Riding a wave of success at Horse of Year
Waimate North equestrians have returned from an extremely wet Horse of the Year in Hastings with several wins.
Imogen Malcolm-Solly, 7, with Coroview Kingston won the Supreme Welsh Lead Rein Pony of the Year title and runner up titles for Lead Rein Pony, Lead Rein Pony Rider and Lead Rein Paced and Mannered Pony of the Year.
Older sister Amelia, 9, piloted Kingston to Supreme Welsh First Ridden Pony of the Year as well as Runner Up First Ridden Pony of the Year with her other pony Waimea First Edition.
The results capped off a stellar season for the girls, in just their second season of competitive riding. Amelia says she enjoyed her experience at the show.
Imogen says Kingston really liked performing his lap of honour to ‘Stand Up (For the Champions)’.
Mother Natalie says the trio went to New Zealand’s premier horse competition last year to watch.
‘‘We set a goal for the season to qualify.
‘‘We were just grateful to qualify, so to go down and come away with those results - I’m really proud of them.’’
Imogen and Amelia were practicing every day leading up to the competition and their ponies will now have a well deserved holiday.
Fellow Waimate North horse rider Julie Flintoff also came away from Horse of the Year with her first title win.
The 24-year-old with her Awanui bred Belladonna MH took out the Dressage Level 5 Horse of the Year championship.
‘‘I didn’t really believe it, it was unbelievable.’’
Flintoff faced a nervous wait after performing her final test, as two combinations were still to go, who could overtake her for the title.
She has trained the eight-yearold mare herself, which she says has made the success even more rewarding.
Bay of Islands Dressage Group member Flintoff also courageously returned to riding after losing an eye after being accidentally kicked in the head by Bella in 2013.
Her ultimate goal is to train Bella to the highest level of dressage - Grand Prix.
Flintoff wishes to thank the Horse of the Year Show organisers and her mother and father.