The classy combination of Sarah Wadworth and Buckton Dominoff took the NZ Pony Champion title, beating off stiff competition from several successful pony riders from throughout New Zealand.
Competing at the Stellar International NZ Pony & Young Rider Championships this weekend (Jan 9/10) in Taupo, Sarah proved too strong for the rest of the pony field. She was also the highest competing pony rider, at Level 5 (Open Medium).
Sarah and her eyecatching chestnut pony with four distinctive white socks, scored a creditable 62.33% in the Dressage Otago sponsored Level 5 Freestyle to Music, and 59.10% in the Jewellers Workshop 5.4 test.
The scores were enough to give her the Young Rider overall win, along with the impressive Hyland Trophy, awarded annually to the NZ Pony Champion.
South Island’s Ellie Braddock riding Honey Puff won the Level 4 Pony Championship, proving the worth of competitions of this calibre in the fact this pair also won the Level 3 Pony Championship last year.
Level 3 Pony Championship and also the Kaye Fissenden Memorial Trophy went to Rhiannon Scott and Oporae’s Antoinette. The Kaye Fissenden Trophy is awarded to the highest points gained by one rider/horse combination. Reserve Level 3 Pony was Alexandra Caulton and Sir Harley.
One of New Zealand’s most popular ponies, Boots N All, made another appearance in the prize arena, with his capable new rider Renee Faulkner. This pair took the Level 2 Pony title, with Nicole Sweney and Lantana Midnight Eclipse winning Reserve Champion title. Boots N All was previously campaigned by Chloe Kennedy and formerly leading eventer Lizzie Brown.
Anneke Brodie won the Level 1 Pony title, with Victoria Middleton and Lauriston Dream Chaser as Reserve Champions.
The pony classes boasted significantly higher entries this year than last with a number of combinations providing an exciting glimpse of the future riders of New Zealand dressage.
“It’s just wonderful to see so many competitors involved and enjoying dressage,” said Dressage NZ sport manager Wendy Hamerton.
“It’s been a superb competition in terms of involvement and the young riders involved have represented themselves and their areas with pride.”
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