Christen Lane & Thunder Cat with Gay Meyer from Mamaku Sport Horses

Christen Lane is wasting no time in making her presence felt on the lower North Island eventing circuit by winning the feature class at the Norwood Farm Machinery Central Districts Autumn Horse Trial at Pukemarama on the 16th, 17th February 2019. Recently moving south from her Auckland base along with husband Tom the couple having bought property in the Hawkes Bay. The victory making the trip across to the West Coast worthwhile.

The 3* class sponsored by Mamaku Sport Horses saw Christens two entries Thunder Cat on 34.9  just behind stablemate Henton Armada (32.9) however 12 show jump penalties saw Armada drop to third and Thunder Cat’s faultless show jump saw them take the lead which they never relinquished. The 11 year old Thunder Cat by Littorio is back to his best after suffering health issues a couple of years ago. The Amon brothers from Murupara now regular visitors to Central District saw young Samuel on (Trojan Warror) finishing ahead of older brother Jeffery ( My Silver Lining ) by 4.2 penalties to take second and third.

The AllanMcNeill Chartered Accountants 2* class saw the striking Landisohn by Landioso finish at the head of the field. Finishing seventh after the dressage but with a clear show jump and cross-country they moved to the top of the standings with a total of 33.8 penalties to head home  RM Let It Be, (Sylvie Mclean) 34.6. Aiden Vivers rode a superb cross country round on Giselle II to secure third on 36.9.

Leading Palmerston North Supermarket, Melody’s New World came on board as first time sponsors to sponsor the CCN105-S. Despite dropping a show jump rail Brigid Gray (Moves Like Jagger II) still managed to hold third place overnight with a score of 33.2, adding no further penalties on cross-country day they became the victors. 34.8 was the score for second and third with second going to Rokowai (Anna Van Dissen) courtesy of a better cross country score over Fredrick William (Brittany Tilson).

Reyna Equestrian sponsored the CCN105-S (Under 21) and it was an all the way victory for Cajun and Sarah Bolton who finished on her dressage score of 31.5. Calla Toyne (Sweet Escape) also finished on her dressage score of 34.5 while Kayleigh McLachlan (Burnadeem) fifth after dressage climbed one spot after showjumping and one more spot after cross-country to claim third.

The weather came to the party this year and although the going was firm the horses handled it well.  John Holmes (FEI Level 2) course designer once again excelled with excellent courses for all levels. Great job by the organising committee and Wendy Knight as the fantastic event secretary.

Full Class Results

Many sponsors came on board for the event and Central Districts Eventing appreciate their generous support. apart from those mentioned above the group is also grateful to Horsewyse, palaMOUNTAINS, Dom Health More-Mag, Fiber Fresh Feeds, LA Landscapes, Abercothi Equestrian, Horse and Pony Magazine, Equine Super Goo, FMG. and Totally Vets.

Huge thanks also to those who made sure horse and rider were well looked after, Pro-Med (First Aid), Southern Rangitikei Vets Services. and Ben Bateman (Farrier)