The Equestrian Entries Under 25 National Dressage Championships have attracted an exciting 2019 entry list and line up of international riders and officials. 135 horses and 105 riders were entered on the day prior to closing.
Three entries have been received for the U25 Grand Prix and eight in the small tour demonstrating the progress the sport is making.
For the first time, lead rein dressage will be held, attracting six entries, and giving the chance for younger family members to participate. And also for the first time, a Special Olympics section is scheduled in addition to the Para Dressage section. This on the back of a successful Special Olympics New Zealand team representation at the World Summer Games in Abu Dhabi.
International Judges will include FEI 3* Judge from the Philippines, Vic Barba and Queensland’s Anita Barton.
A Queensland team of Under 21’s who will ride borrowed horse generously loaned by local owners. Daisy Fielding(19) will make her second trip to the event, along with Mackenzie Boundy (20) and Holly Wickham (17). A huge thanks to Denise Rushbrook and Rosie Richards for making their horses available and to Anna Gale for a reserve horse.
The second round of the York Corporation Inter-Island Challenge will be held. South Island riders Emma Copplestone (Canterbury), Kimberley Clearwater (Southland) and Giselle Conway (Otago) will be looking to retain the lead on borrowed horses. Horses and ponies have generously been made available by Geraldine Kawabe, Carla Harcourt, Jill Pedersen and Trudy Garland. The North Island team will be announced when entries are closed, selectors having to match combinations at the same level as the borrowed horses.
A number of other SI Young riders are making the journey with their own horses so selectors also hope to be able to also announce an InterIsland Challenge for riders on their own horses.
The founder of the event, Gisborne’s Shirley Hyland, will be at Taupo to enjoy the progress the sport has made over a quarter century. Shirley’s support of young riders is unwavering and as well as being the donor of the Hyland trophy for the pony championship, she will be seen around the grounds coaching her group of young riders from Gisborne.