Land Rover NZ sponsors ESNZ Eventing Series

Equestrian Sports New Zealand Eventing have been fortunate enough to secure sponsorship from Land Rover New Zealand for the premier Eventing Series “Land Rover Super League Series” and New Zealand’s pinnacle Event, New Zealand Three Day Event Championships held at Taupo 12 – 14 May 2023.

The Super League Series is restricted to those combinations competing at 4*, the highest level within New Zealand, as well as the possibility of gaining points at 5* level overseas. The first opportunity to gain points for these combinations of the spring 2022 season presented itself over the weekend at the Reyna Equestrian Taupo Horse trial held 18 – 20 November at the National Equestrian Centre, Taupo. The Organising Committee provided an FEI class for the 4* combinations to compete in which attracted several talented combinations.

Charlotte Edwards returned to NZ from her time in Australia based with Shane Rose on her warmblood mare, Just de Manzana. Her hard work paid off as she took out the class with a final score of 48.1. On form Lizzie Green & Corona Xtreme, a nine-year-old gelding bred by Xtreme Sporthorses set to tackle the 4* after winning the CCI3* at Riverdale Horse Trial in October and wow did they tackle it! Coming away with 2^nd. Oceania Young Rider winning team member, Brittany Fowler and her Melbourne International Three Day Event best performed Thoroughbred, Game Keeper made their first start together at 4* level to finish on 3^rd place. Eventing expert, Donna Edwards-Smith & the stunning gelding DSE Henton For Glory made their step up to 4* level, taking out 4^th place. To round out the placings, following a successful trip to the South Island, Savanna Stirling and Shillings debuted in 4* and completed the three days in 5^th.

It was great to see Abigail Long and the beautiful Belmont Holy Smoke back in action. As well as Monica Spencer and Chasing Great making an appearance after Monica had a successful FEI World Championships campaign.

The Land Rover Super League combinations will see another opportunity to gain points for the Series at Puhinui, 9 -11 December. The Autumn season presents five further opportunities at Springbush, Hunua in February, Land Rover Horse of the Year in March, Matamata Horse Trial at the end of March, Canterbury in mid-April and Barge Park, Whangarei at the end of April.

Charlotte Edwards & Just de Manzana winners of the Reyna Equestrian CCI4*-S at Taupo Equestrian Centre, 18-20th November. Photo credit to Jan at Take the Moment.