Anne-Marie Styles gave a masterclass en route to taking out the Penny Homes CCN95-L Open aboard a horse she’s only been working with for two weeks and placing third on her other mount.

Anne-Marie and Danielle Wheeler’s Get Go took the class on 27.5, with Sarah Saint Merat and Balliamo second on 28.9 and Anne-Marie third aboard Mitty Forsyth’s LV Imprint on 29.5 – all were on their dressage scores.

“It all came together well with both horses,” said Anne-Marie. “They both gave me beautiful rides.”

She was absolutely delighted with Get Go, a five-year-old who is still very green but had really stepped up at the champs. “It was certainly the biggest test and environment he had ever seen. Danielle and I are both delighted.”

Anne-Marie was first out aboard LV Imprint, going all clear. “He is just a gorgeous horse and a real pleasure to ride in every phase. He makes me look good! Today he gave me a lot of confidence to ride the course on Get Go.”

She was very appreciative of the support she had from her team including both horse owners, as well as Briar Wheeler, Anne-Marie’s husband Alex and groom Ruby Lobb.

“It’s been a great weekend and this win is very special.”

Anne-Marie is a full time rider, coach and mum to two budding equestriennes, and is herself trained by Blyth Tait.

Danielle was rapt with the result from Get Go. “Anne-Marie is such a good jockey and I knew she would do a good job. She’s ridden plenty of other thoroughbreds.”

The crew focused on taking the class a day at a time. “He acted like a total pro,” she said of Get Go who was first started by mum and daughter Dannie and Scout Lodder and initially came from EventStars.

Brooke Chandler and I’m Bruce won the ESNZ Eventing board chair and deputy chair award for the best-performed first-timer in the competition.

Results –

Anne-Marie Styles (Clevedon) Get Go 27.5 1, Sarah Saint Merat (Whangarei) Balliamo 28.9 2, Anne-Marie Styles (Clevedon) LV Imprint 29.5 3, Kate Fleming (Pauatahanui) Lumiere VWNZ 30 4, Shannon Galloway (Hamilton) Orange Justice 30.9 5.

 

For full results, head to www.equestrianentries.co.nz