Brilliant autumn conditions blessed Eventing Wellington’s autumn trial at Queen Elizabeth Park on March 3.
A slight downturn in numbers reflected the overall state of entries around New Zealand this season, but also made for a very manageable day and a relatively early finish. Once again, the 95 and 80cm classes provided some excellent and close fought competition.
Otaki rider Kaitlyn Freeman has had a busy and successful time aboard both ponies and horses this season, eventing and showjumping. This time is was her ride on Landisohn which proved the winning effort in the Decra 2*, heading off Sylvie McLean’s duo of My Black Beauty and RM Let It Be.
In the Equest-Zoetis / NeetaPatch CCN105-S, Masterton’s Grace Gray and MacawMeMarco were too good, with Sam Sebire and Oh Behave (Porirua) turning in a typically polished performance to take out the Farmlands 95cm +21 class from Hayley Engelbretsen and Under Lock & Key.
Rural Trading Post have been long time supporters of Eventing Wellington and in the 95cm u21, Hannah Chowen’s Moochacha held off a fierce challenge from Holly Falloon’s Fairleigh Catterick – Holly also taking out the day’s ESNZ style prize with the bonus of a $50 voucher from the Rider Shop.
Virbac sponsored the 80cm 21+ which saw a good win for Tracy McKee and KL Amorina, from Baton Rouge (Melissa Davis), and committee member Mary Pagnamenta third with her homebred Summer Fair.
Rounding out the day, Bria Fitzgerald (Midnight Ganador) and Ande Hakarai (Corona Extra) claimed the Saddlery Warehouse 80cm u21 classes.
Full results here. We’ll see everyone back in the spring. —- Eventing Wellington Committee