Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Dressage supremo Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH have been named as New Zealand’s first athletes for the 2026 World Championships. “I am super proud to be selected,” says Wendi, an environmental engineer from Waimauku, near Auckland.

The combination recently topped the New Zealand National Championships – again and are not long back from the Sydney CDI where she was in her first New Zealand team.

Thirteen-year-old Don Vito MH – Junior to his mates – has been with Wendi since he was a foal. The chestnut gelding – by Don Frederico out of Adelheid, who is by Anamour – was bred by Judith Matthews from Matthews Hanoverians.

He’s the third sibling horse Wendi has trained to Grand Prix – Don Amour MH and Don Vito MH are full brothers, with Déjà Vu MH is a half-brother to them.

Wendi and Junior have won plenty on both sides of the Tasman. This is the first time the veteran rider has been named for a World Championships, but she has previously ridden at an FEI World Cup Dressage Final.

That said, competing in Europe again makes her feel very proud but given the lack of shows in New Zealand she will need to prepare initially onshore using a mock show to prepare under pressure. Closer to the time it would be competing in Europe in the lead-up.

With selection now behind her, 55-year-old Wendi says it is time to start thinking how to financially make the trip to World Championships work. Regular groom Madison Schollum, who last year was crowned ESNZ Groom of the Year would accompany Wendi and Junior. “Madi is very professional and very loving with the horses.”

ESNZ high performance general manager Jock Paget said he was looking forward to seeing Wendi and Junior on the world stage. “Wendi has been very committed to this campaign and shown her ability to perform on a big day on many occasions,” said Jock. “The World Champs in Aachen will be a great championship and it’s an exciting thought that we will have three Olympic disciplines represented there.”

The FEI World Championships run from August 11-23, 2026, with New Zealand fielding riders in dressage, jumping and eventing, with endurance taking place in November.

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photo by Libby Law/ESNZ
25th May 2026