Waikato Show Hunter beat the weather to put on another awesome weekend of competition, with two days of National Series classes at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre in Taupo.

The recent rain made for perfect footing for some large classes over the two days.  Riders commented that it was a perfect practice for the Land Rover Horse of the Year, getting to compete on a premium grass surface.  There were some scratchings on Sunday as people headed home early to avoid Cyclone Gabrielle, but it seems everyone got home safely before the storm hit.

The welcoming Waikato Committee presented some beautiful garlands, rugs and trophies over the weekend.  Classes were judged by Sue Whiddett and Rosalie Haddock and the courses were built by Marilyn Vincent.

Abby Fawcett (Ohaupo) aboard two time Horse of the Year Title winner, Hillman Hunter took out the Dunstan Horsefeeds Classic on Sunday, just a couple of points ahead of Stephie Smith (Taupo) and Millhouse.   The two were neck and neck in the Carousel Equestrian Amateur High Points classes, with Stephie winning on Saturday and Abby on Sunday.

The line up for the Dunstan Horsefeeds Classic, headed by Abby Fawcett and Hillman Hunter

 

In the Petticoat Lane Performance Horses Adult Equitation series, the ever professional Jo Craddock (Waimauku) and Dawn took out the win on Saturday and super consistent Emily Twort (Henderson) on the Sunday.

Olivia Woodward (Palmerston North) aboard Whittaker II had a great show, taking out both Sport Horse Junior High Points series classes, while Lauren Mitchell (Kumeu) with Craighaven Black Heart and Georgia Alexander (Auckland) and Bizzie Lemon Sherbert bagged the ESNZ Show Hunter Junior Equitation classes.

Emily Twort with Cameo KSNZ and Abby Fawcett aboard “Hilly” also took out the NRM Open High Points classes.

In the pony ring, the Vero Insurance Cat A High Points classes went the way of Ellie McDonald (Auckland) and Wai Ora Addiction and Zaria Johnston (Auckland) and Wai Ora Black Latte.  The Fiber Fresh Cat B High Points were taken out by Bayley Oliveira (Cambridge) with Mischievous One and Charli Sabine (Pukekohe) with Hesasuperstar respectively.  Katherine Walker (Otaki) and Hes Pryceless had a blinder of a show, winning the Aniwell Cat C High Points classes both days.

The winners of the Aniwell Category C High Points with Katherine Walker and Hes Pryceless taking out the win.

 

For all results head to https://www.evoevents.co.nz/resultClass/2135885079

The Jumping Team – 14 February 2023