VALE GABANA

Article by Louisa Hill

"Gabana was a homebred Hanoverian by Genius out of a Winnebago mare bred by my mother Jenny Hill. She has been a big part of our lives for 29 years.

She won many dressage titles including HOY twice and the Burkner medal at the Bates Nationals. As winner of the PSI World Dressage Challenge in NZ, I had the opportunity to compete at the final at PSI, Hagen in Germany. So many amazing horses to watch and ride and to win the final was a highlight. An adventure to Australia and of course, the ultimate was representing NZ at the Athens Olympics in 2004 and training in Germany with Norbert van Laark.

With the loss of Gabana last month, we have spent time looking through the photos of her career and adventures. Her photo albums portray all the wonderful people that helped us along the way - my mother Jenny who was my main support and trainer, Clemens Dierks, Bates Saddles, ESNZ, Dressage NZ and the many people that helped with fundraisers-you were all a massive part of our jouney.

Good bye and thank you Gabana"