NZL-Christen Lane and Bellhaven Cumbria take the title for the Archibald & Shorter Auckland CCI 4* – L and are joined by Archibald & Shorter’s Marketing Co-ordinator Bethan Montgomery. PHOTO: Libby Law Photography

Approximately 250 riders from across the country enjoyed glorious sunshine last weekend, as the Archibald and Shorter Puhinui International 3-Day Event retained its position as the jewel in the Eventing crown, one of the most visual and competitive highlights on the New Zealand equestrian spring eventing calendar. 

Highlights included Christen Lane and Bellhaven Cumbria claiming the title for the Archibald & Shorter CCI4*-L, Scout Lodder and Kingsguard winning National Junior Rider, and Mackenzie Marlo and DSE Presley winning the Young Rider title. 

This year an 80cm class was introduced, that gave 69 grass roots combinations the opportunity to experience a 3DE including the impressive Archibald and Shorter water jump.  (The 80cm class was a popular addition at the Taupō 3DE in May.) 

According to OC Member Chris Perkins, Puhinui has always been a prestigious event for our higher performing riders and therefore the opportunity to compete is exciting for all aspiring eventers. 

“The challenge has always been to transform the land from completely bare farm paddocks – with no facilities of any kind – into a bustling international quality event fringed by colourful trade stands,” she says.

This was achieved in record time, led by 4* Course Designer Tich Massey, with Chris Lever designing the 1* and 2* and Glen Draper designing the 80cm and 95cm courses. Head of the ground jury for the 3* and 4 * was Amanda Miller from USA, travelling here on crutches from North Carolina for her first time in NZ.

Chris says events such as Puhinui rely heavily on the benevolence of sponsors including naming sponsor Archibald & Shorter to whom the team is hugely grateful.   Along with the officials, volunteers and supporters, it is a mammoth task to mount the three phases of dressage, cross-country and showjumping.   Anyone interested in helping in any small way should contact [email protected].

The Puhinui Three-Day Event was last year won by Monica Spencer on Artist, a horse she has successfully competed with in America. In the past, the event has been won by some of our best-known equestrians, including Sir Mark Todd who took the trophy in 2008 on NZB Gandalf, and current world-ranked kiwi eventer Tim Price who won aboard Desamoray in 2002.  

For more results see Evoevents https://www.evoevents.co.nz/resultClass/2135886029/0.