Monica Oakley was beaming at the end of her dressage aboard Chris and Tina Barlow’s Man of Honour in the NRM CCI3*-L Championship at the NZ3DE in Taupo this afternoon.

Just 16 of the 40-strong field have completed their dressage with Monica (Karaka) and Man of Honour leading on 31.6 penalty points, just ahead of Australian Young Rider Oceania team member Jordyn Faint aboard Double S & Evergreen Jackpot on 32.2 and Greer Caddigan (Hamilton) and Mr Mancini in third on 35.3. New Zealand young rider team member Beth Wilson (Papakura) and Alto et Audax lie in fourth on 36.6. Jordyn and Beth were the only two from the Oceania teams to compete today.

Monica and Man of Honour, in just their first season together, have been incredibly consistent. “He has gradually crept up with his percentages,” she said, “improving by a percent every show. I am so pleased with his mark today. He is one of the most consistent 3* horses in the country at the moment. He is rarely out of the top four.”

Monica took over the ride from Virginia Thompson when she left for the UK. “I’m just so pleased with how he lets me ride him in the ring and how relaxed he was out there.”

The 3* competition continues tomorrow with the remaining Oceania competitors all set to go. The DVS Home Ventilation CCI4*-L Championship runs tomorrow afternoon.

Results –

NRM CCI3*-L Championship (16 of 40 competitors): Monica Oakley (Karaka) Man of Honour 31.6 penalty points 1, Jordyn Faint (Australia) Double S & Evergreen Jackpot 32.2 2, Greer Caddigan (Hamilton) Mr Mancini 35.3 3, Beth Wilson (Papakura/NZ) Alto et Audax 36.6% 4,Shannon Galloway (Hamilton) Day Walker 37.9 5, Christen Lane (Hastings) Thunder Cat 38.6 6.

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