The National One Day Champs were superbly hosted by Matamata Equestrian group at the stunning McGiven Farm over the weekend of 22nd – 24th March 2024. This is an incredibly hard working Organising Committee filled with experience and commitment to bringing innovative ideas to each competition they host.

There was a star-studded line up of Officials to manage the technicalities of the Event including Marie Hennessy of Ireland, Nicoli Fife, Virginia Tocher, Barbara Woolhouse, Neil Mackenzie-Hall, Campbell Draper, Hamish Butler-Gallie and Kevin Sapsworth to name a few. Reportedly, the Officials unfortunately lost to the team of Riders in the infamous general knowledge quiz held at the sponsors function on Saturday evening!

Maddy Seivwright and Waitangi Pinterest were the eventual winners of the Randlab Veterinary Medicines CCI4*-S and Forest Gate Trophy. Leaders after the Dressage, Maddy and affectionately know “Lush” navigated their way steadily around the XC course, perhaps showing their experience from spending time in the UK dealing with rather wet conditions! The pair showed their long-seeded connection, jumping a beautiful clear in the final Jumping phase on Sunday to regain their lead and take the title. Maddy and Lush are jetting off to compete in the Adelaide 5*-L in April – we wish them the best of luck.

The Waiteko Trophy was up for grabs in the Harcourts Kevin Deane Real Estate CCI3*-S class. Lying second after dressage, Alena Dorotich and Cassiana Xtreme moved up to be overnight leaders following no XC jumping faults and a handful of time faults to add to their Dressage score. The combination only added 4 faults to their Jumping round to claim the Waiteko trophy. Alena was thrilled with her 11 year old mare stating “it’s always a good feeling when they come back on the third day and deliver for you”.

The talented 22 year old, Charlotte Penny and her mare Carousal were the winners of the OJ’Z Promotions CCN2*-S and Ferndale Trophy. Charlotte and Carousal have been a combination for 12 months and feels as though their partnership is coming together nicely. The pair were top of the podium following a 70% Dressage test, gained a few time faults across XC but jumped a beautiful clear round in the final Jumping phase to reclaim the top podium spot and have their name engraved on the Ferndale Trophy for 2024.

Dunstan Horsefeeds were sponsors of the CCN1* class which resulted in a rather tight podium finish! Beth Wilson and Cash Xtreme lead from the first phase right through to the completion of their competition to take home the Tait Trophy 1* National One Day Champs title. Beth reports that despite Cash Xtreme being relatively new to this level, he ate the XC track up which was beautifully designed.

Alena Dorotich had a superb weekend taking out the Matamata Veterinary Services CCN105 Open class with Only the Brave. The GCM Feeds CCN105 restricted class was won by Fahrenheit and Annabelle Scott. Nicoli Fife was a busy lady being Official of the FEI classes plus winning the BNZ CCN95 A class on Charlton Halo. Restricted to Thoroughbreds and sponsored by NZ Bloodstock, Brea Walker and Tia Celeste were the winners of this CCN95 class. Division A of the 80cm classes, sponsored by BetaVet was won by Ashleigh McKinstry and Benny MSNZ. Division B was sponsored by Beyond the Bit and was won by Kittikawin Namboon and Wairoa Renegade. Again restricted to Thoroughbreds and sponsored by NZB Airfreight, the final 80cm class was won by Sarah Broughton and Sooty.

There was resounding positive feedback for the Event including the joy of all classes having mounted prizegiving from 1st – 5th and a victory lap for the combinations to celebrate their success. Glenda Thomson reports “WOW what an Event! My first time at this venue and it was phenomenal, exceptionally well run despite the horrendous weather on xctry day. The event reminded me of how Eventing used to be – including a fun riders evening with a quiz!”

Thank you to the incredible hard working committee, Officials, sponsors and volunteers who made this Event such a success. Matamata is once again hosts to the National One Day Champs in 2025 – an Event not to be missed!

For full results, head to the Evo Events website here