It was quality over quantity at the Hinterland & John Jones Steel New Zealand Three Day Eventing Championships held over the Easter weekend at the Dunstan Horsefeeds NEC in Christchurch. 

The return to the South Island after 40 years saw 305 entries and the standard of the venue and the riding was considered to be top notch.

Visiting Level 3 FEI Judge from Australia Beverley Shandley commented that the dressage arenas were “of global-like standard” despite the drizzly weather.

“Eventing Canterbury has delivered a quality event.  The organising committee has resourced most of the cross-country courses at a huge expense, and the resown grass fields coped well with the rain.  The NEC looked spectacular,” says Hayley Daigle, ESNZ Eventing Sports Manager.

Hamilton’s Brittany Fowler says she enjoyed the return of the event to Christchurch.

“It was fantastic to return back to McLean’s Island after five years of competing in the North Island. The time, effort and resources that Eventing Canterbury have put into their grounds and event couldn’t have been more noticeable. It was very well run and the ground was great. I look forwarded to returning again!” says Brittany.

Rangiora rider Bonnie Farrant says she was delighted to see competitors from throughout New Zealand on her home turf.

“It was such a great week! There was a real sense of eventing community—everyone was so friendly, supportive, and encouraging. It was super cool to have the National 3DE in Christchurch for the first time in 40 years! My 50-minute drive to the event felt like such a luxury, and it was awesome to see a crew of North Islanders who had made the trip down. The grounds looked amazing, the courses were beautifully presented, and they were a lot of fun to ride. I hope it’s not another 40 years before the 3DE is hosted down here again!” says Bonnie.

The championships included a 65cm class for the first time, catering for grassroots riders.

“Grassroots in Canterbury are booming,” says Hayley.

A mock trot-up held for those who wanted to practice a trot up outside of competition was well attended, with appearances by Tinks Pottinger, Kirsty Sharapoff and Brent Jury.  And a National Event riders evening was led by Campbell Robertson for an open floor discussion all things Eventing, including the calendar of events and wish list items.

Competitors came from all over the country.  Hastings rider Carys McCrory won the Ultimate Design and Renovation CCI4*-L National Championship Wills Trophy on Nemesis, a NZ Thoroughbred by Don Eduardo/Vice Regal.  The event was a new playing field for her after competing in her first 4* event at Matamata recently. 

Winners of the Ultimate Design and Renovation CCI4*-L, Carys McCrory & Nemesis

The Bates Saddles CCI3*-L National Championship Piccadilly Trophy was won by 16-year-old Christchurch rider Fabriana McQuarrie on Oceanic (by Ngahiwi Ranger) owned by Tania Cartery.

Winners of the Bates Saddles CCI3*-L, Fabriana McQuarrie & Oceanic

The Maugers Contracting CCI2*-L National Championship Mamaku Trophy was won by Waikato rider Brittany Fowler on NRS Luna Corona (by Eurosport Centavos/Corlando) owned by Kate Stokes.

Winners of the Maugers Contracting CCI2*-L, Brittany Fowler & NRS Luna Corona

The Syncroflex CCN1*-L National Championship Thomson Trophy was also won by a Waikato rider, Tessa Bradcock of Pio Pio on Benicio (by Bon Coeur by Sandro Hit/Cancionero CA) who delivered an impressive 78.2% in the dressage phase, the highest score at the event.

Winners of the Syncroflex CCN1*-L, Tessa Bradcock & Benicio

The Melwood Equestrian & NZ Warmblood Association National Young Event Horse Championship was won by Harry Feast of Christchurch on Cartier Xtreme (by Cassiano).

Groom extraordinaire Jenni Calver provided the grooms prizes for the winning combination in each of 11 classes, and Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports (TiES) prizes for the top Thoroughbreds 1*-4* were provided by New Zealand Thoroughbred Racing.

The popular North vs South Island Teams Event, the Silver Spurs, was decided for 2025 with the South Island coming away with the win. The team consisted of Sophie Thomas & Craighaven Legacy, Emily Cammock & Y Puna Slade, Kirsty Ogilvie & Raise A Glass and Lindsay Colwell & Waitangi Netflix.

There were multiple special awards up for grabs at the Event.

  • Charlton Stud sponsored the Best Performed Mare which was won by Bonnie Farrant’s “Wild Flower”
  • NZPCA sponsored the Best Placed NZPCA rider. The eventual winner was Fabriana McQuarrie & Oceanic
  • The Eventing Board provided rugs & rosettes for the Best Placed First Timer award in the 65cm, 80cm, 95cm & 105cm classes
  • Kiwi Conveyancing Teams Challenge
  • Stephanie Bullock Saddle Fitter Sponsored the Masters – 45 years and over awards
    • 1st: Lindsay Colwell & Waitangi Netflix
    • 2nd: Kirsty Ogilvie & Raise A Glass
    • 3rd: Giles Gormack & Remi Lion King

“People have been lovely, there was great spirit and everyone was happy throughout the Event.  The officials were superb providing great support and guidance,” says Hayley.

Prizegiving all classes: results here (head to special awards here).