from The Timaru Herald (dated 27nov10)

Two South Canterbury dressage competitors have got some international exposure without even leaving New Zealand.

Philippa Bartrum and Cushla Cain were among 40 riders, considered the best up-and-coming competitors in New Zealand, who were put through their paces by two world-renowned dressage judges this week.

Bartrum and Cain, who ride for the South Canterbury-North Otago Club, took part in the Federation Equestre Internationale World Dressage Challenge in Christchurch.

The three-day event tested horse and rider under the watchful eye of Jacques van Daele, from Belgium and Peter Holler, from Germany.

Bartrum said the event was contested under international rules, and should see them gain a world ranking within the next year.

The 24-year-old said to qualify for the event, she and Cain had pass two tests, with a score of 60 per cent or better, from the 20-plus moves performed in a dressage routine.

Their were five levels of experience judged during the competition, with the South Canterbury pair competing in the medium grade.

Bartrum said it was a fantastic opportunity.

"We never ever get international judges (in New Zealand), except for at the Horse of the Year Show ... It was more the chance to be judged by the best judges who are right up there in international competition."

The duo were coming off the Canterbury Championships, last weekend, before taking part in the international event.

"My horse was pretty tired by the end of the week."

Cain, and her 10-year-old thoroughbred mare "Chocolate Noir" finished eighth in the 40-strong national field, while Bartrum, and her 18-year-old gelding `Lucalo JK' placed sixth and were the winners of the Best Presented Horse and Rider Award.

Brunton said the relationship between horse and rider was crucial to moving up the grades.

"I've had my horse for nearly four years now, and it's really hard to find a quality horse, especially as you go up the levels, the movements get harder.

"It's like any athlete, they have to be that certain special athlete in order to be able to do it."

Cain had focussed on all aspects of equestrian, before focussing on dressage in recent years, having won the South Island Performance Rider Award in 2007.

Bartrum has ridden horses for almost 20 years, and hoped to become a grand prix class equestrian rider, which would enable her to represent New Zealand at the Olympics.

Bartrum said she had been working with former international rider, David Kenna, to improve her skills.

"He's been such a huge asset, it's so hard to find trainers of his calibre, yet alone somebody with his experience, in little old Timaru.

"Hopefully we'll keep on working with him."

The two international judges are expected to travel to another 56 countries, and Cain and Bartrum should know their world rankings some time in the next year.