Top riders win top spots at Equidays
Equestrians of all disciplines from all over New Zealand converged at Mystery Creek Events Centre for Equidays 2017.
Cambridge High School’s Olivia Forster and St Peter’s School’s Nicola Hammond were among the riders competing.
Visitors soaked up advice from top international horse people such as Rob Ehrens, Kyra Kyrkland, Craig Cameron and of course, New Zealand’s own Wilson sisters.
Equidays Ambassador Amanda Wilson won the Hyundai Premier 1.5 Derby on Showtym Cassanova, with Amanda Pottinger following behind in second place.
Cambridge’s Amanda Berridge was crowned supreme champion of the showing divisions with her park hack Woodygoodwin. While she has always had a horse in the final line-up, the win had previously eluded her.
Two ex-wild Kaimanawas placed in the JLT Pony 6 Bar, with Georgia Bouzaid and Red- cliffs Bill clearing 1.35m to win, and Keira Page coming second with Redcliffs Ted.
Beyond the Barriers was back again this year, showcasing what thoroughbreds could do after their life of racing.
On Friday, Dannie Lodder on Money Shot took an easy lead with wins in the Gregory Equine Best Presented and Conditioned, and the Gavelhouse Paced and Mannered. On Saturday the exracers tackled the Izuzu D Max Off Road Challenge, where riders had to coax their mounts over a series of interesting obstacles including bridges, through pool noodles, and over steps.
Only three riders in the Honda Pony Derby went around the course clear, but 10 out of the 47 combinations competed in the jump off. Olivia Newsome triumphed with Moonspirit Treasure with a fast double clear.
On day three, Waikato’s Kelsey Leahy and her ex-racehorse Showcause won the Reyna Equestrian Horse 1.15m Derby with the fastest clear round, with Ashley Johnson and Miss Vee NZPH slightly behind in second place. Last year’s winner Charlotte Amos upon Kabo Marmite came third.
The Izuzu D Max Off Road Challenge increased in complexity day by day. In the Youth Divisition, Ashanti Aplin and Startdust II impressed the judges enough to win the championship, and Karen Weibal and mount Tundra won the grand prize n the Rookie Division. Bryan McVicar and Coal were the champions in the Open Division.
Emma Watson and Fun House won the Cheval Liberte NZ Pony Grand Prix.