Issue 45 | September 2020
THE SHOW MUST GO ON Area groups adapt to Covid19
Lucy Cochrane FEEDING FOR A COOL, CALM HORSE FEI European Youth Championships SPECIALIST EQUINE Real Estate now a reality
Vanessa Way NUGGETS OF WISDOM
& her dream team of horses
EDITORIAL
GUEST EDITORIAL WELCOME TO ISSUE FORTY FIVE OF THE DRESSAGE NZ BULLETIN
O
f the 14 tests in 5 Olympics she has ridden in, she came first six times, second seven times, and third once, winning one gold and four silver medals in the individual competitions, and five team golds. Now, entering her fourth decade as an international competitor, she’s still dominating the sport. She is, of course, Isabell Werth. Another competitor who’s been equally dominant in his sport for almost as long is 6-time world snooker champion Ronnie O’Sullivan. During the recent World Championships he gave a famous (infamous?) interview in which he was asked whether he thought at the beginning of his career that he would still be playing at this level in a quarter of a century. His brutal answer has caused controversy in the snooker world: “Probably not if you had asked me then, but when you look at the standard of play (now), I would say yes….. If you look at the younger players coming through they are not that good really. Most of them would do well as halfdecent amateurs.”
The DressageNZ Bulletin is the official magazine of Dressage NZ a discipline of Equestrian Sports NZ
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In our subjective sport Isabell would never make comments like that, even in the unlikely event of her feeling them. The longevity of these two champions at the top raises an interesting question: why have younger players not come to replace them? One day they will, of course – but when? Watching coverage from the European Young Riders Championships in Hungary, we saw a flood of beautiful, well trained horses, being ridden excellently, flowing down the centre line. There’s no doubt that there’s massive interest and ability available amongst these young riders, but it’s a big step from this level (Prix St Georges) to the top Grand Prix standard of Isabell. Most of these riders would not have trained their own horses, and perhaps the ready availability of super horses (at super prices!) has encouraged many to follow the “buying” route rather than the “train your own” path which the likes of Isabell took. One critic of Ronnie’s remarks said that perhaps he doesn’t realise how good he is now, much better than when he was young, and perhaps he’s comparing the standard of today’s younger players with his current ability, not with how he was at their age. From Hungary I see young riders with more skills than I remember seeing from a teenage Isabell in the 1980’s, but the training route she took should, I hope, be the model taken by those wishing to become the future elite.
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Bill Noble
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NATIONAL NEWS
Rachel White and Le Grand Ringleader
THE SHOW MUST GO ON Photos by Brett Walker Photography
Dressage NZ applauds the commitment of a number of area organising committees who have been able to continue offering spring events during Level 2. The additional organisation required added yet another dimension to the already long list of tasks, but with the appreciative co-operation from competitors who were delighted to have an outing, the days are reported to have been very successful.
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NATIONAL NEWS Sandy Houston and Southwell Razzamtaz
Amelia French and Wisdom WDS
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ressage NZ has been offering administrative advice if required and also a financial subsidy to events for the purchase masks and hand sanitizer. A year ago, this situation would have been considered fictional.
Canterbury Dressage report from Lauren Haig The Canterbury Dressage Group faced several hurdles in order to get day one of the Gael Kofoed-Harcourts Grenadier Spring Series up and running with the region in Covid Alert Level 2 and the restrictions around gatherings. However the positive and enthusiastic organizing committee put several practises in place to ensure the day aligned with both government restrictions and Equestrian Sports guidelines. Riders were limited to one support person each and were asked to leave within half an hour of the completion of their tests, spectators and the usual
trade stands were asked to stay at home, and the National Equestrian Centre facility was separated into different ‘areas’ with less than one hundred people in one area at any one time. It was incredibly encouraging for the committee to see record entries, with the general feedback that riders were happy to compete under these new rules and were grateful to have had the opportunity to compete in such trying times. The Spring Series is normally always a great lead up to the premier league shows, with the debut of new and exciting combinations, as well as other combinations making a step up to a new level. Some notable
mentions are Cherie Pearson and Dulcet (Dante Weltino/Furst Romancier) who won Preliminary 1A on an impressive 75.4%, Amelia French and Wisdom WDS (Whisper/ Anamour), winners of Advanced test 6A on 73%, and Corey Miln on Beanie (Favoney/Ramirez) who won the Prix St Georges with 70.5%. A big thankyou to the wonderful judges and officials who so generously volunteered their time and expertise and were more than happy to work in with having to do things slightly differently. A huge thanks also to Gael Kofoed - Harcourts Grenadier for her generous support of Canterbury Dressage and the Spring Series.
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LIFESTYLE FEATURE
SPECIALIST EQUINE REAL ESTATE NOW A REALITY
Harcourts Canterbury’s top rural lifestyle sales duo have combined their horsemanship and acumen in an exciting new arena – Canterbury Equestrian Property.
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ichard and Sue Woerlee, who work, reside, and ride in North Canterbury, have been one of the top sales teams at Harcourts Four Seasons Realty for three successive years. And, they say they will continue to press forward with their busy lifestyle property sales. However, the launch of Canterbury Equestrian Property is a deliberate move to use their local knowledge and equestrian connections to bring a specialist focus to the escalating equine
property market in the North Canterbury/ Waimakariri region. "We know what it was like trying to find the right property for the horses as well as a family, because we faced it ourselves when we moved here in 2006,” Richard says. “And, while we have been working with equine customers for quite some time within our lifestyle business, we both felt it was time to formally address the demand,” Sue says. “Because we have been getting significant inquiry every week for
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properties with equine facilities, or properties which are ideal for adding equine facilities.”
Dedicated equine website
A dedicated website and Facebook page – Canterbury Equestrian Property – has been established, and its predominantly social media presence will be supported by print advertising. Sue, who is an accomplished dressage rider, said North Canterbury and the Waimakariri offers plenty of exceptional solutions for keen riders looking to settle. “I think a lot of other people are moving into the area, because many other areas have become unsuitable
LIFESTYLE FEATURE New to the market An ideal Equestrian Property in Loburn, North Canterbury
for riding as they’ve become so busy, or there are more and more developments,” Sue said. “We now have excellent and diverse equine facilities in North Canterbury. And, there has also been an increase of great coaches coming to the region, competitions, and plenty of places to ride and to train. “You can still ride on the beach in North Canterbury and there are plenty of trails that are more than horse-friendly – they are dedicated to horse riding.”
Knowledge and lateral thinking
Richard says their combined connections within the equine community means they often bring an understanding and fresh thinking to a property search or sale. “It’s worth noting that there are lifestyle properties that lend themselves to being equestrian, even if they’ve never had a horse on them,” Richard said. “Or, we may know that the next door neighbour may have an arena, or an area they can hack out on. So, we can use our knowledge to create a solution which is not always immediately obvious to our clients.”
Riding on solutions
And, there is nothing this couple likes more than finding solutions. They were notably the sales team trusted to sell Carolyn Todd’s
historic homestead at Fernside. The 60-acre Hillcrest property was sold on behalf of the wife of the eighttime Olympian three-day event rider and two-time Gold Medallist, Sir Mark Todd. They are also equally motivated marketing properties at the entry level from around $500,000.
the paddock, or working and training competition or race horses. “And, we are always happy to share our knowledge about local clubs, great spots to ride, and the horse-related services in the area," Sue said. Harcourts Four Seasons have offices in Hornby, Rolleston, Lincoln, Kaiapoi, Hanmer, Belfast, The Palms and Rangiora. Canterbury Equestrian Property will be developed throughout the year to also showcase equestrian properties from all of those offices.
“We have a number of clients who have bought properties with potential, and they’ve gone on to develop and add arenas, stables, and barns when they have been ready to do so,” Sue said. Riding the wave of exceptional results, Sue said they felt it was important that the equine industry finally had a “go-to” specialist property team to talk to.
For further information
“Ultimately, we know there is a difference between having a pony in
Contact us if you have a property that you would like listed for sale on the “Canterbury Equestrian Property” website, and Facebook page. Sue Woerlee: 021 867 541
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BREEDING FEATURE NATIONAL NEWS
SUCCESS IN MULTIPLE FIELDS Central Districts rider Lucy Russell has had a year to remember. With Donneroyale (Pixie) she won the Silver Division of the Sterling Warmbloods Small Stars League, took second place in the North Island Heritage Equine Elementary Super 5 League, second in the Gold Division of the Equissage Amateur League, and third in the Zilco Elementary Freestyle to Music Series.
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ut while she was busy with her boutique breeding programme, her dressage training and competition schedule and her career as an equine veterinarian with Southern Rangitikei Veterinary Services at Bulls she found time to study. Lucy recently completed a 3-year extramural course through the University of Liverpool graduating with Distinction in June. This conferred her a Certificate in Advanced Veterinary Practice from the Royal Veterinary College and a Postgraduate Diploma in Advanced Veterinary Studies (Dist) from the University of Liverpool.
Lucy Russell and Donneroyale Photo: NZEquine
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Well done Lucy – this is inspirational to all riders who wonder how it’s possible to manage their career and their horses.
STAL L I ONS STA NDING AT STU D
Bellario
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Bay Hanoverian Licensed stallion 2005 167.5cm and WFFS negative Bellario is the son of incredibly successful stallion Belissimo M who in turn has produced a number of incredibly successful dressage horses including Callaho’s Benicio and Isabell Werth’s Bella Rose. His Dam is SPS Wynona (Wolkenstein II x Pik Koenig) Bellario is a compact uphill type with a kind disposition and above all, the highest degree of rideability. He was awarded a perfect 10 from Anna-Sophia Fiebelkorn as a 6yo at the Sydney CDI. Bellario was a highly decorated and often admired stallion during his competitive career, with many notable wins right through to Prix St George when he was retired, sound, as a result of an injury. Bellario produces talented and rideable offspring and is the sire of many elite foals. Stud fee $2200 + GST
First collection fee and deposit is included. LFG included
Royal Oak II (IMP) Black Oldenburg Stallion, 2004 Licensed Hanoverian, 167cm. WFFS negative Royal Oak II is by Royal Olymp, by the best son of Rubinstein – Rohdiamant – out of a mare by Florestan. Add to that on the dam line, the best son of Weltmeyer, Welt Hit II, and you have a magic recipe for dressage excellence. Royal Oak ll has successfully campaigned to Grand Prix level, and enjoyed a very successful career in Australia until his recent retirement to stud duties.
ROYAL OAK SPECIAL OFFER! $1950 + GST for the first 10 mares booked and paid for by 15th Oct 2020.
He produces foals with exceptional temperaments, superb movement and star quality ‘look at me’ presence. Stud fee $2200 + GST
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NUTRITION and supplements, and recently the Wholefuel Muesli was introduced which includes ingredients such as peas, faba beans, lupins and barley. They are releasing a grain free CoolFuel Muesli this weekend as well, which has a base of timothy hay pellets infused with their rich Hemp Oil. All products are produced and manufactured locally and as environmentally friendly as possible. Sustainable packing such as refillable and reusable hessian sacks and optional glass bottles are used for the pellets and the oil respectively. Hekeao Hemp Co.’s range is now stocked in saddlerys and feed shops throughout New Zealand.
NATURE'S SUPERFOOD Hekeao Hemp Co. came to life on a sunny day in September last year when two friends loaded hay into a float and talked about the exciting opportunity to provide an alternative in superior equine nutrition – something they are both passionate about.
J
osh and Emily had a vision of producing fresh, wholesome horse feed and supplements and wanted to make their idea come to life. As a natural superfood, hemp has been a hot topic taking the world by storm and they knew there was a unique opportunity with this plant as it has several nutritional benefits. Together they put pen to paper, floated ideas and soon the first batch of pellets were bagged up and sent to friends across the South Island to trial. A strong team was formed Josh had the land, a plan, and could grow the produce, combined with Emily’s background in Animal Health, marketing & sales, as well as being a passionate horse rider herself. Hemp has been in the cropping
rotation for three years this season at ‘The Glen’, a family property where Josh is farming for a third generation. Straight away the value was clear in this sustainable, relatively easy to grow plant that seems to suit the dryland climate. Josh and Emily’s vision was to add value to this versatile crop, combine it with other local Canterbury-grown produce and introduce it to the equine market – from farm to feed bucket. Initial consultation with a nutritionist, horse trainers, business mentors, several friends and of course the bank manager led to creating and analyzing recipes, carrying out field tests and launching a product range. Initially, the range consisted of three varieties of hemp-based horse pellets
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The stigma around hemp being ‘the same as marijuana’ is not validated as the hemp seeds generated from the plant do not contain any THC – the psychoactive ingredient found in marijuana – and only contain goodness, including an abundance of naturally occurring vitamins and minerals. Hemp seeds are also known to contain the optimal balance of essential, healthy fats Omegas 3 and 6. These key attributes contribute to improving a horses overall condition, muscle recovery, joint and tissue health, circulation, muscle and topline development and overall health and wellbeing. From conception to production, Emily, Josh and newest team member Janine (Sales Manager) are very proud to bring a balanced, fresh, NZ made approach to equine nutrition to the market. The core values and beliefs of the business are producing natural, wholesome and balanced feeds with a sustainable, traceable approach – all made in Mid-Canterbury. You can find out more at hekeaohemp.co.nz or check out their Facebook or Instagram pages (@hekeaohempco).
NATIONAL NEWS
EXCITING NEWS FOR SOUTH ISLAND RIDERS
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lthough Dressage Ashburton is not able to hold their Kiwi Arena Rakes Premier League event originally scheduled for 14/15 November, this date has now been picked up by South Canterbury/ North Otago at Waimate, hoping of course the country is back in Level 1 by then. This is particularly good news for all the Young Riders at the Pryde’s Easifeed Development Camp on 25-27 September. SCNO will run a local event on that weekend. Ashburton are planning to be back on the circuit for the following year. Both Otago and Nelson applied to hold a second KAR Premier League to ensure a full season calendar The Dressage NZ Board decided to allocate an both areas an additional event for the benefit of the sport in the South Island. Given the geographical spread, it seemed the most appropriate decision. Dates: Nelson 16/17 January & Otago 30/31 January 2021
Dressage NZ Board News FULL CALENDAR OF MEETINGS Dressage NZ Board members have had a very full calendar of meetings this calendar year. Normally meeting are held bi-monthly, plus the AGM, but with just over three months of the year to go, the thirteenth meeting for
Sponsors
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the year has just been held. The Covid situation and the need for reactive and proactive planning in parallel and necessitated increased numbers of meetings. The ability to have Zoom and Teams meetings has been financially beneficial.
Meeting Dates BOARD: The first in person meeting for the new 20/21 Board will be in conjunction with the ESNZ AGA in Wellington on the 29th of September. A strategic planning meeting will be held in Wellington in December COMMITTEE: Dressage NZ Bylaw No 17 includes: The Committee shall meet not less than 90 days prior to the Dressage NZ AGM and at least once more during the year. A Zoom committee meeting is provisionally planned for Wednesday 10th February 2021 at 7.30pm. This will provide an opportunity to discuss the process for remits with the current committee RULES HACKATHON: Have you heard of a Hackathon? A hackathon is an event, usually hosted by a tech company or organization, where programmers get together for a short period of time to collaborate on a project. Dressage NZ under the guidance of Rules Board member
Andra Mobberley is going to undertake an online Rules Hackathon to give the dressage community the opportunity to discuss the current rules format and content. Watch this space for more information
R
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RIDER PROFILE Lucy Cochrane and 'Splash' with coach and mentor Vanessa Way
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t’s undeniable that eighteen year old Lucy Cochrane is one of New Zealand’s most talented up-andcoming young riders, with multiple Championship titles to her name across various disciplines, including winning the 2020 National Equizee Gold section of the Amateur Young Rider Top Ten League and the 2020 AMS Saddlery Medium level Young Rider Performance League. Recently, she made the decision to move from her hometown of Christchurch to Oakura – a sunny spot on the west coast just south of New Plymouth, to pursue dressage career, living as a working pupil under the watchful eye of Vanessa Way with her mount Gymanji. In a recent interview (Covid-friendly of course!) I caught up with Lucy about her recent move and her goals for the season.
NOT AFRAID TO CHANCE IT Article by Alyssa Harrison
"There will always be days that are hard, and mistakes are inevitable, but if you are working hard, ready to take on challenges and learn, that’s the best mindset to be in." 12 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2020
RIDER PROFILE
I have always wanted to go professional, whether that be in Dressage or Eventing, however I have become particularly interested in Dressage since I’ve had Splash. Because of this I imagined being a working pupil with someone like Vanessa, but it wasn’t my main plan! Originally, my plan was to take a gap year, travel and then return to study towards my dream job, an Air Traffic Controller. However, Covid-19 popped up unexpectedly, pushing that plan back for a few years. It’s safe to say I was feeling a bit lost for the first week of lockdown, but coincidentally Vanessa’s working pupil position popped up, and what an opportunity! It was perfect timing, and the perfect way to experience and learn true professionalism of our sport.
What does a typical day look like for you?
My life is super busy, but incredibly fun! Depending on the day I’m usually awake and up between 5am and 6am to feed, and then we get ready to ride. Schooling days generally start at 7.30am and go through to lunch time, and on the other days we hack the horses over the local hills to stretch their legs and build muscle. As well as riding I also have stable chores to complete throughout the day. At 3pm, the horses come in for their dinner, which creates a few more jobs, and then I’m inside around 5pm. This is when I do all my schoolwork, before heading back out at 8pm for the nightly stable check. I am very lucky to have Renee Etherington and Abbie Deken around as well to help out if needed. It is such an amazing team to be a part of!
What advice do you have for someone wanting to work as a working pupil?
Although I’m still new to the job, my biggest piece of advice would be to put yourself out there! Don’t be afraid to take a chance, I didn’t think I was going to get the position with Vanessa yet here I am, living the dream! My other piece of advice is to give it 110%, 24/7. There will always be days that are hard, and mistakes are inevitable, but if you are working hard, ready to take on challenges and learn, that’s the best mindset to be in.
Photo: Libby Law
What made you apply for the position of Working Pupil with Vanessa?
L to R: Rebecca Copplestone, Giselle Conway, Lucy Cochrane, Charlotte Thomas. Winning SI team at the U25 Champs 2020
What was the hardest part about moving?
The move from South to North went better than I expected! I thought I would struggle having to move away from my closest friends, but social media has made it super easy to stay in contact with everyone. I also had to make the switch to correspondence (school) after leaving Christchurch Girls High School so I could complete my final year.. This has proven to be a bit difficult as having such busy days does mean it is hard to find the time, however I am very academically driven so I manage to make it work.
Who is your main horse for the season?
‘Gymanji’ (Splash), is the horse I brought north with me, so he will be my main ride this coming season. He is an eleven-year-old, 16.2hh by Gymnastik Star, out of an Anamour mare. He’s becoming well known around the country for his white spots and splashes on his quarters. In the two years we have owned him, he has gone from a trekking/adult riding horse who could barely canter a 20m circle, to a Medium Level Dressage horse, winning a generous handful of National and Regional titles along the way. He has the best brain, trainability, and sweetest nature of any horse I’ve ever known or ridden, he’s a true one in a million. He is also the horse I am named on for the Dressage NZ Youth Squad for the coming season.
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| DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 13
RIDER PROFILE
Lucy and Gymanji Photo Libby Law
My goal for this season is to train as well as I can alongside Vanessa at home, learning as much as I can and keeping my horse happy. As well as this, I plan to start strong at competitions in the Advanced Medium classes, and hope to progress through to Advanced and CDI-Y by the end of the season.
What are your future goals?
In the near future I want to get both Splash and Rita, my second mount, to Grand Prix. I would love to see where that could take us. It has always been a dream to compete for at Grand Prix level for New Zealand overseas so I would love to achieve that with them! Closer to home, my goal is to continue breaking in and producing quality horses through the levels consistently and successfully.
What is your proudest moment to date?
I have had many amazing results with a range of horses and disciplines to be proud of!
Mum and I break in and produce nearly all of the horses and ponies I have competed, so it’s incredibly special to see them develop into winning competition mounts, and then be adored by another family once they are sold on. Winning both the National Equizee Gold Young Rider and AMS Medium Young Rider series this season with him must be my proudest moment. It really highlighted his consistency through the season after having to learn everything so quickly!
ABOUT THE AUTHOR - Alyssa Harrison
Photo: Caitlin Benzie
What is your goal for the upcoming season?
Eighteen-year-old Alyssa Harrison is a Dressage and Eventing rider based in Karaka, Auckland. Whilst competing her team of three horses, Alyssa is also completing her last year of secondary education (Year 13) at Rosehill College. She is passionate about all things equestrian, having ridden since she was five years old. She has achieved both A & H NZ Pony Club certificates. Her goal is to become a leading competitor in both the Dressage and Eventing disciplines. She has already represented New Zealand in both codes at the Australian Secondary Schools Championships. Once she completes school, Alyssa is looking to study Veterinary Physiotherapy.
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14 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2020
COOL, CALM & COLLECTED
Grain free to produce cool energy Very low 6% starch minimises laminitis risk Optimal amino acid profile promotes muscle Low dose concentrate, nutrient rich without the bulk SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 15
NUTRITION
FEEDING FOR A COOL, CALM HORSE Article by Gail Sramek BApplSc Agr – Consulting Nutritionist to Mitavite
P Fizzy or nervous behaviour by your horse can make a leisurely ride or performance, unpleasant and disappointing. Inexperience of the rider, excessive energy, a nervous make-up or a predisposition of a particular breed or bloodline can contribute to a horse being fizzy, unpredictable or anxious.
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atience, good handling, education and experience can often settle the fizzy, nervous horse. If an unbalanced, incorrectly fed diet has contributed to the fizzy nature of the horse then adjustments can be made. One of the most important things we need to do when feeding a fizzy horse is to feed a balanced diet. It is important that we assess the two main components of the ration. The concentrate and the roughage.
NUTRITION
Consider feeding a concentrate
Feed moderate to low levels of starch
For a fizzy horse we don’t want to feed excess levels of starch. High starch meals can cause disproportionate exchanges in the blood glucose and insulin levels after feeding that contribute to highs and lows in energy utilisation. A high starch, low fibre ration may also be a contributing factor to digestive and metabolic disorders. We therefore want to feed a horse with a fizzy behaviour a ration that has a moderate to low starch level. This can be achieved by feeding a ration based on a feed such as Mitavite Munga, which contains only 6% starch.
Match the energy level of the ration with the workload of the horse
The amount of energy fed in the ration should match the workload given to the horse each day. If the energy given is greater than workload then excessive weight and fizzy behaviour can occur. Have a look at Mitavite's exercise calculator to see what workload classification you should be matching your feeding regime with. This should only be used as a guide and the amount of concentrate fed will vary depending on the make-up of your horse.
Add cool energy sources if more condition or energy is needed
OILS - Oils are an excellent energy source for horses that have a fizzy disposition. Oils do not contain sugar or starch and are predominantly digested in the small intestine. It will provide more cover on your horse without the fizz. 50-200mls of Performa 3 Oil can be fed if more condition or cover is needed. This will provide the most favourable Omega 3: Omega 6 ratio.
Roughage
Don’t underestimate the importance of feeding roughage. Not feeding adequate levels of roughage can disrupt the balance of microbes in the hindgut. If the hindgut isn’t happy the caecum can become too acidic causing an imbalance that may contribute to fizzy behaviour. When feeding any horse it is important to feed the correct levels of roughage…remember we don’t want the hindgut to become acidic. All horses need a minimum of 1-1.5% of their bodyweight of roughage in their diet per day. This could be pasture, hay, chaff and super fibres. If your horse is a good doer and you don’t need to feed high levels of concentrate you may need to feed more roughage to make sure your horse’s requirements are being met.
It is also important to feed the right ratio of roughage. We suggest approx. ¼ -1/3 lucerne and 2/33/4 grass or cereal roughage. Feeding too much lucerne may be a contributing factor to fizzy behaviour. Lucerne is very high in calcium and if lucerne is fed as the only roughage source it can impact on the calcium:magnesium and calcium:phosphorous ratio. This may impact on fizzy behaviour. You may have heard of super fibres which have a low sugar and starch level and are really well digested in the hindgut, helping to keep the hindgut in the right balance. 0.5-1kg (wet down prior to feeding) can be fed in your horse’s ration to provide a well digested, cool, safe energy source to your horse.
Supplements
There is a range of supplements on the market making claim to quieten and calm horses. Remember when you are feeding supplements that you don’t want to upset the correct balance of nutrients. Too much of a nutrient can be just as bad as not feeding enough of a nutrient. Armed with this information, hopefully your feeding regime will help your horse remain cool and calm. Now, how about that collection?
Maximise digestion of nutrients in the small intestine
Feeding a more effective energy source that is primarily digested in the small intestine will lower the amount of heat, acid and gas produced by products in the large intestine that can contribute to fizzy behaviour. Steam-extruded or a combination of steam extruded and roasted and rolled feeds such as Xtra-Cool and Munga are ideal feeds for the fizzy horse. SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 17
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
WAIKATO DRESSAGE OFFICIALS & RIDERS CLINIC Article by Nicky Hallen Photos by Lisa Potter
L to R Nicky Hallen. Kara Lockhart, Marcia Bayley, Christine Weal (Schindlers Liszt) Sue Hobson, Vicki Gibbs, Michelle Paterson
The Waikato clinic held August 1 was well supported with attendees travelling from as far as Tauranga and Taranaki. And of course everyone was celebrating our best friend’s birthday – the official birthday of the horse.
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TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
T
he morning began with local FEI Steward Marcia Bayley presenting an overview of the Dressage stewards role highlighting the FEI stewards motto of Help, Prevent, Intervene. Marcia explained the basis of the stewards education pathway which required skills in horsemanship, experience in specific disciplines, knowledge the discipline rules, perceptiveness, and diplomatic skills. It was an interesting presentation, emphasising that wide range of support is given to members who would like to contribute to the sport by training a steward. Sue Hobson, national judges officer then welcomed in the first two demonstration horses, both working at Preliminary level. The enthusiastic group of spectators was treated to Victoria Wall on her fouryear-old, 16.3hh black stallion Furst Hit EDH (by Furstenball), and Zoie Gray riding Kate Potter’s seven-yearold 16.2hh gelding Ngahiwi Decoy (by Ngahiwi One-Eye). Firstly the three basic paces were assessed; asking was the rhythm clear, was the horse supple to the bend and accepting the contact evenly? The free walk and medium walk were discussed and marked, and we also looked at the stretchy trot circle. Sue only wanted the stretch as low as the horse could stay in balance, and as the movement in the test has a coefficient of 2, she noted the importance of discussions around what judges are looking for, so riders and judges can be on the same page.
Victoria Wall and the 4yo Furst Hit EDH Photo: Christine Cornege
Victoria’s overview:
“It was a wonderful opportunity to get some valuable feedback regarding our training and also give my boy (Furst Hit EDH)his first proper outing. He had never even seen another horse being ridden, so working with another horse and a different environment with an audience was wonderful for him. Thank you to Dressage Waikato for the opportunity” Next up were two Novice combinations, featuring Dressage Waikato president Vicki Gibbs on her seven-year-old 16.3hh gelding Donero RH (by Donnerubin) and Sarita Kennedy on the ten-yearold 16.2hh FIS Lacoste (by Landro L). Once again as a start point, the horses’ paces were assessed. The key movement was leg yield, discussing the necessity for riders to keep the horses straight
with slight flexion away from the direction of the movement, whilst also maintaining the forward movement. The stretchy circle proof stone of training, was shown again and discussed. Both horses showing improvements of execution and again resulting in a valuable discussion around what judges should be looking for at this level.
Vicki’s overview:
“I loved the experience of the clinic, not only to hear feedback from all of the judges, but also the help from Sue and Marcia. I thought all of the horses there showed improvement in their work which was a credit to Sue and Marcia in the short time they worked with riders. It was also great for Nero as he can be quite nervous in different situations, so I was pretty rapt with how he handled it. Recommend it to anyone if they are lucky enough to get invited!”
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 19
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT With an extremely cold wind blowing, it’s safe to say everyone was happy indeed to enjoy some delicious warm food at lunchtime, as it was close to freezing point by that stage (or felt like it!). The hot soup, home baking, and sausage sizzle was very welcome. Thanks Sue McKenna, Dunstan Horse Feeds and Dressage Waikato for providing a scrumptious feed. After the lunch break, Marcia offered some insights into the role of the Dressage Technical Delegate – another important role which supports both Organising Committees and riders in the lead up to, and at events. One of the most Important points of this role is to get to the event sufficiently early to make sure arenas and the arena letters are correctly measured and laid out. Unsurprisingly, the bigger the show, the greater the workload, with a report to be completed and diplomacy required. Once again the take home message was around the need for common sense. Sue then introduced the two horses demonstrating elementary movements: Christine Weal on her seven-year-old 18hh Stoneylea Florencio (by Furstenball) and Kathryn Corry riding Ganache MH Vicki Gibbs and Donero RH with Sue Hobson
THE STRETCHING CIRCLE demonstrated by Zoie Gray and Ngahiwi Decoy with Marcia Bayley and Sue Hobson
a seven-year-old by Gymnastic Star. It was back to basic once again, a discussing the importance of the rhythm needing to be clear, the horse supple to both reins and moving freely forward. The centre line halt movement was studied and judged, asking whether the horses were straight, was the halt held and balanced, and was the move off fluid. Then it was the rein back and two key factors to consider; establishing the halt before the rein back, then the feet must move back in diagonal pairs. Practice practice practice was a common message. Of course a clinic isn’t a clinic without studying the all-important shoulder in. We were asked look at defining the correct angle, ensuring it is a shoulder in not quarters out, and whether the horse stayed on the correct track.
Kathryn's overview:
“I thoroughly enjoyed the clinic. It was very useful to be able to sit and watch the other riders and hear Sue’s feedback. It also highlighted to me just how many marks I throw away through inaccuracies. It has definitely motivated me to sharpen up my act! It also reminded me what a tough job it can be for the judges keeping up the concentration all day when judging.” Our next riders were Katie Jones riding her fourteen-year-old 17hh gelding Land n Sei (by Landioso)
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and Christine Weal aboard her FEI level horse, the twelve-year-old 17.2hh Schindlers Liszt (by Vollrath Lessing). Again the paces of the horses were assessed and with tips for improved marks. The half pass was studied and the importance of the horse flowing through the movement with the shoulders leading throughout. A movement introduced in the 2019 version of the Advanced Medium Test 5B. shoulder in to renvers on the long side provided a good discussion point as how the movements should interrelate, and then it was flying changes. Are they centred, straight and correct?
Katie's overview:
“I felt it was a great experience, even if it was a bit nerve wracking putting yourself out there for everyone to watch and judge you. I like to try and take every opportunity that I can, I received some excellent pointers and now have a list of things to practice. It is something I would do again if asked. I think you have to be open minded and not take any criticism or judge’s comments too harshly at the time!” To finish off the day, Christine Weal treated the group to her advanced musical freestyle. Judges we were asked to score both the technical and artistic marks, taking into consideration if the music suited the horse, if the paces and
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT movements fitted the tempo, was the arena well used, the degree of difficulty demonstrated in the test, and if the movements shown were well executed. And most importantly of course if all of the compulsory movements were performed.
Katie Potter, Christine Weal and Zoie Gray
Christine in her usual fine form presented us with a well-executed test that was enjoyable to watch. The judges were on the same page agreeing to score the test in the mid 70's. Sue and Marcia proved to be excellent presenters, offering an opportunity for learning and questioning, and stressing the importance of sharing knowledge, not only to grow the sport but to encourage new officials to the pathways, and motivate current officials to remain involved. It was also reiterated that the sport needs more judges, technical delegates and stewards, and the importance of helping encourage riders and supporters into these roles. If you want to learn and grow in dressage, definitely any of these positions is well worth investigating. Once again, thanks to Dressage Waikato and our area judges officer Michelle Paterson for hosting such an informative and enjoyable clinic. And a big thanks to our host Christine Weal Equestrian (Te Awamutu) for the use of the vey well appointed facility. My favourite space (especially on the cold day of the clinic) would have to be the heat lamps where the horses chillax after their hose down or stand under before their work out on cold days.
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 21
NATIONAL NEWS
Renee Etherington and BL All By Chance
DRESSAGE TARANAKI Photos by Nicky Lumb
Dressage Taranaki held indoor winter events at the Egmont A&P Showgrounds in August and September. The large number of covered yards and the excellent facilities enabled the group to offer both competitions and schooling sessions. The arena schooling sessions were invaluable not only for riders trying a new level and getting some general feedback, but also for young horse experience.
T Molly Lumb and Griffindor MH
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hanks to organisers Andrea Robertson and Nicky Turnbull and all the other volunteers who made it possible. Both Andrea & Nicky have recently stepped up to take on the roles of group President and Treasurer respectively. Nicky was seen multi-tasking at the September event, vacuum cleaner in hand in the office and last to leave the grounds. Riders were also fortunate to have Hunterville’s Vaughn Cooper judging for the day.
SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 23
MARKETING
BE SEEN IN ALL THE RIGHT PLACES Article by Chanelle Reid, ICE Marketing
This month we look into the 4 must have platforms for your online marketing strategy. If you are looking for ways to grow your brand awareness, engage customers, increase sales, and grow your bottom line, then ensure you are maximising these opportunities as a sure-fire method to achieve your goals.
Facebook There are over 2.9 million Kiwi’s on Facebook and that number is growing continuously! Facebook is the longer standing and most dominate social media platform at present. Facebook is a platform that incorporates images, video content and text.
ADVERTISING Essential with Facebook. Organic reach tends to be poor for business accounts so advertising spend is a must to gain traction.
ORGANIC GROWTH TIP Utilise stories- they have better organic reach than posts. Posting stories when you have posted new feed content can help alert more people to your timeline posts. Facebook Live video have better organic reach than posting a video.
BEST FIT FOR TARGET AUDIENCE Facebook is so wide reaching, that a whopping 70% + of people in the age bracket 18-64 year old, use Facebook. However, the most dominate demographic out of this is 25-30 year olds at 84%. USEFUL APPS/INTEGRATION SITES FOR FACEBOOK Pages Manager as an app on your phone is a must have if you are managing a Facebook Business account. Download for free from your app store.
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Instagram There are over 1.2 million New Zealand Instagram accounts at present and growing. Instagram is a visual platform and at its conception, was predominately built around photo content however it is now growing largely in video content with IGTV (Instagram TV). Stories are the cornerstone of Instagram as well and if you want any opportunity to gain traction with your Instagram account, they are a must!
ADVERTISING Excellent opportunities hereintegrates with Facebook
ORGANIC GROWTH TIP Focus on “reach”. Content that is getting shared to stories etc will increase growth. Know your metrics and invest in content that works. The more time people spend on your content, the more the algorithm will push up your content.
BEST FIT FOR TARGET AUDIENCE Whilst all age demographics have a presence on Instagram, the strongest numbers are in the 25-34 year old age bracket.
USEFUL APPS/INTEGRATION SITES FOR INSTAGRAM Later.com is fantastic for scheduling Instagram posts (you cannot schedule on the Insta app itself). It also allows you to post stories from Later.com. There are free and paid options with this website.
MARKETING
You Tube
E-mail Marketing
You Tube is a sky rocketing digital platform. It is taking the place of TV for the younger generations and people of ages are able to utilise to be entertained and educated with content that they can search out from almost any niche you can imagine!
I attended a marketing conference in Las Vegas in February this year and one of the big takeaways from this was how vitally important email marketing is. Despite the exponential growth of social and other digital mediums, email marketing still needs to be at the corner stone of your strategy.
A recent study in New Zealand, undertaken by NZ On Air, called “Where are the Audiences� showed that You Tube is most popular channel/site/station of 2020, beating out traditional TV with TV1 sitting behind at 44%.
ADVERTISING Ads run on You Tube for people who do not have a paid You Tube account. If you are spending the time and effort creating YouTube videos, it would make sense to maximise on this by running adverts as well. You can also monetize your own channel and be paid by You Tube!
ORGANIC GROWTH TIP Encourage subscribers with every video you create (ask people to subscribe) and turn on their notifications for your channel. Post to Facebook & Instagram stories and cross share videos that you are posting to You Tube.
BEST FIT FOR TARGET AUDIENCE 90% +
If you have a database that you are not utilising with emails, then I guarantee you are leaving money on the table! You also need to use your website, social media and You Tube (if you do it) platforms to capture email addresses and grow your database. Taking followers from these external platforms and bringing them into your email database can have a massive impact on your ability to nurture, educate, sell and grow loyalty to your brand.
ADVERTISING I would swap this out for collaboration when it comes to email. Think about who you can collaborate with to add more value to your email send outs.
ORGANIC GROWTH TIP put value in the inbox. Every email you send MUST add value to your database - it is not about sending selling emails every week!
of 18-30 year olds are on You Tube followed by 87% 30-49 year olds. Clearly, there are huge opportunities here for audience targeting.
BEST FIT FOR TARGET AUDIENCE Essentially,
USEFUL APPS/INTEGRATION SITES FOR INSTAGRAM Tube Buddy is an app you can
USEFUL APPS/INTEGRATION SITES FOR E-MAIL MARKETING MailChimp, it is free to
integrate to your channel that gives you more in depth statistics on all the videos on You Tube which helps you in your research and content development strategy.
use if you have under 2000 subscribers. It will integrate into a lot of websites and platforms as well which makes it easy to capture and grow your email database.
every person in New Zealand over the age of 15 has at least one email account!
EQUESTRIAN MARKETING SPECIALISTS The equestrian market is one that requires intimate knowledge and understanding to be able to successfully market people and products. If you are a brand, product, rider, breeder, retailer or coach that needs to capture the attention of an equestrian audience, we are here to work alongside you to achieve your goals. We can help you with: > Social Media Marketing > Marketing Strategy Chanelle Reid
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 25
NATIONAL NEWS Debra Cowen and Double Magic
Zara Cowen and Captain Jack Sparrow
WAIKATO EQUESTRIAN CENTRE WINTER SERIES Photos by Amanda Furze Photography
This series offers something for everyone thanks to the wide range of classes on offer and the added incentive of winning a gorgeous series garland.
T
he first two July events were in Level 1, Kara Lockhart and her team at the Waikato Equestrian Centre juggled the schedule to ensure their ever popular four event series would continue in Level 2.
Ella Cooper-Levin and Logan PSH
26 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2020
It was great to see the Cowen mother and daughter combo, Debra and Zara both winning their divisions. Debra contributes a huge amount of volunteer time to the local and national sport so much deserved that she found time to enjoy the sport herself.
NATIONAL NEWS L to R Nicola Essex, Sally Essex, Charlotte Aroa and Motu GREEN HORSE OPEN CHAMPION Maree Lynch and Bacardi FLS RESERVE Ella Cooper-Levin and Logan PSH OPEN CHAMPION Melanie Barton and Latino RESERVE Emerson Johnston and Inspired PARA/SPECIAL OLYMPICS CHAMPION Charlotte Aroa and Motu RESERVE Sally Essex and Cider Rose WEC MEMBER (HORSE) CHAMPION Debra Cowen and Double Magic RESERVE Sarah Stone and Thornfield Amazing Grace HORSE MARE CHAMPION Sarah Stone and Thornfield Amazing Grace RESERVE Maree Lynch and Bacardi FLS MIXED BREED CHAMPION Debra Cowen and Double Magic RESERVE Charlotte Aroa and Motu
Championship results NEWCOMER CHAMPION Melissa Koia and Opi RESERVE Deanna Savage and Clifton Extreme AMATEUR CHAMPION Megan Bradley and Arc en Ciel RESERVE Sharlene McQuade and Vespasian NOVICE CHAMPION Andrea MacFarlane and Budwiser RESERVE Sarita Kennedy and FIS Lacoste ELEMENTARY CHAMPION Ella Cooper-Levin and Dapper RESERVE Codie White and Kabo Shadow MEDIUM CHAMPION Sarah Stone and Thornfield Amazing Grace RESERVE Gwyneth Williams and Rusty ADVANCED MEDIUM CHAMPION Debra Cowen and Double Magic RESERVE Katie Jones and Land N Sei MASTERS CHAMPION Holly Jeffares and NRM Cruizintime RESERVE Anne Lowe and Fort Lincoln GREEN HORSE CHAMPION Paige Davis and Silencer RESERVE Nicole Hammond and Mouse
THOROUGHBRED CHAMPION Holly Jeffares and NRM Cruizintime RESERVE Andrea MacFarlane and Budwiser JUNIOR PONY CHAMPION Emilia Howes and Jigsaw Jake RESERVE Matthew Taylor and Ambush INTERMEDIATE PONY CHAMPION Ella Smart and Percy RESERVE Alexia Nolan and Merivale Park State Fair OPEN PONY/YOUNG RIDER CHAMPION Zara Cowen and Captain Jack Sparrow RESERVE Rachael Le Miere and Jersey George OPEN SENIOR PONY CHAMPION Jemima Hylton and Wembleybrook Dapper Dan RESERVE Kimberly Trow and Master Daniel of Nicholas Lodge WEC MEMBER (PONY) CHAMPION Zara Cowen and Captain Jack Sparrow RESERVE Alexia Nolan and Merivale Park State Fair PONY MIXED BREED CHAMPION Zara Cowen and Captain Jack Sparrow RESERVE Emilia Howes and Jigsaw Jake PONY MARE CHAMPION Emma Gott and Windemere Gloriana RESERVE Lena Hayes and Docs Bellarena HIGHEST PERCENTAGE Donna Edwards-Smith and DSE Calcutta
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 27
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
NUGGETS OF WISDOM Article by Alicia Cameron
Vanessa and Grand Prix mount NSC Andreas who is set for his return to the competition arena this season
Vanessa Way is an accomplished national coach and member of the Dressage NZ Development Big Tour Squad. Recently Vanessa shared her knowledge with Dressage Taranaki members and the following article is a snippet of gems from the wonderful masterclass. 28 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2020
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
“The dressage training scale works – if you follow it, you will not go wrong... There is a reason why the training scale has been a core part of dressage training for so long - it works. I follow the training scale on all my young horses, just as Carl does when bringing his along. By following it, you are paving a clear pathway for your horse. Warmbloods can be a bit challenging at times when training, so always ensure you are very clear with your training.”
“You’ll never have a big enough cheque book to win a medal, but your young horse might just be your medal horse... I have trained nine horses to Grand Prix, and I know the early ones I made mistakes on the early ones. But I have learnt from those mistakes and each horse I train through is better than the last. Don’t be scared to give it a go and learn from your mistakes.”
“Make sure your leg works... When you use your leg, your horse needs to give you an answer. Ask once, and when they give you an answer, take the pressure off. I see riders on their hacking days nagging away in the walk, which is essentially desensitizing them. Remember, your horses don’t know the difference between a gossip day hacking and a competition day so you need to be consistent every time you ride your horse – every aid you use needs to have a consequence. I challenge you to really think about what your legs are doing while you ride and aim to keep the aids simple and clear. We want the horse to be reactive off your aids, the go button is super crucial. And remember, the spur is a refinement of the aid, not the aid itself.”
“Pay attention to the details... Train for that 10 every day. Charlotte (Dujardin) is a very disciplined rider, she rides everything at a marker, ensures every halt is square and pays attention to every detail. She has trained so well; it is now natural for her. We need to as riders do more of this if we are wanting to improve on our marks. If you can’t train for your 10 at home, how do you hope to one day get it at a show?”
“Preparation is everything... There is about 2.5m (length) of your horse, so that is 2.5m of preparation needed before the movement at a marker. It’s a matter of saying “Hey mate, something is coming up, let’s do it calmly and nicely there.” Give your horse every opportunity to do it nicely by preparing him properly. Have a read through some of your old test sheets, I bet there are comments there from your judges about needing more preparation. An example of working on preparation is the canter transition. When preparing a horse for canter I like to sit on the horses back a couple of strides and then rise again. I do this to see if the horse will allow me on to his back, and if he will stay relaxed and engaged while I move between the sitting and rising trot. This is all a part of the preparation for the horse, and this will help prevent the typical problems of the canter transition such as throwing its head or rushing through the transition. The goal is to have a seamless transition.”
SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 29
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
“Be clever, learn to read signs... It is important to know when a horse needs the pressure off, or when he just needs to move on to something else. Especially when a young horse is learning new movements. For a hot horse, keep doing lots of transitions. The more you stay in a gear, the hotter and flatter the horse will get. So keep changing it up with lots of transitions to keep him listening to you.”
Vanessa and NSC Timbermill Prequel with Carl Hester 2019
“Don’t be scared to train the walk... Many people are scared to train the walk. The horse should have a swing and a nod as it walks, except in the collected walk. They should also always have overtrack, except again at the collected walk when the steps should become shorter and higher with the collection. When training the walk on the young horse we would like the horse to take the hand and swing through the contact.”
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“Give it a go, and have some fun... Start to play with movements before you have to compete them. Mastering movements takes time and strength, so start early by introducing them in small increments. For my level 6 horse, I would start playing with those half steps, because in two years’ time you will want them to be strong enough to do the piaffe and passage. But don’t be greedy when starting to train a new movement. A good example is when training the medium trot, start by doing a small number of steps well, rather than a lot of average steps.”
“A stretch is an engaged movement... The horse needs to slowly feed the contact forward. Its not an empty rein, it’s a positive contact. You want to see a swing in the step and a relaxed tail. It is important for the horse to swing over the back and engage its stomach muscles, so in the long term it doesn’t have a sore back.”
TRAINING & DEVELOPMENT
“You can improve a trot... I find to improve the expression in the trot, I need to train a bit of passage and piaffe. To get more quality in the movements I need more collection. To get better collection, I need to train the half steps. I have had plenty of horses without a natural quality trot that I have been able to improve through training this.”
“Have a trainer that believes in you and your horse... You have to love the journey, because it’s a long one. Having the right trainer to support you, and help you reach your goals will help you love the journey you are on with your horse. The focus can not be all about the ribbons, because if it is, you won’t last long in this sport. There won’t always be an even playing field, so it is important to focus on your own journey. You should always be smiling, and enjoying your training, otherwise you have to think, why are you doing it?”
Vanessa and NSC Pronto, Medium Tour Horse of the Year champions 2020 Photo Caitlin Benzie
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PROFILE
THE RIGHT TEAM IS EVERYTHING A new naming rights sponsor and a talented team of horses makes for an exciting future for Vanessa Way.
NSC Timbermill Prequel
(Prestige VDL/ by Dream Boy) This eight-year-old has rocketed through the grades despite a very tricky start under saddle when he was super reactive and fearful. He will make his small tour debut at Central Districts Championships “He has grown so secure - didn’t even blink in the oval at HOY - and is really the kindest sweetest horse. Always willing to do everything to the best of his ability - just a wonderful boy to work with”.
NSC Furst Rock DW (Furst Romancier OLD/Royston Rockstar) A very tall six-year-old at 18hh, bred by David Woolley. Despite his height, Vanessa describes him as super narrow, light and reactive to ride. “He’s a sweet horse but super electric to every aspect of life so keeps me on my toes at the moment. He can shorten and extend so naturally that you almost can’t believe it.”
NSC Jolie DW (Johnson KWPN /Quattro B). A five-year-old mare – the first mare on the Way team since pony days. “She is a perfect fit for me and has the most incredible canter I have ever sat on. But she is still young and strong willed, but very affectionate and sweet at the same time. I’m very excited about her future ability as her movement is very elastic and special” NSC Pronto (Prestige VDL /
Photo Libby Law
Photo NZEquine
NSC Andreas (Anamour/ Dynamit) Arnie joined the team six years ago as a strong minded sevenyear-old “He’s still strong minded but now a total gentleman and is the highlight of my day riding him. Age and time has turned him into a gentle giant”.
Voltaire II) Pronto was 2020 Medium Tour Horse of the Year and will start the new season in this level. He is jointly owned by Vanessa and Josephine & Martin Giles-Dancy. “He is a very laid-back character whose biggest love is food. He’s just very gentle and totally bomb proof”.
Bugatti MH (left) (Benicio/Gymnastic
Star/Graf Landau) As a four-year-old he has been backed and turned out and will back home sometime in the spring. “I purchased both him and his younger full brother Bently MH (pictured right) as foals from Matthews Hanoverians. I fell in love with their type and rate the stallion, noting that Isabell Werth has purchased a Benicio for her team”.
32 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2020
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 33
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INTERNATIONAL NEWS
FEI EUROPEAN YOUTH CHAMPIONSHIPS 2020 Article by FEI/Louise Parkes Photography by Lukasz Kowalski
Plenty of drama and fantastic performances from the next generation of Dressage superstars at European Youth Championships
INDIVIDUAL GOLD MEDALIST Ann-Kathrin Lindner (GER) and FBW Sunfire, Under 25's
34 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | SEPTEMBER 2020
INTERNATIONAL NEWS
I
t was no surprise that Team Germany dominated the first week of the FEI Dressage European Youth Championships at Pilisjàszfalu in Hungary. But plenty of drama did accompany their clean sweep of gold in both the Junior and Children’s categories. The Junior Freestyle winner Valentina Pistner said, “it’s been a bit of an emotional roller-coaster. My motto is just do it, stay calm and try your best because that’s all you can ever do!’
Junior Team Competition:
Ups and down are the order of the day in equestrian sport, and although Valentina joined her team mates Allegra Schmitz-Morkramer (Lavissaro), Jana Lang (Baron 321) and Anna Middelberg (Blickfang HC) on the top step of the Junior Team podium, hers was the team discount score. “Sadly, my horse had his tongue over the bit. It happens sometimes and there is little you can do in that situation, but we tried fighting, we tried to finish our test so that we could give a fourth score for the team”, the 17-year-old rider explained. Team Placings: Germany 1st (222.212) Denmark 2nd (214.818) Netherlands 3rd (213.515)
Junior Individual Competition:
Valentina fought back from her 27th place the following day lining up in silver medal spot behind Anna Middelberg. Jana Lang taking bronze for a German whitewash.
JUNIOR SILVER MEDAL WINNER Anna Middelberg (GER) and Blickfang HC
Junior Freestyle:
In the Freestyle on day three, Valentina went one better when Flamboyant lived up to his name, dancing his way to the top of the Freestyle scoreboard for 79.285% “It’s such an incredible feeling - this is my third European Championship and my ninth medal” She could have allowed Tuesday’s result to affect her for the rest of the week but she kept her head and carried on. Flamboyant was bought from German Dressage superstar Isabell
Werth in December 2017, and the new partnership were already being scouted for the 2018 European Championships just a few weeks later. “We were able to win three silver medals that year and our journey has continued since then, but now it may be time for us to step up to another level”, the new champion revealed.. “I’m not sure yet, it hasn’t been fully decided, but I have been riding Juniors since I was thirteen and it’s maybe time to move on and try to progress and improve.”
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SEPTEMBER 2020 | DRESSAGENZ BULLETIN | 35
INTERNATIONAL NEWS Clara Paschertz (GER) and Danubio OLD part of the winning Children's Team
PONY INDIVIDUAL GOLD MEDALISTS Lucie-Anouk Baumgurtel (GER) and Zinq Nasdaq FH
New Judging System Adopted
This year a new judging system was introduced for the Children’s category, placing the focus on riding skills. The Ground Jury members have different roles depending on where they sit around the arena, those on the short side overseeing the technical aspects of the test and those on the long side judging the ridden work. A “Quality” score is awarded with marks for position and seat, effectiveness of the aids, precision, and general impression, and in this morning’s Individual Championship Rother racked up a massive 95.500 for Quality to secure a clear-cut victory with her nine-year-old gelding.
Children’s Championships
The Children’s team title also went to Germany(245.468%) when the three-member side of Clara Paschertz (Danubio OLD), Emily Rother (Jasper 224) and Caroline Miesner (Angelina 331) pinned their Dutch counterparts into silver just 0.2points behind leaving France to claim bronze. The highest marks of the competition went to 14-yearold Emily Rother who put 84.025 on the board. She made it a golden double when topping the Individual Championship with 86.145. Asked what her ambitions were coming to Hungary for these championships, the newly-crowned FEI Dressage Children’s European champion replied, “I just wanted not to finish last!” She definitely succeeded in doing that…
Pony Teams
A total of fifty-one combinations and eleven nations started in the Pony Team Test. The German team truly dominated with a final score of 232.771 giving them more than 10-points advantage over the silver medallists Denmark and the Netherlands who had to settle for bronze.
Pony Individual
It was a German one-two-three after day one, Great Britain’s Phoebe Peters set the previous European Pony Individual record at 81.39 at Malmo (SWE) back in 2015 where she won triple gold, but LucieAnouk Baumgürtel (GER) blew that out of the water in this year when awarded 82.351. Then she had to sit back and wait to see if anyone else could improve on that. In the end
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GERMAN CHILDRENS TEAM AND CHAMPIONS Emily Rother, Caroline Miesner and Clara Paschertz
her victory was clear-cut, as none of her rivals earned over 80 percent. Daughter of Australian Olympian Kristy Oatley, Rose Oatley, riding for Germany, put 76.649 on the board for fourth.
Pony Freestyle
This was another gold for LucieAnouk Baumgürtel with a breath taking 85.735, just fractionally short of the Freestyle world record for ponies. “Nasdaq is the pony of a lifetime; he gave me an amazing feeling and I’m so happy. When we made it to the Europeans I didn’t expect anything to be honest, I just wanted to enjoy a great pony time and I’m so thankful to have had the opportunity to ride here in this lovely place!”
INTERNATIONAL NEWS YOUNG RIDER FREESTYLE MEDALISTS Lia Welschof (GER) Silver, Daphne Van Peperstraten (NED) Gold, and Marten Luiten (NED) Bronze
The U25 Grand Prix and Young Riders demonstrated an abundance of promise, with the Netherlands, Germany and Denmark sharing U25 gold and the Dutch taking home four of the six titles on offer
U25 Team Championship
It was the top score of 74.765 from Jeanine Nieuwenhuis and TC Athene that clinched it for the Dutch when added to 72.882 from Jasmien de Koeyer and Esperanza and 71.647 from Febe van Swambagt and Edison. Germany claimed silver bolstered by the second-ranked score of the competition from AnnKathrin Lindner and FBW Sunfire who put 74.588 on the board. Netherlands 1st, Germany 2nd, Denmark 3
U25 Individual
Ann-Kathrin Lindner GER), turned the tables pipping Nieuwenhuis for the Individual title while Germany’s Raphael Netz steered Lacoste 126 into bronze with a charming ride.
U25 Freestyle
A stand-out performance and a fairytale finish saw Denmark’s Anne-Mette Strandby awarded 79.025 by judges Paula Nysten (FIN), Peter Hansaghy (HUN), Henning Lehrmann (GER), Elisabeth MaxTheurer (AUT) and Annette Fransen Iacobaeus (SWE) for Freestyle gold. Foco Loco W, whose stable-name is Dobby, simply smiled his way through his winning test, making every movement look as easy as can be. He listened to his rider from beginning to end, presenting lovely tempi changes, piaffe, passage and pirouettes and the only time he was
Marten Luiten (NED) and Fynona, Young Rider Freestyle Bronze Medalists
the tiniest bit naughty was when he spooked when someone waved a Danish flag in celebration after he left the arena. Anne-Mette said, “I’m so lucky I got to ride this horse and it’s unbelievable what he did for me - he has a heart of gold!”.
Young Riders Team
The Dutch completely dominated the gold position on the Young Riders podium. Their’ Young Rider team was reduced to just three, due to the elimination of Thalia Rockx and Golden Dancer de la Fazenda. But just like their U25 counterparts, the rest of the team didn’t let that stop them coming out on top thanks to solid performances from Quinty Vassers, Daphne van Peperstraten and Marten Luiten. Their score of 222.940 was good enough to edge out Germany and Denmark.
Young Riders Individual
Judges Kurt Christensen (DEN),
Maria Colliander (FIN), Evi Eisenhardt (GER), Eduard de Wolff van Westerrode (NED0 and EvaMaria Vint-Warmington (EST) were in complete agreement when placing 18-year-old Luiten on top of the Individual scoreboard with the 10-year-old mare Fynona on a mark of 77.559. Germany’s Welschof took silver while Luiten’s team-mate, van Paperstraten, claimed the bronze with Greenpoints Cupido.
Young Riders Freestyle
Daphne Van Peperstraten threw down an extraordinary test for a score of 80.69 in the Freestyle. She rode a daring centreline of threetempi changes on Cupido to her final halt. “I knew that had to be good because if you make a mistake it’s not possible to win a European medal”, she pointed out. “We did it because it’s something different, and Cupi is always amazing in the canterwork. You have to take the risk if you want to take a medal!”
THE GERMAN PONY TEAM AND CHAMPIONS: Lucie-Anouk Baumgurtel, Rose Oatley, Antonia Roth and Shona Benner,
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OUR PEOPLE
Nicky and daughter Molly Lumb
N
icky’s involvement with Dressage Taranaki spans a number of years as entries secretary for many different events including the annual Premier League Championships in midJanuary. So while some were enjoying a holiday break, Nicky was busy at the computer making an event under the magnificent Taranaki mountain possible. She has a reputation for always having time for people with her positive, friendly demeanour and has proven to be a fantastic front person for the group at events. The old saying “if you want something done, ask a busy person” rings true for Nicky. Her volunteering at local Dressage events is somehow scheduled around her position as a nurse in the cardiology department at New Plymouth Base Hospital and supporting her daughter Molly at various events. But there’s much more. She has been bitten by the riding bug and loves to take her
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH NICKY LUMB Sponsored by Big Barrel horse out hacking, as well as being a keen gardener and enjoying walks with the family dog. Molly reports that her Mum regularly takes leave from work to travel around the North Island with her during show season and is a groom extraordinaire, photographer, chef and truck driver. “She is always outside helping me at home with the horses
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every day as well, she’s a legend!”. Nicky was described by Vanessa Way as “an incredibly supportive mum” and is the recipient of this month’s Big Barrel volunteer prize. For mates rates, exclusive offers and all your party needs visit your nearest Big Barrel and join their Mates Club. Or go to www.bigbarrel.co.nz to experience their Big Range and Big Deals.
OUR PEOPLE
OFFICIAL OF THE MONTH ANNE TYLEE Sponsored by AR Dressage
C
ool, calm, reserved, sensible, and well prepared are just some of the terms you could use to describe Anne. An event secretary’s dream. A technical delegate in both the Dressage and Eventing disciplines, an accomplished and respected judge who is a real asset to any event. Anne has contributed much time and expertise to the Dressage community at her local Dressage Central Districts group, the Bates National Championships and many other events throughout NZ as an accomplished Dressage Level B judge. Her assessments are a positive experience for riders of all levels and if a movement doesn’t go so well, Anne’s own previous experience as a competitor ensures a sympathetic response. Anne is also one of our legendary eventing officials. As an FEI 3* Eventing judge Anne has served on the ground jury of numerous FEI events in New Zealand, in Australia including the Adelaide CCI5*-L,
Anne Tylee Photo Libby Law
Melbourne CCI4*-L , Oceania Championships, and in the UK. Fellow FEI Eventing Judge Margs Carline said that “Anne has always been brilliant and has travelled the world achieving FEI 3* Eventing status. Her deep knowledge of Eventing rules means she is well regarded around the world”. To back that up the Eventing NZ Sport Manager reported, “Anne has always been willing to share her knowledge with national officials and has facilitated several seminars for Eventing, passing her knowledge to the next generation. She has played a huge part in our Eventing family and her calm and
professional approach is an asset event organisers, official teams and competitors”. A visitor to Anne’s garden said that it is spacious oasis surrounded by farmland with sympathetic plantings that enhance the rural natural landscape and the house. A keen cook Anne’s bread and butter pickles set the benchmark of goodness, so she clearly gets a little downtime from equestrian sport! Anne is the recipient of this month’s AR Dressage Official’s prize. For further information on AR Dressage contact Andrea at tetch@xtra.co.nz.
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NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER
WHICH EVENTS AND SERIES ARE FOR YOU THIS SEASON? BATES NATIONAL CHAMPIONSHIPS Taupo NEC 19-22 November 2020 Owing to the Covid lock down in March, the 2020 national championships break away from the traditional autumn date. Because of travel restrictions there will be no CDI but a full programme of Open & Amateur Dressage classes is on offer plus Super 5 League qualifiers and Young Horses classes for 4,5 and 6yr old horses. The event also incorporates the Webb Equestrian Para Equestrian Championships for all grades. Downgraded horses and ponies are eligible to contest classes that do not qualify for ESNZ National titles. Entries are now open on Equestrian Entries where the full schedule can also be viewed. All riders should take particular note of the stable and yard allocation process in the schedule. https:// www.equestrianentries.co.nz/resultClass.aspx?RecordId=2135883320&RecordId2=0
AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS Amateur Championships from Preliminary to Advanced Medium will be held as separate classes. Eligibility is based on rider categories and horse grades. Qualification for the AMCH. The term Amateur is defined by rider category status. Amateur Riders are C5 and below (ie - not more than 15pts in level 6 or above) DR Art 462.5 Eligibility - There is no prior qualification for the event, but if entries are excessive, the OC reserves the right to ballot as per schedule conditions
EQUESTRIAN ENTRIES NZ U25 DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS January 30/31 - Taupo NEC (NCH /RE) ESNZ National Titles (NCH) Hyland Pony Championship (Pony FEI tests – Medium level) the Waldebago Trophy for Young Rider Championship (Young Rider FEI tests – Prix St Georges level), and the KH Arvan Trophy for the U25 Grand Prix. All other grades and /or age group competitions will be designated Premier League (RE) status and will include event championship titles. The York Corporation Inter-Island Team Challenge will also be held. No prior qualification required.
DRESSAGE SERIES 2020-21 For more information about all series go to: https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/ For information about Rider Categories refer to ART DR Art 462.5 https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/rules-regulations/dressage-rules/
SUPER 5 DRESSAGE LEAGUE The 2020 - 21 League comprises a points series in each island from Preliminary - Grand Prix 9 (top 5 points only to count) plus an island final at both the South Island Festival of Dressage hosted Dressage Canterbury 6-8 February 2021 and the Oro Equestrian North Island Championships hosted by Dressage Waikato at the Taupo NEC 26-28 February 2021 Tests used for Super 5 League at Premier League Events: Preliminary to Advanced B Tests; Small Tour – FEI Int I; Medium Tour FEI Intermediate B; Big Tour Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special Points tables managed directly by Dressage NZ
ZILCO MUSICAL FREESTYLE SERIES The crowd pleasing Zilco Musical Freestyle Series will be a feature again this season from Novice through to Grand Prix. Refer to the 2019 Test Book for the new Freestyle Tests from Novice(L2) through to Advanced(L6). Small tour (L7)uses the FEI Int I Freestyle. Go to the FEI website for guidelines for these tests. https://inside.fei.org/system/files/FEI%20Freestyle%20Directives%20for%20Judges_final-19.04.2017.pdf
The competition comprises two Island Series contested at Premier League Events (Top 5 scores to count). The North Island Series completes at the Horse of the Year Show 2021 and the South Island Series completes at the South Island Festival of Dressage hosted Dressage Canterbury 6-8 February. Points table managed directly by Dressage NZ
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NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER
HORSE OF THE YEAR SHOW 2021 (DRESSAGE SECTION) 9 – 14 March 2021, Qualifying Events from 1 August 2020
LEVEL
MES
EVENT CLASSIFICATION (GRADED COMPETITIONS ONLY)
PRELIMINARY HORSE
65%
Premier League or Youth Festival Preliminary, Zilco Novice or Youth Festival NOV MFS
NOVICE HORSE
64%
Premier League Zilco Novice or Youth Festival NOV MFS
ELEMENTARY HORSE
64%
Premier League Zilco Elementary Youth Festival ELE MFS
MEDIUM HORSE
64%
Premier League Zilco Medium Youth Festival MED MFS
ADVANCED MEDIUM HORSE
60%
Premier League Zilco Advanced Medium OR Youth Festival ADV MED MFS
ADVANCED HORSE
60%
Premier League Zilco Advanced Youth Festival ADV MFS
SMALL TOUR
60%
Premier League Int1, PSG OR Youth Festival FEI YR Team or IND
INTERMEDIATE TOUR
58%
Premier League Int A, Int B or Int II or Youth Festival U25 GP
GRAND PRIX
58%
Premier League GP or GPS or Youth Festival U25 GP
CDI Y (YOUNG RIDER)
60%
Premier League: FEI YR Test, PSG or Int I OR Youth Festival FEI YR Team or IND
TITLE & NON-TITLE PONY CLASSES ELIGIBILITY (GRADED COMPETITIONS ONLY) PRELIMINARY PONY
60%
Any graded competition
NOVICE PONY
60%
Any graded competition
ELEMENTARY PONY
60%
Any graded competition
PONY OF THE YEAR FEI PONY TESTS (MEDIUM LEVEL)
60%
Any graded competition at Elementary or above. May not also compete in Elementary Pony
NON-TITLE CLASSES HORSES ELIGIBILITY: (GRADED COMPETITIONS ONLY) PRELIMINARY HORSE
64%
Premier League Preliminary OR Youth Festival Preliminary
NOVICE HORSE
64%
Premier League Novice or Zilco Novice OR Youth Festival Novice
ELEMENTARY HORSE
64%
Premier League Elementary or Zilco Elementary OR Youth Festival Elementary
YOUNG DRESSAGE HORSE CLASSES No prior qualification. Verifiable proof of age of horse must be supplied with entry unless proof of age documentation is prior loaded on the ESNZ database /Equestrian Entries. (NB – Determining verifiable age of a horse by its teeth not considered verifiable)
AMS SADDLERY PONY & YOUNG RIDER PERFORMANCE LEAGUE There will be separate AMS Saddlery Leagues for Pony Riders and Young Riders this season with more opportunities to earn League points. Points will be earned from graded classes at KiwiArena Rakes Premier League events The Pony League is for riders 16yrs or under at 1 August, but if a rider turns 17 on or after 1 August, they may continue to compete in the Pony League. The Young Rider League is for riders 20yrs or under at 1 August but if a rider turns 21 on or after 1 August, they may continue to compete in the League The AMS Saddlery Pony & Young Rider Performance Leagues aim to increase participation at a Pony & Young Rider level and to establish a culture where these riders compete against their peers of a similar age and experience. Enter online at Equestrian Entries by 1/12/20
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NATIONAL COMPETITION CALENDER
PRESTIGE EQUESTRIAN DRESSAGE FUTURES PRIZE The Prestige Equestrian Futures Prize will be awarded to the best performed combination competing at KiwiArena Rakes Premier League Events from 1 October 2020 –28 February 2021 and meeting the following eligibility conditions. Horses 148cm and over, 4 -10-year-old and competing at Levels 1 - 7 with riders who have no grading points in Level 8 or above on any horse. The prize is a fabulous Prestige Saddle. (Riders may only win the saddle prize once) Enter online at Equestrian Entries by 1/12/19
TOP TEN LEAGUES All Top Ten Leagues accrue points from 1/8/20 - 30/4/21 Riders love the Top Ten Leagues for a number of reasons but the biggest draw card is that they can simply enter online with no fee attached and then can see how their performances are stacking up against other riders in the same league and category from throughout New Zealand. And then of course there is the chance to win stylish sponsor rosettes at area level and fabulous sashes and rugs at national level So get across to Equestrian Entries and choose the series that are just RIGHT for you and horse or pony. Chances are there is more than one. Conditions for each of the leagues are on both Equestrian Entries and the ESNZ website https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/ dressage/competition/dressage-series-classes/ Entries for all Top Ten Leagues close on 1/12/19. Points accrue from 1 August 2020 until 30 April 2021
THE ORO EQUESTRIAN SMALL STARS TOP TEN LEAGUE For horses over 148cm and not exceeding 163cm (verified by RAS height certificate by 1/12/20) Riders must turn at least 12yrs in the calendar year of the beginning of the competition. Three divisions; Bronze (Levels 1 & 2) Silver (Levels 3 & 4) Gold (Level 5 & above).
QUIN BUILDINGS DIRECT MASTERS TOP TEN LEAGUE For riders at least 50yrs as at 1/1/20 on horses or ponies • Pewter (Area and National) For CN – C2 Riders on horses competing at Preliminary and above • Bronze (Area and National) For C3 & C4 Riders on horses on competing Novice and above • Silver Area and National) For C3 & C4 Riders on horses competing at Elementary and above • Gold (Area and National) For C5 - C9 Riders on horses competing at Preliminary, Novice, Elementary & Medium • Platinum (Area and National) For C5 - C9 Riders on horses competing at Advanced Medium and above
SOUTH CANTERBURY SADDLERY AMATEUR TOP TEN LEAGUE The competition is open to riders 21yrs and over at 1/8/19 and over and is run in four National divisions plus special awards, with twenty area winners. • Bronze Area & National Preliminary Riders CN - C3 at 1/8/2020 • Silver Area & National Novice Riders CN - C4 at 1/8/2020 • Gold Area & National Elementary Riders CN - C5 at 1/8/2020 • Platinum Area & National Medium Riders CN - C5 at 1/8/2020 • Newcomer (First year member) Rider no grading points in Dressage prior to 1/4/2020
ISLAND HI-POINTS AWARD Highest Score in each Island AMATEUR OWNER Horse with zero grading points at date of purchase by current owner and may not have earned any grading points with any other rider at any time
EQUIZEE PONY & YOUNG RIDER AMATEUR TOP TEN LEAGUE Ponies: Riders 16yrs and under at 1/8/20 Pony Bronze: Level 1 ponies Riders CN – C3 at 1/8/2020 Pony Silver: Level 2 ponies Riders CN – C4 at 1/8/2020 Pony Gold: Level 3 & 4 ponies Riders CN – C5 at 1/8/2020 Horses: Riders must turn at least 12yrs during 2020, and be 20yrs or under at 1/8/2020 Horse Bronze: Level 1 horses. Riders CN – C3 at 1/8/2020 Horse Silver: Level 2 horses. Riders CN – C4 at 1/8/2020 Horse Gold: Level 3 & 4 horses. Riders CN – C5 at 1/8/2020 Top Score Rider North Island 12yrs & under at 1/8/20 Top Score Rider South Island 12yrs & under at 1/8/20 Newcomer ESNZ graded Dressage rider. Must have never earned any dressage grading points on any horse or pony prior to 1/4/20
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NATIONAL CALENDAR
PREMIER LEAGUE & NATIONAL EVENTS CALENDAR Keep up to date with the latest competition calendar by clicking here...
www.nzequestrian.org.nz/
disciplines/dressage/competition/
show-dates-card-for-2020-2021/
SEPTEMBER 2020 26/27
Dressage SCNO Premier League Event
Postponed
OCTOBER 2020 17/18
Dressage Central Districts Premier League Event (TBC)
Manfeild Park
24/26
Dressage Bay of Plenty Premier League Event
Taupo NEC
24/25
Dressage Marlborough Premier League Event
Marlborough Equestrian Park
29/30
NZ Section FEI Dressage Challenge
Solway Showgrounds Masterton
31/1
Dressage Nelson Premier League Event
Rough Island Equestrian Park
31/1
Dressage Wellington Championships
Solway Showgrounds Masterton
NOVEMBER 2020 7/8
Dressage Gisborne Championships
Gisborne Showgrounds
7/8
Dressage Otago Premier League Championships
Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds
14/15
Dressage Ashburton Premier League Championships
Cancelled
14/15
** Dressage Sth Canterbury Nth Otago Championships
Waimate A&P Showgrounds
14/15
Dressage Northern Hawkes Bay Championships
Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds
19/22
Bates Dressage NZ Championships
Taupo NEC
19/22
Webb Equestrian Para Equestrian Championships
Taupo NEC
28/29
Dressage Canterbury Championships
McLeans Island NEC
DECEMBER 2020 5/6
Dressage Southern Hawkes Bay Championships
Dannevirke A&P Showgrounds
5/6
Dressage Southland Championships
Gore A&P Showgrounds
12/13
Dressage Waitemata Premier League Championships
Woodhill Sands
19/20
Taihape Christmas Championships
Taihape A&P Showgrounds
JANUARY 2021 15/17
Dressage Taranaki Championships
Egmont A&P Showgrounds
16/17
** Dressage Nelson Premier League Event
Rough Island
22/24
Auckland-Manukau Premier League Championships
Clevedon A&P Showgrounds
23/24
Wairarapa Premier League Event
Solway Showgrounds Masterton
30/31
** Dressage Otago Premier League Event
Otago Taieri A&P Showgrounds
30/31
Dressage NZ Youth Festival
Taupo NEC
FEBRUARY 2021 6/8
South Island Dressage Championships (Canterbury DG)
McLeans Island NEC
12/14
Dressage Northland Championships
Barge Park Showgrounds
26/28
North Island Dressage Championships (Waikato DG)
Taupo NEC
MARCH 2021 9/14
Land Rover Horse of the Year Show
Hawkes Bay A&P Showgrounds
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OUR MISSION: TO INSPIRE BY SHOWCASING HIGH PERFORMANCE DRESSAGE ON THE N AT I O N A L A N D I N T E R N AT I O N A L STA G E . TO I N F O R M , E D U C AT E A N D E N CO U R A G E PA RT I C I PAT I O N I N O U R S P O RT F R O M GRASSROOTS LEVEL. TO INDULGE BY PROVIDING OUR READERS WITH QUALITY CONTENT AND NEWS, FROM OUR REGIONAL DRESSAGE COMMUNITIES THROUGH TO THE I N T E R N AT I O N A L S C E N E .
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