It’s been a cracker of an opening day for New Zealand at CHIO Aachen. Melissa Galloway and Windermere J’Obei W drew plenty of praise from many for their 70.478% and 12th place effort in the CDI4*.

ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget, who is chef d’equipe at the event, said riding at a show like Aachen was a real privilege. “To perform at your best on that stage at your first go is really impressive,” he said. “It really shows the work Melissa is doing – it is great to see.”

Melissa was ecstatic. “I am so, so happy,” she said. “My dream was to get over 70% and to do that here at Aachen with my parents and husband here is absolutely unbelievable. I couldn’t ask for more. Joey just loved the atmosphere and I can’t wait to go again.”
She and Windermere J’Obei W will wait to see if she qualifies for the Grand Prix Special on Friday.

This morning’s Grand Prix was won by Cathrine Dufour (DEN) aboard Bohemian on 80.413%, with Adrienne Lyle (USA) aboard Salvino second on 76.891%, and Frederic Wandres (GER) with Bluetooth OLD third on 75.217%.

Dylan Bibby shone on his borrowed mount Chasseur Ask Z going clear in the opening round of the FEI Youth Equestrian Games team competition. Riding for Team Australasia, Dylan was clear, alongside team mate Aya Hamcho, with Maleah Lang-McMahon and Abdulaziz Aleid picking up four apiece. Khaled Ahmed Al Hammadi’s 11 fault effort was the drop score of the round. Nineteen of the 30 combinations taking part in the competition were clear.
The team sit in fifth spot on four faults with the final round set to go on Thursday evening NZ time.

Dylan was over the moon with the round. “Everything went to plan,” he said. “The horse jumped awesome. I couldn’t be happier. He was more focussed today which was great.”
Coach Lucy Olphert was very happy too, with their efforts. “The two of them put in an outstanding performance to pull out one of only two clears for Team Australasia,” she said. “The course flowed nicely with forward distances which really suited Dylan’s horse and our plan.”

Chef Jock says Dylan is certainly making the most of the experience. “I am sure he will be learning a lot!”

THE TIMETABLE:
• Dressage – the CDI4* Grand Prix Special is on Friday afternoon.
• The FEI Youth Equestrian Games’ final round of the team competition is on Thursday, with the individual final on Saturday.
• CCIO4*-S eventing starts with the dressage on Friday morning, followed by the showjumping test that evening and the cross country on Saturday.

CLICK HERE FOR FULL START LISTS AND RESULTS

THE HORSE DETAILS:
Windermere J’Obei W – owned by Rodney and Anne Parkes and Melissa Galloway

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ