College students excel at horse and pony show
Three 16-year-old equestrians from Kāpiti College competed in the National Horse and Pony Show in Dannevirke late last month, which, aside from Horse of the Year, is the most competitive equestrian event in the showing calendar every year.
The National Horse and Pony Show attracts the top equestrians from around the North Island and even some from the South Island to compete for national titles in their breed, colour, or type sections.
Mindy Malone, who is a multititle winner, competed in the Pinto section on her pony, Lugar, and won the national title.
This was Mindy’s last national competition at Dannevirke on Lugar as she turns 17 this year, which means she will have to move on to horses.
This was also Lugar’s last year competing as he will now retire on the Malones’ property, having won numerous championships and titles with Mindy over the last five years.
Teagan McCaughy, who is also a seasoned competitor, had an extremely successful, and very
busy competition. Teagan, who competed with two mounts, won the national title and Champion of Champions in the Pleasure Pony class on She’s Got Soul, and then competed on her mother’s homebred horse HM Donnerukus.
This was Teagan and Rukus’ second show together and they were reserve champion Newcomer Riding Horse and Champion Novice Riding Horse.
“This was a wonderful result for a new competitive pair,” said Cindy Pender, of Gateshead Equestrian, who coaches the girls.
Aroa Al Masri competed in only her second major show with her mount, Knight Fury, aka Kenny, in the newcomer show Hack Ring.
Aroa and Kenny have only been together for a short time, so “it was a surprise when they took out champion Newcomer Show Hack against some extremely seasoned riders”.
Aroa also had a good showing, making it into the champion class for the Novice Show Hack class and finishing third.
“Three beautiful young ladies inside and out, all with a huge future ahead of themselves.
“All three young ladies show grit, and determination and work very hard to achieve their goals.
“It’s truly job satisfaction well done to see these riders out competing at national level and achieving such fantastic results.”
Cindy competed against Aroa in the Novice Show Hack competition, taking out the champion spot, and Aroa was delighted to see her coach do so well.
“I don’t mind losing when it’s to my coach, and to see her ride with such skill on a new horse was amazing. ”