Johanna Wylaars rides Demietta at Series Finals. Photo by Libby Law
NZ WARMBLOOD ASSOCIATION SIX-YEAR-OLD BREEDING SERIES
Winner: Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) and Demietta
Johanna Wylaars is picking there may be a bit of a horse swap going on with her younger sister Eva given her win aboard Demietta in the New Zealand Warmblood Association Six-Year-Old Breeding Series.
The family bought Demietta for Eva who did a “beautiful” job getting her going but then was struck by chronic fatigue at the beginning of the season and couldn’t ride for a couple of months.
“I thought I would give it a go,” says Johanna. “It took a bit for Demi (Demietta) and I to click and to get to know each other but towards the end of the season we really started to do some nice rounds.”
She describes Demi as “a sensitive wee mare” but one who is switched on and a competitive, spirited horse who wants to do well. “It was her first season of jumping and she knew her job straight away. I like that in a horse.”
Eva had been jumping 90cm with her but Johanna quickly saw the potential and scope and stepped Demi up to the six-year-olds at the Christmas Cracker. “She just got stronger and stronger,” said Johanna. “We were looking at the points coming into series final and realised we could win.”
How right she was. The combination jumped a beautiful double clear to win the final.
“It is so special to do this for Eva. She was really supportive but a pretty stressful owner to have! We were all very impressed with how Demi stepped up over the season and shows real potential for the future. We’re all excited about that.”
The mare had handled the atmosphere at the final like a pro. “It has been really rewarding to see that.”
Now the sisters have to decide what happens. Eva had picked up the ride on Centanna II – Johanna’s eight-year-old – so there could well be a horse swap on the cards.
Demi also won the National Six-Year-Old crown.
Sponsor NZ Warmblood Association president, Jody Hartstone, says the series gives national breeders the visibility they deserve. “It creates a platform for homebred horses to prove themselves and to showcase the results of their careful genetic planning,” says Jody. “It also allows us to monitor performance trends and continually improve our breeding strategies.”
It is the first year the association has sponsored the series. “It is something we are very excited to get behind and see it as an important avenue to support local breeding and performance development.”
Jody felt key to the success of the series is the correct recording of pedigrees and proof of age. “That transparency is crucial for the credibility of young horse classes and for supporting New Zealand breeders,” she said.
“There is nothing more rewarding that seeing talented young horses come through the grades – particularly when they are New Zealand bred. It is a real testament to the quality of our local breeding programmes. It is wonderful to see riders and breeders working together to bring these horses up through the levels.”
The association continues to make big strides in digitising its studbook and improving the accessibility and ease of its registration and passport systems. “We are also working on breeder education and promoting genetic diversity and quality through our classification tours and partnerships.”
She extended a huge congratulations to series winner Johanna Wylaars. “It is so encouraging to see talented riders achieving great results on promising young horses,” said Jody. “We are proud to support initiatives like this that help grow the future of sport horse breeding and performance in New Zealand.”
Results – Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) Demietta (by Daminos X Octavia Queen / Don Quattro) 50 1, Vicki Wilson (Havelock North) Dakota VWNZ (by Daminos X Empress VWNZ / Carrado MVNZ) 42 2, Amanda Illston (Masterton) Glenara C-Star (by Big Star X Glenara KG Cinderella / Conquistador) 39 3, Kylee McCambridge (Cambridge) Waitangi Starlink (by Hector Van di: Adijhoeve X Waitangi Cloud / Cardento) 34 4.
Diana Dobson
May 2025