Dressage South Australia Squads learn from NZ Olympian

There was certainly some dressage excitement in South Australia this month, with New Zealand’s superstar Olympian Melissa Galloway in town to deliver a clinic for the Dressage South Australia Squads.

Following the clinic, Melissa then selected horses from the squad sessions at each level for a masterclass on the Saturday evening, and the riders made the most of the opportunity.

“A huge thank you to Equestrian South Australia for their amazing and much valued support to make it a free event for EA members,” says Anne Raymond, President of the Dressage Club of South Australia. “A huge thank you also to APK Helmets for their very generous sponsorship in the raffle of an Abus Pikeur Helmet, Chaballo, Cantaloup Stocks and Mighty Farm Equine for their raffle vouchers, Shield Insurance Brokers for hosting Melissa’s stay, and of course the wonderful Cogans, Mandy and Andy, for welcoming dressage to their incredible facility.

“Beautiful Cromwell Park Equestrian Centre was the venue and just over 150 keen spectators watched the combinations receive a fabulous session from Melissa. It was a real treat to hear the very clear and concise instruction for each horse and see them improve during the sessions using her training methods. Melissa is such an empathetic rider who had so much advice to offer for riders on board and amongst the spectators alike. Congratulations to the owner and riders of the masterclass horses!”

L-R: Ruth Schneeberger, Melissa Galloway, Libby Freeman, Fiona Guthrie, and Cheryl Hatswell. Image by Anne Raymond.

Masterclass participants:

Danson Tinkerbell, owned by Ryan Fletcher and Chris Bonney, ridden by Ruth Schneeberger

Danson Virtue, owned and ridden by Libby Freeman

PS Furstenshow, bred, owned and ridden by Cheryl Hatswell

HV Duke, owned and ridden by Lorraine Wohling

Verondina Artomous, owned and ridden by Fiona Guthrie

Mirimar Serene, owned and ridden by Ruth Schneeberger

Bluefields Denoir, owned and ridden by Fiona Guthrie

Danson Virtue with Libby Freeman, PS Furstenshow with Cheryl Hatswell, and Danson Tinkerbell with Ruth Schneeberger. Images by Anne Raymond.

Several of these South Australian combinations are now preparing to head to east for the Boneo Park Winter CDI (6-8 June). Fiona Guthrie will ride Bluefields Denoir in the CDI3* Big Tour classes, as well as Verondina Artomous in the CDN Small Tour. Ruth Schneeberger has Mirimar Serene entered for the CDN Big Tour.

Verondina Artomous with Fiona Guthrie, Mirimar Serene with Ruth Schneeberger, and HV Duke with Lorraine Wohling. Images by Anne Raymond.

“We cannot wait for Melissa to come back!” enthuses Anne. “Thank you, Dressage South Australia, for all the hard work to continue to raise the bar for dressage in SA and creating a wonderful community for the sport!”