Consistency has been the key for Brooke Edgecombe and LT Holst Andrea who have bagged back-to-back crowns as the EquiBreed and VDL Top Ranking Mare for the season.

The 10-year-old who earlier in the season won the FEI World Cup (NZ) Final, was second in the series and placed fourth in the Olympic Cup, has been super consistent. It’s their fourth season together and while Andrea was a late starter, only coming into competition at seven, she’s certainly made up for it.

Brooke says it is very special to win the top mare award. “It means a lot to me, but also to (co-owner and breeder) Ewen (Macintosh). It is a big thrill and really does reinforce his breeding programme.”

The mare who is by Casall, out of Palaune (who is by Lavletto), heads straight to EquiBreed this week for embryo harvest. Andrea already has four youngsters on the ground including six-year-old LT Holst Elizabeth who is ridden by Brooke’s husband Oliver, as well as four-year-olds LT Holst Freida and LT Holst Francie – who were a double embryo flush.

“I did think about taking her to Australia to compete this year but we are doing embryos instead. I think she is very talented – as well as careful and brave. She is a point and shoot!”

Brooke is thankful Ewen is so supportive of their competition schedule. And she is rapt to have once again, won the EquiBreed and VDL prize. “EquiBreed do such a great job with the breeding and Ewen is just focused on breeding quality horses for New Zealand riders.”

 

By Diana Dobson

 

Results –

 

EquiBreed and VDL Top Ranking Mare:

1st Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) LT Holst Andrea 187 points

2nd Melody Matheson (Hastings) Cortaflex Graffiti MH 153 points

3rd Fraser Tombleson (Gisborne) Mea I 68 points

4th Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Gold Locks 59 points

5th Tegan Fitzsimon (Christchurch) Double J Monarch 56

6th Daniel Blundell (Auckland) Athena NZPH 41 points