NZ’s best at new show

New Zealand’s best showjumpers have headed home to help launch the new Takapoto Estate Show.

Samantha McIntosh, Bruce Goodin, Daniel Meech and Richard Gardner will be at the new show on the shores of Lake Karapiro which aims to emulate the style and sophistication of European events.

With nearly $70,000 in prize money, entries quickly reached a maximum of 435 horses and riders from New Zealand, Australia and further afield.

Takapoto Estate is the brainchild of the Plaw family, and the show of philanthropists Mitchell and Kate Plaw, who are involved in New Zealand high performance, pathway and community sport. McIntosh is their sponsored rider and will compete at the show starting today and ending on Sunday.

‘‘I am really looking forward to coming back for the very first Takapoto Estate Show,’’ said McIntosh, who rides for the estate from her European base.

‘‘It is going to be a unique event in an incredible setting and it is great to be joined by my winning team-mates after our success in Abu Dhabi.’’

McIntosh was part of the New Zealand showjumping team that recently made history in winning the FEI Nations Cup in Abu Dhabi.

Show director Jaime Campbell said the event will take equestrian to new heights in New Zealand.

‘‘We are very excited to be bringing home our victorious Nations Cup team. It’s not often they all come home, and rarely together.

‘‘It’s a chance for us to celebrate that history-making win with them.’’

They’ll also be taking part in a fundraiser for the 2018 FEI World Equestrian Games NZ team.