Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH may not have produced the result they had hoped for in their Grand Prix test at the 2026 FEI World Championships but still executed some beautiful work.

New Zealand’s only dressage representatives at the champs were sadly eliminated after it was discovered during their post-test vet inspection that the horse had slightly bitten his lip.

Wendi was hugely disappointed, and particularly for her support crew and those who had supported her. “There are always things that can happen but this is something so uncharacteristic for Junior,” she said.

They had scored 64.953% but were later eliminated after the blood discovery.
Wendi said the horse had been feeling “so good” in training and had warmed up well but there had been a lot for him to look at in the huge arena.

While Wendi felt the test hadn’t shown just where they were at, their extended trot and flying changes had been beautifully executed.

“It is pretty upsetting,” she said. “This is the second time this has happened to me at a major show – it has never happened before anywhere else, so it is really disappointing and upsetting.”

She extended a huge thank you to all who had supported her and Junior for their championships campaign.

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