2010 CDI Sydney

Kiwis on a Mission at the 2010 CDI Sydney

April 20, 2010

Five New Zealand horse and rider combinations are making the trip across the ditch to compete at the Sydney CDI ***International Dressage Event at the end of April.
Experience is strongly to the fore, with Christine Weal and Jody Hartstone representing New Zealand as Derby riders, where they draw random horses from a pool and attempt to snag New Zealand this prestigious title.

Both riders will also compete their respective stallions Landro L (Small tour) and Whisper IV (Grand Prix ). These two combinations were Intermediate I and Grand Prix Champions at the Bates 2010 Dressage NZ Championships in March.

Also flying the Kiwi flag at small tour level is Wendi Williamson (Watergate), and young riders Kelly Van Dyk (Wohlkahn) and Georgia Worth (Veritas). Worth has enjoyed success in her first year at FEI Young rider level currently holding the Waldebago trophy for the NZ Young Rider Champion and the winner of the CDI-Y at the Bates.
“It is great to have so many riders travelling to this event,” said Dressage NZ sport manager Wendy Hamerton.

“The Sydney CDI offers our riders a taste of a truly international atmosphere and the mileage is invaluable. Australia is our closest rival, fielding teams at the Olympic Games and World Equestrian Games, so it’s an excellent benchmark for our riders to take on the Australian’s. It also gives us exposure to international judges.”

New Zealand’s FEI 4* judge Jan Bird, Helen Hughes Keen (Chair of Selectors) and ESNZ Dressage High Performance Manager Jenny Turner will also be at the event, alongside Chef d’Equipe Tina Thorowgood. Also representing New Zealand but already based in Australia Wayne Williams (HP Comedian) and Janelle Sangster-Ward (Roulette SW) from Marlborough who is currently spending time training with Brett Parbery.

While all riders have their individual goals, Jody Hartstone has two – she’s hoping to take a step closer to representing New Zealand at the World Equestrian Games by gaining another qualifying score towards the ESNZ requirements. Hartstone and Whisper IV have already met the FEI minimum eligibility score, but have yet to achieve the ESNZ criteria which is more stringent.

“I also want to beat Heath Ryan – even if it’s just in one test!” said Hartstone. “I promised him that one day he would be on my left hand side at a prizegiving!”

Photo © Lisa Potter

Related Link
Scores 2009 CDI Sydney