New Zealand’s young riders sealed the Trans-Tasman clash with a convincing win at the Larsen Sawmilling Jumping and Show Hunter Championships in Gisborne yesterday afternoon.

The Kiwis ended up with 17 points from the three days of competition against their Australian counterparts, with the visitors on nine after finishing second each time. Captain Ally Carson (Putaruru) led from the front collecting just eight faults over the six rounds aboard three different horses, making her the cleanest rider in the event. She congratulated the visitors and said she was going home “as one happy kid”.

Competitors all rode borrowed horses for the annual competition with the equines switched between riders each day. Olivia Dalton’s Cheyenne was the best-performed horse with a clean slate throughout, earning a special prize from Matthews Hanoverians.

Today double clears came only from New Zealanders Emelia Forsyth (Clevedon) and Oliver Croucher (Cambridge). Kiwi chef d’equipe John Cottle was extremely proud of his team. “The Australians put up a great show,” he said. John is passionate about the continuation of trans-Tasman team events and was hopeful it would continue. “As riders we all go around the country riding as individuals, it is nice to be in a team environment which brings with it a whole different situation.”

He was chuffed too that the selectors had spread the web wider and brought in new riders. “They all stood up and have done really well.”

Australian chef d’equipe Todd Hinde extended a huge thanks to their hosts and the show. “It has been tremendous,” he said, adding he was now on a mission to ensure a reciprocal event across the Tasman later in the year. “I felt all the riders were outstanding, and the Kiwis deserved the win. Each of my riders represented our country so well and have been outstanding ambassadors. Cheyenne is an amazing mare to jump double clear all three days.”

He thanked the owners of the horses who had been leant for the competition.

 

Results –

Trans-Tasman Young Rider Test (final day of competition): New Zealand – Ally Carson (Putaruru) Juneau SSNZ (owned by Kate Herdson) 8-0; Olivia Dalton (Karaka) Rei Hui Wild Rose (owned by Ally Stevenson) 20-DNS; Emelia Forsyth (Clevedon) Louis (owned by Anna Frith) 0-0; Oliver Croucher (Cambridge) Cheyenne (owned by Olivia Dalton) 0-0. Total from best three rounds 8 faults.

 

Australia – Chris Holland, Out Done (owned by Loren Mathies) 4 faults-0 faults; Clemency Hughes, Catapult Xtreme (owned by Emelia Forsyth) 5-0; Samantha Lamont, Showtym Distinction (owned by Ruby Rogers) 4-4; Sally Simmonds, L’Orame (owned by Meg Tregonning) 4-8. Total from best three rounds 16 faults.

 

Overall points: New Zealand 17, Australia 9.

 

By Diana Dobson

27 January 2020