The Dream Team Called Williamson

The Dream Team called Williamson  

Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. Final-1st. Class-901: Gallant Equestrian – Superior Rubber Surfaces – Test FEI Grand Prix 2026 CDI 3*.. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Team Williamson from Waitekauri Farm (Waitemata) dominated at the 2026 Bates  Championships, led by example by their lead rider, coach and  mentor  Wendi Williamson.  
Wendi competed three horses; Don Vito MH (Grand Prix Champion)   Danseur MH (Reserve Champion Small Tour) Furst Klasse MH (Reserve Champion Medium)

Wendi and Don Vito MH maintained their Grand Prix Championship winning streak for the third year running, 24/25/26, also not forgetting their win in 2022 and in 2017 on Deja Vu MH.  They added yet another purple Bates title rug and the prestigious Gand Prix Championship Burkner Medal, donated by Mr ND (Nick) Williams to their collection.  Williams was the first and only (to date) 5* FEI Dressage  for NZL, and selected to judge at the Summer Olympics in Seoul (1988) and Barcelona in 1992

Wendi’s Burkner Medal haul is now just one behind that of Marcia Bayley who scored 4 wins on Kentucky and 2 on Rubicon between 1986 and 1988. 

Wendi & Don Vito were also awarded Vom Feinsten Grand Prix trophy (donated by David Brougham) for the Gallant Equestrian / Superior Rubber Surfaces Grand Prix, and Grand Prix Freestyle Tironui trophy for the  River Park Farm Musical Freestyle where they scored a lofty 72.73. Gaylene Lennard (Te Aroha) and Jax Johnson has to settle for the reserve champion sash as runners up. .

Wendi was very proud of “‘Donny” – ths being their first show for nearly a year following the Waikato Premier League washout back in February.  “It felt a little bit rusty in places, but overall I was really pleased – and especially pleased to get a 10 from Henning (Lehrmann) for an entrance and halt ! ”  

No Williamson event is complete without Jon who is number one supporter although Wendi did say ” he has been known to spend a lot of time on the local golf course when we are at Taupo but this time he was there supporting us at the event with just  a sneaky game when we arrived – which was great !” 

Wendi noted how proud she was to be part of the wider team and their support crews and parents who are all  “very involved and super committed” – the team comprised Maddi Schollum who earned high praise from Lehrmann for both her harmony and technical execution on Fanciful MH (Advanced Medium Champion), Piper Crake and Riverpark Jeniro (Preliminary Champion), Saffron MH (Preliminary)  and Georgia MH (FEI Young Rider) , Tiffany Owen (Fabian)  & Georgia Mullins (Beauden MH) who feaured in Preliminary and the Brett Kendall & Rosemary Carter 5YO Young Dressage Horse. “It s important for these developing riders to understand that improvemnt is incremental – look back and see where you have come from – it is not an overnight journey” reminds Wendi. 

“I noted the engagement of riders in the Capital Pools Bronze & Silver Championships, and the Vanessa Way ProAm Championships  – and also the fact that Dressage NZ opened up entries after a very shortened version of Waikato. Both these factors I believe added to a friendly and inclusive culture and atmosphere which was noticeable throughout the weekend. 

When asked what next ? Wendi was cautious but said she is keeping her options open, currently considering the turmoil in other parts of the world which is currently impacting international flights for horses. “We will just see what happens — however, I am not planning to go to the Sydney CDI”‘ 

The Helen Holden Area Trophy Team Trophy competition was all Team Williamson ( Waitemata Navy) who scored an impressive average of 68.65% across 12 tests and a total of 813.80 pts

This was also another milestone for Matthews Hanoverians with all team horses boasting the MH suffix. Back in 2017 Dressage Northland team also won the trophy with Georgia MH, Barretta MH, Fanfare MH & Belladonna MH

The CDN Grand Prix competitors also posted some great results: Susan Tomlin and Dance Hit SW put up 68.005 for a win in the River Park Farm Musical Freestyle; Chelsea Callaghan (Wellington) enjoyed the perfect ending to her competition partnership with Sisters II Etta J, bowing out on a high with a win in the Saturday C-Pack Grand Prix Special win. Etta now heads home to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

Thursday 5th March marked the beginning of 3 days’ worth of intense competition at the Fiber Fresh NEC, Taupo, as riders gathered to vie for sought-after national titles and signature purple Bates rugs. This season finale show was also the last chance for riders to earn final points for the North Island Super 5 Series.

The 2026 judging suite comprised both national and international judges, including returning FEI Level 4 (5*)  judge, Henning Lehrmann (GER). Lehrmann stayed on until Sunday after the event to hold a valuable day seminar for both judges and riders and conducting training sessions for Hign Performance Dressage on Monday & Tuesday . We also welcomed FEI  5* Australian judge  Maria Schwennesen (Queensland) and Jane Ventura (FEI 4*), Victoria.

Bates Preliminary Open Championship (L1) + Aztec Trophy

Piper Crake (Auckland) and Riverpark Jeniro pounced on the L1 title, seizing three wins from three starts and building on their 70+ scores in each one to finish on a cracking 74.47. Following her into second from a strong field of 25 starters was Sophie de Clifford (Matamata) and Riverrock Stella.

CAPITAL POOLS Preliminary Bronze Champion: Alexia Wright and Golden Child

Reserve: Zana Crow and Donnerfire STS

CAPITAL POOLSPreliminary Silver Champion: Brea Walker and River Park Belafonte

Reserve: Wendy Jeffery and Nefertiti

Bates Novice Open Championship (L2) + Killala Trophy

Three strong performances (including a win) from Vanessa Way (Taranaki) and NSC Fern DW made this combination deserving winners of the 2026 Novice title. However they were kept honest with Tamahere’s Nicki Winter swooping up right behind them into Reserve on Shenandoah Devine, finishing their on-form season with a trio of consistent, quality tests. 

CAPITAL POOLS Novice Bronze Champion: Kirsten Williamson and Southern Star Little Prince

Reserve: Misty Manu and Pappy’s Valentino

CAPITAL POOLS Novice Silver Champion: Nicki Winter and Shenandoah Devine

Reserve: Luca Swale and CDS D’Artagnan

Bates Elementary Open Championship (L3) Tuna Lodge Trophy

It was a worthwhile ferry trip for Caroline Houghton (Marlborough) and Regal Lord, her super young horse with a commanding presence who took home the 6YO Young Dressage Horse title as well as the Elementary. Sophie de Clifford (Matamata) went into Reserve, this time with Finella MH. 

CAPITAL POOLS Elementary Bronze Champion: Olivia Skiffington and Just Harley

Reserve: Chloe Cann and Alpha Tauri

CAPITAL POOLS Elementary Silver Champion: Nicole Wallace and DonnerLyric

Reserve: Kerrin Paget and Greensleeves

Bates Medium Open Championship (L4) + Doornbos Trophy

It would have been a bold call to guess the hotly contested Medium title winner early on; however Catherine West (Hawkes’Bay) stayed consistent with three quality rides to come up trumps with Matapiro Baseline for the purple rug. Into Reserve and just a fraction behind her was Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) with her starry Furst Klasse MH.

CAPITAL POOLS Medium Bronze Champion: Luca Swale and Riverrock Felene

Reserve: Holly Moorman and Satine WDS

CAPITAL POOLS Medium Silver Champion: Leia Maxwell and Astek Treasure

Reserve: Charlotte Cashin and Cashins World Star

Bates Advanced Medium Open Championship (L5) + Kentucky Trophy

Madison Schollum (Waimauku) and Fanciful MH made a successful bid for the L5 title which included a super win in the Pet n Sur 5A where they finished more than 6% ahead of their closest rivals on 74.30. Following them into Reserve spot was Susan Tomlin (Palmerston North) and Riverrock Firenze. 

CAPITAL POOLS Advanced Medium Bronze Champion: Samantha Wells and Royal MH

Reserve: Ailsa Carter and Swahili PSH

CAPITAL POOLS Advanced Medium Silver Champions: Grace Purdie and Skyhi Leandro K

Reserve: Tara Kusch-Woolley and Darkwood Latino

Bates Advanced Open Championship (L6)  + Hobson Trophy

It was a dream run for Debbie Barke (Rotorua) and RM Freedom with a clean sweep of three wins from three starts to take home the 2026 Advanced title. Stepping up onto the podium behind them was Amy Sage (Cambridge) and SWE Barcelona for Reserve.

VW Dressage Pro Am Advanced Champion: Lynette Wood and Fernlea Don Reveille

Reserve: Jocasta Bly and Aviance

Cooper Oborn & Papanui Just Dynamite – Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Small Tour Open Championship (Prix St George) + Surrey Trophy

With only 0.1 of a point in hand, Cooper Oborn (Masterton) and Papanui Just Dynamite scooped the Small Tour title sash with Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) and Danseur MH hot on their heels for Reserve. This competitive class was one to watch, with a number of quality combinations producing great tests.

VW Dressage Pro Am Small Tour Champion: Philippa McLeod and Donneregal

Reserve: Francesca Masfen and Joniro

Bates Medium Tour Open Championship (Intermediate) + Trotter Trophy

Just two combinations tango’d for the Medium Tour title this year, with Angela Lloyd (Clevedon) and Airthrey Roll X stepping into the top spot. Reserve Amy Sage (Cambridge) had her hands full with the sensitive Sinatra SW who struggled in the indoor atmosphere, however Amy held his hand throughout with kind and quiet riding and we know this very talented pair will be back to try again.

VW Dressage Pro Am Intermediate Champion: Angela Lloyd and Airthrey Roll X

CDN Grand Prix 

The CDN Grand Prix competitors also posted some great results: Susan Tomlin and Dance Hit SW put up 68.005 for a win in the River Park Farm Musical Freestyle; Chelsea Callaghan (Wellington) enjoyed the perfect ending to her competition partnership with Sisters II Etta J, bowing out on a high with a win in the Saturday C-Pack Grand Prix Special win. Etta now heads home to enjoy a well-earned retirement.

VW Dressage Pro Am Grand Prix Champion: Amelia Greening and Wisdom WDS

PONY & U25 CLASSES 

VIRBAC FEI Pony Champion: Zoe Lawn and Pied Piper Trick or Treat

Reserve: Maddy Bostock and Deveron Gamechanger

WEATHERBEETA CDI-J Junior Rider Champion: Grace Purdie and Mistadobalina

Reserve:Lucy Kenah and Paolita

SYNCROFLEX CDI-Y Young Rider Champion: Samantha Belsham and Dolcetto II

Reserve: Gemma Lewis and Ruanuku R

Brooklyn Rankin & Aphrodite                        Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Gemco U25 Grand Prix Champion: Brooklyn Rankin and Aphrodite

Reserve: Lucy Cochrane and Gymanji

Bates Preliminary Pony Champion: Matilda Cochran and Troon Musician

Reserve: Hayley Southam and Ataahua Masterpiece

Bates Novice Pony Champion: India Crowhurst and GF Top Secret

Reserve: Holly Emmett and Mr Smartie Pants

Bates Elementary Pony Champion: Bella Guthrie and Dragonbach Master Rielly

Reserve: Georgia Newton and Mr McCloud

Caroline Houghton and Regal Lord. Final-1st. Class-1006: Rosemary Carter & Brett Kendall – 6yo Young Dressage Horse- Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Rosemary Carter and Brett Kendall Young Dressage Horse Championships:

The judging panel consisted of FEI Young Horse judges Linda Warren-Davey (NZL) and Jane Ventura (AUS), providing a valuable and informative commentary on the young horses presented to them and awarding marks for walk, trot, canter, submission and potential. 

4-year-old National Young Dressage Horse Champion

Champion: Holly Moorman + Rokeby La Belle (by Le Formidable, bred by Catherine Smith)

Reserve: Reece Downham + Viva Amore MH (by Viva Gold OLD, bred and owned by Matthews Hanoverians)

5-year-old National Young Dressage Horse Champion

Champion: Holly Moorman + Kismaayu Dahlia (by Danciano, bred by Debra Bromiley, owned by Brina Carpenter)

Reserve: Sophie Griffith + Koru Chanel (by Furst Hit, bred by Sandy Fryatt and Ross Beaven, owned by Sandy Fryatt)

6-year-old National Young Dressage Horse Champion

Champion:Caroline Houghton + Regal Lord (by Lauries As)

Reserve: Holly Moorman + Satine WDS (by Secret, bred by Kieryn Walton, owned by Lynne Robinson)

WEBB EQUESTRIAN SPECIALISTS PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS

WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE II

Champion: Chontelle Honour and Anuschka PSH

WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE IV

Champion: Louise Duncan and Showcase BC

Reserve: Anne Watts and Santana MH

WEBB EQUESTRIAN PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIP – GRADE V

Champion: Lisa Butterworth and Alliana

Reserve: Shelley Penny and Astek Rhapsody

Louise Duncan and Showcase BC. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

HUNNIMAN TROPHY (highest cumulative % over 3 tests)

Louise Duncan and Showcase BC

EVENT PROGRAMME 

View Our Sponsors & Competitor Details  in the Programme

ALL RESULTS 

Bates Nationals 2026 Results Thursday 5 March

Bates Nationals 2026 Results Friday 6 March

Bates Nationals 2026 Results Saturday 7 March

As ever a huge thank you to the OC, Cassie Freeman and her team, judges, stewards, volunteers, show sponsors, tradestands, riders and supporters and everyone who continues to build on the  success of this show every year.