Spring Eventing Season is well underway but not without it’s complications! The lower North Island received an incredibly wet September month, forcing the cancellation of Northern Hawkes Bay Horse Trial. Eventing Wairarapa made the decision to postpone their October Event as their sodden grounds were inaccessible to prepare for the Event. Thanks to Eventing Wairarapa and Battle Hills Pony Club for working together and juggling Event dates to accommodate both Events running in the Spring.
Eventing Bay of Plenty were next on the list being forced to reconsider their options when their grounds became unavailable, just two weeks out from the Event. Resilience and quick thinking on behalf of the OC meant the Event was not cancelled but relocated to Taupo National Equestrian Centre for the Event to continue as planned 8th & 9th October. They even managed to add three 80cm classes to their schedule! This was hugely appreciated by the Rider’s especially those needing the opportunity to compete in one of only six FEI Events for the Spring season. A very large heartfelt thank you to the Eventing Bay of Plenty team consisting of Rowan Amer, Campbell Draper, Zephania Steele, Victoria Leader, Raewyn & Abby Lawrence, Neil Mackenzie-Hall, Rhys Bullock & Cathe Walshe.
The newly appointed Rider’s Representative, Danielle Wheeler said “Rotorua at NEC Taupo was a fantastically well run Event. The sun was shining and we couldn’t have asked for better weather or ground conditions. The committee, volunteers, course designers should be very pleased with all their hard work and efforts putting together a fantastic show”
Member of the newly formed Rider’s Network, Amanda Illston, said “I was really impressed with the change up and layout of the Cross Country, it was quite different to anything we have jumped in a while and suited both my more experienced horse, who is stepping up to 3* and my first time 2* horse.”
The winner of the CCI3*-S class sponsored by Dunstan, was mum of two young children, Lizzie Green and her stunning Corona Xtreme. Corona Xtreme is a 9 year old bay gelding, bred by Sharleen Workman, by Corofino II/Littorio. Lizzie thought the organisers did a fabulous job to pull together at a different venue. “Campbell [Draper] built a great XC using some interesting terrain and possibly some Pratoni inspiration which was fun to ride. “
NZ Eventing now looks towards the John Jones Steel South Island Three Day Event at Dunstan Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, McLeans Island, Christchurch. The Event is hosting the Young Rider & Junior Rider Three Day Champs where the Swarbrick Trophy & the Lenamore Trophy will be up for grabs.
For full results, see Evo Events here
