scenarios lead to the same thing a

shortage of good quality grain needed for a lot of purposes..." be brought in and when they should now be planting for next season they are taking up arms instead. How does that affect us? China who buys a lot of grain from the Ukraine saw what was happening and swooped into Australia and brought up any surplus grain they could from what was already a smaller pool than usual because of the amount of crop Aussie lost to rodents. Feed from that source is going to be difficult and expensive to get. There is going to be some sub-optimal grain out there that is going to end up in the feed chain simply because there are no other choices for our domestic market. Feed is going up in price this year across the board, not just because it is scarce but climbing fuel taxes and little relief on farm made it

expensive to harvest. Get your hay now if you haven’t done so. Deal with reputable feed companies. Companies like Mitavite have accreditations round safe feed handling and routinely test all feed coming through the door not only for quality but also to make sure they aren’t contaminated by toxins which can cause animal health issues. Take a good long look in the bag when you open it if the grain looks small and grey or has been milled very fine and covered in molasses it may not be of a standard where it should be in the bag let alone your horse. If you are unsure what you are looking at and your horse is experiencing behavioural or health changes that are unexpected it might be time to look at your feed and seek some experienced advice.

visit https://mitavite.co.nz/pages/cool-vitality to enter now.

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OUR PEOPLE

Sponsored by

OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH ALISON SOUNESS

As the recipient of the Dressage Marlborough Judge of the Yar Award, Alison has been nominated by her local group as the AR Dressage Official of the Month.

er friends and colleagues describe her as a truly remarkable lady, always with a smile, modest and unassuming, reliable, admiring her ‘salt of the earth’ attitude and her willingness be involved in not only Dressage Marlborough but in all the groups that she is connected too. They say she is always on hand to help out her local group, is super encouraging to all riders starting out (well all riders in general!) She is always first to put her hand up to help put up arenas, clean up at the end of the day or any other task that needs doing.

She is an integral part of the Dressage Marlborough judging team - if they are for some reason short of judges, or if one calls in unwell, Alison will leap into the driving seat and judge. When the group has visiting mentor judges at the main shows, Alison will judge the lower classes to make room for those judges wishing to upskill - she always does this in a kindly matter, never a fuss nor complaint and often puts other judges aspirations above her own.

years. She can often be seen in the writers seat mentoring local trainee judges in the non-graded classes. She is extremely positive about the grass roots riders and always can be counted upon to have encouraging comments focusing on what the rider did well before pointing out the not so good and giving helpful advice to how those riders can improve.

She is also a keen Pony Club instructor, examiner and often judges at Pony Club eventing and dressage events. Alison’s own riding career was mostly “low level everything” as she puts it! “For a big chunk of my riding time I boarded and schooled the horses for the riders from Awatere pony club when they were away at school”.

L to R: Anna Gale and Alison Souness (Marlborough Judge of the Year)

Her pathway to dressage judging was writing for close to thirty years and now judging for nearly seven

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

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NATIONAL NEWS

BRILLIANTLY BOUTIQUE EVENT A FIRST TIME SUCCESS STORY Photos by © Libby Law Photography Article by Jessica Roberts

It takes village (or dedicated dressage community). Following the gloomy cancellation of both the 2022 Land Rover Horse of the Year Show and Bates National Championships, the Dressage NZ team acted quickly and with the brilliant support of the equestrian community and sponsors delivered the Dunstan Horsefeeds Dressage for Denmark CDI3* to give NZ-based riders the chance to attain the first of two FEI qualifying scores needed for the World Championships.

Rebecca McKee and Solo Photo: Libby Law

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NATIONAL NEWS

upport from volunteers and officials from as far afield as Invercargill and North Auckland, and the expertise of new event Auckland based manager Cassie Freeman meant mission accomplished - an event like no other seen before in New Zealand. With just twenty-seven combinations eventually lining up, this boutique national and international event held exclusively in the Taupo NEC stadium offered an inspirational opportunity to get tailcoats dusted off and horses back into the ring after a rather patchy two years of intermittent competition and cancelled events. Alongside the CDI 3*, a CDIY and national FEI level classes were offered to optimise the opportunity of hosting such an event. Spectators Supporters’ packages were offered as part of the fundraising campaign to help get our New Zealand team to Herning, Denmark for the World Championships later this year, along with a showcase of the Fabuleux Vous and ESNZ Dressage Collection jewellery which is also raising funds towards this huge undertaking.

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NATIONAL NEWS

L to R: Christine Weal (Sponsor), Morgan Abel-Pattinson, Frankie Lawn, Georgia Mullins, Grace Purdie, Samanatha Wells and Zoie Gray (Sponsor Dunstan Horsefeeds) Photo: Libby Law

CHRISTINE WEAL EQUESTRIAN PONY CDN CHAMPION: MORGAN ABEL-PATTINSON AND PIONEER NORTH EAST RESERVE: GEORGIA MULLINS AND KINGSLEA BUSY BEE

wo straight wins in both the FEI Team (66.286) and Individual (63.568) Tests left Morgan AbelPattinson and Pioneer North East unbeaten for the championship rug and sash. The Pony tests have quite a few canter-walk-canter transitions plus counter canter which proved tricky for some, but not Morgan. “North has so many strong suits, and I definitely think he has a pretty cool counter canter,” she says. “I love training him because every time I finish riding him I have a feeling of accomplishment; he always tries very hard for me.” After a course error in their first test, Georgia Mullins had her game face on for Friday with Kingslea Busy Bee, delivering a very consistent Individual test for second place (62.838) which earned them reserve champion. The three other riders in this class also rode with an empathy for the task and displaying a good example to other youngsters. New Plymouth combination Frankie Lawn and Pied Piper Trick or Treat, Grace Purdie (King Country) and Firebird Five in their first season at this level and 17-year-old Hamilton rider Samantha Wells (who is currently working in thoroughbred yearling preparation) on Gangnam Style all showed good form.

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Morgan Abel-Pattinson and Pioneer North East Photo: Libby Law

The ESNZ Dressage Fundraising collection with Fabuleux Vous

Rebecca McKee and Solo

Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J

L to R: Julie Malcolm and Chris Beach

Colin and Toni Louisson

Andie Morgan and PSL Lingh II

Frankie Lawn and Pied Piper Trick or Treat

All Photos: Libby Law Photography

NATIONAL NEWS

Young Riders and their support crews on a misty morning warm up

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NATIONAL NEWS

L to R: Zoie Gray (sponsor Dunstan Horsefeeds) Meg Johnston and All About Time, Linda Warren-Davey (Ground Jury) Photo: Libby Law

AOTEAROA GAMING TRUST YOUNG RIDER CDI-Y CHAMPION: MEG JOHNSTON AND BL ABOUT TIME RESERVE: BEN WEIR AND NPE DEL RICO

ith a five strong field of very competitive and talented young riders in the FEI team test, this was a class that could have been anyone’s. But on the day it was Waikato’s Anna Wilson and Neversfelde Rupert (Rotspon) for the top spot these two appear to have really cemented their partnership of almost two years, completing

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a harmonious test to finish on 64.882. Exactly one per cent point behind for second place was Ben Weir on Melissa Steed’s NPE Del Rico (63.882) demonstrating enviably accurate arena-craft, and closely into third was on-form South Island combination Meg Johnston and BL About Time, who added a few enthusiastic ones into his four-time tempi changes for 63.059.

NATIONAL NEWS

Anna Wilson and Neversfelde Rupert Photo: Libby Law

Lucy Cochrane and Gymanji Photo: Libby Law

Ben Weir and NPE Del Rico Photo: Libby Law

Lucy Cochrane and Gymanji went into fourth, followed by Auckland’s Bella Small who has stepped up to Young Rider level aboard Lord Louis (after much success on ponies including Dressage Pony of the Year title in 2020). Friday’s Individual Test shuffled the field around, with Meg pulling off a super test to take the win on 67.324. Ben stayed very consistent with his Doringcourt gelding for another second placing (64.294), followed by Anna on 63.206. Bella went into fourth (62.118) with Lucy in fifth after an unfortunate course error. It wasn’t quite the finish to Lucy’s two-year term in the north that she

was looking for, but she now heads home with Gymanji to Canterbury after completing her apprenticeship with Vanessa Way. She has set up her new business Raupo Creek Dressage and there’s no doubt we’ll be seeing this talented pair again very soon! 16-year-old Meg Johnston (Geraldine) was crowned the Aotearoa Gaming Trust Young Rider Champion: “I really enjoy training with Harry, he is a very rewarding and smart horse who is so much fun to ride,” she says, “My main goal is to continue to learn and have fun with him and then put that experience and training my own young horses through the levels.”

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NATIONAL NEWS

DRESSAGE WELLINGTON MEDIUM TOUR CDN CHAMPION: LORRAINE WARD-SMITH AND FERNLEA DIAMOND DAY RESERVE: LIZ HUTSON AND HAPSBURG PSH

2022

Southern Smiles from Lorraine and Archie Ward-Smith with Fernela Diamond Day. Photo: Libby Law

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2022

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our combinations lined up on Thursday for the FEI Inter A, with the class going to Lorraine Ward-Smith (Oamaru) and her superb chestnut mare Fernlea Diamond Day (Donnerubin). The pair finished on a solid 66.088, with the highlights of their test being some quality passage and piaffe, super extended canter and Lorraine’s grin of happiness which lasted all the way up the final centreline! Into second place was Andie Morgan and stallion PSL Lingh II (61.029), followed by Liz Hutson and Hapsburg PSH, the pair having an uncharacteristic course error to put 60.765 on the scoreboard. Rebecca McKee (Southland) tactfully rode her gleaming bay Salutation gelding Solo, who was a little nervous in the big indoor, into fourth place with a score of 60.412. On Friday - with just two starters - Lorraine made it a double in the FEI Inter B with another welldeserved win (63.946) to take out the Medium Tour championship, adding to their South Island Champs

Lorraine Ward-Smith and Fernela Diamond Day. Photo: Libby Law

title won earlier this year. This is the combinations first season at Medium Tour and look well on the way to achieving Lorraine’s future goal of riding her first Grand Prix test. “She’s been a very consistent work-horse,” said Lorraine of Fernlea Diamond Day, whom she has trained from scratch. “She can be very suspicious and tough at times, but I love her ‘let’s try it’ attitude.”

Liz Hutson and Hapsburg PSH with Dressage Wellington representative Jacqui Thompson. Photo: Libby Law

L to R: Zoe Gray (Dunstan Horsefeeds), Lorraine Ward-Smith, Andie Morgan, Liz Hutson, Rebecca McKee, Jacqui Thompsom from Dressage Wellington.

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NATIONAL NEWS

RIVER PARK FARM SMALL TOUR CDN CHAMPION: MANDY LITTLEJOHN AND DOLCE VITA RB RESERVE: RENEE ETHERINGTON AND BL ALL BY CHANCE

Mandy Littlejohn and Dolce Vita RB Photo: Libby Law

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NATIONAL NEWS

Mandy Littlejohn and Dolce Vita RB Photo: Libby Law

Renee Etherington and BL All By Chance Photo: Libby Law

ix lined up for the Prix St Georges, the first of the Small Tour tests. Fresh off the back of their Championship win at Taranaki in January (where she hit a personal best score in the Inter I), Whanganui’s Mandy Littlejohn rose to the top with her beautiful dark bay mare Dolce Vita RB (Doringcourt), winning on 69.118. She carried her winning form over into Friday’s Intermediate I with another harmonious and correct test (66.618) to take out the championship. This is Mandy and the 9-year-old Dolce Vita RB’s (aka Dixie) first season at this level. “She has amazing trainability and a good work ethic, says Mandy. “I think her strengths are the flying changes. She understood what to do very quickly!” After a close second (66.559) in the Prix St Georges, Debbie Barke and the home bred RM Suzie Q looked to be seriously in the running, but unfortunately on day two, this black, super gorgeous but equally sensitive mare decided it wasn’t a day to be in the indoor on her own and they couldn’t add to their championship tally. This opened the door for Renee Etherington take reserve with the seriously handsome grey BL All By Chance (Anamour). It was inspiring to see Para athlete Louise Duncan (Levin) contesting this class with Northern Ivanthus, along with Rachael Sutton and Aristide.

Louise Duncan and Northern Ivanthus Photo: Libby Law

Toni Louisson with the young Back on Track Devonian STS also started in the small tour entering the only the Prix St Georges for fourth place (64.118).

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NATIONAL NEWS

DUNSTAN HORSEFEEDS BIG TOUR CDI CHAMPION: GAYLENE LENNARD AND JAX JOHNSON RESERVE: VANESSA WAY AND NSC TIMBERMILL PREQUEL

Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson, Vanessa Way and NSC Timbermill Prequel Photo: Libby Law

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NATIONAL NEWS

GROUND JURY: Mura Love, Helen Hughes-Keen, Linda Warren-Davey, Sue Hobson, Margs Carline and Betty Brown Photo: Libby Law

some time off in the leadup as did Lucarne Dolley’s Ardmore and Vanessa Way made the difficult call to withdraw her stable star NSC Andreas before heading to Taupo.

Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson Photo: Libby Law

hursday’s Dunstan Horsefeeds FEI Grand Prix was the big one, being the one test that offered riders the chance to pocket one of two qualifying scores of 66% overall total (FEI Minimum Eligibility Requirement) needed to meet the minimum FEI standard of eligibility for the World Championships in Denmark later this year. Usually an MER can only be gained from an FEI judging panel that has a minimum of three foreign judges at least one of which must be FEI 5* level and who must also have awarded 66%. However due to covid imposed border restrictions, with FEI sanction, the panel comprised five NZL FEI judges, with tests livestreamed for review to the FEI nominated Judges Supervisory Panel (JSP) of two foreign experts: in this case Mary Seefried (AUS 5*) and David Hunt (GBR). It was their role to act as the foreign judge on the class and validate the performances only for MER purposes. The actual scores gained on the day and thus results, scores and world ranking

points were not altered in any way. The NZ FEI judging panel was headed by Sue Hobson (4*) supported by Mura Love & Betty Brown (3*) Linda Warren-Davey, Helen Hughes-Keen (4*). From eight nominations just five started. Wendi Williamson and the young Don Vito MH both required

The final field was interesting mix of youth and experience: Gaylene Lennard was on the serious hunt for an MER score following just one competition at this level back in October, Vanessa Way introducing yet another self-produced CDI Grand Prix horse alongside Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J - all in their first season. The experienced Cooper Oborn and the Anamour mare Aphrodite owned by the Stutchbury family and veteran Bill Millar partnered his favourite Raukura Satori MH for what was to be this talented horse’s competition swansong completed the field. Jax and Gaylene won the class with 69.804, with some jaw-dropping

Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J Photo: Libby Law

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Cooper Oborn and Aphrodite Photo: Libby Law

William Millar and Raukura Satori MH Photo: Libby Law

Grand Prix line up. Photo: Libby Law

moments of brilliance. Vanessa expertly piloted 9-year-old NSC Timbermill Prequel through his test, showing the talent and work ethic this exciting young horse has for the future. Vanessa and “Wills for Willing” Prequel took the win in the Special following FEI validation of the scores on 64.383. She and Gaylene remained on exactly the same score (no shortage of quality but a few hiccups - the Special takes no prisoners with those passage - extended trot - passage movements) but Jax placed second on the countback which is determined under FEI rules by the median mark of the five judges. The Championship was determined by championship points for placings, and then highest aggregate percentage over both classes so although these two had one win apiece the Dunstan Horsefeeds Championship was won by Jax Johnson. Chelsea and Etta were third on a very creditable (63.043). Raukura Satori MH (Robert) finished his competition career to lots of applause and fourth place with Bill Millar. Their long-time supporters and co-owners Brett Kendall and Rosemary Carter were on hand to enjoy his somewhat emotional retirement story at the prizegiving. Cooper Oborn who managed to keep a very bouncy Aphrodite on track with some admirably skilled and sympathetic riding took fifth place. The FEI JSP reviewed the Grand Prix performances overnight as required by their mandate to act as foreign judge and awarded one MER to New Zealand for Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson. 46 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | APRIL/MAY 2022

Vanessa Way and NSC Timbermiill Prequel Photo: Libby Law

NATIONAL CALENDAR

NATIONAL CALENDAR Keep up to date with the Premier League Events competition calendar for 2022-2023 Draft to be Approved at Planning Meeting 1/

SEPTEMBER 2022 24/25

South Canterbury/North Otago

SCNO Dressage Premier League and Championship Show

Premier League

OCTOBER 2022 8/9

Central Districts

Central Districts Premier League Show

Premier League

22/23

Marlborough

Dressage Marlborough

Premier League

22/24

Bay of Plenty

BOP Regional Championships

Premier League

29/30

Nelson

Richmond Roast House Summer Series

Premier League

29/30

Wellington

Dressage Wellington Championships

Premier League

NOVEMBER 2022 12/13

Northern Hawkes Bay

NHB Premier League

Premier League

12/13

Otago

Dressage Otago Premier League Championship Show

Premier League

19/20

Gisborne

Gisborne Dressage Premier League Championship Show

Premier League

Dressage NZ

Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge

National

24/27

Dressage NZ

Dressage NZ Nationals

National

DECEMBER 2022 3/4

Southern Hawkes Bay

SHB Premier League Event

Premier League

3/4

Southland

Dressage Southland PL Show

Premier League

10/11

Canterbury

Canterbury Dressage Championships

Premier League

10/11

Waitemata

Dressage Waitemata Premier League Event

Premier League

17/18

Taihape

Taihape Dressage Christmas Championships

Premier League

JANUARY 2023 14/15

Taranaki

Taranaki Premier League

Premier League

20/22

Auckland-Manukau

Auckland Manukau PL Champs

Premier League

21/22

Wairarapa

Dressage Wairarapa Premier League Event

Premier League

27/28

Dressage NZ

EvoEvents U25 Youth Festival incl Youth Forum

National / Regional

28/29

Ashburton

Ashburton Dressage Premier League Championship Show

Premier League

FEBRUARY 2023 4/6

SI Combined Cte

South Island Dressage Championships

Premier League

11/12

Northland

Northland Premier League Championships

Premier League

17/19 Waikato Dressage Waikato Premier League Festival

Premier League

MARCH 2023 9/12

HOY Show

Land Rover Horse of the Year Show

National / CDI /Y

23/26

Dressage NZ

Bates Saddles Dressage NZ Nationals

National /CDI / Y

APRIL/MAY 2022 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 47

NATIONAL NEWS

SPONSOR PROFILE:

PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN With Jess Roberts

The Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures Prize is always a hotly contested annual series, not least because the winner takes home a brand new Prestige dressage saddle.

his series is open only to riders who have not yet competed at FEI Medium Tour or above and encourages them to produce their own horses up through the grades (horses are eligible up to 10 years of age). “We’ve tried to make this prize accessible for up-and-coming combinations, and due to the nature of this prestigious prize we also wanted to share it with a new winner each year,” explains Prestige Equestrian owner Stephanie Liefting. “As much as we know many of you would like multiple Prestige saddles in your tack room!” [riders may only win the saddle once but can still win the series on points]. Liefting’s philosophy is to provide a great incentive so that our less experienced and seasoned riders are encouraged to get into the arena and give it a go. “We are lucky to have a fantastic collaboration with Prestige Italy, the manufacturer of this quality brand. Together we want to support NZ dressage and NZ riders to achieve their best,” she says. “And we love working with Dressage NZ. The team have wonderful communication with us, and a great format for involving us with areas and shows all around NZ where our series is run.” Prestige Equestrian is based in Clevedon, with excellent facilities on-site for fitting and trialling saddles. Having owned the business for over a decade, the very experienced Stephanie wears several hats: not only is she the chief saddlefitter for greater Auckland and Waikato, but after the passing of her partner in 2018 - the widely respected Laurence O’Toole - took over the import and distribution side too. “I have taken over the reins so to speak, and now enjoy fully participating in the import and distribution of Prestige Italy Saddles and Accessories, Mountain Horse riding boots and apparel, plus Equilibrium Products UK,” says Stephanie. It also helps that she is a rider too, which adds a valuable layer of understanding to her work. “At eighteen, I decided to breed my own horse, and after starting him and bringing him through the grades we ended up going all the way to 3* [old eventing format] and onto the training squad for NZ Eventing at the time,” she remembers, adding that she has always had a passion for dressage, having competed up to Advanced Medium in this discipline as well.

Dressage NZ thanks Prestige Equestrian for their generous support and sponsorship.

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These days Stephanie has turned her focus more toward breeding and starting nicelytemperamented, all-round competition horses. “I have enjoyed learning several ways to teach and start horses, and I guess I have just combined what I have learnt - including good old stockmanship!” she affirms.

NATIONAL NEWS

We ask Stephanie…

Morgan Beere (L) 2021 winner of the Prestige Equestrian Futures prize with sponsor Stephanie Liefting.

Why Prestige? Prestige have a really big range of saddles, from entry level prices to higher end with a variety of styles, tree shapes and flap sizes so that there is 99% of the time a saddle that can be found to suit all combinations. They work with top veterinarians, riders and saddle makers to ensure the utmost comfort and performance is met by their technology and design. And, they are truly stylish!

Top Saddle Fitting Tips?

Interim Results With Covid restricting opportunities for many riders, the maximum number of scores to count has been reduced to 7 from 10. With just two qualifying events remaining, both in the North Island; Auckland-Manukau and Oro Equestrian NI Championships the competition remains wide open for combinations to better their total scores and move up the table. RIDER

HORSE

PTS

AREA

Tanya McKenzie

SE Gatsby

Canterbury

Sandy Houston

Southwell Razzmataz

Canterbury

Mary Davis

Denzel MH

Southland

Philippa McLeod

Donneregal

South Canterbury

Hannah Thomson

Jalyn Special Effects

Wellington

Lenore McIver

Anaruby II

Central Districts

Mikayla Wildermoth

Don Douglas CFH

Canterbury

Carol Bloomfield

Tuahu Liquorice

Wellington

Vanessa Baxter

Jazzaway

Nelson

Rilee McMeekin

Furst Love Note

Nelson

Kristen Anderson

Fernlea Don Rubato

Southland

Kathryn Corry

Ganache MH

Waikato

Emma Dickons

Belmont Bedsox

Central Districts

Cherie Pearson

Dulcet

Canterbury

Cindy Wiffin

Santana MH

Nth Hawkes Bay

All saddle brands fit differently, so don’t confuse sizes between brands. There are many things which affect the fit of a saddle, but it is imperative that it is balanced and that the tree points correctly correlate to your horse’s shape behind the shoulder. Also that the panel shape is correct and aligns with the shape of your horse’s back. Lastly, ensure the saddle is right for you – that you feel comfortable, able to sit in the correct position with ease and that the flap length and blocks are in the best possible position for your body shape.

When should my saddle be checked? After you purchase a new saddle the flock panel will settle in between 2-6 months depending on the weight of the rider, amount of riding in the saddle, type of flocking, and the thickness of flocking and panel. So that is usually a good time to get it checked. Your fitter can advise you how to manage your horse’s shape changes in accordance with your chosen saddle, so take notes and write these instructions into your diary.

APRIL/MAY 2022 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 49

INTERNATIONAL NEWS

Six months pregnant and winner of the FEI Dressage World Cup Final in Leipzig, Jessica von Bredow-Werndl.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS

LEIPZIG ANOTHER TRIUMPH BEFORE JESSICA'S BABY PAUSE Article by Louise Parkes (FEI) Photos by ©FEI/Richard Juilliart & Liz Gregg

While Isabell Werth retires Weihegold in style

here’s nothing like a big win on home ground, but there’s also nothing like retiring a superstar horse in front of a wildly enthusiastic crowd, so the Freestyle finale had it all when Jessica von BredowWerndl steered Dalera to victory at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final 2022 where the sport said a rousing farewell to Isabell Werth’s great mare, Weihegold OLD. The Leipzig Hall was electric with excitement all night, and some of the equine stars shrank under the intensity of the noisy atmosphere during the first half of the competition.

But when it came down to the wire the big names really rose to the occasion, and it was Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour who lined up second with her new young star Vamos Amigos while Werth and Weihegold finished third. Werth raised the bar when putting a score of 85.921 on the board when fifth-last to go in the field of 17, Weihegold producing a stunning test that was full of energy and beautifully ridden by the lady long known as “The Queen” of dressage. The knowledgeable crowd were with them every step of the

way, knowing that this was their last performance together as the mare was to be retired. And when they came to a halt, the crowd rose to their feet with an enormous roar to acknowledge them. Team gold and individual silver at the Rio 2016 Olympic Games, European team gold in 2017, three FEI Dressage World Cup™ titles in a row including the last one in 2019 and team gold at last year’s European Championships in Hagen (GER) amongst their many achievements - their record has been extraordinary.

FROM LEFT: Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD, Jessica von BredowWerndl and TSF Dalera BB, Cathrine Dufour and Vamos Amigos.

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INTERNATIONAL NEWS Jessica von BredowWerndl (GER) riding TSF Dalera BB to first place in the Short Grand Prix at the FEI Dressage World Cup™ Final.

However Denmark’s Cathrine Dufour always looked threatening when steering Vamos Amigo through a brilliant test, although clearly she wasn’t pushing the 10-year-old to the limit in extended canter. It was no wonder because, as she said afterwards, “he was a bomb today for sure!” He certainly looked explosive but contained himself to the very end and, once his rider relaxed the rein, wandered out the arena like he’d heard a crowd like today’s a million times. “He’s never been in a ring as full as this before, he was really brave today!”, Dufour said with delight this evening. Jessica von Bredow-Werndl arrived in Leipzig for the Final on the crest of a wave but, as she pointed out tonight, a little “rounder” than usual because she is expecting her second baby to arrive in a few months’ time. However the little bit of extra weight wasn’t bothering Dalera as the pair executed yet another exquisite test that demonstrated the delightful harmony between these two. The balance, rhythm, accuracy and lightness, and the drama of their tempi changes all came together to present the most elegant picture, and as they pranced up the final centreline it was a score of 90.836 Dufour joked that she (Jessica) shouldn’t rush returning to the sport after her baby arrives - “just stay away for a while!”, she suggested with an enormous laugh. The Danes had every reason to be on a high, Dufour filling second spot, Cassøe Krüth finishing fourth and Skodborg Merrald lining up in fifth place. It was a show of mighty strength from Denmark, and it’s a real shot-in-the-arm ahead of this summer’s World Dressage Championships on their home ground in Herning in August

“It’s really fantastic to see how the system in Denmark has gone so well over last four or five years and you clearly see what has been produced - riders bringing young horses to the top - the two girls that are here are really cool and they can perform under pressure, myself included, and of course we love to put pressure on the other girls sitting here!”, she said, looking at Werth and von Bredow-Werndl. “But there is still some way to go, we saw that in 2020 suddenly things change, so for now we are going to keep the horses sharp, try to make a good plan and then really just enjoy that the Championship is going to be on Danish soil. That is quite fantastic in itself, and we are looking forward to inviting everyone for a great battle and great sport”, Dufour added.

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Cathrine Dufour (DEN) rode Vamos Amigos to second place in the Short Grand Prix.

INTERNATIONAL NEWS After the prizegiving the emotions were flowing again when Werth and Weihegold entered the arena for the mare’s retirement ceremony. “When you are in a competition you are focused on that, and of course the last line (of their Freestyle) was also quite emotional and when they gave Weihegold the standing ovation that was very great. But to go in with the team of people who have been around for the last seven or eight years that was really emotional, to feel the atmosphere”, Werth said. However she felt it was the perfect send-off in the end. “It was what you wish for a horse like her, to give her the last honour - it was just super!”, she added.

Danke (Thank you) for the memories, Isabell Werth and Weihegold OLD.

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