Wendi Williamson Wins 2024 New Zealand Grand Prix Championships

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2024 New Zealand Dressage Championships

Wendi Williamson reclaimed her 2022 title as New Zealand's Grand Prix Champion at the 2024 NZL National Championships at the equestrian centre in Taupo on 21 - 24 March 2024.

The Grand Prix Championship was contested as part of the CDI Taupo.

Trio of Wins

Continuing on their terrific season Williamson and Don Vito MH (by Don Frederico x Anamour) enjoyed a trio of wins, adding this crown to their Dressage Horse of the Year title earned at HOY earlier in the month. They finished on a sizzling 77.94 score in the Grand Prix Musical Freestyle.

Small mistakes in the Grand Prix and the Special prevented Wendi from hitting the 74 mark that she was looking for in these classes to collect the Olympic qualifying scores she is chasing - particularly bittersweet in the Special where after some stunning work, a quickly-corrected mistake down the last long side contributed to falling just short on a score of 73.362.

Runners-up for the title went to Brina Carpenter and Parkridge Disco MH (by Dancier x Wolkentanz I) on their final points tally of 2.04, just the tiniest fraction ahead of Chelsea Callaghan and her lovely Friesian WB cross Sisters II Etta J (by Zigfried x Zemindar) on 1.93.

Lowry Medallion

Wendi was also presented with the Lowry Medallion for 2024 Rider of the Year, a points prize for the rider gaining the most points at the Horse of the Year show across all disciplines including Dressage, Eventing, Para-Equestrian, Jumping and Show Hunter.

Winning this with her horses Don Vito MH, Fugato, Ducati MH and Danseur MH, Wendi says “this was most unexpected and off our radar - feels like such an honour considering those who have won this before.”

She also took to Facebook earlier this month: "I am extremely proud to have trained Don Vito MH from a 3 year old. There are many people who have provided tools and advice to support the process of continuous improvement that we strive to achieve. Most recently for this horse is Brett Parbery, Coralie Williams, Christine Weal and my good friend Steph Hudson who gives up a lot of her time. A special mention to Jonnie who enables me to pursue my goals. Given the highs and lows of equestrian pursuits I feel this achievement is worthy of a small moment of celebration."

Youth Classes

Pony Champion: Paige Fitzgerand and Greenmoor Euphoria (by Willowcroft Regal Emblem)

Junior Rider Champion: Piper Crake and Georgia MH (by Gymnastik Star x Riverdance)

Young Rider Champion: Gemma Lewis and Ruanuku R (by Regardez Moi x Salute)