Sophie Scott rides Waitangi Skynet
Sophie Scott has big plans.
The newly-crowned winner of the Tavendale and Partners New Zealand Premier title has enjoyed a stunning season with her two giant greys – Waitangi Skynet and Glenbrooke Rich as Roses, with the icing on the cake being her victory at the New Zealand National Jumping and Show Hunter Championship in Christchurch.
But that is just the start of it for the 20-year-old from Palmerston North. Last year her family bought a purpose-built equestrian facility in the Manawatu. “I do feel I am constantly improving,” she says.
Sophie credits a lot of her success to coach Jeff McVean. “He pushes me to do the best I can.”
She was over the moon to win the premier crown aboard a horse who only joined her stable late last year. While bred in New Zealand, Waitangi Skynet spent some time in Australia before coming back across the Tasman. “He is so consistent, so easy to ride, really knows his job and tries the hardest.”
Nationals was definitely a goal for the season for the horse. “Our season just got better and better – I hope it continues like that.”
Her victory at Nationals underlined the benefit of hard work. “It is amazing – if you work hard you get the results.”
Her other mount, Glenbrooke Rich as Roses, had struggled a little in the soft ground at Nationals but she was still very happy with him. “He tried really hard.”
With a number of “very nice” young horses coming through, she has no plans to add to her string just yet, however, she’s not discounting a trip to Australia for more top-notch competition.
Her win in the premier saw her name added to a very esteemed list of some of the nation’s very best on the Rutherford Cup. She and Waitangi Skynet also won the prize for the best presented combination in the premier class.
Sophie and Waitangi Skynet finished just .05 of a fault ahead of runner-up Tegan Fitzsimon (West Melton) on Windermere Cappuccino, who recently won the FEI New Zealand World Cup Series League, with current Olympic Cup holder Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) on LT Holst Andrea in third, 2.8 faults behind the winner.
She was disappointed not to be able to go toe to toe with Tegan and Brooke on the last day of the Nationals but very happy for the win all the same.
Torrential rain saw organisers make the tough call to cancel the final day of competition, with titles decided on standings after round C.
Jumping Team
February 14, 2022