NI Zilco Freestyle to Music bonus points were up for the taking at the final round at the Horse of the Year Show. Ten of thirteen North Island areas were presented in the top 5 placings across levels and a total of 207 combinations scored Leaderboard points indicating the popularity of the series.

All the series winners with the exception of Betty Brown and Hot Gossip (Level 4) lined up at HOY looking to gain more points, but Betty and her six year old Australian imported gelding (Lets Kiss & Tell / Go Like Magic /Salute) has the level 4 all sewn up without leaving Karaka. 

Kieryn Walton has burst back on to the scene with a win in Level 2 on the classy homebred Whisper gelding, Wisdom WDS and a third in Advanced on Rosari Don Carlos (Don Frederico / Anastasia / Anamour)

Wairarapa’s Ann Webster has dominated many level 3 Premier League Championships with her two horses, the six year old warmblood x, Oranoa Morepork by Middleburg, bred by Northland’s Janet Fox , and the thoroughbred Rustic Challenge. This consistency earned her a win and fifth place on the level 3 Leaderboard.

Vanessa Way enjoyed another outstanding Zilco season. Not only is Zilco one of her sponsors, but won the level 5 on NSC Pronto for proud owners NSC saddles, won the Advanced on NRM KH Arion and was fourth on NRM Andreas in level 8 having had limited starts since Equidays back in October.  Vanessa again showed great sportsmanship, gifting Arion’s rug to Advanced runner-up, Rosanne Rix on Lindisfarne Laureate. “I have one or two of these already, it’s nice to be able to see other hardworking riders rewarded and enjoy one of these gorgeous rugs” 

Back on Track Astute and Toni Louisson have competed throughout the North Island in the Level 8 Zilco gaining valuable experience as they head towards Grand Prix and they could not be overtaken by runner up Jacqui Thompson on the Gym Bello gelding Georgio who have now become well established at this level.

The Grand Prix Leaderboard was very strong this year with newcomers Susan Tomlin and Dancealong holding off a challenge from another Zilco sponsored combination, Debbie Barke & Lucrative SW.

Thanks to the generosity of Zilco, two new awards were presented this year. At HOY, ponies and young riders in the CDIY classes cannot contest the open Zilco Finals. This is different situation to the SI Finals contested at the SI Festival.  Therefore to recognise the achievements of both pony riders and young riders on the leaderboards, a separate Zilco rosette and $200 voucher was awarded to these categories. Winners were Lucarne Dolley (YR) with Ardmore and Emma Dickons on Sir Oakridge SF (Pony)

The Zilco Hi-Points Prize of a new Zilco rug of choice goes to Ann Webster and Oranoa Morepork on 46pts

A huge thanks to Zilco for another amazing season of musical freestyles

Full NI results can be found here