KIWIS STEAL THE SHOW AT THE SYDNEY CDI 3*
NZ National Dressage Championships – 25 years together with Bates Saddles
NATIONAL NEWS
Accumulator Series Results
The DressageNZ Bulletin is the official magazine of Dressage NZa discipline of Equestrian Sports NZ
Editor: Wendy Hamerton
E: dressage@nzequestrian.org.nz
Design and Production: www.snaffledesign.co.nz
The stars surely aligned for our three home-based riders, who backed themselves to take on the Australians in their own arena. took the gamble at the recent Sydney CDI. Our whole equestrian family can be justifiably super proud of what they achieved. Their performances were high on the chatter list at the event with much praise being offered by Kiwi and Australian fans alike, “punching well above our weight” being a common theme.
As the season draws to a close it is very timely to thank each and every one of you who have contributed to our sport in any way during the season. The riders who inspire us, the support teams and coaches who inspire them, the ever-committed organising committees delivering the competitions, the officials and volunteers, our loyal sponsors and funders, the Dressage Board members, sub-committees and national committee, the island rider reps, the Youth Council, the area groups who provide the training opportunities. There are some changes ahead in the new season with three new Board members to fill the roles of Chair, Marketing & Communications and Training and Development. Thank you to Scott McKenna, Alicia Cameron and Olivia Ballantyne who have held these roles. We hope you enjoy having some more time to enjoy your own horses and perhaps just some time to read a book or other peaceful pursuit!
Our wonderful designer Sarah Gray from Snaffle Design had also called time after sixty-six issues. Sarah’s commitment to the publication has been second to none with every single publication being a beautiful portrayal of our domestic and international sport. Thank you Sarah for coping with my efforts as an editor – late deadlines, spelling mistakes and all. We all wish you well enjoying your family life with Ale and little Rocco and look forward to seeing you out competing again.
Graphic Design Sarah Gray
Email: sarah@snaffledesign.co.nz
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Email: DNZbulletin@gmail.com
Copyright © Snaffle Design & Dressage NZ 2023
Cover Image: Melissa Galloway and Windermere J'Obei W
Article by Wendy Hamerton
Firstly the stars aligned over the Sydney International Equestrian Centre… then they sparkled with a brilliance that made us all so proud to be Kiwis.
The Kiwi trio of Melissa Galloway, Wendi Williamson and Madi Schollum landed in Sydney for the for the biggest CDI in the Asia Pacific region, and bigger than many in North America and Europe, with a quiet confidence after great performances at the Bates National Championships just a few weeks before.
Aside from the long-standing Trans-Tasman rivalry amongst numerous sporting codes, Melissa and Wendi were keenly chasing FEI Olympic G Ranking points and the opportunity to put themselves before a very experienced and knowledgeable team of judges from Denmark, Netherlands, Great Britain, Argentina, Brazil, Australia and New Zealand (represented by Helen Hughes-Keen and Mura Love) To have a chance for a Paris spot they need four scores from different CDI3* (or above) qualifying events before 31 December 2023 and this was the third event on
their must do list. Wendi had been very successful at the Horsley Park venue with Don Amour MH back in October 2019 winning the CDIW Grand Prix Freestyle with a personal best of 76.180%, while Melissa was a first timer at Sydney – so definitely a bucket list item ticked off!
FACING PAGE
Melissa Galloway and Windermere J'Obei W
PICTURED BELOW
Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH
PHOTOS Amy-Sue Alston Photography
Madi’s decision to join them, strongly supported by her trainer and mentor Wendi, was on the back of Small Tour national championships in 2022 and 2023 and with the chance to test themselves even further against a very strong Australian CDI* line up which included Brett Parbery, David McKinnon & Rozzie Ryan.
The CDI offered national classes from Advanced level to Grand Prix, and 4,5,6,7yr old horses and 4,5,6yr old pony classes alongside international classes for Juniors, Young Riders, Small Tour, Medium Tour, U25 Grand Prix, Grand Prix – the FEI horse inspection taking over one and a half hours. FEI Para Classes (CPEDI2* & 3*) returned to the event this year with an additional day of dedicated Para classes on Tuesday, making for a five-day show.
There were a number of other Kiwi connections to look out for too. Lucy Cochrane travelled over from Melbourne to compete very creditably for her Keystone base in the 5yr old Young Dressage Horse classes on Keystone Bechstein
(77.6%) and Keystone Furstin Class (75.8%) in the first round.
We saw Vanessa Way’s former ride Timbermill Prequel taking two wins a second in the U25 Grand Prix with Tanisha Ryan, as well as JW Limitless (formerly owned by Jacqui Winspear) and HP Fresco (formerly owned by Holly Leach),
Bon Jovi MH (formerly owned by Team Williamson) in the Young Rider, Astek Ghisella (formerly owned by Janelle Sangster-Ward) in the CDN.
John Thompson had a busy show with two rides in the Advanced classes finishing 5th on Sugarloaf Amnesty & 7th on MSJ Gatsby the Championship and two young horses in each of the 4yr old & 5yr old classes.
There were numerous fans and supporters from New Zealand in the crowed and the riders gave them much to cheer about.
The horses all looked in top order at the first horse inspection, beautifully presented, well behaved and leaving supporters with a quiet air of anticipation.
The next three days were magical. Madi Schollum’s rather lastminute decision to the make the trip with amazing support from family and friends was clearly vindicated. Golda’s campaign
began with the Prix St Georges CDI1* for 67.088% and 7th place ribbon in a twenty strong field and less than 1% between 5th and 7th. (There were also an additional thirty-five horses in the CDN Prix St Georges making a total of 55 combinations in small tour). Next up they scored 6th place in the Intermediate I easily qualifying for the Saturday Freestyle. They drew last to go before the break and rode it like they stole it going into the lead at that point. It was a truly
professional performance from a rider in their first year of senior FEI competition. Their music was foot perfect, the choreography clear and flowing to finish third behind the experienced pair of Brett Parbery and David McKinnon, giving the kiwi supporters much to cheer about.
Wendi Williamson was appointed by the OC as foreign rider for the event and was mortified when she drew Melissa as number one to go in the Grand Prix. There was much
banter around that but both Wendi and Melissa are total professionals in all aspects. Melissa went on to lead from the number one start position in the Grand Prix with scores ranging from 69.348% to 72.500% for a 70.891% total. Wendi chased hard on her relatively inexperienced “Junior” who just gets better at every outing finishing on 70.435% and 5* judge Susie Hoovenaars (AUS) having the pair equal with Melissa and Joey. These were true stand outs in the class, the nearest rivals being the Western Australian combination of Alinta Veenvliet on the Desperados mare Desperanza on 67.717%
The Special saw another Kiwi quinella Melissa earning first place from all judges for a total 72.511%. Wendi & Junior started with a magnificent extended trot and were looking super consistent until some costly mistakes in both line of changes, but the quality and accuracy of the rest of the test was
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in the day which included the wonderful pony Hilkens Denali (started in New Zealand to small tour level by Waikato’s Amy de Langen). The New Zealand pair were just unstoppable with Melissa taking the win on 76.330%, four judges having her first while Maria Schwennessen at C had Wendi to win. Don Vito MH scored a total 74.825%. So not only did it turn out to be a great Trans Trasman contest, but New Zealand had two
riders going head to head pushing each other hard – the fabulous smiles on their faces at the end of their tests said it all, but the rare emotion showed by Wendi for the performance of her ten year old Don Frederico gelding old truly epitomised the feeling of all New Zealand supporters who were delighted to hear their own national anthem played at the prizegiving and relive the special moments of the 2023 Sydney CDI.
such they held on to second place with 67.128% nearly 2% ahead of Sue Hearn and Eminent.
The crowds started to fill the venue on Saturday despite the heavy rain which resulted in many trade stands packing up early and lots of very wet riders and horses. Just nine combinations lined up in the CDI 3* Freestyle with a further ten in the CDN earlier
New Zealand riders have continued their extraordinary rise up the FEI Dressage Rider & Horse Rankings and the all-important FEI Group rankings which will determine if New Zealand will be allocated an Individual place at Paris subject to meeting stringent NZOC selection criteria. Anticiapted ranking at 30 April to be officially confirmed by FEI.
Following the Sydney CDI, the Athletes rankings show Melissa
Galloway has moved from number 109 to 44, and Wendi Williamson jumps from 176 to 68 – both the highest rankings ever for New
Zealand. In the Horse Rankings Windermere J'Obei W has climbed from number 114 to 51 and Don Vito MH a massive move from 210 to 76.
Riders from Group G are contesting two individual places at the Paris 2024 Games; however, countries can only earn one place each. Performances at CDI 3* and above count with the best score from each of four events to count based on percentage. The Grand
Prix, the Special and the Freestyle are all eligible, albeit the Freestyle points allocated are slightly lower. Riders from Group G have been busy competing on the Florida circuit resulting in Singapore and Thailand already have four scores to count, followed by Japan and two riders from Korea with three each. The Kiwis are now closing in with Melissa Galloway, Wendi Williamson, and Gaylene Lennard in second, third and eighth place.
Article by Wendy Hamerton Photos by Libby Law Photography
Bravo to Bates Saddles and the entire support team for delivering not just one but two hugely successful national championsips in four months - thank you to the riders who inspired us all, raising the bar to a whole new level showing the true Kiwi can do spirit.
was hosted on Thursday evening with long time Bates ambassador Louisa Hill telling the Bates story prior to David cutting the special lemon cake.
The stars of the show were Melissa Galloway and Windermere J'Obei W who broke two New Zealand records and scored personal bests in
The 25th version of Bates NZ National Dressage Championships received many accolades, the highest being from David Jones-Parry, Bates Saddles New Zealand representative, who considered it to be the “best yet”. The twenty-fiveyear partnership is a testament to the wonderful working relationship between David, the Bates parent company and Dressage NZ who share a common vision to provide an outstanding event available to a wide range of competitors, fostering friendships and great performances. A wonderful surprise twenty-fiveyear purple and gold themed party
both the Grand Prix and the Grand Prix Freestyle taking the Burkner Medal for the 2023 Grand Prix Championship ahead of the 2022 Champions Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH.
Each year the standard at every level exceeds expectations with exciting new combinations emerging and returning combinations moving up the grades. All credit to the many South Island combinations who made the long trek amidst major ferry disruptions and the Northlanders faced with long detours and who went on to score well despite these stressful distractions.
A CDI 3* added another dimension with the opportunity for NZL Grand Prix riders to be assessed by the very experienced panel of international judges and thanks to a valuable collaboration with ESNZ High Performance, 5* Isobel Wessels (GBR) was there giving riders an immediate comparison with her European scores and the chance for FEI Olympic Group G ranking points with an early focus on a place at Paris 2024 Olympics for New Zealand. The CDIY for young riders 16-21 attracted a number of newcomers to this level of competition which is rewarding for the sport.
Championships were contested at Bronze, Silver & Open sections up to Advanced Medium plus ProAm divisions at Advanced and all three FEI levels.
There was an outstanding line up of young horses in the 4 -7 yr old age groups, the champions being decided over two rounds. The quality and presentation of training appropriate for each age group impressed both the judges and the audience who stayed to watch the two top placegetters in each division and listen to the expert commentary of Isobel Wessels.
The event is also the muchcoveted annual championships for all grades of Para Dressage athletes whose dedication and enthusiasm is second to none. They also enjoyed an informal off horse session with Lisa Baker FEI Para Judge from Australia .
The finals of the North Island
Super 5 League were featured on day one, and the National Super 5 NI Series & National League Champions determined by the scores attained at this event and the South Island Championships
Dressage NZ acknowledges with much gratitude all the supporting sponsors, trade stands, officials, scorers, runners, writers, and volunteers who contributed so much to the success of the event. So much goes on behind the competition scene to deliver an event that offers so much.
Thank you all
CLICK HERE TO VIEW FULL RESULTS FROM THE EVENT.
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/bates-national-championships/
W
VOM FEINSTEN TROPHY
GRAND PRIX WINNER -
TIRONUI TROPHY
GRAND PRIX FREESTYLE -
BURKNER MEDAL GRAND PRIX
HELEN HOLDEN MEMORIAL TROPHY - AREA TEAM CHAMPIONSHIP
AUCKLAND-MANUKAU
Samantha Belsham & Dolcetto II
Brina Carpenter & Parkridge Disco SW
Sarah Holmes & Nina DW
Angela Lloyd & Cashin's World Star
NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD
BEST PERFORMED HANOVERIAN
PRELIMINARY TO MEDIUM
Vanessa Way & Buggatti MH
NZ HANOVERIAN SOCIETY AWARD
BEST PERFORMED HANOVERIAN
ADV MEDIUM TO GRAND PRIX
Vanessa Way & BL All By Chance
RAKAUNUI STUD TROPHY - BEST PERFORMED MARE & ANAMOUR MEMORIAL TROPHY
(YDH classes sponsored by River Park Farm)
THE MATTHEWS
HANOVERIANS TROPHY - 4YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE
Rochelle Speirs and Orinoco
F.A.B (by Incognito out of Zakira (by Scandic)) owned by David Brougham -
THE GLENVAR STUD TROPHY - BEST NZ BRED YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE AND THE ELITE EQUINE TROPHY - 5YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE
Lorraine Ward-Smith and Fernlea Diamond Hall (by Donnerubin DC out of Fernlea Danndi (by Donnerwind V)) bred by Lorraine and Archie Ward-Smith -
THE ASTEK STUD TROPHY - 6YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE
Candice Nicol and Falcon O (by Furstenball out of Vollrath Latika (by Lessing)) bred by Ohuatahi Warmbloods
BEST PERFORMED PONY RIDER
PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY
Piper Crake & Cinder Strike
BEST PERFORMED ADULT
PONY RIDER PRELIMINARY TO ELEMENTARY
Kimberley Trow & Master Daniel of Nicholas Lodge
BEST PERFORMED THOROUGHBRED AWARD
Samantha Fechney & Shockings Showman
HUNNIMAN TROPHY
TOP SCORE % PARA EQUESTRIAN
Rachel Hughes & HPH Benedict
NZHS has over 40 years of breeding history and success in New Zealand – as a Daughter Society of the Hanoverian Verband, it is backed by over 250 years history in Germany in producing International Performance bred horses.
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World Championships – Antonello and Vom Feinsten Rhein.
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NOVICE BRONZE CHAMPION
Rebecca Merrick & Beaufield Florencia
RESERVE Jessica Sutherland & Easy Going
NOVICE SILVER CHAMPION
Helen Young & Vollrath Lorde
RESERVE Mckenzie Dew & Roof of Reckoning
NOVICE OPEN CHAMPIONSHIP (Killala Trophy)
Holly Leach & HPE Barbados (Pictured right)
RESERVE Lorraine Ward-Smith & Fernlea Diamond
Hall
MEDIUM BRONZE CHAMPION
Augusta Hampton & Arnage Rhumba
RESERVE Fiora Au & Pia
MEDIUM SILVER CHAMPION
Bronwyn Paul & Lindt
RESERVE Yvette Wilson & Crystal Mt Vitoria
MEDIUM OPEN CHAMPION (Doornbos Trophy)
Candice Nichol & Falcon O (Pictured right)
RESERVE Vanessa Way & Buggatti MH
PRELIMINARY BRONZE CHAMPION
Rochelle Robertson & JHT Fancy Pants
RESERVE Renee Hogg & CDS Donnernoire
PRELIMINARY SILVER CHAMPION
Samantha Fechney & Shockings Showman
RESERVE Charlotte Grant & Now's The Time PSH
PRELIMINARY OPEN CHAMPION (Aztec Trophy)
Casey Burton & Fanciful MH (Pictured left)
RESERVE Ottilie Upshall & El Segundo (Pictured)
ELEMENTARY BRONZE CHAMPION
Hanna Luostari & Oldbrooke Debut
RESERVE Kylie Littleford & Sweet Lucille
ELEMENTARY SILVER CHAMPION
Claudia Younger & CDS Donnerstern
RESERVE Sarah Schnell & Kyrewood Monte Carlo
ELEMENTARY OPEN CHAMPION (Tuna Lodge Trophy)
Claudia Younger & CDS Donnerstern (Pictured Left)
RESERVE Alison Summers & Regent Street (Pictured)
ADVANCED CHAMPION (Hobson Trophy)
Cooper Oborn & Irish Coffee
RESERVE Vanessa Way & NSC Jolie DW
PROAM SMALL TOUR CHAMPION
Anna Wilson & Neversfelde Rupert
RESERVE Kathryn Corry & Anuschka PSH
SMALL TOUR CHAMPION (Surrey Trophy)
Madison Schollum & Kinnordy Golda (Pictured right)
RESERVE Melissa Galloway & Windermere Integro
ADV MEDIUM BRONZE CHAMPION
Vicki Gibbs & Donero RH
RESERVE Alice Cochran & Alacatraz
ADV MEDIUM SILVER CHAMPION
Renai Hart & Smilla
RESERVE Sophie de Clifford & Riverrock Nigella
ADV MEDIUM OPEN CHAMPION (Kentucky Trophy)
Penny Pearce & Papanui Just Dynamite (Pictured left)
RESERVE Cooper Oborn & Joniro
PROAM MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION
Brina Carpenter & Parkridge Disco SW
RESERVE Angela Hooper & Surreal BC
MEDIUM TOUR CHAMPION (Trotter Trophy)
Vanessa Way & BL All By Chance (Pictured left)
RESERVE Brina Carpenter & Parkridge Disco SW
GRAND PRIX CHAMPION (Burkner Medal)
Melissa Galloway & Windermere J'Obei W
RESERVE Wendi Williamson & Don Vito MH
FEI YOUNG RIDER CLASSIC
Ben Weir & NPE Del Rico (Pictured right)
RESERVE Gemma Lewis & Ruanuku R (Pictured)
FEI PONY CLASSIC
Frankie Lawn & Pied Piper Trick or Treat
RESERVE Paige Fitzgerald & Greenmoor Euphoria
7YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPION
Julie Fraser & Fandango (Pictured right)
PARA EQUESTRIAN GRADE I CHAMPION
Jodie Thorne & Ira Hayes
PARA EQUESTRIAN GRADE II CHAMPION
Aimee Prout & Laghmor
RESERVE Nicola Essex & Mirako SP
4YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPION
Rochelle Speirs & Orinoco F.A.B (Pictured left)
RESERVE Casey Burton & Fanciful MH (Pictured)
5YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPION
Lorraine Ward-Smith & Fernlea Diamond Hall
RESERVE Fiona Sharp & Fonzarelli
6YO YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CHAMPION
Candice Nichol & Falcon O
RESERVE Cassandra Dally & Jazdan Dark Kennedy CD
PARA EQUESTRIAN GRADE III CHAMPION
Rachel Hughes & HPH Benedict
PARA EQUESTRIAN GRADE IV CHAMPION
Anne Watts & Josephs Dream (Pictured left)
RESERVE Sally Essex & I Romulus
PARA EQUESTRIAN GRADE V CHAMPION
Chelsea Burns & DSE Lannister
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The inaugural Land Rover Dressage Team Challenge resulted in a powerful victory for the Canterbury based Forward Power Welcome League team who scored a massive 929 points over nearest rivals the Dressage Central Districts Divas on 693 points.
The team concept has been very well received and supported in both islands as Dressage is traditionally a very individual sport so a huge thanks to Land Rover for their support.
A total twenty one Youth teams participated and twenty six senior teams. The Youth teams were open to all Under 21’s while the senior teams targeted less experienced riders with support from a more experienced team captain to mentor them.
The National Youth Division win was for six strong team of the northern based Dressage Defenders on 669 points from a North Island wide team, the Young Guns, who scored 665 points. The South Island Red team took the honours for the southern award scoring 519 points ahead of South Island Blue on 508 points which was a mighty effort from just four team riders.
For the full results click here ...
It has been 2 years since ORO Equestrian last checked in with Dressage NZ Bulletin, it's fair to say lots has happened in this time, ORO Equestrian has made the move to Tauranga setting up their boutique equine property, which houses the ORO Equestrian showroom, stable, tack room, wash down bay and newly finished Sand/ Treadlite arena just metres from their converted barn home.
The arena is currently being booked for some exciting clinics including with our team riders Wendi Williamson & Brea Walker. I have longed for a arena my entire life and to make it a reality now is pretty amazing. I’m chuffed to be able to open up the gates and offer this to other riders with our facilities for hire. Riders have access to Show jumps which include the Woodshield Show jumping poles and ORO Equestrian Jump stands.
It started with the purchase of a Bobcat on Valentine’s Day 2021. Close to being two years to the day when the Bobcat removed the first piece of dirt to start the process of the arena and surrounding landscape including building the shed and stable facilities. Brendon mentioned we will get this done within 6 months, 2 years later we can say its finished! Planting every plant, digging every fence post in certainly gives you a sense of accomplishment, and has taught me
the art of patience!
Every where you look are the Woodshield Fence Post products, accompanied by the Stock & Noble Paint & Equirope fencing. A finished product of our vision is so rewarding. Our wash down bay and stable was designed by Brendon which incorporates the Woodshield Posts/Poles which gives such a smart low maintenance finish.
Its been another fulfilling year of supporting our team of ORO Equestrian riders across all disciplines. Every rider in ‘Team ORO’ is a part of our puzzle, each one fits and compliments the other. Many of the riders becoming good friends & supporters of each other. Another year of supporting the ‘Small Stars Top 10 league’ such a rewarding division to be apart of, a super initiative that we feel very passionate about, allowing those smaller horses the opportunity to have that competitive experience among the other small stars in the Dressage arena.
We continue our role of naming sponsors for the ORO Equestrian Bay of Plenty Dressage Championships & the ORO Equestrian Dressage Waikato Festival of Dressage, two super shows which we throughly enjoy supporting & seeing the growth of the show & the riders, achieving goals and moving through the levels over time. During the season we also support numerous grass roots events across all disciplines.
A integral part of 2023 is going to be ORO Dressage by the Lake held at Takapoto on the 24-26th November which will incorporate
the 2023 FEI Pacific League World Cup Final. We are honoured to be naming sponsors of this very special event that we encourage all riders to come along and soak in the inspiring atmosphere that Takapoto Estate offers. We look forward to supporting our ‘Team riders’ & being inspired by riders taking that step forward to compete here.
We have enjoyed supporting our Young Rider scholarship recipients over the past season, and looking forward to opening up applications again for the 2023-2024 season. This initiative we started in 2018, it’s a great pathway for young riders to learn about putting a application together, being brave and often stepping out of their comfort zone. Whether you’re the successful applicant or not, we feel this brings invaluable experience for our young riders to go through the process.
2022 brought about the purchase of a lovely 3year old gelding by Swarovski, from Matthews Hanoverians. A lovely boy with a very sweet nature. I really cherish every day that I get to work with him and look forward to achieving
some dreams in the Dressage arena with him.
We are always on the look out for new products that compliment our existing range imported from Europe of ANKY, BR Equestrian Equipment, Petrie Boots, 2022 brought about the opportunity to add some additional products to our list, including Equine LTS, Bucas Rugs, Hippomed Nebuliser & HERDD Bedding.
New Zealand Dressage is growing & ORO Equestrian are certainly along for the ride!
The Prestige Equestrian Dressage Futures Prize is one of the most sought after on the Dressage circuit and when you know that it’s a brand-new Prestige Dressage Saddle you are chasing there is plenty of incentive to get out and about at the Premier League events.
It is for our stars of the future –horses between four and ten years old with riders who have no grading points at Medium Tour or above on any horse as at the first of August 2022. This year’s series went right down to the wire with just 2 points separating the winner and runner up.
Philippa (Pip) Gibbons is a popular competitor on circuit –
always smiling, supportive of other riders and setting a high standard in all she does in equestrian. Along with partner Marty, Pip is also a sponsor of dressage. SWE Diamant Stern is by ten-year-old 165cm gelding by Awakino Decameron, bred by SWE Equestrian (Janelle Sangster-Ward) out of Janelle’s Prix St Georges mare SWE Roulette (by Rameriz).
“A huge thank you to Prestige Saddles NZ for their wonderful sponsorship of the Prestige Equestrian Futures National Series. I have been lucky enough to receive some minor places in this award so to win it in my last year of eligibility on 'Sam' is great! Over the last few years I have mainly ridden my horses in Prestige Dressage Saddles and I love the quality of the product and the fit for the horse.
A huge thanks to: SW Equestrian for breeding the perfect amateur horse, SWE Diamant Stern; to Vanessa Way for her dedicated coaching; and of course thanks again to Prestige Saddles NZ.”
Consistency was certainly the key for these pony and young riders contesting the ever popular AMS Saddlery Performance League at Premier League events and the national Pony & Young Rider festival.
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The top ten scores from these events were allocated points dependent on the level contested and score achieved. Overall national winners each receive a $200 AMS voucher and section winners receive a $100 voucher. What great prizes – a huge thanks to AMS Saddlery for their ongoing support of our U21 riders
Judges, coaches, riders, and fans were extremely fortunate to have Isobel Wessels, FEI 5* International Dressage Judge, world renowned trainer and Grand Prix rider, present an open seminar following the Bates National Championships.
Isobel was appointed as the foreign FEI judge for the CDI at the event and also officiated on a number of national classes. Prior to that there had had been a busy few days helping our eventers in her role as High Performance Dressage Coach for the NZ Olympic Eventing Team. The focus on this seminar was how to align coaches and judges, to transform riders so they can deliver to improve marks and ultimately lift scores and reward for quality, harmony, and correct training
The day started with practical sessions and concluded with an open discussion session. Movements covered the walk, half pass, transitions, pirouettes and most importantly Harmony. We very much appreciated the demo riders, who rode for us after three big days of competition.
Encourage everything. If you are not sure, use terminology that leads
to the Training Scale. Encourage riders to ride their horses from the hindleg through the whole rein and back to the rider – the rubber band thing. Your checklist covers the basic things that are much easier to cope with for everything thrown at a judge. Be positive but don’t reward bad riding or training that limits the horse. Mark on the quality of that trot with suppleness through the whole body and the rhythm maintained. If the trot gets better in the shoulder in then it must be pretty good. If we don’t get this right the horse hasn’t got a future.
When marking the walk pirouettes watch the whole thing and the walk in between the two pirouettes. Hind feet should go forward under the body towards the ears, the rider should keep riding forwards.
Isobel commented that many riders do not ride forward from behind and use half halts.
“Failure to do this can cause irregularities in the rhythm – number
one in the training scale. The rhythm needs suppleness and contact –these are the three musketeers” –identify them in your judging.
The judge is in a neutral position – judge what you see, don’t write it if you’re not sure. For example, in a lesson you might tell the rider to rise instead of sit to the trot but don’t write it on a test – it’s rude. If the horse makes a little mistake (spook, etc.) don’t kill it if the quality is there. Mark up and be positive. “
Never ring the bell if the horse has some irregularity in the half pass – always blame loss of balance/ rhythm. Where too much inside hand affects the regularity it is better to comment in a helpful way “do not overflex the neck, keep more to outside rein.”
If you reward mediocrity that’s what you’ll get. If you reward riders that go for quality that’s what you’ll get.”
The judge is not there to train or give a lesson, but to give comments that help.
Reward the right thing. Identify the positive in a movement that may not have been faultless – that is the art of judging
The keyboard warriors need to be convinced that our sport is doing the right thing to bring the sport forward.
“The trainer is responsible; the judge is accountable.”
If we ride the right way the rhythm gets better and better. The horses need to be regular, elastic, supple, on the bit and stepping well through towards the girth. They must be on the aid. In canter we need to see the horse jumping, with the separation of the hindleg really clear. Contact should be good with a little chewing – no aggression, with the horse’s welfare taken into consideration.
Several exercises were shown to improve the half pass, including leg yielding back to get into the outside rein and then half pass to get back to the letter. Isobel noted riders often have a misunderstanding when judges comment “more bend,” resulting in the rider using too much inside hand which affects the regularity (half pass tests suppleness and balance). If bad it’s a 3 or a 4 if irregular, and nearly always seen when there is too much neck bend.
In shoulder in they should be 30 deg. off the wall with uniform bend from nose to tail. The main thing is the trot with inside leg to outside rein. Keep control with the outside rein. You need to develop energy in trot and keep it off the ground, which is easier as the muscles develop.
In canter Isobel wanted to see collection then lighten (“breathe out”) the rein. Ride with a little travers in canter to inside to collect and soften the horse then let go to transfer more weight to the hindquarters. Keep one hand on each side of the wither. Horses have to be adjustable and have gears.
The pushing power of the trot develops the passage – the hindlegs must be under the body in passage or it is difficult to get into piaffe. We
“Be kind enough to be brutally honest.”
– Isobel WesselsVanessa Way & NSC Jolie DW with Isobel Wessels
Isobel has been passionate about dressage since she was a teenager and feels very privileged to have ridden, trained and judged at the highest level over many years.
Her riding career has taken her on a special journey with 10 Grand Prix horses, many small tour and young horse champions but especially her unique partner Chagall who she sadly lost in 2021 after winning ten national titles.
Isobel trains riders all over the world and finds that her greatest satisfaction is achieved by helping others and giving them the tools to train horses in the best way to achieve happy healthy athletes and to promote dressage in the best possible way.
The Judge’s box has always been a special place too and becoming a 5* judge in 2011 was a huge milestone. Since then Isobel has judged all the major European Championships and been very much involved with Championships for Young Horses. She is also an FEI course director for Seminars/ Exams for all levels and young horses.
This year she will judge the Senior European Championships in Germany.
The purpose of the pirouette is to close the horse from behind – hindlegs under the body (they can often turn around the middle without any weight on the hind legs). For canter pirouette prepare with travers on the long side and out then collect back, use the gears. Turn the first bit of the pirouette a bit small then slightly bigger on the second half. Canter pirouettes are about control, acceptance of the aid, suppleness, and the willingness to collect.
Extended walk must step forward into the contact without losing any clarity.
Keep your inside hand forward and turn on the outside rein – the inside rein is only there for flexion and patting.
Don’t blame the judges, the conditions, the surfaces, etc. If we do not ride correctly the horse will not be healthy and reach full ability. We need to create a platform where we gradually introduce horse to pressure environments.
The first demo rider was Vanessa Way riding her exciting seven yearold mare NSC Jolie DW, fresh from her reserve champion advanced title, and who certainly didn’t look tired after her three successful days of competition. This horse showed
had a lot of elasticity and showed the audience how the horse should carry its own energy.
Next was Samantha Belsham on her advanced level Dolcetto II, demonstrating the walk and canter pirouettes. Helpful tips were: hands towards ears, get the separation in canter then ride out. Pirouettes must always start from shoulder fore (not the oft-seen quarters in at start) on the line, collect, flexion to inside, look where you’re going and turn off the outside rein and heel.
Samantha’s top take aways were: Make sure I keep riding, inside leg to outside hand and not over bending the neck in the lateral work. More transitions within the pace to develop impulsion, collection, and uphill tendency.
Ottilie Upshall on the advanced level Mistadobalina showed us how
We are very appreciative of ESNZ High Performance in making this opportunity with a world class trainer possible, and to Dressage NZ for organising the seminar, and to the riders who demonstrated for us.
Thank you, Isobel, for being so passionate and generous with your time. You have given us much to think about and plenty of tools to train horses in the best way to achieve happy, healthy athletes and promote dressage in the best possible way.
to improve the shoulder in and half passes. Ride into the corner, prepare for bending, wrap around inside leg, turn on outside rein (no curling with the neck to the inside), keep inside flexion, from the shoulder in position push the outside hind to the inside for the half pass so grows more uphill.
Ottilie’s top tip from the clinic with Isobel: "A well-executed exercise will always enhance the quality of the gait."
Lucarne Dolley and Ardmore wrapped up the ridden session. This show was the final for Ardmore, who will now enjoy a happy retirement.
I loved how positive Isobel was, she found the good in each movement that was performed and I came away feeling so encouraged! It was incredible to be able to soak
up all of the knowledge she had to offer on how we can continue to improve as a collective in NZ.
Following the demo riders and a short lunch break, we were treated to a commentary by Isobel on a video of the World Championships star Glamourdale doing a test, followed by a frank discussion about the way forward for dressage in NZ – the major theme running through the entire day was HARMONY.
Isobel’s advice to our riders, trainers and judges was constructively honest, direct, and valuable. What the judges reward we will see more of, if we want quality we must reward it. Horses are living beings and will make mistakes and occasionally be tense but judges must consider if overall the horses training is on the right way.
“Educate the rider with comments –comments set the scene.”
– Isobel WesselsLucarne Dolley & Ardmore Photo Libby Law Photography Otillie Upshall & Mistadobilna Photo Libby Law Photography
The magnificent St Georges trophy was donated by the Friends of Dressage in 2000 to recognize the achievement of riders reaching FEI levels for the first time.
It is awarded to the first-year combination competing in the Super 5 League with the ave best three scores calculated to find the winner. This year it goes to the Palmerston North combination of Baldeep Dhillon and his magnificent, imported Friesian stallion – it is the first time this breed has featured on the winners list which has been dominated by warmbloods and Hanoverians since its inception. The top five placegetters were very close.
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