What a great way to finish off 2024 with a great event at the Frew and Carmicheals property at Ryal Bush. After a slow start to our season with an unusually wet spring forcing us to cancel our first event at Donovan Park it was wonderful to be able to hold our event at Ryal bush in superb footing. The grounds were able to withstand the torrential rain that persisted for the 24 hours prior, which made set up for the volunteers a little uncomfortable but provided excellent footing on the day for the riders. Thanks go to the Frew and Carmicheal families for allowing us to use their property and for the work they do in preparation prior.
Unfortuneatly The Saddlery Warehouse CCN 2* was depleted with scratchings, but was deservedly won by the journeyman Colton AF and Suzanne Black, making up for their woopsie at Puhinui. Tinesha Benson and Ataahua Bess were second.
Katie Wilson and Windermere Centorini impressed the judges with a lovely dressage test and continued to lead throughout and finish on that score, from Caitlyn Cook and Dixie and Suzanne Black and Glenbrooke Rockin Roses.
The evergreen Il Mafioso with Kate Hamilton won the Classic Autotrim & Upholstery CCN95 from Neve Cruickshank and My King Fu Panda followed by Libby Smith and Wisdom Sienna.
The Witches Brew NZPC 95 class was a very competitive one with the lead changing constantly. Sienna Hunter and Brooklyn RS coming out on top from Aiesha Goswarmi on Mr Doolen moving up the leaderboard with some nice jumping rounds, followed by Aimee Johnson and Dubbel Shot !!.
Derek Brown made a rare appearance out eventing and had a successful day taking out first on Renamour APH and third on Da Vinci APH in the Equine Sports Gail Richardson CCN80 class. Electra Roskam and SWE Ferrero Rocher was second.
The Comfy Equine Rubber Matting NZPC 80 class was won by Kate Stalker on Pennyweight Efferescent, from Payton Downs on Ashton Cartier and Mackenzie Jordan on Bid On That.
Peggy Angus-Cook on A & P Angelique took out the popular Saddle Tree CCN 65 from Phoebe Ellis on Teddy and Renee Pomare on Chamonix.
Churchy’s HT Hoof Oil NZPC 65 was won by Hannah Theyers on Ellangowan Spy Valley from Emma Wilson on Darvel Mia and Xanthe Saunders on Songlands Mr Sandman.
Thanks to all the officials, sponsors and volunteers for all you help and we look forward to seeing you all at Donovan Park in February.
Suzanne Black & Colton AF – winners of The Saddlery Warehouse CCN2*. Photo thanks to Elise Ford photography.