2023 Livamol FEI Dressage World Challenge (NZL)

The aim of the FEI World Challenge series is to offer athletes who, under normal circumstances, cannot take part in international competitions due to various factors (travel cost and distances for example), the opportunity to compete internationally without having to leave their own country. These “hybrid” competitions are meant as a bridge between the National and first International  level of competition and are meant to help NFs develop the various disciplines in their country. FEI World Challenges exist in Jumping, Dressage, Eventing, Vaulting, Driving and Para Dressage.

It offers five performance levels and two age groups (12-16 yrs; 16 yrs and older):

•  Intermediate I
•  Prix St. Georges
•  Senior II
•  Senior I
•  Youth
 
Individual Classification:
The FEI Dressage World Challenge offers a World Individual and Regional classification per Level. 
 
Team Classification:
The FEI Dressage World Challenge offers a World Team classification. A minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 Team Athletes can be nominated. The Team members’ ultimate results, expressed in percentages, will be added. The results achieved by the three best Team athletes will count for the Team Classification. Scores obtained at higher technical levels will have a higher coefficient, this may impact the overall results and Team members’ selection process.
 
Development of the Sport
The FEI Dressage World Challenge also serves as an educational purpose by linking the competition with the coaching. The Dressage tests are in correlation with the Levels 1, 2 and 3 of the FEI Coach Education System, which is implemented in the same NFs that participate to the FEI Dressage World Challenge.

National Federations that have applied through the FEI Solidarity for an ESEE (Equestrian Sport Educative Event) in Dressage have the possibility to link the competition to the education of their National officials, which is another important tool aimed towards the development of the discipline. 

The FEI World Dressage Challenge is held between the 1 January and the 31 December.

Follow this link for all 2023 Zone & World Rankings 

Zone 8 Individual Rankings 2023

Zone 8 Team Rankings 

 It’s a celebration for the Livamol NZL  FEI Dressage World Challenge team with a resounding win in the Zone 8 Challenge on 241.941 pts against Hong Kong (237.673) South Africa (237.353) and Chinese Taipei (233.938).  The NZL team was Gemma Lewis (Canterbury) Ruanuku R INT I, Vanessa Baxter Jazzaway (Nelson) INT I 65.441, Lynley Stockdale (South Canterbury) Leominster PSG 68.088 and Julie Fraser & Fandango (Nelson) PSG 66.324

It was a great Senior II Individual Zone win for Sandy Fryatt (Canterbury) and La Peregrina on 68.939 from a total 41 starters. Other Zone placegetters included a 2^nd place for Paige Fitzgerald & Greenmoor Euphoria in the Youth division and 3^rd places for Gemma Lewis (INT I) Lynley Stockdale & Leominster (PSG), Sandy Houston &  Southwell Razzmatazz (Sen II)

Rules for 2023

Best Presented Guidelines

Quality Presentations Youth Competition
Children Team 2022   

Sweney Productions Senior I
Children Individual 2022

Treadlite Senior II
Juniors Team 2022

FMG Insurance PSG
Prix St. Georges 2022

Livamol Int I
Intermediate I 2022

NZL-KIrsty Schist presents Epiton MD 2022. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

FROM FEI Article 1035
Presentation of Horses (edited applicable to this competition)
PR – Person Responsible – usually the athlete

VD – Veterinary Delegate – Official FEI Vet appointed for the event

GJ – Ground Jury (Judges)

President GJ – Connie Bookless (FEI Foreign Judge)

1. Horses are presented for Horse Inspections by the Athlete or groom (the
“Handler”) who must be suitably dressed for handling Horses.

2. For all Dressage competitions , the PR must present their own Horse(s) at the Horse inspection, unless the PR has been excused from this requirement in advance by the President of the GJ.

3. Chefs d’Equipe (2023 Event is Christine Lovelady) when present, must accompany their team Horses

4. Horses’ competition number must be clearly displayed.

5. All Horses must be presented for the Horse Inspection in a controlled and safe manner. This  requires a bridle.

7. n/a to Dressage

6. Handlers may carry a whip of up to 120cm only, if necessary.

8. No Horse may be presented with its identity concealed in any manner by application of paint or dye for example. This includes paint or dye on the hooves. Hoof preparations that do not conceal any markings on the hooves are permitted

9. Horses are not permitted to wear bandages or blankets/rugs or equivalent.

The Procedure

FEI Article 1036
Horse Inspection Procedure

1. Any conflict of interest must be declared to the President and members of the GJ

2. The VD or a designated assistant will identify the Horse from its FEI or ESNZ ID Book. other approved passports eg NZWBA or ESNZ ID Papers and microchip where applicable.

3. Handlers must stand the Horse in front of the Inspection Panel facing the end of the
inspection track. The VD must walk around the Horse and make a brief visual
inspection. Any other examinations (e.g. palpation or limb flexion) may not be
performed.

Handlers must lead the Horse from the Horse’s left hand side on a loose rein whilst the VD watches the Horse’s gait from the centre of the inspection track. Handlers must:
a) walk the Horse for a short distance;
b) trot the Horse to the end of the track;
c) walk the Horse and turn in a clockwise direction at the end of the inspection track;
and
d) trot the Horse back to the starting point.

4. The Inspection Panel will assess the Horses’ fitness to compete, and decide whether
Horses are:
a) accepted;
b) not accepted (if Horses are unfit to compete); or
referred to the Holding Box (Horse’s fitness to compete is questionable).

Horses that are not accepted at the Horse Inspection, or withdrawn following a Holding Box examination are not permitted to compete in national classes at the same Event site.

5. Note: The specific requirements and level of fitness required to pass Horse Inspections may vary between and within Disciplines.

6. The Inspection Panel’s decision must be based on the opinion of the VD and the
Inspection Panel has the authority to not accept a Horse. In the event of a split decision, the President of the GJ has the casting vote.

7. The GJ must explain the reason for not accepting Horses to the PRs.

8. The Inspection Panel may decide not to accept Horses that cannot be presented within the time period of the Horse Inspection.

9. No Appeal may be lodged against any decision made by the Inspection Panel.

Competitor Schedule & Nominations Procedure

WDC Selection Criteria 231001

NZL Selection Criteria 2023

The Dressage NZ National Selectors will select up to forty individual combinations and a team of three or four combinations to participate in the FEI World Dressage Challenge (WDC) 2023. Selections will be based on nominations received and in addition the selectors reserve the right to invite combinations at their discretion.

Objective for WDC Selection

The goal of the Selectors is to:

1. Select the best NZL team to achieve a World Team classification (minimum of 3 and a maximum of 4 Team Athletes can be nominated), and
2. Select the best individuals respectively to win the WDC individual classes in the NZ leg of the WDC and gain World Individual and Regional classification per Level.

Eligibility Requirements

To be eligible to be considered for selection, riders must meet the following eligibility requirements:

1. The General Eligibility requirements set out in Article 10 of the ESNZ Special Regulation (National Selection)
2. Must meet the criteria as set out in the current WDC conditions.

Performance Criteria

The Selectors may take into account the following factors:

1. the competition performance record of the rider and the horse as a combination in regards to the Objective;
2. the Horse’s age, temperament, soundness history, traveling ability, acclimatisation to a change of environment and whether the horse settles to being stabled;
3. the Horses’ suitability for the WDC and the likely conditions of that event;
4. the rider’s relationships with other riders in the team, as well as with ESNZ staff and other personnel who may be involved with the Event or team;
5. the rider’s conduct and behaviour at previous events, tours and training;
6. the results of any assessments, tests or examinations carried out with respect to the rider or horse, which may affect their ability to perform to their best;
7. the willingness of the rider, the horses’ owner(s) and support team) to contribute positively to the Objective of this Selection Criteria;
8. anything which they consider applicable to their decision, such as those set out in Article 14 of the ESNZ Special Regulation (National Selection).

Selection Criteria

The DNZ National Selectors will make their selections by:

• Reviewing past performances, placings and percentages at the level for which the combinations is nominated.
• Observing performances leading up to and at the WDC event, including the Trot Up. Consideration will be given to the level of competition, the depth of the field at which the result was obtained, consistency of performance, and an improving trend for results produced.
• Assessing relevant form and ability to perform at the venue and on the applicable date.
• Considering the condition and demeanor of the combinations at the Trot Up.
• Taking into account that Scores obtained for the Youth, Prix St Georges & Intermediate I have a greater multiplying coefficient. This impacts the Team overall results, and this influences the selection process (i.e.: Inter I/PSG = % x 1.20; Senior II/Senior I = % x 1.00; Youth = % x 1.10).
• The five performance levels and two age groups (12-16 yrs; 16 yrs and older) reviewed are:
  • Intermediate I
  • Prix St. Georges
  • Senior II
  • Senior I
  • Youth
• The Selectors will make their selection on their overall information at the given time. It may not necessarily depend solely on the ranking of combinations according to scores achieved.

Published 2/10/23

The Fetterman Trophy is awarded to the winner of the Prix St Georges by Andrea Raves & Helen Hughes-Keen as a tribute to the wonderful thoroughbred Fetterman who was so successful in the early 90’s in when competed by Andrea up to Grand Prix level in NZL and Australia. What a thrill it was in 2022 that Dance Hit SW, part owned by Andrea and produced by Susan Tomlin, were the winners of the Fetterman Trophy.

Photo: Libby Law Photography

2022- Susan Tomlin & Dance Hit SW

Diane Wallace and KP Dexter,  2020

2017  Vanessa Way (NRM Andreas)

CONNIE MURRAY – AUSTRALIA – FEI L2/3*

Connie is an FEI L2/3* and FEI Young Horse dressage judge with over 30 years of judging experience. She has competed at Grand Prix level, is a National Judge Educator/Mentor, National Steward, as well as judging Young Horse, Para Equestrian, and Carriage Driving Dressage at a National Level. She is a former Dressage Selector for Australia, currently sits on the Dressage Queensland Officials Sub-Committee, and was a member of the National Technical Officials Team for the 2021 Tokyo Olympics in her role as scribe co-ordinator. Connie is passionate about the sport of Dressage with a special interest in education and technology – emerging from her previous professional life as a biomedical scientist. Connie lives on the Gold Coast where she adores cooking and gardening.

Stuart Bishell
Stuart  is a key figure South Canterbury North Otago Dressage. He has been a member for many years always keeping his local group on track with his down to earth matter of fact way of doing things coupled with a great sense of humor

As a Level A judge he  is a well-respected amongst colleagues riders alike, and he is also well liked for that dry sense of humour – this trait manifesting itself in his very colorful and comical collection of socks which are often the topic of dinner chat and mirth at events..…. 

Originally mentored by the late Graeme McCrostie, Stuart worked has hard to become to become a top-level judge in both Eventing and Dressage.  He has since traveled all around the world judging at international Horse Trials. He has spent a lot of his own time and upskilled himself at his own expense to keep us current with what is going on in the national and world scene.

He is passionate about the consistency of judging and the assessment of riders performance in New Zealand.  As Area Judges Officer for South Canterbury North Otago he supports and promotes the education and development of our judges by submitting proposals for funding applications to bring mentors and senior judges to our area, as well as seeking opportunities for them to attend shows in other areas. He arranges travel for visiting judges and is instrumental in the scheduling of classes and judges at our shows to ensure the events run smoothly.  He is also the area delegate in a shared role capacity for SCNO.

The NZ Team for the Livamol FEI World Dressage Challenge: Susan Tomlin and Dance Hit SW; Lucy Cochrane and Gymanji; Paige Fitzgerald and Greenmoor Euphoria; Jody Hartstone and Just Vincent.  Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

Check out NZL record of results since 2009

Spectators are welcome

There is plenty of free parking and there is no admission fee 

There will be a coffee cart on site 

Competition begins at 8am and will finish at approx 3.30pm with the fabulous prize giving celebrations

Quality Presentations WDC Youth12-16yrs  (9)

           292105 Donnerock EH                  Mikayla Wildermoth

              290033 Totally Confidential         Katie Fitzsimons

                   285679 Arapito Kowhai                Alice Murfitt

              251801 Madison Grey                  Georgia Lewis

              251764 Bingham                           Eve Andrews

              245618 Almost Legal                    Scarlett Rodd

              247262 Greenmoor Euphoria     Paige Fitzgerald

              243984 Kingslea Busy Bee           Alice Murfitt

 Sweney Productions Senior I WDC (12)

           292313  TE Florentina                    Luci Shanks

              293975 Cavera                               Lauren Haig

              293820 Liebestraum II                  Jenny Scotter

              292143 London Hit VP                  Bailey McIntosh

              291016 SWE Baloo                        Janelle Sangster-Ward

                     288387 Lakeview Sidestep           Harriet Redmond

              287432 Rosensee Grafin              Seija Parkkali-Glew

              285934 Fernlea Don Reveille       Lynette Wood

              286127 SWE Shutterfly                Shannon Brien

             228770 Oakridge                           Nicola Parker-Webb

              249706 SWE Sandera                   Jane Jackson

               284600         Peridot               Sharon Rowlands 

Treadlite Senior II WDC (8)

              292049 Epiton MD                        Kirsty Schist

              288398 Falcon O                            Candice Nichol

              288206 Don Darciano RS              Rebecca Lawrence

              286902 Gusto Heathers Papaver Angela Valentine

               289582 TS Lexica                          Kerry Sutherland

              283797 Southwell Razzmatazz    Sandy Houston

              246465 La Peregrina                     Sandy Fryatt

              246052  Hot Gossip                       Holly Hanson

               248152        Te Puke                              Rebecca Thomas

FMG Prix St Georges (7)                    

             282841 Rusalka                             Sandy Fryatt

              289907 Leominster                       Lynley Stockdale

              288121 Fandango                         Julie Fraser

              242982 Donneregal                      Philippa McLeod

              239479 RM Limbo                        Caroline Houghton

              249700 Whispers Matapiro         Emma Rowe-Pledger

Livamol Intermediate I (4)

              282817 San Tiero                          Ashleigh Wells

              251599 Jazzaway                           Vanessa Baxter

              244923 Mardi Gras                       Jenny Scotter

              230352 Ruanuku R                        Gemma Lewis

Click on the image to read the 2023 event programme which features the sponsors, riders, OC and event background.