Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) and AH California Dreaming Photo by Libby Law
NZPH and A1 Equine Reproduction Seven-Year-Old Breeding Series
Winner: Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) and AH California Dreaming
It’s been a season of double delight for Christchurch teen Johanna Wylaars and AH California Dreaming.
As well as winning the NZPH and A1 Equine Reproduction Seven-Year-Old Breeding Series, they also took out the National Seven-Year-Old title. “It has been a good season,” says the first year Lincoln University student.
They bought Sam – as California Dreaming is known at home – as a yearling off Amberley House and Johanna has been carefully and quietly bringing him through the grades.
“This year he stepped up as number one on the team and has done so well. We chose him (as a yearling) because he was well natured.”
He’s also spunky with lots of character, the class clown and playful. “He is a lot of fun to ride and have around. I just fell in love with him.”
Series are not something Johanna chases. “We don’t set out to do them but it certainly is nice to have a win like this with him. He stepped up so well to the seven-year-old classes.”
The Wylaars headed north at the end of the season to give the youngsters more mileage. “I was second behind Vicki (Prendergast – the eventual runner-up with Stiletto C), and while she won the final and I got second, with the drop off scores I ended up a point ahead.”
The seven-year-old wasn’t the only series Johanna aced this season – she and Demietta won the New Zealand Warmblood Association Six-Year-Old Breeding Series SERIES: 6 YEAR OLD SERIES | ESNZ.
“It is pretty special to win two but especially with Sam as we have produced him ourselves. It is so rewarding doing young horses and seeing the work pay off. The highlight of the season for me has been watching him step up and mature into a horse instead of a playful baby,” she said. “I would like to do Young Rider and mini prix on him next season and see what happens. He is such a character so we will see if he focuses a bit more. In the future I would love to do Grand Prix on him.”
It was also an extra special season for the series sponsor with some “lovely” seven-year-olds in the classes. “It was so nice watching them compete,” says stud manager Adele White.
It is the third year NZPH and A1 Equine Reproduction have sponsored the series. “We love being able to give back to the sport,” she says. “It is especially nice when we get messages from those who win too.”
They’ve been busy settling into their property in readiness for the coming season. “It has been a great year for us and especially exciting to win the showjumping breeders’ award again – it is nice to see all the hard work paying off,” she says.
Results – Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) AH California Dreaming (by Euro Sport Centavos x Lilliana / Littorio) 127 1, Vicki Prendergast (Matamata) Stiletto C (by Cohinoor VDL x Sofee / Powerfee) 126 2, Kimberley Carrington (Takapau) Double J Saga (by Euro Sport Centavos x Double J Barmaid / Double J Repicharge) 86 3, Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) Inca NZPH (by Up to You x Cinnamon NZPH / Pezatas du Rouet) 76 4.
Diana Dobson
May 2025