Dressage Wellington?s winning riders: Training ?Helen Vander Valk & Airplay (Lower Hutt) Level 1 ? Ann Webster & Anaru (wairarapa) Level 2 - Sara White & Rock of Cashel (upper Hutt) Level 3 - Cindy Pender & Sherwood Outspoken (Levin) Level 4 - Rosanne Rix & Lindisfarne Hollywood (upper Hutt)
Last weekend show jumping and ?immaculate? dressage was on show at Battle Hill Reserve, where Pauatahanui Pony Club held a one day annual event, or Gymkhana. ?It is a fabulous day and people enjoy the horses going over quite high jumps, and in the dressage the girls are quite dressed up and the horses well turned out,? says Pauatahanui Pony Club Treasurer Brenda Cameron. Her daughter competed in the events on her horse Nautica and in the last large regional event in November she placed fifth. ?There are immaculate show ponies, and it?s such a great day for the younger ones looking to ride, or with an interest in horses ? my five and seven year-old nieces come along just to watch,? says Mrs Cameron. Most Wellington Pony Clubs were represented at the event that held show jumping, turn-out classes and dressage events. Dressage Wellington delegate Jacqui Thompson says the Battle Hill event is the largest in the area, with Queen Elizabeth Park the other large ground. ?We held two shows at Trentham Memorial Park in January with over 80 people participating, and the riding season closes in March. Local Helen Vander Valk, who keeps her horses at Horokiwi, placed well in the event by winning the Training competition. Entries were great with around 80 horses entered at each show, around 30 competing in the Level 1 grade made it very competitive, says Mrs Thompson. ?We had overall champions for each grade, with points being accumulated over the four eligible tests. And rugs were presented to each level,? she says.
