ESNZ Para-Equestrian

Congratulations Natalie!

𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗴𝗿𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗹𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗲 𝗝𝗮𝗺𝗲𝘀! 🌟

Dressage NZ is delighted to celebrate Natalie James, who has been named as a recipient of a 𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗗𝗶𝘀𝗮𝗯𝗶𝗹𝗶𝘁𝘆 𝗔𝘂𝗰𝗸𝗹𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗦𝗰𝗵𝗼𝗹𝗮𝗿𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽.

Natalie is a talented and committed Para Dressage rider who continues to make her mark both in Para Dressage and in non-para classes. She is also an active and valued member of 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝘀𝘀𝗮𝗴𝗲 𝗪𝗮𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗺𝗮𝘁𝗮̄, regularly contributing to the wider dressage community while continuing to pursue her own riding goals.

Natalie has campaigned successfully at both the 𝗬𝗼𝘂𝘁𝗵 𝗖𝗵𝗮𝗺𝗽𝗶𝗼𝗻𝘀𝗵𝗶𝗽𝘀 and 𝗣𝗮𝗿𝗮 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹𝘀, showing real dedication, resilience and love for the sport.

This scholarship is a wonderful recognition of Natalie’s hard work and potential, and we look forward to following her continued progress.

Congratulations Natalie — your dressage community is very proud of you! 🐴✨

How great that Chelsea Burns Para-Equestrian is back for another starring role at Demo and Dabble Dressage this weekend :)

Here's some helpful info:

𝗔𝗦𝗞 𝗨𝗦

Got a question? Ask us at: [email protected].

Need help with HorseReg? Try these videos:

𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗼𝗿 𝗥𝗘𝗧𝗨𝗥𝗡𝗜𝗡𝗚: https://www.youtube.com/watch?reload=9&v=xOnX6EYpUG0
𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗡𝗚𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗢𝗪𝗡𝗘𝗥𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=v6ULWdMlDpk
𝗥𝗘𝗚𝗜𝗦𝗧𝗘𝗥𝗜𝗡𝗚 𝗔 𝗡𝗘𝗪 𝗛𝗢𝗥𝗦𝗘: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yMS5OWBzIoE

Follow our pages:

Dressage NZ
ESNZ Eventing
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter
ESNZ Endurance
ESNZ Para-Equestrian
ESNZ Coaching
Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre Taupo
Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC - Christchurch

We'd love to see you there :)

𝟮𝟬𝟮𝟲 𝗛𝗔𝗟𝗟 𝗢𝗙 𝗙𝗔𝗠𝗘 𝗔𝗪𝗔𝗥𝗗𝗦 | 𝗖𝗼𝗺𝗲 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗖𝗲𝗹𝗲𝗯𝗿𝗮𝘁𝗲
Remember last year's major winners? Rider of the Year Melissa Galloway, International Horse of the Year Louise Duncan's Showcase BC, and National Horse of the Year Julie Davey's LT Holst Freda. Join us at our annual awards night as we honour and celebrate our top sporting achievers for 2026. Friday 26 June at Chateau on the Park, Christchurch. And over the weekend Dressage, Jumping and Show Hunter, Para-Equestrian and Endurance will be holding their AGMs. More details see our website: https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz-hall-of-fame-award-recipients/
Dressage NZ
ESNZ Eventing
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter
ESNZ Endurance
ESNZ Para-Equestrian

In case you missed it. Fantastic news Anne!

𝗛𝗜𝗚𝗛 𝗣𝗘𝗥𝗙𝗢𝗥𝗠𝗔𝗡𝗖𝗘 𝗣𝗔𝗥𝗔 𝗗𝗥𝗘𝗦𝗦𝗔𝗚𝗘 - 𝗥𝗶𝗱𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗗𝗼𝘄𝗻 𝗮 𝗗𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗺 𝗶𝗻 𝗔𝘂𝘀𝘁𝗿𝗮𝗹𝗶𝗮
Anne Watts has forever dreamt of donning the silver fern and riding at the Paralympics this weekend she takes a definite step towards starting her campaign journey and making that happen in 2028 at the Los Angeles Games. Anne and her horse Santana MH fly to Australia today to compete on a FEI CPEDI Para Dressage competition next week with a focus on building her international competition performance.

HP Media Liaison Diana Dobson caught up with Anne on the eve of her journey. Click the link below for the full story and links to follow Anne
https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/2026/05/riding-down-a-dream-in-australia/

All the best wishes Anne for safe travels and good successfu we’ll be supporting you from a far! ✈️ 🌿 👏

ESNZ Para-Equestrian
📷Libby Law Photography

A bit of a flashback for Louise and Frankie! but the message is a good one ...

𝗖𝗢𝗔𝗖𝗛𝗜𝗡𝗚 | 𝗪𝗵𝗼’𝘀 𝗧𝗿𝗮𝗶𝗻𝗶𝗻𝗴 𝗬𝗼𝘂?
A sports coach instructs, trains, and motivates athletes to improve their performance, master techniques, and develop skills. As a rider, you can be confident that your ESNZ registered Coach is safe and knowledgeable and demonstrates a high level of professionalism:

• An ESNZ registered Coach has been evaluated at a high level and meets ESNZ standards for professionalism and competence as an equestrian coach.
• They are required to maintain certification and therefore are dedicated to learning and advancement through regular professional development.
• They hold relevant insurance to protect themselves and their students.
• They are required to complete a police background check within the past three years.
• They hold current First Aid training and are trained in health and safety, and in dealing with equestrian incidents.

You can find out more on our webpage at: https://www.nzequestrian.org.nz/esnz/coaching/.
Further reading from Sport NZ about the real value of coaches: https://balanceisbetter.org.nz/research-the-real-value-of-coaches/ ;
and listen to our ESNZ Podcast with Dressage Development Officer and Coach Andrea Raves who shares insights into coaching from recreational to Olympic level athletes at https://open.spotify.com/episode/5zSLSkfjN6014F2YKGYTjz
PHOTO: Andrea Raves conducts a Zoom lesson with Louise Duncan during the 2024 Paralympic Games. Copyright Libby Law Photography - NZL
ESNZ Coaching
Dressage NZ
ESNZ Eventing
ESNZ Jumping & Show Hunter
ESNZ Endurance
ESNZ Para-Equestrian

Lovely story from FEI on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reel/DXTyjp6itXE/?utm_source=ig_web_copy_link&igsh=NTc4MTIwNjQ2YQ==

“It makes her life worth living.” ✨ In episode 11 of RIDE, presented by @longines, we head to South Buckinghamshire to visit Paralympic bronze medallist Mari Durward-Akhurst! 🇬🇧🥉 Join us as we discover the connection she shares with her Para Dressage dance partner Athene Lindebjerg and understand how they work together in harmony using adapted aids. We also hear about her journey into horses and the vital role they’ve played through life’s challenges and get an insight into Mari’s goals for 2026! 🙌 Watch the full episode on the FEI YouTube channel! 📺 #FEI #RIDE #Longines #ParaDressage

Can't wait for the Dressage one!

We, too, are deeply saddened at the news that the Woodhill Sands facility is required to cease activities with immediate effect. Woodhill Sands is a key venue for many of the shows on our calendar and we are extremely disappointed for the riders, and for the officials, the volunteers and the supporters who work so tirelessly to bring these events to our community. We will be doing everything we can to work with the Woodhill Sands Trust to support the restoration of activities across our disciplines, and for the many others who rely heavily on this outstanding venue to enjoy their sport.