New Zealand has two combinations flying the Kiwi flag high at the Adelaide CCI5* event in Australia this week. New Zealand-based eventers Monica Spencer and Diane Gilder have made the trip over with Artist and Your Attorney.

Monica and Artist, who shone at the 2022 World Champs, are on debut at 5* level, and the Taupo mum-of-one can’t wait to get out there. “We’ve had two nice runs at Springbush and Kihikihi and Max (Artist) is feeling good in his prep,” she said. “I am very excited to be competing at Adelaide this year.”

NZL-Monica Spencer rides Artist during the Cross Country. The FEI World Championships for Eventing – Pratoni | Roma, Italy. Friday 16 September 2022. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography

The horse had travelled well and she’s looking for a good performance across all three phases. “He is certainly capable of a top result,” said Monica.

Diane is also looking for a good showing from Your Attorney, who placed sixth the last time the combination competed in the Adelaide 5*, in 2019. “It’s great to be back at Adelaide,” said Diane. “It has been a long wait since the last one. It is exciting to be here and have the support of so many Kiwis coming to watch and support us.”

My Attorney is feeling “fantastic”. “He has travelled really well thanks to IRT and Goldners Transport. The Park is looking amazing and hopefully we can put on a good show for all.”
She extended a big thanks to Hunua Pony Club who had fundraised to support the combination.

NZL-Diane Gilder rides Your Attorney. Randlab Veterinary Medicines CCI 4*-S. 2021 NZL-RANDLAB Matamata Horse Trial. Sunday 21 February. Copyright Photo: Libby Law Photography.

There are 19 combinations on the start card including the likes of three-time Olympian Shane Rose aboard Virgil, and Sam Lyle on BF Valour, among other well-performed combinations.

The CCI5* dressage gets underway on Friday afternoon from 1pm, followed by the cross country on Saturday afternoon and showjumping on Sunday afternoon.

It’s not just eventing at the festival, with dressage, polo, shopping and more over the four days at what is billed as “Australia’s premier equestrian event”. The event is back after a three-year COVID induced hiatus with 2023 marking a refresh of the popular festival.

WHAT: Adelaide Equestrian Festival
WHERE: East Parklands, Adelaide, Australia
WHEN: April 20-23, 2023
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
CLICK HERE FOR LIVE STEAM

By Diana Dobson – HP Media Liaison
Photos by Libby Law/ESNZ