The Back on Track Dressage Premier League season promises an exciting contest at the Bates Nationals in Feilding next week.
The Harcourts Four Seasons Realty South Island Festival of Dressage held at McLeans Island at the end of January showcased all that is good about dressage
Riders from all over the South Island, national and local judges with international guest judge Maja Stukelj from Slovenia, a strong sponsor presence from local and national supporters and a host of volunteers and officials all converged at the South Island National Equestrian Centre which was looking a picture.
A number of riders were using this event as their final preparation for the Bates Nationals. These combinations including Diane Wallace, Melissa Galloway, Tessa van Bruggen, Franzi van Bruggen Smit, Nicola Maley and Rebecca Rowlands, who all scored top placings will add a new dimension to already strong performances being seen in the north in recent weeks
Meanwhile at the Wide Span Sheds Waikato Back on Track Premier League, there was one of the closest Grand Prix contests we have seen all season. Vanessa Way and NRM Andreas edged Wendi Williamson and Don Amour MH in the Freestyle but the tables were turned in the Sunday Grand Prix. Jody Hartstone and Ali Baba completed this strong trio taking third place in both classes. In the Grand Prix only 0.8% separated the three with Wendy & Donny scoring 69.496, Vanessa & Andreas 69.239 and Jody with Ali Baba scoring a personal best on 69.158% . Victoria Wall and Limonit mare Letty Lei EDH are the new ones to look out for and it’s great to see Bill Millar back with Raukura Satori MH scoring 67%