Team Williamson at Waitekauri Farm

12/08/2026

This is pretty hard to write but I felt I owed it all the people who have supported this trip and in response to the many messages we have received.
It feels very disappointing to fall short on the world stage in a prestigious event and venue like this. We had a well planned and positive warm up, where Junior executed everything asked of him in a positive manner with good energy. The test was a bit of a step down from the warmup and not to the standard we hoped, but it was amazing riding in that arena and to have such a positive encouraging crowd. Junior was definitely interested in a few things, the TV cameras, the photographers, the crowd, flowers blowing in the breeze, but he was positive and tried very hard to stay on task.
We have overcome a lot of adversity to be here and for that I am very proud and extremely grateful for the team around us and the new people we have met on this journey who helped and supported us without hesitation.
Thank you to every one who supported and believed in us, and I am sorry it was not the outcome we had hoped for.

10/08/2026

On the eve of our start here at the World Championships in Aachen, I would like to acknowledge and thank two people who without their encouragement to take up this opportunity I would be sitting on the couch with FOMO.
Christine Weal is our HP dressage representative and this is her first season in the role and what an impact she has had. For me her gentle push to go, her organisation of a place to base in Germany, as well pumping up the Hagen ice cream shop, really made it seem possible.
Yesterday when I had a little freak-out, forgot how to ride in the main arena, got stage fright in front of the German trainer and today when I rode with Becki Moody and forgot my left to left…. Christine was super calm and helpful in the ear piece. Thank you for going above and beyond your role to make this happen.
Jonnie said to me one day after watching me ride at home that I would have FOMO if I didn’t go given Junior had made a remarkable recovery after 5 weeks with his shoes off. It is a huge undertaking and commitment on many levels, but now that we are nearly ready to go it feels worth it.
Many many other people to thank including my very good friends, my wonderful girls looking after the team at home, our horse health team, our loyal sponsors and the dressage community, it really does take a village.

10/08/2026

Update: We have a time for tomorrow!!
Wendi and Jnr ride at 5:30pm German time on Tuesday which is 3:30am NZ time on Wednesday morning. You can watch live on clip my horse.

So lucky to have our amazing kiwi photographer here catching these special moments in and outside the arena. Thank you so much libby_law_photography 🩷

Dressage NZ

10/08/2026

Madi is just the best, we are very grateful to have her looking after Junior here at Aachen. Junior is happy and that is a testament to her care. It’s a dream come true competing here and the importance of Madi’s role is huge.

𝗙𝗘𝗜 𝗪𝗢𝗥𝗟𝗗 𝗖𝗛𝗔𝗠𝗣𝗜𝗢𝗡𝗦𝗛𝗜𝗣𝗦 - 𝗚𝗥𝗢𝗢𝗠 𝗠𝗔𝗗𝗜 𝗦𝗖𝗛𝗢𝗟𝗟𝗨𝗠

Madi Schollum has been on quite the journey. She’s been with Don Vito MH his whole Grand Prix career and worked for Wendi Williamson for nearly six years. So it is incredibly special for this 25-year-old Waimauku rider to be with Team Williamson at the 2026 World Championships in Aachen.
“Junior is a very cool horse,” she says. “He’s fun and cheeky . . . quirky too and loves to be the centre of attention all the time.”
Madi is head groom at Waitekauri Farm. She adores her job and soaks up all she can from Wendi. “It is really good to see all the training that goes on behind the scenes and how that hard work pays off. It gives me a lot of confidence to see the results of that.”
It is a mutual admiration society between the two. “One of Madi’s real strengths is her positive attitude,” says Wendi. “Her mum (Debbie) has trained her well. Madi really is the best person for me to have here with that attitude.”
The team has settled in well at Aachen, surrounded by the superstars of dressage.
“It is very exciting to be here with Junior,” says Madi. “It will be so cool to see him perform and watch all the other horses go. Freestyle night will be amazing.”
Given the heat, she’s acutely aware of making sure Junior is hydrated and cool. “He’s coping really well and we’ve had some very hot days already.”
Madi admits to feeling the nerves for Wendi and Junior. “I get very nervous, especially because it is such a pinnacle event. It is just so special to be here.”

📸 Diana Dobson


Dressage NZ

10/08/2026

Trot up passed! Now our last training session before competition day tomorrow 🎉🧡

Fibre Fresh Equine NZ
hygain_feeds
zilco.equestrian
Stubben Saddles from Spurs of Kumeu
Equissage Therapy New Zealand
Pro-Dosa Boost
The Saddlery Store - NZ
veredus_horseridingequipment
KEP Italia - MAIN PAGE
Equine-America NZ limited
Martin Collin’s Arena Surfaces
Core Physio: The Home of Equestrian Performance
Dressage NZ
Judith Matthews Matthews Hanoverians

08/08/2026

We have made it to World Equestrian Championships in Aachen! Jnr is happy and settling in 🧡🎉

03/08/2026

Heading to the other side of the world with a horse involves a lot of packing! Luckily Cambridge Equestrian came to the rescue with these strong durable bags made from a PVC material. They have strong zips, handles, heaps of room and are waterproof which makes transporting them around really easy and the stuff inside stays dry. We also love the embroidered logo on the side for a personalised touch. Thank you Cambridge Equestrian for these awesome bags and amazing service!