About the Waipa District
Waipa region has so much to offer including a range of accommodation options, fantastic shopping, wide range of places to eat and things to do while you are here. For more information and assistance contact the friendly team at the Cambridge I-Site.
Cambridge, New Zealand: Accommodation, Things to Do, Events + More
The Takapoto Estate Venue
About the Event
The event has been timed to allow Grand Prix combinations aiming for two pinnacle international events, the 2024 Paris Olympics and the 2024 FEI World Cup Final in Riyadh – Saudi Arabia) to make their mark.
For the Olympics, during 2023, NZ riders earn Olympic Group G Ranking Points at approved international events with a maximum of four scores and one score per event. The goal is to win a place for NZ by having a NZ combination on top or second on the list at 1 January 2024
Riders can also earn their individual qualification score which will be all important if NZ earns an individual place.
The Pacific League Final is open to qualified Australian & New Zealand combinations and the winner has an automatic entry to the Riyadh Final subject to meeting the FEI qualifying scores
But the event also has opportunities for every level of rider with comprehensive schedule for all levels and Grand Prix & Freestyle Para Equestrian classes thanks to the fantastic support of so many sponsors & supporters.
The Takapoto Cafe & Bar will be alive and a fantastic selection of trade sites for your shopping fix.
The dressage event like no other.
National Schedule & All Competitor Information
ORO Dressage by the Lake Schedule
Updated 16/11/23
Riders notes 2023 ODBTL Final21_11_23
Updated 21_11_23
Competitors note:
Grand Prix Special on Sunday is not part of the CDI or CDIW but is a national class run under FEI rules. ESNZ High Performance has agreed that this competition will be considered for internal Olympic Games qualification scores. FEI rules re Saddlery, Tack, Rider Dress Code, Horse & Rider Age etc all apply. The same principles apply for the FEI YR class on Sunday so that riders are competing under the same Technical rules for the duration of the event
Entries open 10th October on EvoEvents
Closing date for all entries 1st Nov 8pm
Horse Arrival Date & Time: Horses cannot be admitted to the grounds prior to Thursday 23rd. For off site accommodation prior to that, we suggest you try two of our local event sponsors Jamarqui Equestrian 0273436333 or Pleasant View Equestrian. 027878758
ESNZ Dressage Rules
ESNZ Para EQ Rules
FEI Schedule & Information
Spectator Information
We welcome spectators to enjoy the event over three days at Takapoto Estate – 90 Finlay Road, Maungatautari 3494 (near Cambridge in the Waikato) in the Waipa District – Home of Champions
Waipa region has so much to offer including a range of accommodation options, fantastic shopping, wide range of places to eat and things to do while you are here. For more information and assistance contact the friendly team at the Cambridge I-Site. Cambridge, New Zealand: Accommodation, Things to Do, Events + More
Live Drive Time to Takapoto
We have a limited number of bar leaner viewing spaces for sale on the side of the arena for each day of the show.
These are firstly being offered to sponsors and supporters, however if tables remain free for the weekend or individual days, they will be offered to others.
To get your name on the list, please comment on the
Facebook post , and we will be in touch once we have heard back from sponsors and supporters.
Some important spectator notes
ENTRY: Spectator entry is free each day off Finlay Rd. Parking is in a large public carpark. Spectator cars may not be parked in the horse truck camping area
SPECTATOR CAMPING: Subject to available space, non competitors will be able to book camping on the grounds. Booking will be via Evo Events in October
CAFE & BAR: The Takapoto Cafe & Bar will be operating. Only alcohol purchased at the Takapoto Bar may be consumed within the spectator area. Other food options will be advised as confirmed.
Volunteers Information
The Volunteer button is up on Evo Events on the event page
Just as this show would not be possible without riders, judges, stewards, writers, and the organising committee – the show relies heavily on volunteers.
Whether you are intending on riding at the event and want to help out, or you would like a weekend away watching and supporting the sport – the volunteer button is for you.
Volunteers will be well looked after at the event with a dedicated Volunteer Coordinator. Each volunteer will receive a CREW shirt, and be fed and watered during their volunteer time.
Non-competitors are also welcome to stay on the grounds subject to available spaces and volunteers will get priority
Please put your name down to help.
We can’t do it without you.
The Fiordland Discovery Arena Viewing Spaces
We have a limited number of bar leaner viewing spaces for sale on the side of the arena for each day of the show.
These are firstly being offered to sponsors and supporters, however if tables remain free for the weekend or individual days, they will be offered to others.
To get your name on the list, please comment on the
Facebook post , and we will be in touch once we have heard back from sponsors and supporters.
Livestreaming on Horse&Country - Subscribe Now
T

he event is thrilled to confirm that the Fiordland Discovery Premier Arena will be profiled on a Global Scale on the Horse & Country H&C+ livestreaming service. Subscribe Now !
Horse&Country will host the Livestream of the Fiordland Discovery Premier Arena for all 3 days, covering all classes.
Horse & Country is the leading international equestrian sports network, available on more than 30 different platforms worldwide. They have 24×7 channels on traditional pay-TV platforms as well as digital platforms like Samsung TV Plus and Amazon Prime Video.
Between the premium and free channels, Horse & Country reach over 1.5 million passionate equestrian viewers every month around the world
They are also a social community, with almost 400,000 followers on social media and reaches 4 million people every month with a constant feed of high-quality video posts.
The opportunity to showcase
Oro Equestrian Dressage by the Lake on this global platform is exciting, and we cannot wait.We are also excited to confirm that Spencer Sturmey will be our International Announcer over the 3 days of coverage. Spencer is a highly respected Equestrian Announcer, and recently provided commentary for the H&C+ Livestream of the Sydney CDI, at which NZL riders Melissa Galloway, Wendi Williamson and Madison Schollum featured.
Timetables by Arena
Trade Sites, Public Catering
FEI Foreign Judges
NZL Based FEI & National Judges
Black Horse One & Spectator Judging
We are delighted to have Spectator Judging at Oro Dressage by the Lake providing the audience with the chance to put themselves in the judges’ seat, with a popular App allowing spectators to score competitors in the Fiordland Discovery Premier Arena
In a first for New Zealand, spectators can download the free app and experience judging first hand as they unofficially “score” each competitor as if they were in the judge’s box.
While spectator scores don’t influence the official results, the focus of the app is stronger fan involvement and a more intense engagement with the sport of dressage.
The development of the app by “Black Horse One” and SAP was supported by leading judges, organisers and riders, and many top European shows are taking advantage of what the app offers to their events.
Spectators can see how close their scores are to the official results, and compare their scores with their friends.
Commentary during the event will update the audience with spectator judging results.
The app is available for free from the App-Store (Apple) or the Google-Play-Store.
We recommend that users download the app before the event and start judging! There are test events to start people off and they can join in judging on overseas events. Check out the Blackhorse website for up and coming events [click here]
Oro Dressage by the Lake would like to thank Daniel Goehlin and SAP and Aengus Wright for making it possible for us to bring this exciting concept to dressage fans in New Zealand
Free for Android and iOS: Just type “Spectator Judging” in the AppStore / Google Play and install the app.
◦ iOS: https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/spectator-judging/id991175124?ls=1&mt=8
◦ Android: https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=com.blackhorse88.livejudging
The Event Programme
Event Programme
Take the opportunity to read the event programme – featuring our riders, sponsors, judges, advertisers, volunteers, the timetables – all you need to know
Photo Gallery Thursday 23rd November
The Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
The FEI Judges during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
The FEI Judges during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Morgan Abel-Pattinson presents Don Tobio during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Kallista Field presents Felix Westfalia FE during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Kallista Field presents Felix Westfalia FE during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway presents Windermere JObèi W during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway presents Windermere JObèi W during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway presents Windermere JObèi W during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Liz Hutson presents Hapsburg PSH during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Rebecca Mobberley presents Sayonara FE during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Rebecca Mobberley presents Sayonara FE during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Emily Townsend presents Astek Ginsling during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Ben Weir presents NPE Del Rico during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Wendy Williamson presents Don Vito MH during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Wendy Williamson presents Don Vito MH during the Horse Inspection. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Thursday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Results & Photo Gallery Friday 24th
Results Friday 24th November
Class 901: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Cooper Oborn rides Irish Coffee during Class 601: Balanced Saddle Fitting – Advanced Test 6B. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Cooper Oborn rides Irish Coffee during Class 601: Balanced Saddle Fitting – Advanced Test 6B. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Casey Burton rides Fanciful MH during class 202: Oakridge Equestrian – Novice Test 2A. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Piper Crake rides Georgia MH during Class 941: IRT – Junior Rider Team Test. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Class 901: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Class 901: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Class 901: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Zoie Gray rides Stoneylea Furstin Leila during class 101: Ridir Clothing – Preliminary Test 1B. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Friday 23 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Results Saturday & Photos
Results Saturday 25th November
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Final-1st. Class 902: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle (2022) – Pacific League World Cup Final. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Saturday 25 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Final-1st. Class 902: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle (2022) – Pacific League World Cup Final. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Saturday 25 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Final-1st. Class 902: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle (2022) – Pacific League World Cup Final. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Saturday 25 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
NZL-Melissa Galloway rides Windermere JObèi W. Final-1st. Class 902: 4CYTE – FEI CDI-W Grand Prix Freestyle (2022) – Pacific League World Cup Final. 2023 NZL-Oro Dressage By The Lake. Takapoto Estate, Lake Karapiro. New Zealand. Saturday 25 November 2023. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography
Sunday Results
Thank You to our Sponsors & Supporters