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Bates NZ Dressage 27th Championships & Webb Equestrian Para Championships Roundup Day Three: Saturday 22 March
Bates Dressage Championships & Webb Equestrian Para Championships Day 3 Results 2025 – 22 March
Follow us on Facebook – Read the delightfully funny and entertaining posts thanks to Jess Roberts Equestrian who engaged our followers throughout the event
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Wendi Williamson & Debbie Barke
It was a show to be remembered for Wendi Williamson – she went home with the Elementary (Furst Klass MH), Advanced Medium (Danseur MH) & Grand Prix NZ titles, the Grand Prix & Grand Prix Freestyle titles (Don Vito MH) and both NZ Hanoverian Society Awards with Furst Klass MH & Don Vito MH
Vanessa Way was also evident in the national trophy haul taking home the Int A/B Champion & Reserve with NSC Furst Rock DW and NSC Jolie DW and the Advanced Championships on NSC Bugatti MH.
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography: Vanessa Way Furst Rock DW & Reserve Susan Tomlin (Dance Hit SW) with Jo Colin – ESNZ Community Manager
Matthews Hanoverians – the MH suffix – was a common theme throughout with the MH suffix behind seven champions and reserves, including and additional to the above, Fanciful MH (Medium Champion) Ferrari MH (Reserve Novice) Santana MH (Reserve Open Medium) & Georgia MH (Young Rider) and at least four more MH bred horses at the event. Congratulations to Judith & Peter Matthews who are also sponsors of the Novice Super 5 League and the 4YO Young Dressage Horse Trophy, continuing a loyal and influential 25yr plus partnership with Dressage NZ.
A new initiative, the inaugural HERDD Harmony Award was presented by Sarah Holmes from HERDD Bedding (along with a $250 HERDD voucher). Judged by the stewards across all three days of competition, the criteria for this prize is showing “utmost and admirable horse and rider harmony, displaying relaxation, suppleness, balance and willingness; and demonstrating respect and camaraderie with fellow riders.”
The winning combination was Olivia Skiffington (Morrinsville) and Just Harley, with runner-up going to William Fisher (Reporoa) and CK Sazerac. William received a very stylish Bates Saddle bag as runner up.
Winner of the Herdd Harmony Award: Olivia Skiffington. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Olivia Skiffington rides Just Harley. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Thursday 20 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Preliminary Open Championship (L1) + Aztec Trophy
Samantha Belsham (Te Awamutu) had a dream Nationals which included taking out the Preliminary Open Championship following her 71.458 win in the final test with Southcote Dominic (who also scooped the River Park Farm National 5YO Young Dressage Horse title). Hot on their heels for reserve was Zoie Gray (also from Te Awamutu) and SWE Furstin Light.
Preliminary Bronze Champion: Chrissie Dawkins and Tulara Furst Don
Reserve: Holly Tongue and Recliffs Fortunate One
Preliminary Silver Champion: Nicki Winter and Shenandoah Devine
Reserve: Duncan Norrie and WPS Demure
Novice Open Championship (L2) + Killala Trophy
Three quality, consistent tests (including two wins) secured Taranaki’s Catherine West and Matapiro Baseline the Novice title for 2025, although they were given a run for their money by Tiffany Owen (Woodhill) and Ferrari MH who were also in excellent form and right behind them on the final leaderboard.
Novice Bronze Champion: Felice Spanjer and Swagger Style
Reserve: Lizette Turnbull and Riff Raff
Novice Silver Champion: Charlotte Harding and CWE SWE Matapiro Reigns
Reserve: Olivia Skiffington and Just Harley
Elementary Open Championship (L3) Tuna Lodge Trophy
Furst Klasse MH lived up to his name, winning two of his three tests with Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) and adding the L3 title to a big Nationals prize haul for a very on-form Team Williamson. This was an uber-competitive field with no wiggle room between the top scores on the final day – reserve champion Susan Tomlin (Palmerston North) and Riverrock Firenze won the Equus Reproduction and Consulting 3C on 70.914 with Williamson a 70.854 second.
Elementary Bronze Champion: Christa Bodaan and Papanui Just Downtown
Reserve: Jenna Higgins and LSH Chivenor Bloemenhof
Elementary Silver Champion: Leia Maxwell and Astek Treasure
Reserve: Paris Kingston-White and Rubinella
Medium Open Championship (L4) + Doornbos Trophy
Awanui’s Casey Burton and Fanciful MH head back to the Far North with the national Medium title sash triumphantly decorating the truck window, rising to the top of a field that included many experienced competitors. Luca Swale and Innuendo II took reserve spot with a super 73.5 win in the Aotea Gaming Trust 4A.
Medium Bronze Champion: Sarah Holmes and Nina DW
Reserve: Joanna Harrison and Arundel II
Medium Silver Champion: Tara Kusch-Woolley and Darkwood Latino
Reserve: Charlotte Cashin and Cashins World Star
Advanced Medium Open Championship (L5) + Kentucky Trophy
With a clean sweep of all three tests, Wendi Williamson and the stunning Danseur MH scored 70+ in every one to become very deserving winners of the Advanced Medium title. Reserve went to Debbie Barke (Rotorua) and her proudly homebred RM Freedom, who also took home the Rakanui Stud Trophy for Top Performed Mare.
Advanced Medium Bronze Champion: Alison Summers and Regent Street
Reserve: Rachel Hucker and BL Allalong
Advanced Medium Silver Champions: Tannah Johnson and Davonte
Advanced Open Championship (L6) + Hobson Trophy
There were a pick n mix of winners and placings over the course of the Advanced championship, keeping it exciting and very competitive! However Vanessa Way (Taranaki) and pocket rocket NSC Bugatti MH were all class to become the eventual title winners, with reserve spot taken by Hastings’ Cindy Wiffin and Santana MH.
VW Dressage Pro Am Advanced Champion: Rebecca Lawrence and Don Darciano
Reserve: Anna Williams and HSP Levi
Small Tour Open Championship (Prix St George) + Surrey Trophy
A huge cheer went up for Amy Sage (Cambridge) as her dedication and patience with Sinatra SW to get to this level paid off in spades following three wins on the trot for the Small Tour title. Clevedon’s Angela Lloyd and Airthrey Roll X were also super consistent, stepping up for the reserve sash.
VW Dressage Pro Am Small Tour Champion: Philippa McLeod and Donneregal
Reserve: Emma Dickons and Belmont Rockstar
Medium Tour Open Championship (Intermediate) + Trotter Trophy
Hot off the back of their identical HOY results, NSC Furst Rock DW and NSC Jolie DW continued their impressive form under Vanessa Way to scoop the Medium title and runner-up. Coming first (NSC Furst Rock DW) and second (NSC Jolie DW) in all their tests, these two are a credit to Vanessa, knocking on the door of Grand Prix and looking absolutely ready to step it up. Watch out 2026!
VW Dressage Pro Am Intermediate Champion: Ben Weir and NPE Del Rico
CDI3* Grand Prix (L9) + Burkner Medal
Spectators were treated to NZs top two Grand Prix combinations delivering beautiful performances at Taupo. It was very tight competition but a repeat of last year’s three straight wins saw the uber-experienced Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH claiming the title rug and Burkner Medal, as well as the Vom Feinsten and Tironui trophies (for the Superior Rubber Surfaces Grand Prix and Gallant Equestrian Musica Freestyle respectively). Gaylene Lennard and Jax Johnson were warmly greeted by the crowd, happy to see this super combination back in the arena oozing the international quality that took them to the World Championships in 2022.
VW Dressage Pro Am Grand Prix Champion: Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir
YOUTH CLASSES
FEI Pony Champion: Paige Fitzgerald (Christchurch) and Greenmoor Euphoria
Reserve: Katy Payne (Carterton) and Dragonbach Master Rielly
CDI-J Junior Rider Champion: Piper Crake (Helensville) and Georgia MH
Reserve: Grace Purdie (Mahoenui) and Mistadobalina
CDI-Y Young Rider Champion: Samantha Belsham (Te Awamutu) and Dolcetto II
Reserve: Morgan Abel-Pattinson (Pukekohe) and Don Tobio
PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE II
Champion: Chontelle Honour and Anuschka PSH
Reserve: Aimee Prout and Land N Sei
WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE III
Champion: Rachel Shiree Hughes and HPH Benedict
Reserve: Vanessa Connell and Tallyho Moonwind
WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE IV
Champion: Louise Duncan and Showcase BC
Reserve: Louise Duncan and Byalee Wow Wie RW
WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE V
Champion: Shelley Penny and Astek Rhapsody
Reserve: Lisa Butterworth and Lukavela
HUNNIMAN TROPHY (highest cumulative % over 3 tests)
Louise Duncan and Showcase BC
As ever a huge thank you to the OC, Cassie Freeman and her team, judges, stewards, volunteers, show sponsors, riders and supporters and everyone who continues to make this show the pinnacle of the dressage calendar.
Bates Saddles was represented at the Final Prizegiving by David Jones-Parry who praised the event organisers, fellow sponsors, competitors, officials and volunteers and indicated that he hoped the partnership between Bates & Dressage NZ would continue into the future.
Jessica Roberts Equestrian
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Nicole Sweney – Winner Rosemary Carter & Brett Kendall Grand Prix Special
FEI Pony Challenge 2025: Paige Fitzgerald and Greenmoor Euphoria. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Piper Craike – Georgia MH
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography AMDG Team –
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography – Anamour Trophy – Sally Howe-Stirton & Falsterbohus PSH
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography David Jones-Parry with Wendi Williamson & Susan Tomlin
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography David Jones-Parry with Samantha Belsham & Zoie Gray
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography David Jones-Parry & Wendy Hamerton – ESNZ Dressage Manager
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Paige Fitzgerald & Katy Payne
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography Nicole Sweney (Sponsor) with Samantha Belsham & Morgan Abel-Pattinson
Prizegiving. 2025 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Saturday 22 March 2025. NEC Taupo. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography – The Wendi Williamson Winning Smile