The 2026 Bates New Zealand Dressage Championships saw three days’ worth of intense competition at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre in Taupō, as riders gathered to vie for sought-after national titles and signature purple Bates rugs. This season finale show was also the last chance for riders to earn final points for the North Island Super 5 Series.
The 2026 judging suite comprised both national and international judges, including returning FEI 5* judge Henning Lehrmann of Germany. Lehrmann stayed on after the event to hold a valuable day seminar for both judges and riders and conduct training sessions for High Performance dressage riders. The event also welcomed FEI 5* Australian judge Maria Schwennesen (Queensland) and FEI 4* judge Jane Ventura (Victoria).
The organising committee, led by Cassie Freeman, alongside the judges, stewards, volunteers, sponsors, trade stand vendors, riders and wider supporters contributed to another successful ‘Bates Nationals’.
The dream team called Williamson
Team Williamson from Waitekauri Farm (Waitemata) dominated at the 2026 Bates New Zealand Dressage Championships, led by example by their lead rider, coach and mentor Wendi Williamson.
Wendi competed three horses: Don Vito MH (Grand Prix Champion), Danseur MH (Small Tour Reserve Champion), and Furst Klasse MH (Medium Reserve Champion).
Wendi and Don Vito MH maintained their Grand Prix Championship-winning streak for the third year running (2024, 2025 and now 2026), also not forgetting their win in 2022 and Wendi’s 2017 win on Deja Vu MH.
Wendi and Don Vito MH won the CDI3* Grand Prix on 69.805%, the CDI3* Grand Prix Special on 67.426%, and the CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle on 72.730%.
The pair added yet another purple Bates title rug and the prestigious CDI Grand Prix Championship Burkner Medal, donated by Mr Nick Williams, to their collection. Williams was the first and only (to date) FEI 5* dressage judge for New Zealand and was selected to adjudicate at the 1988 Seoul Olympics and 1992 Barcelona Olympics.
Wendi’s Burkner Medal haul is now just one behind that of Marcia Bayley, who scored four wins on Kentucky and two on Rubicon between 1986 and 1988.
Wendi and Don Vito were also awarded the Vom Feinsten trophy (donated by David Brougham) for the Gallant Equestrian/Superior Rubber Surfaces Grand Prix, and the Tironui Trophy for the River Park Farm CDI3* Grand Prix Freestyle.
Gaylene Lennard (Te Aroha) and Jax Johnson had to settle for the CDI Grand Prix Reserve Champion sash as runners up.
First show back for a year
Wendi was very proud of ‘Donny’, with this being their first show for nearly a year due to the Waikato Premier League washout back in February. “It felt a little bit rusty in places, but overall, I was really pleased – and especially pleased to get a 10 from Henning (Lehrmann) for an entrance and halt!” said Wendi.
No Williamson event is complete without Jon, who is the number one supporter. “He has been known to spend a lot of time on the local golf course when we are at Taupo,” said Wendi, “but this time he was there supporting us at the event with just a sneaky game when we arrived – which was great!”
Wendi noted how proud she was to be part of the wider team, their support crews and parents, who are all “very involved and super committed”. The team comprised Maddi Schollum, who earned high praise from Lehrmann for both her harmony and technical execution on Fanciful MH (Advanced Medium Champion); Piper Crake with Riverpark Jeniro (Preliminary Champion), Saffron MH (Preliminary) and Georgia MH (FEI Young Rider); Tiffany Owen with Fabian, and Georgia Mullins with Beauden MH, who featured in Preliminary; and the Brett Kendall and Rosemary Carter in the 5YO Young Dressage Horse.
“It’s important for these developing riders to understand that improvement is incremental – look back and see where you have come from – it is not an overnight journey,” reminds Wendi.
“I noted the engagement of riders in the Capital Pools Bronze & Silver Championships, and the Vanessa Way ProAm Championships, and also the fact that Dressage NZ opened up entries after a very shortened version of Waikato. Both these factors I believe added to a friendly and inclusive culture and atmosphere, which was noticeable throughout the weekend.”
When asked where she is heading next, Wendi was cautious but said she is keeping her options open – especially considering the turmoil in other parts of the world, which is currently impacting international flights for horses. “We will just see what happens – however, I am not planning to go to the Sydney CDI this year.”
Wendi and Don Vito MH have of course been very successful at Sydney CDI in the past, claiming the CDI3* Grand Prix, Special and Freestyle at both the 2024 and 2025 events.
The Helen Holden Area Team Trophy competition was all Team Williamson (Waitemata Navy) who scored an impressive average of 68.65% across 12 tests with a total of 813.80 points.
This was also another milestone for Matthews Hanoverians (MH) with all team horses boasting the MH suffix. Back in 2017, the Dressage Northland team also won the trophy with Georgia MH, Barretta MH, Fanfare MH and Belladonna MH.
CDI results:
Gemco CDI-U25 Under 25 Grand Prix Champion: Brooklyn Rankin and Aphrodite
Reserve: Lucy Cochrane and Gymanji
Syncroflex CDI-Y Young Rider Champion: Samantha Belsham and Dolcetto II
Reserve: Gemma Lewis and Ruanuku R
Weatherbeeta CDI-J Junior Champion: Grace Purdie and Mistadobalina
Reserve: Lucy Kenah and Paolita
National results:
CDN Grand Prix
The CDN Grand Prix competitors also posted some great results: Susan Tomlin and Dance Hit SW put up 68.005% for a win in the River Park Farm CDN Grand Prix Freestyle; Chelsea Callaghan (Wellington) enjoyed the perfect ending to her competition partnership with Sisters II Etta J, bowing out on a high with a win in the Saturday C-Pack CDN Grand Prix Special. Etta now heads home to enjoy a well-earned retirement.
VW Dressage Pro Am Grand Prix Champion: Amelia Greening and Wisdom WDS
Bates Medium Tour Open Championship (Intermediate) + Trotter Trophy
Just two combinations tangoed for the Medium Tour title this year, with Angela Lloyd (Clevedon) and Airthrey Roll X stepping into the top spot. Reserve Amy Sage (Cambridge) had her hands full with the sensitive Sinatra SW, who struggled in the indoor atmosphere, however Amy held his hand throughout with kind and quiet riding and we know this very talented pair will be back to try again.
VW Dressage Pro Am Intermediate Champion: Angela Lloyd and Airthrey Roll X
Small Tour Open Championship (Prix St Georges) + Surrey Trophy
With only 0.1 of a point in hand, Cooper Oborn (Masterton) and Papanui Just Dynamite scooped the Small Tour title sash with Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) and Danseur MH hot on their heels for Reserve. This competitive class was one to watch, with several quality combinations producing great tests.
VW Dressage Pro Am Small Tour Champion: Philippa McLeod and Donneregal
Reserve: Francesca Masfen and Joniro
Bates Advanced Open Championship (L6) + Hobson Trophy
It was a dream run for Debbie Barke (Rotorua) and RM Freedom with a clean sweep of three wins from three starts to take home the 2026 Advanced title. Stepping up onto the podium behind them was Amy Sage (Cambridge) and SWE Barcelona for Reserve.
VW Dressage Pro Am Advanced Champion: Lynette Wood and Fernlea Don Reveille
Reserve: Jocasta Bly and Aviance
Bates Advanced Medium Open Championship (L5) + Kentucky Trophy
Madison Schollum (Waimauku) and Fanciful MH made a successful bid for the L5 title, which included a super win in the 5A where they finished more than 6% ahead of their closest rivals on 74.30%. Following them into Reserve spot was Susan Tomlin (Palmerston North) and Riverrock Firenze.
Capital Pools Advanced Medium Silver Champions: Grace Purdie and Skyhi Leandro K
Reserve: Tara Kusch-Woolley and Darkwood Latino
Capital Pools Advanced Medium Bronze Champion: Samantha Wells and Royal MH
Reserve: Ailsa Carter and Swahili PSH
Bates Medium Open Championship (L4) + Doornbos Trophy
It would have been a bold call to guess the hotly contested Medium title winner early on; however, Catherine West (Hawkes’Bay) stayed consistent with three quality rides to come up trumps with Matapiro Baseline for the purple rug. Into Reserve and just a fraction behind her was Wendi Williamson (Waimauku) with her starry Furst Klasse MH.
Capital Pools Medium Silver Champion: Leia Maxwell and Astek Treasure
Reserve: Charlotte Cashin and Cashins World Star
Capital Pools Medium Bronze Champion: Luca Swale and Riverrock Felene
Reserve: Holly Moorman and Satine WDS
Bates Elementary Open Championship (L3) + Tuna Lodge Trophy
It was a worthwhile ferry trip for Caroline Houghton (Marlborough) and Regal Lord, her super young horse with a commanding presence who took home the 6YO Young Dressage Horse title as well as the Elementary Championship. Sophie de Clifford (Matamata) went into Reserve, this time with Finella MH.
Capital Pools Elementary Silver Champion: Nicole Wallace and DonnerLyric
Reserve: Kerrin Paget and Greensleeves
Capital Pools Elementary Bronze Champion: Olivia Skiffington and Just Harley
Reserve: Chloe Cann and Alpha Tauri
Bates Novice Open Championship (L2) + Killala Trophy
Three strong performances (including a win) from Vanessa Way (Taranaki) and NSC Fern DW made this combination deserving winners of the 2026 Novice title. However, they were kept honest with Tamahere’s Nicki Winter swooping up right behind them into Reserve on Shenandoah Devine, finishing their on-form season with a trio of consistent, quality tests.
Capital Pools Novice Silver Champion: Nicki Winter and Shenandoah Devine
Reserve: Luca Swale and CDS D’Artagnan
Capital Pools Novice Bronze Champion: Kirsten Williamson and Southern Star Little Prince
Reserve: Misty Manu and Pappy’s Valentino
Bates Preliminary Open Championship (L1) + Aztec Trophy
Piper Crake (Auckland) and Riverpark Jeniro pounced on the L1 title, seizing three wins from three starts and building on their 70%+ scores in each one to finish on a cracking 74.47%. Following her into second from a strong field of 25 starters was Sophie de Clifford (Matamata) and Riverrock Stella.
Capital Pools Preliminary Silver Champion: Brea Walker and River Park Belafonte
Reserve: Wendy Jeffery and Nefertiti
Capital Pools Preliminary Bronze Champion: Alexia Wright and Golden Child
Reserve: Zana Crow and Donnerfire STS
Pony results:
Virbac FEI Pony Champion: Zoe Lawn and Pied Piper Trick or Treat
Reserve: Maddy Bostock and Deveron Gamechanger
Bates Elementary Pony Champion: Bella Guthrie and Dragonbach Master Rielly
Reserve: Georgia Newton and Mr McCloud
Bates Novice Pony Champion: India Crowhurst and GF Top Secret
Reserve: Holly Emmett and Mr Smartie Pants
Bates Preliminary Pony Champion: Matilda Cochran and Troon Musician
Reserve: Hayley Southam and Ataahua Masterpiece
Rosemary Carter & Brett Kendall Young Dressage Horse Championship results:
The judging panel consisted of FEI Young Horse judges Linda Warren-Davey (New Zealand) and Jane Ventura (Australia), providing a valuable and informative commentary on the young horses presented to them and awarding marks for walk, trot, canter, submission and potential.
4YO National Young Dressage Horse Champion: Holly Moorman and Rokeby La Belle (by Le Formidable, bred by Catherine Smith)
Reserve: Reece Downham and Viva Amore MH (by Viva Gold OLD, bred and owned by Matthews Hanoverians)
5YO National Young Dressage Horse Champion: Holly Moorman and Kismaayu Dahlia (by Danciano, bred by Debra Bromiley, owned by Brina Carpenter)
Reserve: Sophie Griffith and Koru Chanel (by Furst Hit, bred by Sandy Fryatt and Ross Beaven, owned by Sandy Fryatt)
6YO National Young Dressage Horse Champion: Caroline Houghton and Regal Lord (by Lauries As)
Reserve: Holly Moorman and Satine WDS (by Secret, bred by Kieryn Walton, owned by Lynne Robinson)
Webb Equestrian Specialists Para Equestrian Championship results:
Grade II Champion: Chontelle Honour and Anuschka PSH
Grade IV Champion: Louise Duncan and Showcase BC
Reserve: Anne Watts and Santana MH
Grade V Champion: Lisa Butterworth and Alliana
Reserve: Shelley Penny and Astek Rhapsody
Hunniman Trophy (highest cumulative percentage over three tests): Louise Duncan and Showcase BC
ALL RESULTS:
Bates Nationals 2026 Results Thursday 5 March.
Bates Nationals 2026 Results Friday 6 March.
Bates Nationals 2026 Results Saturday 7 March.
Source: ESNZ press release edited by Equestrian Life
