Emily McMaster and Onetai Cover Girl – Copyright Photo KAMPIC/Kerry Marshall
Aniwell Cat C Pony High Points Series
Big on Writing Pony Equitation Series
Emily McMaster couldn’t be happier with her “most amazing pony” Onetai Cover Girl and their victories in both the Aniwell Cat C Pony High Points Series and the Big on Writing Pony Equitation Series.
“I am just so stoked,” says the 16-year-old from Greytown. “To win them both is such a nice bonus and on a really super pony.”
She’s had 17-year-old Tully – as Onetai Cover Girl is known at home – for two years now. “We’ve had a great season and I think having some really good coaching really helped too. I was determined to do well in the series.”
She’s trained by fellow show hunter competitor Becs Conole and Ginny Thurston. “I decided last season I wanted to chase the Cat C series but wanted to play it a bit by ear and see how it played out.”
Tully is no stranger to show hunter, along with showjumping and eventing.
“I’ve been doing show hunter around two-and-a-half years now and love that it is a great way to learn to ride properly, to see a stride and really come together as a combination.”
She and Tully had jelled immediately. “She is a very kind pony who tries so hard.”
The combo had 14 wins in the Cat C over the season with nine in the equitation and loads of seconds and thirds across the two series. “She was very consistent. To win is pretty special – it is a goal I have had for a long time so amazing to achieve that.” These are her first series crowns.
At the Trust House Glistening Waters ESNZ Series Final Show she and Tully won the pony rider equitation grand final and were second in the Cat C grand final.
Their best win of the season was at Levin where everything just came together. “We won all of our classes over the two days there which was just awesome.”
Emily, a year 12 student at St Matthews College, has just one more season on ponies ahead of her. “There’s a lot to think about really.”
But for now, she’s happy basking in the warmth of a very successful season.
Big on Writing Pony Equitation Series: Emily McMaster (Greytown) 73 points 1, Poppy Tatham (Masterton) 61 2, Jorja Entwisle (Pukekohe) 51 3, Anna Smith (Wyndham) 40 4, Eila Quinn (Dunedin) 47 5, Sofia Williams (Masterton) 39 6.
Big on Writing Pony Rider Equitation Series Grand Final: Emily McMaster (Greytown) Onetai Cover Girl 1, Poppy Tatham (Masterton) Wembleybrook O’Driscoll 2, Sofia Williams (Masterton) Grassendale Gin 3, Anna Smith (Wyndham) Starlight Smarda 4, Lily Butler (Masterton) Bazinga 5.
Aniwell Cat C High Points Series: Emily McMaster (Greytown) Onetai Cover Girl 77 1, Jorja Entwisle (Pukekohe) Westbrook Sparkles 53 2, Katherine Walker (Otaki) He’s Pryceless 52 3, Sofia Williams (Masterton) Grassendale Gin 47 4, Eva Wylaars (Christchurch) My Buffalo Soldier 43 5, Bridie King (Pahiatua) Buzzie Bees Max 36 6.
Aniwell Cat C High Points Series Grand Final: Katherine Walker (Otaki) He’s Pryceless 1, Emily McMaster (Greytown) Onetai Cover Girl 2, Sofia Williams (Masterton) Grassendale Gin 3, Lily Butler (Masterton) Bazinga 4.
For full results, head to www.evoevents.co.nz
Diana Dobson – 17 April 2023