The North Island Championships at Hawera in January, the South Islands hosted by Canterbury in February,  and the Bates Nationals in March will provide the major lead up events where the atmosphere is expected to be one of keen anticipation as the young

Grand Prix dressage combinations look to bring an exciting new era to the sport.  Advanced horses from 2009 expected to be seen at the top level in 2010 include Nicky Pope’s Farbarchie, Vanessa Way’s KH Arvan, Louisa Hill’s Bates Antonello, Debbie Barke’s Mzungu set to challenge the established combinations of Karen Anderson’s Komplete Kaos (2009 runner up) and Charlott Bayliss’s All Black. A number of others who tested themselves at Grand Prix level for the first time in 2009 will have another twelve month’s experience so watch out for the likes of Winter Acacia & Laurel Cross (Blenheim) and Shiwon Green’s Gosh.

The Zilco National Freestyle to Music Leaderboards will be decided at all levels. Bonus points at this event add an exciting dimension with the possibility for combinations to considerably improve their Leaderboard rankings. Each level of Leaderboard offers the winner a fabulous international design Zilco presentation rugs and $350 worth of Zilco vouchers with a further $450 to the next three placegetters.

International judges secured are FEI 5* judge Bernard Maurel from France whose mark will be all important for riders wishing to get the magic 64%. Alongside will be 4* judge Uwe Spenlen (Germany), plus our NZL based international judges.  

Dressage in the main oval will be dominated by musical freestyles – horses and riders having a chance to express their personality in the artistic section, but also requiring strong technical skills to score well in front of such an experienced panel of judges

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