Celebrating Our TiES Dressage Champions

The 2025–2026 TiES Dressage season showcased everything we love about Thoroughbreds in sport — heart, grit, generosity, and the kind of partnership that only grows through time, patience, and belief. This year’s top riders, McKenzie Dew with Roof of Reckoning and Joneen Chalmers with Jacknthebox, brought those qualities to life in two very different but equally inspiring journeys.

McKenzie Dew & Roof of Reckoning — Consistency, Connection, and a Season to Remember

McKenzie Dew with Roof of Reckoning.

For McKenzie Dew, this season with Roof of Reckoning — affectionately known as Rufus — was special long before the results came in.

“It was really rewarding to see how much we progressed over the season,” she reflects. “A lot of the work we put in over winter started to show, especially in our lateral work and just his overall way of going.”

Their hard work paid off in style: second overall in the TiES Dressage Series and TiES Best Performed Thoroughbred at the Bates Dressage Nationals.

But McKenzie is quick to credit the village behind her success.  “I’m really lucky to have such a strong support system. My parents help so much, especially when I’m riding after work in the dark. And my coach, Wendy Skelton — her attention to detail is incredible. She has a real ability to bring out the best in Rufus and me.”

At 16, Rufus is a seasoned professional, and McKenzie puts huge emphasis on keeping him feeling his best. Regular bodywork, thoughtful shoeing, and varied work keep him happy and willing.

“He’s such a dude — always willing to please. He tries his heart out and is the biggest smooch. I couldn’t ask for more.”

A standout moment came at the Waitemata Premier League Show.

“Our musical definitely stands out. It felt like everything started to come together — even more so than at home. We finally got the hang of our half passes.”

For McKenzie, the TiES programme adds meaning beyond the arena.

“It’s really cool to see the versatility of the Thoroughbred being recognised. Looking back on Rufus’ racing career and everything he’s gone on to do makes our journey even more meaningful.”

Her goals now are simple and heartfelt:

“Keep Rufus happy, keep him enjoying his work, and hopefully step up to Level 5 if we can get our flying changes. But no pressure — just fun.”

Joneen Chalmers & Jacknthebox — A Season of Strength, Heart, and Thoroughbred Brilliance

Joneen Chalmers with Jacknthebox.

If there was one word to describe Jacknthebox’s season, it would be remarkable. With rider Joneen Chalmers, Jack delivered consistency at a level most riders only dream of — and together they claimed the overall TiES Dressage Series title.

Jack’s record speaks for itself:

  • Champion Level 5 at Southland PL and Waimate PL
  • Reserve Champion at Taieri PL
  • 2nd in the Advanced Medium Back on Track Super 5 League
  • 3rd in the Zilco Musical Freestyle Series
  • 3rd in the TL Maclean South Island Points Prize
  • Winner of the Otago OTT Accumulator
  • And only one score below 60% all season

“You can’t ask for a lot more than that from any horse,” Joneen says proudly.

Jack’s transformation is a testament to thoughtful, correct training.

“My trainer, Andrea Raves, has been fantastic. She always insists on correctness, which has helped Jack build the strength he needs. He’s not built like a dressage horse — he’s downhill — but with the right basics he’s learned to carry himself beautifully.”

Now 17, Jack is the picture of Thoroughbred soundness and heart.

“They’re forgiving, they have huge hearts, and with the right basics they’ll work for you. Jack started with quite a pony trot, and now he produces a lovely, cadenced, elegant trot with freedom.”

Their season has been one to treasure.

“This whole season has just been incredible, and winning the TiES Series just caps it off.”

For Joneen, TiES represents opportunity and fairness.

“It’s a great way to showcase the versatility of the OTT Thoroughbred. It’s hard to be competitive against expensive warmbloods, but with TiES, a relatively inexpensive OTT TB can shine too.”

Jack’s own career reflects that versatility — he evented successfully to 2* before turning to dressage.

“The rehomers like Gina‑Lee Schick, Ardlussa, and Pinoaks do a fantastic job giving these horses the education they need and matching them to the right riders.”

Looking ahead, Joneen has already stepped up to Level 6.

“Jack is still sound and healthy, and I’d like to think we have another year or two. If he ever struggles, I’ll retire him from that level and maybe find a young rider for him. He loves being in work — he wouldn’t enjoy being a paddock ornament.”

More about the TiES series on our website.