Dressage titles for riders
The New Zealand Under 25 Dressage Championships were held in Taupo last month with a group of young Franklin riders having a successful competition.
Caitlin Benzie of Waiau Pa returned from Taupo with two titles to add to her young dressage rider of the year title gained at Horse of the Year.
Caitlin and her horse Rosari Royal Gem won the young rider grand prix championship level 9.
She then went on to take out the overall under 25 Dressage Championship.
Karaka rider McKenzie Sim and her pony North East won the Level 3 pony championship, as she added to the Level 3 pony of the year title won three weeks previously at Horse of the Year.
McKenzie had never competed at Level 3 prior to these national events and it was a fabulous result for her to win two titles at her very first attempt.
Emily Hastings of Patumahoe and her pony Glendale Nightlight, competed in their first season of registered dressage and won the Level 1 pony championship.
Other Franklin riders finishing with championship success were Nicole Sweney and Flute Noir finishing reserve champion Level 2 horse.
Emily Ramsden and Aranui Bolero also had a successful competition as they finished reserve champion newcomer open under 12.
‘‘Caitlin and her horse Rosari Royal Gem won the young rider grand prix championship level 9 and also took out the overall under 25 Dressage Championship.’’