Two local riders have been selected to compete at the prestigious International Federation of Equestrian Sports (Fédération Equestre Internationale (FEI)) World Dressage Challenge (WDC) in Christchurch next month.

Grace Farms manager and experienced dressage competitor Rachel Thomas has just learned both she and Heidi Kendrick, a young rider she’s coaching, have been selected to participate in the biennial event.

“I am super excited to be riding at the World Dressage Challenge and hope to make Grace Farms and our region proud,” Rachel said.

The international dressage development competition, which features five grades of competition, is seen as a stepping stone to international competitions at higher grades with the ultimate goal of the Grand Prix (Olympic level).

Participants in New Zealand are selected by Dressage New Zealand, who choose 40 riders based on the level of their success at dressage competitions over the previous season.

Competitors from other nations around the world compete in the same grades and events, assessed by qualified FEI judges. 

After Rachel competes at the challenge’s highest grade, FEI International 1, next month, she plans to compete at International 2 level next year and Grand Prix level the year after.  

She will be riding her 12-year old, 16.3HH warmblood mare, Gurteens Velvet, once again. It’s not the first time Rachel and Velvet have competed at the WDC: in 2017 the combination earned fourth place in a senior grade event.

Rachel at Grace Farms equestrian facility, off the Wānaka-Luggate highway. PHOTO: Wānaka App

“We have been competing together for six years,” she said. “We train most days, rain or sunshine, and before the last lockdown my trainer came down from Auckland once a month.” 

Rachel is sponsored by two Canterbury-based businesses but also receives support, such as time off to travel and compete, from Grace Farms owners Mike and Rhoda Mountz.  

“It is amazing to have such great facilities to train on,” she said, referring to Grace Farms’ all-weather arena and exercise tracks.

As well as coaching, Rachel is also sponsoring Heidi and her pony Fly to attend the challenge and compete in the Youth Division. She said Heidi was a talented young rider with a great work ethic.

“I told her if she got selected for WDC I would sponsor her and she did. I am very proud of her.” 

Rachel said she was lucky to be sponsored by two equestrian-related businesses which has made a big difference to her horse’s development, training and the ability to compete at her best, “so it is nice to be able to pass on the ability to sponsor someone”.

In past WDC events international judges have travelled to judge riders, who compete together in set geographical zones, which ensures judging is on “an even playing field without having to travel your horses too far”, Rachel said. 

With Covid-related travel restrictions, however, this year she expects they will be using New Zealand-based FEI (international) judges.

The FEI World Dressage Challenge will be held at Christchurch’s National Equestrian Center at McLeans Island from December 9-12.