Region: Northland
Website: http://www.sporty.co.nz/dressagenorthland
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/dressagenorthland?fref=ts
DRESSAGE IN NORTHLAND
Northland is a long narrow area at the top of the North Island with a long history of promoting dressage.
Dressage started in Northland approximately 50 years ago with Mr Cliff McIntosh from Kaikohe starting the Bay of Islands Dressage Group based at the Kaikohe A P & H Showgrounds with Heather Ineson (Mr Mac’s daughter) Sheenah Johnson and Lois Andrewes. BOIDG is still thriving, holding rallies throughout the year, 2 training days and 3 tournaments. Many competitors are members of both groups with the groups working closely together.
The Northern Equitation Club was started a few years later by Janet Papich, Carol Going and Ruth Gillingham catering for Whangarei Area to Far North (as Northland is rather spread out) but also running tournaments often in conjunction with Show hunter. Northern Equitation Club had well over 100 members also running Judges/Riders Seminars and 4 tournaments a season. It ran for just over 20 years.
When the Disciplines split up Dressage Northland was formed along with Northland Horse Trials and Northland Showjumping with members helping in all disciplines when able.
Dressage Northland has a very capable and enthusiastic committee of 22 who now run 12 competition days including the Premier League Show at Barge Showgrounds and a 2 day tournament in the Far North at Kaitaia. There is a fabulous stud tour and BBQ dinner at Matthews Hanoverians which encourages many riders to travel to Kaitaia to compete.
Northland has16 judges from G Level to A Level. DN run Non Graded Classes, O Level Classes for CN riders and also Pony Club classes to encourage younger riders to try dressage tests.
Dressage Northland also run Protocol Days, and Judges/Riders discussion days. These days are very popular with about 40-60 people attending. Dressage Northland is fortunate to have Advanced horses and very willing riders who are always very gracious in giving their time and expertise at these discussion days. A Rider/Judge discussion day is planned for August at the Kaikohe Showgrounds and also a Protocol day will be run in December at Barge Showgrounds. DN also has a rider subsidy scheme for lessons.
Dressage Northland run a series of Circuits over the season including:
Matthews Hanoverians Open Circuit sponsored by Peter & Judith Matthews
Ebony Trophy – for riders over 45 years sponsored by Jean Jeffs
Musical Freestyle Circuit sponsored by Lois Andrewes
Thoroughbred Circuit, for registered thoroughbreds sponsored by Avril Semmens
Northland PMG Circuit for Level 1 and 2 horses sponsored by Pacific Motor Group
Non Graded Circuit sponsored by Chrissy Dawkins – Tru You
For further information please contact Karen Stewart 0272125721 (DN Secretary) or Lois Andrewes 0273610136 (Northland Delegate)