Jumping sisters make it a double
Sisters Ally and Drew Carson have had their hard work pay off after landing a double win in show jumping at the Wairoa A and P Show.
Ally, 14, won the Pony Grand Prix on Tony the Pony while Drew, 16, placed first on Alfie in the Telford Junior Rider Series.
Their events consisted of rounds in which they had to clear the bars within a certain time.
In the finals, the girls needed to be the fastest and clear the bars.
Their interest in the sport started at the Tokoroa Pony Club.
Drew, who started a year before Ally, began with eventing but a ‘‘big crash’’ deterred her pursuing it further.
‘‘Me and the horse both flipped and we were both knocked out.’’
Her confidence was lacking but she slowly developed an interest in showjumping and never looked back, with Ally following suit.
Together they train up to six times a week with their combined six horses and ponies.
And because of their family’s ‘‘nonhorse’’ background, they travel to Taupo once a week to train under one of New Zealand’s best riders, Duncan McFarlane and wife Helen.
Ally said one of the most difficult aspects of competitive riding was for both the rider and horse to be in sync.
‘‘You’ve got to keep their mind in focus . . . you’ve always got stuff to work on.’’
Despite their competitive natures, Ally said they are always happy to help each other with preparations before an event.
The pair have continued to gain height on the bars they need to clear.
Drew moved up 10 centimetres during the show and placed third on her first go.