Wendi Williamson and Don Vioto MH are set to compete against the very best in the world on the opening day of dressage at the 2026 FEI World Championships in Aachen, Germany. The Kiwi duo will go at 5.30pm (German time) on Tuesday (3.30am Wednesday NZ time), 43rd in a field of 45 on day one of competition, with the remaining 46 to go the following day.

“I couldn’t ask for a better draw,” says Wendi. “I don’t have many ranking points so to be near the end of the first day is pretty cool.” The biggest challenge will be the heat, but Wendi is confident they will have that well in hand. “Junior is very happy in himself and is enjoying all the attention.”

Being surrounded by the very best combinations in the world brings with it other pressures. “It was a bit nerve-wracking in the warm-up yesterday when I had the German coach standing at C. I completely freaked out and was quite rattled. It was very crowded in there too with seven or eight other horses. I really appreciated having Christine (Weal) in my headset.”

Today in the warm-up Wendi had Carl Hester and Kyra Kyrklund – legends in the world of dressage – on the sideline. “I have seen all the top ones here . . . and there are a lot!”
A photo shoot and press interviews have added to making it all feel “very real”.

Wendi Williamson (NZL) and Don Vito MH. FEI Dressage World Championship – Horse Inspection. Aachen, Germany. Monday 10 August 2026. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Don Vito MH – Junior to his mates – had a little travel sickness when he landed in Europe and was too unwell to do anything for eight days, but with all that behind him, he is primed and ready to go. A good ride today has boosted Wendi’s confidence and she is now looking forward to riding down the centre line.

Wendi admits to plenty of nerves and no expectations. “Expectations are bad to have,” she says. “You shouldn’t expect anything!” But what she does want is to do a test she is proud of. “I want him to show where he is at and if we can do that, we won’t embarrass ourselves.”

She’s thoroughly chuffed to have husband Jonnie Williamson and dad Barrie Trotter sideline to support her. There will also be Kiwis in the stands cheering New Zealand’s sole dressage representative at the champs.

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By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photo by Libby Law/ESNZ