About the Event
The 2025 Bates NZ Dressage Championships and NZ Para Equestrian Championships will be held at the Taupo NEC 20-22 March 2o25.
Welcome back to Bates Saddles for the 27th championships
Bates Saddles NZ Dressage Championships – Since 1998
2025 will be the 27th consecutive year that Bates Saddles have committed to the naming rights sponsorship of the Dressage NZ National Championships – a wonderfully collaborative partnership between Bates Saddles and Dressage NZ that continues to work together to bring together the best Dressage and Para dressage combinations from across New Zealand together, in conjunction with a long list of many valued sponsors, officials, volunteers and supporters.
2025 again incorporates the Para Dressage Championships, all wrapped up in one supersize dressage extravaganza at the Taupo NEC from Wednesday 20th to Saturday 23rd March culminating in the spectacular Grand Prix Freestyle
The Bates Open Championships from Preliminary to Grand Prix are accompanied by the coveted ESNZ national trophies. The list of winners makes fascinating reading at
There will be age group classes for 4,5,6 yr horses, pony, junior and young rider competitions, Bates Open Championships at all levels, Special Awards for Bronze & Silver categories up to Advanced Medium and ProAm Championships from Advanced to Grand Prix plus of course the NI and National Finals of the ever popular Super 5 League Series . There really is something for everyone.
Qualification for the event has been reintroduced for 2025
- Combinations must achieve one minimum one score of 60% at a Premier League Event (incl FS) from 1st January 2024 in the level which they wish to contest the championship. (Overall score – not from an individual judge)
- Young Dressage Horses do not need to qualify but must have proof of age & breeding by date of close of entry or entry will be invalidated and no entry refund will be applied
- CDIY /J combinations must have scored 60% in Level 7. CDIJ combinations must have scored 60% in Level 5 or above
- Combinations in the FEI level pony classes must have qualified at Elementary grade or above
- If a combination also qualifies in a higher level they can compete in the lower level providing they have not upgraded and become ineligible by earning more than 30pts in the higher level. Combinations who have qualified and are eligible for two levels may only compete in championship qualifiers for one grade
- In principle a maximum 40 entries per grade up to Advanced Medium will be accepted in order of receipt. If any class is over subscribed, combinations will be waitlisted and accepted in order of receipt
- Final qualifier 16-18 Feb at Taupo (Waikato Champs )
- Entries Date TBC approx 2oth February
Proposed Schedule
Day 1 = Super 5 Final (not an open championship qualifying class)
Day 2 = Championship Rd 1
Day 3 = Championship Rd 2
Bronze, Silver & ProAm Championships decided on Days 1 & 2
Combinations may contest both restricted and open Championships
Combinations must select either Para Championships or Restricted/Open Championships.
We welcome volunteers and offer a great event experience. You don’t necessarily need to have experience with horses to volunteer, but there are a wide range of opportunities for you to interact and work with an enthusiastic group and put “volunteering” on your CV
Message from Event Director Cassie Freeman [email protected]
I am thrilled and excited to again be part of the Bates National Dressage Championships – March 2024.
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The event will feature the NI and National Finals of the ever popular Super 5 League Series
The Bates Saddles Welcome Message
BATES SADDLES NEW ZEALAND DRESSAGE CHAMPIONSHIPS 2025
Welcome to the 27th year of the Bates Saddles New Zealand Dressage Championships!
Bates Saddles, in association with our Distributor – Weatherbeeta New Zealand are honoured to celebrate the 26th year of our relationship with dressage in New Zealand. We have a long-standing relationship with New Zealand dressage riders and are elated to celebrate this again in 2024.
Having witnessed the development of dressage in New Zealand over the last 26 years, hosting the Fiber Fresh Para Equestrian Dressage Championships, National Open Championships, Bronze and Silver ProAM Championships, FEI Pony and Young Rider classes and Young Horse Championships, it is set to be an action packed event with something for everyone.
We invite you to the Bates Saddles stand during the event, where our saddle specialists will guide you through the latest features and innovations in our range of high-performance saddles. Designed to optimise your horse’s comfort and performance while providing you with essential rider features. If you haven’t already, this is a great opportunity to sit in the NEW Bates Isabell Icon Saddle.
In addition to Dressage NZ, we are proud to support the equestrian community across the globe and share our passion for excellence and innovation. Bates Saddles are proud to be the Official Saddle Partner of British Equestrian, Official Partner of British Eventing, Official FEI Saddle Partner, Official Partner of the German Equestrian Federation, Official Saddle of US Eventing, and Official Jumping Saddle of the United States Equestrian Federation.
I would personally like to take this opportunity to wish every horse and rider combination the best of luck and express our appreciation to all the officials and, organisers, who together have worked tirelessly to actualise an event of this calibre. I have no doubt that this year’s event will live up to and exceed the success of previous years.
To all spectators that have joined us here in Taupo, from around New Zealand and overseas, we hope you enjoy the talent displayed and the wonderful hospitality of Dressage New Zealand at these prestigious Championships.
Ron Bates
Managing Director
Bates Saddles
National & FEI Schedules 2025
Bates Championships Schedule 2025 v23Dec
FEI Schedule Taupo (NZL) 20-22 March 2025
If you are entering the CDI3*, CDIY or CDIJ you will require FEI Horse & Athlete Registration. Please allow at least 3 weeks for new horse registrations which must be valid from 19/2/25. Registrations valid for calendar year 2025
FEI & International Information
Bates Championships Schedule 2025
The Programme - Digital Version
The 2025 cover features our Paralympian Louise Duncan on Showcase BC and her top supporter, her Mum Frankie Webb, captured by Libby Law Photography at the 2024 event. View the 2024 programme by clicking on the image below.
DRAW & RESULTS
Livestream
Livestreaming to be confirmed
Wednesday News Day 1 2024
NZL-Chelsea Callaghan presents Sisters Etta J for the FEI CDI Grand Prix. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Wednesday 7 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Augusta Hampton presents Arnage Rhumba for the FEI Junior Rider CDIJ. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Rebecca Mobberley presents Sayonara FE for the FEI Young Rider CDIY. 2024 Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Caitlin Robinson presents Rosies Prince Charming for the FEI Junior Rider CDIJ. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships.
Jessica Roberts Equestrian reports:
Tomorrow sees the Bates Saddles National Dressage Championships push play at the ESNZ National Equestrian Centre in Taupo. 190 horses and ponies, and 160 riders are set to contest a range of titles, judged by a suite of national and international judges including FEI Level 4 (5*) Maria Schwennesen from Australia.
2024 marks the 26th consecutive year that Bates Saddles have supported the National Championships as the naming rights sponsors, and together with an extensive list of valued sponsors and supporters, enables DNZ to showcase the creme-de-la-creme of NZs dressage talent at this pinnacle competition.
With this event being an Olympic Qualifier, Grand Prix rider Wendi Williamson will be hunting further qualifying scores at Taupo aboard her 11-year-old Don Vito MH, fresh off the back of their Dressage Horse of the Year title and first qualifying score at HOY earlier this month. Williamson needs two more qualifying scores of 74+% in the Grand Prix or Grand Prix Special to complete the three needed for Olympic qualification.
Pro-Am class sponsor and winner of 20 National titles over the years, Vanessa Way (Taranaki), will be keen to make it a double after scooping a trio of wins for the Small Tour Dressage Horse of the Year title at HOY with Furst Rock DW. A fiery 15-strong lineup means this will be one to watch!
In a first for Nationals this year, there are International Junior classes (CDIJ) on offer – catering for riders aged 14-18yrs, there are some very talented youngsters on classy horses contesting this inaugural title including the current HOY Junior Dressage Champion and runner-up, Claudia Younger and Piper Crake respectively.
The first rounds for the River Park Farm Young Dressage Horse championships start on Thursday, with the top three from each of the 4yo, 5yo and 6yo classes going through to Friday’s finals.
The highly-coveted annual trophies for levels 1-9 are up for grabs, along with a number of accolades that riders will be chasing: including CDI3* Young Rider, Bronze and Silver Championships, FEI Pony classes, ProAm titles, Super 5 League finals, and of course the CDI3* Grand Prix that will determine who is crowned the National Dressage Champion for 2024.
Running alongside Nationals are the NZ Para Dressage Championships, with titles for Grades I through V awaiting their 2024 victors. Levin’s Louise Duncan will be hoping to continue her strong form after taking out the Grade IV Para Equestrian championship at HOY with Showcase BC.
The grounds are already a hive of activity with the arrival of many competitors from all over NZ, indoor arena familiarisation is completed, and the fitness inspection (trot-up) for the CDI 3*, Y & J horses took place at 5.30pm. All 13 horses presented before the ground jury were accepted.
Thursday News Day 2024
A picture-perfect Taupo day ushered in the first day of competition – cold, clear and crisp!
Level 1-6 competitors cut their teeth on their first tests – the first of 3 for their Nationals campaign, which also counted as season finals for the Super 5 League Series
The Vetpro Preliminary 1B went to Tessa Van Bruggen (Marlborough)+
Valentino Rossi who were more than 4% clear of their closest rivals to finish on a fantastic score of 75. With almost 30 starters in the Matthews Hanoverians Novice lineup, 23-year-old Lilly Jefferies (Wellington) rode a flowing, consistent test to win the class aboard Diaz MH, scoring 73.67.
Over in the uber-competitive Animal Therapeutics Elementary 3B, less than one percent separated the top five, however Sarah Holmes came out on top to post 67.08 for the red ribbon. Dancing away with the Dunstan Horse Feeds Medium 4B was the very on-form Wendi Williamson and Danseur MH (the pair took home the Medium championship at HOY earlier this month), the only combination in this field of 20 to climb into the 70s (72.11%).
Te Awamutu combination Zoie Gray and Stoneylea Felicio were all class in the Back on Track Advanced Medium 5B, heading off some strong competition for a 68.829 win. It was a similarly strong field in the Kiwi Arena Rakes 6B where Lynley Stockdale (Waimate) took the top spot with 70.48 riding Leominster.
Vanessa Way (Taranaki) made it a quinella in the Custom Logistics Small Tour Prix St George, NSC Furst Rock DW winning on 73.578 just ahead of his stablemate NSC Jolie DW (72.549). The AR Dressage Medium Tour FEI Inter A went to Clevedon’s Brina Carpenter aboard Leo Donna – all the riders did an amazing job at this tricky level that always shows just how hard it is to break through into Grand Prix territory.
Another solid performance from Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH in the Superior Rubber Surfaces FEI CDI3* Grand Prix earned them a well-deserved win. Their 71.69 score fell short of the 74 needed for the Olympic qualification scores they’re chasing but tomorrow’s Equestrian Country Grand Prix Special provides another opportunity for an attempt. Carole Christensen and Vollrath Leila led the Grand Prix CDN field with 62.10.
Young Rider Gemma Lewis (Canterbury) and Ruanuku R continue to ride the wave (the pair are current HOY Young Rider titleholders) with a successful FEI YR Team Test test today and a winning score of 67.94. The inaugural IRT FEI Junior Team Test went to Grace Purdie (Mahoenui) and her 12-year-old Donnerubin gelding Mistadobalina, posting a top score of 69.495.
South Islander Paige Fitzgerald took out the Sweney Productions FEI Pony Team Test with Greenmoor Euphoria (68.667), followed into second by the event’s youngest competitor 11-year-old Maddy Bostock (Hawkes Bay) on her cute-as-a-button Kenda Park Sirocco. Tomorrow these competitors tackle the FEI-P Musical Freestyle qualifier class.
The first rounds of the River Park Farm Young Dressage Championships determined which combinations go forward to tomorrow’s finals, selection being the top three from each class. These youngsters coped incredibly well in the stadium and were showcased beautifully by their riders. Tomorrow’s finalists are:
4YO:
Hannah Burden + River Park Belafonte (by Belantis, bred by Renai Hart)
Hannah Burden + Sapphire MH (by Swarovski OLD, bred by Matthews Hanoverians)
Corey Miln + Fursachie (by Fugato SW, bred by Lynley Stockdale)
5YO:
Casey Burton + Fanciful MH (by Furstenball OLD, bred by Matthews Hanoverians)
Lisa Brown + Shall We Dance AH (by Swarovski OLD, bred by Amberley House)
Kim Whitelegg + River Park Rocket Man (by Rock Springs, bred by Renai Hart)
6YO:
Holly Leach + HPE Barbados (by Bordeaux, bred by Werner Dullweber)
Maree Heading + Chilli Evening (Aus Warmblood)
Debbie Barke + RM Freedom (by Fugato, bred by Peter + Debbie Barke)
All five FEI Para Equestrian Grades I – V Abercothi Equestrian Grand Prix Test A’s were held today with excellent scores being posted, notably Jodie Thorne (Tauranga) and Ira Hayes in the Grade I where the combination put 71.66 on the scoreboard. Tomorrow is Musical Freestyle day for all the competitors.
NZL-Vanessa Way rides NSC Furst Rock DW. Final-1st. Class 701 Custom Logistic Super 5 NI & National Final -Small Tour Test PSG 2022. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Thursday 21 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
The Para-Equestrian Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Thursday 21 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Franzi Van Bruggen-Smit rides Windermere Jaffé. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Thursday 21 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Sarah Holmes rides Nina DW. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Thursday 21 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Katy Payne rides Dragonbach Master Rielly. Class 301 Animal Therapeutics Super 5 NI & National Final – Elementary Test 3B. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Thursday 21 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Thursday 21 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday News Day 3 2024
Day Two competition started with the early riders warming up and competing in a proper Taupo fog, which kicked off another very full day of competition.
Today’s Equus Veterinary Preliminary 1A went the way of Lisa Brown and Shall We Dance AH, topping the 20+ field on their home turf with 73.10. Over in the HERDD Bedding Novice 2A (another big field) Awanui’s Casey Burton rode a superb harmonious test aboard Fanciful MH to put a top score of 74.51 on the board.
Mikayla Wildermoth (Canterbury) and Donnerock EH were knocking on the door of the top spot yesterday, stepping up and securing it today in the Dressage Rider Training Elementary 3A and cracking the seventies on 71.52. Continuing their run of top form in the Medium 4A was Wendi Williamson and Danseur MH, decisive winners with 73.16.
Yesterday’s top two Advanced Medium placegetters leapfrogged today, with the NZ Hanoverian Society 5A going to Blenheim’s Rebecca Lawrence and Don Darciano RS (68.70), Zoie Gray and Stoneylea Felicio settling for second place. It was a similar 1-2 switch in the Classic Equestrian 6A where Amy Sage (Cambridge) and HPH Furst Welcome inched ahead of yesterday’s winners Lynley Stockdale and Leominster to lead the class on 71.316.
Vanessa Way repeated her success again today in the Rosemary & Brett Kendall Small Tour, delivering two super freestyles that saw her finish with another quinella aboard NSC Furst Rock DW (77.41) and NSC Jolie DW (75.70). The Medium Tour Musical Freestyle was down to the wire at the business end of the class, Brina Carpenter and Leo Donna just edging into the top spot by 0.2 of a percent! (70.35).
This evening’s Equestrian Country FEI CI3* Grand Prix Special was a bittersweet win for Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH, who delivered a great test with just a small but expensive mistake in the trot coming down the final long side and finishing on 73.36, only a fraction away from the 74+% Olympic qualifying score they were striving for.
Enjoying another win in the Sweney Productions FEI Pony Musical Freestyle was Paige Fitzgerald and Greenmoor Euphoria (71.03), and the IRT FEI Junior Individual went the way of Auckland’s Piper Crake and Georgia MH (70.44). Gemma Lewis continued on her strong form for another win in the FEI Young Rider Individual test, a clear 3% ahead of the field with Ruanuku R.
The final rounds of the River Park Farm Young Dressage Horse championships decided which youngsters would take the national titles for 2024. The judging panel consisted of FEI Young Horse judges Linda Warren-Davey (NZL) and Jane Ventura (AUS), and they had lots of positive feedback for all the riders and how they had produced the young horses presented to them.
4YO National Young Dressage Horse Champion:
Hannah Burden + River Park Belafonte (by Belantis, bred by Renai Hart).
Reserve: Corey Miln + Fursachie (by Fugato SW, bred by Lynley Stockdale)
5YO National Young Dressage Horse Champion:
Champion: Casey Burton + Fanciful MH (by Furstenball OLD, bred by Matthews Hanoverians)
Reserve: Lisa Brown + Shall We Dance AH (by Swarovski OLD, bred by Amberley House)
6YO National Young Dressage Horse Champion:
Champion: Holly Leach + HPE Barbados (by Bordeaux, bred by Werner Dullweber)
Reserve: Debbie Barke + RM Freedom (by Fugato, bred by Peter + Debbie Barke)
The Para Equestrian riders had their dancing shoes on today, with the Para Collective FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle being the test across all grades I – V. The winners for each grade were:
Grade I – Jodie Thorne + Ira Hayes 70.85
Grade II – Nicola Essex-Wills + Just Vincent 70.55%
Grade III – Rachel Shiree Hughes + HPH Benedict 69.28
Grade IV – Nicole Sweney + KC Louison 72.812
Grade V – Natalie James + Wild Thyme MI 62.375
Tomorrow wraps up three days of National competition, with classes including test finals for L1-6, FEI Young Rider + Junior Musical Freestyles, FEI Pony Individual qualifier, Small Tour FEI Inter I, Medium Tour FEI Int B and the CDI 3* + CDN FEI Grand Prix Musical Freestyles, as well as FEI GP Test B for Para Equestrian Grades I-V.
The action in the Weatherbeeta Arena is being livestreamed from 9.25am – you can view the schedule and livestream free here: https://www.equestrian.live/
Wendi Williamson. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Rider of the the Year from Land Rover Horse of the Year Show. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Hannah Burden rides River Park Belafonte. Final-1st. Class 945 River Park Farm – 4yo Young Dressage Horse-Top 3. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Casey Burton rides Fanciful MH. Final-1st. Class 946 River Park Farm – 5yo Young Dressage Horse-Top 3. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Holly Leach rides HPE Barbados. Final-1st. Class 947 River Park Farm – 6yo Young Dressage Horse-Top 3. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Holly Leach rides HPE Barbados. Final-1st. Class 947 River Park Farm – 6yo Young Dressage Horse-Top 3. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Brina Carpenter rides Leo Donna. Final-1st. Class 802 Dressage NZ – Medium Tour Test FEI Int A/B Musical Freestyle 2022. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Mandy Littlejohn rides Dolce Vita RB. Final-2nd. Class 802 Dressage NZ – Medium Tour Test FEI Int A/B Musical Freestyle 2022. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Nicole Sweney rides Flute Noir. Final-3rd. Class 802 Dressage NZ – Medium Tour Test FEI Int A/B Musical Freestyle 2022. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Nicole Sweney rides Flute Noir. Final-3rd. Class 802 Dressage NZ – Medium Tour Test FEI Int A/B Musical Freestyle 2022. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Wendi Williamson rides Don Vito MH. Final-1st. Class 904 Equestrian Country -Test FEI Grand Prix Special 2022 CDI 3*. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Wendi Williamson rides Don Vito MH. Final-1st. Class 904 Equestrian Country -Test FEI Grand Prix Special 2022 CDI 3*. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Saturday Final Round Up 2024
2024 Bates Level 9 Champion: Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
2024 Bates Level 9 Champion: Wendi Williamson and Don Vito MH. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
2024 Bates Level 8 Champion: Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Level 7 Champion: Vanessa Way and NSC Furst Rock DW. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
The final day of competition saw the open Champions and Reserves decided for levels 1-9. Despite some of the competitors in the afternoon outdoor classes having to ride in the most torrential of rain, there were lots of excellent performances and scores posted.
The Bates Champions: 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
HELEN HOLDEN MEMORIAL TEAMS
The Helen Holden Memorial Area Teams event was closely contested between Waikato and Taranaki both ending the event on 64 pts, but Taranaki were declared the winners after a countback of the scores of the top three combinations in the team.
Vanessa Way who took away both the Champion & Reserve Intermediate I titles with her horses NSC Furst Rock DW and NSC Jolie DW was a major team contributor along with Abbie Deken (Nastasia) and Caitlin Robinson (Rosies Prince Charming)
PRELIMINARY (L1)
It was a fantastic show for Corey Miln (Canterbury) and his beautiful 4yo mare Fursachie (Fugato), taking home the Bates Open Preliminary National title as well as their age group championship in the Young Dressage Horse class. Making it a double for the South Island was Tessa Van Bruggen (Blenheim) and Valentino Rossi, going into reserve.
Prelim Silver Champions: Lisa Brown (Taupo) and Shall We Dance AH
Reserve: Sarah Milne (Waikanae) and Artemis VWNZ
Prelim Bronze Champions: Helen Sangster (Marlborough) and SWE Bellagio
Reserve: Olivia Skiffingtond (Waikato) and Just Harley
NOVICE (L2)
Rochelle Speirs (Palmerston North) and Orinoco F.A.B took out the Bates Novice Championship (along with the Killala Trophy that is awarded with this title) with a great win in the final H D Chiropractic 2C class on 74%, from a strong field of over 20 starters. Reserve spot went to Debbie Barke (Rotorua) and RM Freedom.
Novice Silver Champions: Vanessa Claxton (Waihi) and Romani Boy
Reserve: Samantha Fechney (Taupo) and Shockings Showman
Novice Bronze Champions Jennifer Ashton-Wood (Greytown) and SF Don Excel
Reserve: Misty Manu (Palmerston North) and Pappy’s Valentino
ELEMENTARY (L3)
After leapfrogging each other for first and second spots in the Dressage Rider Training 3A and H D Chiropractic 3C tests, Helen Young and Vollrath Lorde came out on top for the Bates Elementary title just half a point ahead of Mikayla Wildermoth and Donnerock EH, who chased them into reserve position.
Elementary Silver Champions: Sarah Holmes and Nina DW
Reserve: McKenzie Dew and Roof of Reckoning
Elementary Bronze Champions: Maryanne Jefferies and Henton Armada
Reserve: Kayla Cammish and Crazy Diamond II
MEDIUM (L4)
Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) and Danseur MH kept up their top form following their Medium Horse of the Year win earlier in the month, adding the Bates National Medium Championship title to their spoils. Waikato’s Holly Leach and her super HPE Barbados (who also took home the 6YO Young Dressage Horse Championship) stepped up for the reserve sash.
Copyright Fashion Medium Silver Champions: Lexi Hope (Auckland) and Astronamour
Reserve: (on countback) Sara White (Upper Hutt) and Sundown
Medium Bronze Champions: Maree Heading (Auckland) and Chili Evening
Reserve: Charlotte Cashin (Auckland) and Cashins World Star
ADVANCED MEDIUM (L5)
The Kentucky Trophy for the Bates Advanced Medium Championship heads down South with Blenheim’s Rebecca Lawrence and her lovely Donnerubin gelding Don Darciano RS, untouchable after two solid wins in the NZ Hanoverian Society 5A and Dressage Waitemata 5C. Zoie Gray (Te Awamutu) and Stoneylea Felicio took the reserve.
Advanced Medium Silver Championship: Francesca Masfen (Clevedon) and Joniro
Reserve: Emily Townsend (Waiau Pa) and River Park Wyoming
Advanced Medium Bronze Championship: Janelle Sangster-Ward (Canterbury) and SWE Baloo
Reserve: Natalie Page and High Super (Manukau)
ADVANCED (L6)
Two wins and a second with 70+ scores that kept improving over their trio of L6 tests to finish on a topscore of 72.5 in the 6C meant Lynley Stockdale (Waimate) and Leominster were deserving Advanced National Champions for 2024. Going into reserve was Abbie Deken (Taranaki) and her 7yo Negro mare Nastasia.
Vanessa Way Pro Am Advanced Champion: Pip Gibbons (Wellington) and SWE Diamant Stern
Reserve: Chanel Griffiths (Taupo) and Astek Guardsman
SMALL TOUR (L7)
It was Vanessa all the way in the Small Tour Championship, scooping first and second in all three classes with excellent scores (the highlight being the Rosemary Kendall and Brett Carter Musical Freestyle, winning on 77.41 aboard NSC Furst Rock DW; stablemate NSC Jolie DW not far behind on 75.70). NSC Furst Rock DW now holds both National and Horse of the Year Small Tour titles for 2024. This was a strong class with with notable performances including Wendi Williamson (Fugato SW and Ducati MH), Susan Tomlin (Dance Hit SW) and Casey Burton (Fanfare MH) all pushing hard for the top spots. An exciting future ahead for these talented combinations as they head towards Grand Prix territory!
Vanessa Way Pro Am Small Tour Champion: Anna Wilson (Hamilton) and Neversfelde Rupert
Reserve: Tania Taylor (Warkworth) and Danseur AV
MEDIUM TOUR (L8)
Cambridge’s Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir took out both the Bates Open Championship and Vanessa Way Pro Am in the Medium Tour, with Brina Carpenter (Auckland) and Leo Donna chasing her into reserve just one point behind. This is always an interesting class being a real step up for the horses – being an introduction to performing the higher level movements in competition.
Vanessa Way Pro Am Medium Tour Champion: Nicole Sweney (Cambridge) and Flute Noir
Reserve: Ben Weir (Auckland) and NPE Del Rico
GRAND PRIX
Continuing a terrific season for Team Williamson at Waitekauri Farm, Wendi and Don Vito MH enjoyed a trio of wins to be crowned National Grand Prix Champions. Along with the Burkner Medal for the title winner, the pair were awarded the Vom Feinsten trophy (as winners of the Superior Rubber Surfaces FEI Grand Prix), the Tironui Trophy (for their sizzling 77.94 score in the C Pack Grand Prix Musical). Reserve went to Brina Carpenter and Parkridge Disco MH on their final points tally of 2.04, just the tiniest fraction ahead of Chelsea Callaghan and Sisters II Etta J on 1.93.
Vanessa Way Pro Am Grand Prix Champion: Carole Christensen (Wellington) and Vollrath Leila
Reserve: Nicki Sunley (Napier) and Laila Dawn
YOUTH CLASSES
FEI Pony Champion:
Reserve:
CDI-J Junior Rider Champion: Piper Crake (Helensville) and Georgia MH
Reserve:
CDI-Y Young Rider Champion:
Reserve:
PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Grade I – Jodie Thorne (Tauranga) and Ira Hayes
Grade II – Nicola Essex-Wills (Pukekawa) and Just Vincent
Grade III – Rachel Shiree Hughes (Pokeno) and HPH Benedict
Grade IV – Louise Duncan (Levin) and Showcase BC
Grade V – Natalie James (Auckland) and Wild Thyme MI
2024 Canter for Cancer ESNZ Para-Equestrian Series Winner:
Jodie Thorne and Ira Hayes
NZL-Louise Duncan and Showcase BC. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Para Dressage Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Para Dressage Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
2024 Bates Level 1 Champion: Corey Miln and Fursachie. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
2024 Bates Level 2 Champion: Rochelle Speirs and Orinoco FAB. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Level 3 Champion: Helen Young and Vollrath Lorde. Reserve: Mikayla Wildermoth and Donnerock EH. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Elementary Silver: 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Para Equestrian News 2024
2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. Para Champions Saturday 23 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
ALL_PARA_RESULTS
CHAMPIONS
PARA EQUESTRIAN CHAMPIONSHIPS
Grade I – Jodie Thorne (Tauranga) and Ira Hayes
Grade II – Nicola Essex-Wills (Pukekawa) and Just Vincent
Grade III – Rachel Shiree Hughes (Pokeno) and HPH Benedict
Grade IV – Louise Duncan (Levin) and Showcase BC
Grade V – Natalie James (Auckland) and Wild Thyme MI
2024 Canter for Cancer ESNZ Para-Equestrian Series Winner:
Jodie Thorne and Ira Hayes
THURSDAY
Class 151: Abercothi Equestrian – FEI Para GD 1 Grand Prix Test A 2023 1 – Jodie Thorne (Tauranga) Ira Hayes 71.67%
Class 152: Abercothi Equestrian -FEI Para GD 11 Grand Prix Test A 2023 1 – Nicola Essex-Wills (Pukekawa, North Waikato) Just Vincent 68.71%
Class 153: Abercothi Equestrian -FEI Para GD 111 Grand Prix Test A 2023 1 – Rachel Shiree Hughes (Pokeno) HPH Benedict 67.00%
Class 154: Abercothi Equestrian -FEI Para GD 1V Grand Prix Test A 2023 1 – Louise Duncan (Levin) Showcase BC 70.07% 2 – Nicole Sweney (Cambridge) KC Louison 67.43%
Class 155: Abercothi Equestrian -FEI Para GD V Grand Prix Test A 2023 1 – Natalie James (Waitoki, Auckland) Wild Thyme MI 58.40% 2 – Katrina McGregor (Urenui ) BBS Davinci 51.29%
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Louise Duncan rides Showcase BC. Final-2nd. Class 164 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD 1V 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Rachel Hughes rides HPH Benedict. Final-1st. Class 163 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD 111 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Rachel Hughes rides HPH Benedict. Final-1st. Class 163 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD 111 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Natalie James rides Wild Thyme MI. Final-1st. Class 165 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD V 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Natalie James rides Wild Thyme MI. Final-1st. Class 165 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD V 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Katrina McGregor rides BBS Davinci. Final-2nd. Class 165 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD V 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Nicole Sweney rides KC Louison. Final-1st. Class 164 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD 1V 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Jodie Thorne rides Ira Hayes. Final-1st. Class 161 Para Collective – FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle GD 1 2023. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Friday 3pm Prizegiving. 2024 NZL-Bates NZ Dressage Championships. NEC Taupo. Friday 22 March. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
FRIDAY
The Para Equestrian riders had their dancing shoes on today, with the Para Collective FEI Para Grand Prix Musical Freestyle being the test across all grades I – V. The winners for each grade were:
Grade I – Jodie Thorne + Ira Hayes 70.85
Grade II – Nicola Essex-Wills + Just Vincent 70.55%
Grade III – Rachel Shiree Hughes + HPH Benedict 69.28
Grade IV – Nicole Sweney + KC Louison 72.812
SATURDAY
Class 171: Para Collective – FEI Para GD 1 Grand Prix Test B 2023 1 – Jodie Thorne (Tauranga) Ira Hayes 69.27%
Class 172: Para Collective – FEI Para GD 11 Grand Prix Test B 2023 1 – Nicola Essex-Wills (Pukekawa, North Waikato) Just Vincent 69.00%
Class 173: Para Collective – FEI Para GD 111 Grand Prix Test B 2023 1 – Rachel Shiree Hughes (Pokeno) HPH Benedict 67.00%
Class 174: Para Collective – FEI Para GD 1V Grand Prix Test B 2023 1 – Louise Duncan (Levin) Showcase BC 70.61% 2 – Nicole Sweney (Cambridge) KC Louison 65.00%
Class 175: Para Collective – FEI Para GD V Grand Prix Test B 2023 1 – Natalie James (Waitoki, Auckland) Wild Thyme MI 61.58%
