New Zealand rider scores ‘emotional’ personal best as nation fields first dressage World Championship team in 24 years

Melissa Galloway scored a new personal best on her senior championship debut to strengthen New Zealand’s hopes in the nation’s first team appearance at a World Dressage Championships in 24 years.

Melissa and Windermere J’Obei W were second into the arena on day two of the team competition at Blue Hors FEI World Dressage Championships in Herning (Sunday, 7 August), scoring 70.98% in the grand prix.

“I’ve had him since he was a rising two-year-old and we have just done everything together,” said Melissa, 29, who owns the Johnson TN gelding with Anne and Rodney Parkes.

“We’ve won a few championships in New Zealand and have slowly built our way up through the grades together. It makes me a bit emotional. It’s crazy to be here and I’m overwhelmed, actually.”

The bouncy 12-year-old chestnut set the tone with a solid start, springing comfortably through the trot half-pass and showing off his huge, elastic walk. The pair kept their cool through a minor blip in the canter strike off and from here on, the duo showed some of their best work. Their neat changes were a highlight, rewarded with 7.5s by the judges, and their final trot work upped a gear in power and activity.

The huge smile that grew on Melissa’s face as she soaked in the atmosphere and the achievement after finishing her test spoke more than words.

“I’m so happy with him, he was amazing,” she said, her voice choking with emotion after her test.

“He just felt so easy and peaceful and it was such a nice feeling. I was really happy with all of it, I felt an overall peace and harmony with him, I thought ‘it’s all good, he is in tune with me’.”

New Zealand last fielded a dressage World Championship team in 1998 and Melissa spoke of the significance of what it means to be riding as part of a squad in Denmark.

“It’s the best,” she said. “The whole team spirit, being able to do that for our country and actually to think about what we are doing for the future – for other young people that want to be on a team, I just think it is amazing.”

There was an anxious moment earlier in the week when the side’s third horse, Jax Johnson ridden by Gaylene Lennard, was not presented at the initial trot-up. They had the opportunity to present yesterday (Saturday) morning instead, and passed.

“Everyone is so supportive of each other,” said Melissa, adding they are “so excited” to watch Gaylene compete later today.

Japan’s Shingo Hayashi kicked off the second day with his Tokyo Olympic ride Scolari 4, scoring 67.87% in the World Dressage Championships results.

You might also be interested in:

Subscribe to Horse & Hound magazine today – and enjoy unlimited website access all year round

How to watch the World Dressage Championships in Herning: your full guide

A bluffer’s guide to dressage at the 2022 World Championships in Herning

The Horse & Hound Podcast 113: Lottie Fry | Herning World Championships preview | Festival of Hunting review

‘Horses are not machines; I’m not mad at her’: USA rider has perfect response after disappointment at World Championships

Horse & Hound magazine, out every Thursday, is packed with all the latest news and reports, as well as interviews, specials, nostalgia, vet and training advice. Find how you can enjoy the magazine delivered to your door every week, plus options to upgrade your subscription to access our online service that brings you breaking news and reports as well as other benefits. 

Stay in touch with all the news in the run-up to and throughout the major shows and events during 2026 and beyond with a Horse & Hound subscription. Subscribe today for all you need to know ahead of these major events, plus online reports on the action as it happens from our expert team of reporters and in-depth analysis in our special commemorative magazines. Have a subscription already? Set up your unlimited website access now