Bates Saddles NZ Dressage Championships 2023 - 25yrs

The 2023 Bates NZ Dressage Championships and Fiber Fresh Para Equestrian Championships entries are open!

Bates Saddles NZ Dressage Championships – Since 1998

2023 will be the 25^th 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 other valued supporters.

2023 will incorporate the Fiber Fresh Para Equestrian Dressage Championships, all wrapped up in one supersize dressage extravaganza at the Taupo NEC from Wednesday 22nd (horse inspection only) to Saturday 25th 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 https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/disciplines/dressage/performance/dressage-titles-and-trophies/national-championships/

Age group classes are all important for horses and riders with both FEI Pony & Young Rider classes , and four to seven year old Young Horse Championships all attracting serious quality fields. More recently introduced are the Bronze and Silver and ProAM Championships (previously known as Amateur) for the combinations who love to support and participate at the event and be inspired by their heroes. There really is something for everyone.

The event is excited to host a Paris 2024 Olympics Qualifier and are proud to have collaborated with ESNZ High Performance to bring experienced GBR 5* judge Isobel Wessels, who will judge alongside Ricky MacMillan & Kerrie Swan-Bates (AUS) supported by NZL listed FEI judges

Isabel Wessels and Penny Pearce, during the FEI World Team Championship Grand Prix Dressage. 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games Tryon. Wednesday 12 September. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

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 2023. Organising is well advanced and at this early stage I am delighted to welcome key back members of last year’s wonderful team, including Margs Carline (Technical Delegate), Cathy Vennell (administration Manager), Jos Gresham (Stable Manager) and new team member Ken Wilson (Entries Manager) from Canterbury