The Eventing Series is always hotly contested and the weather affected Eventing season did not deter the determined combinations to gain points for the 2022/2023 season.
The goal of the Series is to provide a competition structure which assists in the development of younger and/or less experienced riders, encourage the continued participation of older and/or more experienced riders and supports further development of elite and potentially elite riders. The Series was run from the first Event of the Spring season (McLeans Island in September) until the last event of the season (Rotorua Horse Trial in late April/early May).
Thanks to Evo Events who carefully calculated the points from each Event to include Placing Points and Performance Points. Points were awarded based on 1 in 5 starters and combinations must have nominated themselves for the season, prior to the event, for the points to count.
The opportunity to celebrate the winners and placegetters together presented itself at the the pinnacle Event of the season being the NZ Three Day Eventing Championships at the Rider’s Function on Friday evening. Sponsors, VIP, ESNZ staff, Event volunteers, riders and supporters gathered upstairs of the indoor arena at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre to enjoy nibbles and beverages whilst acknowledging the achievements of the winners and placegetters.
Congratulations to all the winners and placegetters of the 2022/2023 Eventing Series! Below is a blurb on each of the Series winners:
LAND ROVER SUPER LEAGUE SERIES WINNER:
| Christen Lane and Thunder Cat |
Christen has juggled life as a mum to 8-month-old Tabitha where she and husband Tom farm in Waiwhare, Hawke’s Bay.
Having missed the Spring season following the arrival of daughter Tabitha, Christen and Thunder Cat have had a strong Autumn season, winning the 4* at Matamata and placing second in the 4* class at the recent National One Day Championships in Whangarei.
Christen is a member of the ESNZ Eventing High Performance Potential Squad and attributes her success to the training and support she has had, particularly from Penny Pearce, Blyth Tait and Jeff McVean.
Thunder Cat is a 15 year old, home-bred gelding by Littorio/OTIS.
1st: Christen Lane and Thunder Cat
2nd: Beth Wilson and Alto et Audax
3rd=: Matthew Grayling and Trudeau
3rd=: Charlotte Edwards and Just de Manzana
5th=: Lizzie Green and Corona Xtreme
5th=: Brittany Fowler and Game Keeper
For full results, please visit here
BETA VET PRO AMATEUR WINNER:
| Kyle Calder and Apteryx |
What a great season for Apteryx, affectionately known as Kiwi, and by far my most memorable. Kiwi is really settling nicely in the dressage phase which has helped me to focus on the jumping a bit more rather than working to manage him through the dressage. I’m really seeing a huge improvement with Greg Smith, and we are working towards stepping back up to 4* in the spring next year. The highlight for me has to be winning the Waiteko Trophy a total dream come true to finish on a sweet double clear with only a few time penalties to add to our dressage score. I’ve always said that the day kiwi and I pull it all together – it will be something special, and it sure was!!
As always – I would be nothing and nowhere without my beautiful mum by my side supporting me every day through the highs, lows, early mornings and late nights. I can’t thank her enough. Also delighted to be sponsored by Julia Murch photography who got some amazing photos of us in the season, as well as AMS Saddlery who have been extra awesome to me, supporting me with snazzy new clothes and gear.
Very excited to get out there next season, we will be working hard to improve our cross country at 4* and Target a 4*L
1st: Kyle Calder and Apteryx
2nd: Helen McGrath and Reboot WTB
3rd: Abbey Thompson and Cadbury KSNZ
4th: Alena Dorotich and Cassiana Xtreme
5th: Rebecca Wardle and Dingmac Eccles
For full results of the Beta Vet Pro Am Series, please see Evo Events here
YOUNG RIDER SERIES:
| Emily Marrett and Nigella Warrior |
I am a 19 year old event rider based in Hawkes Bay. I have been competing 2* with my horse Nigella Warrior who’s been my best friend for 5 years now. I am so grateful to have her as my number one teammate and paddock goofball.
At every event this season she has improved her performances and I’m so proud of the goals we have accomplished together. A couple of highlights for the year would have to be winning the A1 Challenge Cup at NZPCA Eventing Championships, finishing on a personal best score and being part of the winning team, secondly being invited to take part in the ESNZ Orientation Camp, making new friends and lots of learning.
I would like to thank my family for allowing me to follow my dream and I can’t thank my whole Eventing family enough for all the support, encouragement and advice, truly amazing. I’m very excited to see what we can accomplish next season.
1st: Emily Marett and Nigella Warrior
2nd: Charlotte Penny and Festival
3rd: Ruby Kerr and Just Ask
4th: Harriet Gelb and Henton High Class
5th: Charlotte Penny and SD Amourosi
For full results, please visit Evo Events here
JUNIOR RIDER SERIES:
| Mia Gilbert and Schnapps MH |
Hey, my name is Mia, I’m a 16 year old working student at Donna Smith Eventing based in the Waikato with my horse Schnapps MH. Schnapps is a 9 year old Hanoverian cross by Stolzenberg out of a Grosvenor TB mare bred by Matthews Hanoverians.
This was Schnapps and my first season at 2* level and we had an amazing season together, coming home with a ribbon in every event and ending the season with a 4th in a large field of amazing riders in the 2*L class at the recent Taupo 3DE. Schnapps is on a much deserved break over winter while my new 5 year old Carter and I get to know each other. My goal for next season is to step up to 3* level and to aim for the Trans Tasman YR team.
Can’t thank the sponsors enough for sponsoring the series classes!! We wouldn’t be able to have these series classes without your invaluable support so thank you very much.
A massive thank you to my incredible supportive parents, Jo and Peter. I appreciate everything you do for Schnapps and I throughout our hectic, wet season; I’m forever grateful for you both!!
To my no1 sponsor Life Style Animal & Pet Supplies based in Swanson, Auckland. Schnapps looked and performed beautifully thanks to your very generous support throughout the season and is looking amazing heading into winter, thank you so much for your continuous support.
Lastly, thank you to my incredible coaches who I prefer to call my second parents; Donna and Elise Edwards Smith. The hours you put into my riding in all weather conditions, you are both always there to guide me and give me the most helpful advice, not to mention invaluable help at shows; I appreciate everything – thank you!!
1st: Mia Gilbert and Schnapps MH
2nd: Holly McInnes and My Royal Spirit
3rd: Fabriana McQuarrie and Oceanic
4th: Madison Fitness and Damarlie
5th: Tessa Bradcock and Ceremony
For full results, please visit here
DUNSTAN AMATEUR RIDER SERIES:
| Colleen Marett and Attenborough |
I have many highlights from my season, but Taupo week is the best.
Firstly to my horse Attenborough (Murf) what a legend. We had a great weekend to start with winning the amateur series. Very kindly sponsored by Dunstan horse feeds. I really appreciate how much you do for our sport and Murf wouldn’t look and feel as good without your nutritional expertise.
Then to win a fuel voucher from Fern fuel to help me get home again to South Canterbury topped off a great day.
Back to Murf, on cross country he’s such a machine and loves his job. He then always backs it up to try his hardest to show jump clean and did to move us up to 3rd in the Fiber Fresh 2* championship class. Once again a fantastic sponsor for our sport.
I was also so excited to be named in the South Island team for silver spurs. I’m a proud South Islander and very happy to bring the trophy home with my team mates.
To top off a great weekend it would be my travelling with my daughter Teagan and all the support and friendship from the South Island riders.
1st: Colleen Marett and Attenborough
2nd: Sophie Alexander and RH Royally
3rd: Alex Donald and Gina VT Bloemenhof
4th: Dana Hawkins and Oranoa Mason
5th: Kirsity Bale and Kelaray Gifted
GRASSROOTS SERIES:
| Lauryn Toomey and Double Connection |
First of all thank you to all the amazing sponsors for their ongoing sponsorship of all the eventing & series classes, and the volunteers who have given up their time to enable these events and series to run.
Bear aka Double Connection & I have had an unbelievable season, we have travelled an competed from Invercargill to Puhinui this year. Whilst he is quirky , cute, hot to name a few of his character traits, Bear always tries his absolute best for me, and looks after me when I don’t always have him in that perfect spot 😉
Bear has been super consistent all year, and so deserved to win the SI ODE 1* Champs in April, this was also special for me as it has taken me 49 years to win my first rug!! Imagine my surprise when I won my 2nd one a few weeks later!
1st: Lauryn Toomey and Double Connection
2nd: Kate Musgrave and Galway’s Touch
3rd: Shelby Davys Olsen and Cover Girl KSNZ
4th: Portia Wright and Valerius
5th: Vicki Robson and Milagro
For full results, please visit Evo Events here