Community Contributed

Horowhenua Dressage Group

Kete Horowhenua2020-03-23T16:53:20+00:00
A local group for dressage enthusiasts, holding training and competition days.
Contact email addresskayeemeny@clear.net.nz
Contact phone number06 368 8095
Contact postal address136 Florida Road, R.D. 20, Levin

Around 1989/90 the late Fred Barnes got together a group of enthusiasts and formed the Horowhenua Dressage Group. Informal dressage competitions were held at the Ohau Pony Club grounds usually on a Wednesday night.

In 1991 Margaret Harris called a meeting at Ferndale and it was agreed to officially form a Horowhenua Dressage Group as a sub group of Welllington Dressage. Some of the first members who are still actively involved are Kaye Emeny, Carol Bloomfield and Cathy Devenport. Membership numbers were 33. Membership has grown over the years to now number around 80 with riders ranging in age from pre teens to over 60's. The first President of the group was Margaret Harris (now a Life Member) and the first Treasurer was Karen Trotter (at present President of Dressage N.Z.)

In the early days four Tournaments a year were held usually at Levin AP & I showgrounds, although a couple of the first ones were held at Otaki Racecourse and a winter series of 5 ribbon days held at Waikanae Park. Members also helped out Dressage Wellington when they hosted the North Island Dressage Champs at Trentham racecourse by travelling down to erect the arenas.

Three Tournaments are held per year all at Foxton Racecourse carpark as this venue can be used regardless of weather conditions as the ground is sandy. A series of training days is usually held over the winter months, giving riders wishing to have a go at dressage a chance to ride without the stress of official competition. There is also an annual dinner where the Horowhenua Rider of the Year is presented with a beautiful trophy sculptured by local artist, Jane Abbott. Members keep a tally of their scores from official NZEF Tournaments during the year and the highest scoring member wins the trophy.

A website is now open and can be found at horowhenuadressagegroup.com