The September Secondary Schools Equestrian Championships may be a dim memory for some of our school-age equestrians, however, the event has provided a springboard towards greater things for two young Dressage riders.
North Islander Kaitlin Barendregt and South Islander Natalie Russell are the winners of the two Newcomer Awards that were announced following the Interschools by Dressage New Zealand. The awards are for riders who have not yet competed at a Premier League /Island or National event in Dressage and have been selected from applications at the discretion of the Dressage NZ Selectors and Dressage NZ Youth Council.
Kaitlin Barendregt and Paper Boy / Apollo
Kaitlin is a Year 9 student at ACG Strathallan in Auckland, and rides Paper Boy (aka Apollo), a 6-year-old Warmblood x Welsh x Arabian by Hilkens Denali which she has competed in Dressage up to Level 2. This year, the duo won Supreme Champion Pony at Morrinsville A&P Show, the 13 and under Led Turnout Championship at the Showing Nationals and were part of the second-placed team overall at the NISS Championships.
“Apollo has a super cheeky and friendly personality, and always does a dance performance every night for his dinner,” says Kaitlin.
Kaitlin says she enjoys the training process and would like to school and compete her ponies up to Pony FEI dressage in the future. When she is not riding, she enjoys harness racing and playing the piano.
Natalie Russell and Penny Royal
Natalie is a Year 10 student at Central Southland College, and horse Penny Royal is a Warmblood x Thoroughbred owned by her sister. Together they won the SISS Dressage, Junior Champion at the Otago Southland Pony Club Dressage Championships, and were selected for the Central Southland Pony Club Springston Trophy Team.
“Penny is a real sweetie and has been in our family two years, but I’ve only been riding her for the past 10 months,” says Natalie.
Natalie says she’d love to ride at the big events someday whether it’s, dressage, eventing or showing. Natalie also plays hockey and netball to a representative level.
ESNZ Dressage New Zealand Sports Manager Wendy Hamerton congratulated the two Newcomer Award recipients.
“It is exciting for our sport to see so many very capable and talented riders competing at the Schools Championships this year and particularly look forward to welcoming Kaitlin and Natalie to the 2025 Saddle & Canter Youth Festival in Taupo next January, and the Festival of Future Stars in Christchurch in April.
“The Dressage Youth Council is providing mentorship to the riders in the lead up to the events and at the events – this is a wonderful example of youth supporting youth and encouraging a supportive culture in our sport – giving a leg up as it were,” says Wendy.