Eventing Southland held their third event for the season at Donovan Park on Sunday 28th January. Course Designer Jim Hazlet, assisted by Lindsay Carruthers, put together some good courses that all rode well, while still providing enough questions.
The small Saddlery Warehouse CCN 2* class was won by Alex De Geest and Attenborough, who were the quickest on the XC, to win over Milly Robinson and DSE Spannerkiwi.
Kate Hamilton and her grand old campaigner Il Mafioso lead from the outset in the Eastern Physiotheraphy CCN 105, for a comfortable win over Lauren Toomey and Double Connection.
The Witches Brew CCN 95class was won by former 3* eventor McConnell Road who was capably ridden by Sharne’s young daughter Jayne Paton-Smith. I am not sure who enjoyed it more, Jayne or the horse. Second was Janelle Gibson and the Labyrinth, who has finally made an appearance for the season.
The Classic Autotrim & Upholstery PC 95 was won by Jessie McGrouther and Anthem from Caitlyn Cook & Dixie. Gemma Johnson and Sailin Kate were third.
Shelly Vince and Miyagi capitialized on a great dressage test to lead from the start to the finish in the Gail Richardson Equine Therapy CCN 80. Xyla Tripp and Melisandra Una Rosa were second with Michelle Coombs and Just In Thyme third.
The Comfy Equine Rubber Matting PC 80 class was once again the biggest class of the day with Natalie Russell and Penny Royal taking the win over Olivia McDonald and Mustang Winter Berry, with Iris Hindrup & Mocha third.
The Saddle Tree CCN 65 produced some nice dressage tests with Anne Marie Chin and Golden Pegasus winning from Sarah Wards and Cornerstone.
Churchy’s / HT Oil PC 65 was another big class which was taken out by Neve Cruickshank on My Kung Fu Panda, from Karen Mackie on Slow Down Ponio and Kendra Van Leeuwan on Goss Green Mischief.
Udys Grain & Seed First Start O18 was won by Gerdien Rossink on BT Black Sambyucca with Isla Tweed on Tim Tam winning the U18 class.
Thankyou to everyone who helped make this event happen, some going above and beyond. Special mention to Jim and Jacquie Hazlet who carried on despite very difficult circumstances.
Alex De Geest and Attenborough, winners of the Saddlery Warehouse CCN2*. Photo thanks to Fiona Montogmery Photography