News and updates from our Area Delegate
DNZ Finance Officer: Expressions of Interest in this role
The following message has been received from Wendy Hamerton the Sport Manager for Dressage NZ
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2018/04/dressage-nz-board-vacancy-finance-officer/ Good morning all As you may all be aware, Sara Bright has indicated she will not be available for reappointment to the Board in the role of Finance Officer at the 2018 AGM Dressage NZ is seeking expressions of interest in this role which offers a part time volunteer hands/on role supporting our sport in both a governance and administrative role. The position description as it currently stands is attached, and it is our preference that we find a replacement on this basis. But we would love to hear from anyone who may be interested in principle but may be keen to negotiate any variance to the role. I have attached both the web link and a PDF of the current Position Description. EOI or queries to bright.sara@xtra.co.nz Sara has undertaken to provide a comprehensive handover and support for anyone who accepts take the role. Dressage NZ Planning Forum 2018
Held at the West Plaza Hotel Wellington. The meeting commenced at 5pm on Tuesday 10 April 2018.
The annual Planning Meeting is attended by a comprehensive group of office holders within Dressage NZ, including the Board, the Committee (which is the Area Delegates) and members in attendance such as the Sport Manager, Event Manager, Chair of Selectors, North and South Island Riders’ Representatives. For your interest and further education, the Board officials are: the Chair (Lynda Clark) the Finance Officer (Sara Bright) Judges Officer (Sue Hobson) Rules Officer (Scott McKenna) Training and Development (Judy Alderdice) and Marketing Manager (Michelle Zielazo). Consequently, the meeting is attended by many well informed people, with a variety of opinions and many years of accumulated experience. Following official items on the agenda a representative of Sport Wellington spoke on the topic of Volunteers. Groups were asked to list the tasks they undertake as volunteers. It would appear that our average number of different tasks per group was somewhat higher than the norm for volunteer workshops. While the collective versatility of the gathering may have seemed impressive it also highlighted the wisdom of the saying that if you want something done, ask a busy person. Clearly all areas face the challenge of identifying, recruiting and retaining volunteers. Various ideas were put forward. The importance of respecting and thanking volunteers is obvious as is being polite when things just may not go the way a rider had expected. Ironically it seems that sourcing volunteers is yet another task for the volunteers. A major Agenda item on Wednesday was discussion of the twelve remits. Not all will proceed to become rule changes or new rules but all were considered carefully. Re Arena Familiarisation: There has been some variation in what is permitted at events round the country. Some of the issues raised were whether riding is permitted in and/or around the arenas and whether restricted to walk or permitting walk trot and canter. Suggestions were that if in the case of allowing walk trot and canter that a walk only time be allocated. It was agreed that in fairness to all, no additional familiarisation times should be added after an event has commenced. Watch this space as this remit progresses towards conference. Re Identifying Problem Horses: It was suggested a red or green ribbon in the tail could serve as a warning to riders to give a young horse or a horse that might kick, its space. However, as the rules specifically preclude wearing ribbons in the tail for a test, the practicality of removing a tail ribbon from either category of horse was seen to have an element of risk. The concept of a warning was considered a good one by the meeting and the suggestion to have a green armband to cover both categories was seen as a common sense way to address the issue. The detail of this will be notified as a communication to riders rather than incorporated into a new rule. Re Noseband Taper Guage: Two remits related to this topic. A taper guage would ensure a standardised measure to ensure a noseband does not exceed the accepted degree of tightness. There was general agreement too that the measurement should be done at the nasal midline. It was agreed that the current rule is not satisfactory. At the moment the two finger measurement can be taken at the side of the cheek. This allows for a tighter noseband than when taken at the front. Two fingers is a rather variable measure. Susan Tomlin who is a vet, was very well informed on this topic and she, Alicia Zeludko (NI Riders rep) and Scott McKenna (Technical officer) will work further on this rule and its wording. References are listed in the rationale to these two remits for those who are interested to read more about it. Re Use of voice: This remit draws attention to the current rule stating the penalty for use of the voice in a test is ‘at least’ two marks. As was pointed out, in practice two marks are generally deducted so the words ‘at least’ could be considered unnecessary. There were further remits which required a slight change to the wording or some rules to remove any uncertainty. These were passed by the meeting. WEG Update Wendy Hamerton addressed the meeting. There was an update on the planning for WEG and we must congratulate Wendy on her appointment as Chef D’Equipe for the NZ Dressage Team. Wendy emphasised the importance of attending such an event as it is about the International future for Dressage NZ. There is a two way benefit of sustenance from well-nourished grass roots to the inspiration and motivational impact drawn from the spectacular sight of the high achievers. Dressage NZ Bulletin As many of you will be aware, Wendy is the editor of the Dressage NZ Bulletin. Wendy invited feedback from the meeting as to readership and what we think of the publication. It is read by approximately 2,000 people per month. Wendy would welcome stories from Areas for the Bulletin. So if any of you have ideas for an article, or better still would like to submit one you are welcome to do so. WEG fundraising Michelle Zielazo, the Marketing Manager, spoke about the WEG fundraising progress. Any fundraising amounts will be shared equally between the riders. Michelle outlined the plan for a monster raffle. It would be a premium raffle with 300 tickets which would cost $100 each. There will be more information about this to come. Re selection criteria for Squads There was a discussion about selection criteria. Riders want it set early in the season. The criteria will be published before the season begins but achieving it does not mean a rider is automatically in the squad. Re Implementation of the ‘Australian Judges Education System’ and introduction of the USDF dressage tests Sue Hobson spoke of the proposal that NZ implement the “Australian Judges Education System” and the support for the introduction of the USDF dressage tests jointly with Australia. There are many very good reasons for this proposal and all areas agreed in principal with the proposal. There will be more information about this coming from the JSC and our AJO in the near future. Sue explained that there is some delay in this process as there is no point in moving to align with Australia before it has aligned with the US when their latest tests are published. The change of tests is unlikely to be made for NZ before 1 August 2019. There are a few differences in the levels and the number and naming of tests but there is plenty of time to be advised of changes and differences. But just for those working towards Level 4: at the moment the USDF has one flying change on both reins at this level. As I have said previously I advise you all to check the Dressage NZ website regularly. The calendar for the coming season will be finalised in the near future. Check the information for the DNZ Conference to be held in Palmerston North. The above is a very general report on the Planning meeting. You can expect the official report to be posted on the DNZ website in the near future. Dana Haszard Area Delegate |
Recommended ReadingThe minutes from the Planning Meeting provide much detail of what is happening in your sport. They provide an insight into the range of matters that have to be considered, and the number of people who are working within the sport to provide for the many and varied needs and aspirations of those who participate.
Changes coming to tests used and judge upgrading systemThese notes from the Judges Sub Committee Meeting have been sent to our
AJO from Sue Hobson to be shared with our members. With the changes ahead, it is recommended reading for riders and judges.
A notification from the Dressage NZ Board Meeting on 28 Feb 2018:The Board of Dressage NZ are pleased to confirm that they have passed a motion to move the New Zealand National Dressage Championships to FFNEC Taupo.
It is anticipated that this move from Manfeild will occur in 2020 once the Taupo site is completed to the standard required for holding international FEI and CDI events . Dressage NZ remain committed to continuing to work closely with and assist the FFNEC committee to complete the facilities at Taupo as quickly as possible, and look forward to hosting a truly international event that showcases our riders, horses and sport to the world. ESNZ 2017 General Regulation Changes
Please see the PDF below for a summary of recent changes to the ESNZ General Regulations - important for every competitor to be aware of.
Dressage NZ News Jan 2018
SAVE THESE DATES
2018 DRESSAGE NZ PLANNING FORUM The 2018 Planning Forum will be held at the West Plaza Hotel Wellington on Tuesday 10th & 11th April 2018 beginning at 5.30pm on 11th A Dressage Board Meeting will be held from 9am – 3.30pm. Delegates and interested members should plan to arrive in time for a 5.30pm welcome and dinner followed by an evening session until 9pm. The meeting will recommence on Wednesday 11th at 8.30am and finish at 3.45pm The Planning Forum will receive remits for rule changes and other topics for discussion. Remits which are passed at the Forum will go back to areas and come forward again to conference for ratification Templates for remits and other submissions will be available on the website from 1/2/18 2018 DRESSAGE CONFERENCE & COMMITTEE MEETING The 2018 Dressage Conference & Committee meeting will be held at the Distinction Palmerston North Hotel (Cuba St) on 30th June & 1st July Accommodation is available at the Distinction Hotel as follows: - $109.00 incl. GST per room based on single, twin or double share occupancy. - $125.00 incl. GST per room including full cooked buffet breakfast based on single occupancy. - $139.00 incl. GST per room including full cooked buffet breakfast based on twin or double share occupancy Conference will begin at 9.30am on Saturday followed by the Awards Dinner. Committee meeting will commence 9am Sunday and complete no later than 3.45pm. Booking details to follow. 2018 NI DRESSAGE FUTURE STARS - NEC TAUPO 19/21 This fabulous four day event will incorporate the Elite Equine NI Future Stars (Young Dressage Horse Classes for 4 -7 yr olds) on Thursday 19 & Friday 20th, the Livamol FEI World Dressage Challenge on Thursday 19 & Friday 20th and the Equestrian Entries U25 Championships on Saturday / Sunday 21st/22nd Sarah Giekie (FEI 4* USA) has been secured for all four days of the event and will be the President of the Ground Jury for the FEI World Dressage Challenge. National Judge is Judith Cunningham. The schedule for this event will be available by 1/2/18 on Equestrian Entries Loan Horses/Ponies required Dressage NZ is again looking to the generosity of members to secure borrowed horses/ponies for both an InterIsland team and a TransTasman exchange team in conjunction with the U25 Champs. If you would consider loaning a horse or pony at any graded level, please contact Jo Telfer, NI Young Rider Convenor on 0274732306 IMPORTANT REMINDER FOR RIDER & OC’S From 1/1/2018, all FEI tests, whether ridden under Dressage NZ national rules or FEI rules at CDI events will use the FEI version valid 1/1/2018. These can be downloaded at no cost from http://inside.fei.org/fei/your-role/organisers/dressage/tests The only exception to any directive on the tests, is that when run under Dressage NZ rules, a permitted snaffle bridle may be used instead of a double bridle. New Zealand Wins Zone 8 FEI World Dressage Challenge
Congratulations to the New Zealand team and individual riders who have notched up the narrowest of team wins and scored wins in three of the five divisions, plus a number of top ten finishes.
Zone 8 comprised New Zealand, Australia, Hong Kong, South Africa and Chinese Tapei (2016 zone winners). It is nearly a decade since Australia participated in the Challenge so it was great to have our closest international neighbours back in the mix as a measure of our own progress. It was South Island riders all the way this year with three NZL team members from Canterbury and one from Marlborough NZL Team: Lauren Haig, Canterbury (Westford Lanciano) Melissa Galloway, Marlborough (Windermere J”Obei W) Nicola Maley, Canterbury (Astek Galahad) Millie Thompson, Canterbury (Rifesyde Prancer) New Zealand 1st 239.842 Australia 2nd 239.132 Chinese Taipei 3rd 237.079 South Africa 4th 235.816 Hong Kong 196.339 Full team results Individually Lauren Haig was 3rd from 16 starters in the Int I, Melissa Galloway 1st in the PSG from 26 starters, Karolyn Norton and Larapinta Primadonna 1st in a large field of 46 in the Senior II, Diane Wallace 1st in a massive 53 strong field in the Senior I. In the Youth Class, Australian based Jasmine Haynes rode for NZL to score 2nd on 67.167%, narrowly ahead of Millie Thompson on 67.03% in third place. Full individual results The FEI World rankings from all 40 participating countries should be available from the FEI soon. Thanks to our naming sponsors Livamol, class sponsors Zilco, Syncroflex, Hatton & Lilly and Exclusively Yours, Best Presented Stable Art by Belinda, and supporters Johnson & Couzins Hire, and the Southern Trust. | ||||||