Matisse Masterson rides Jay-Z GNZ in the FMG Young Rider at Woodhill Sands. Photo by Lindy Waijenberg.
Woodhill Sands kicked off the 2025/26 season with their Spring Grand Prix Show, and what a banger it was. Riders and horses brought their A-Game, and the Woodhill team were thrilled to see everyone back out in the ring and enjoying themselves:
“Riders tackled everything from grassroots classes, right through to series competitions. The standard was high right from the start, setting the scene for what promises to be an exciting season ahead. Thank you to our incredible sponsors, as well as our judges, officials, ring crew, volunteers and everyone behind the scenes who make these shows possible. We are only just getting started and can’t wait to see you all back at Woodhill Sands for the next event of the season.”
Matisse Masterson and her faithful Jay-Z GNZ zipped around the jump off in the fastest time to put their first win of the season on the board in the FMG Young Rider – locally supported by GJ Gardner Homes. Three combinations all had four faults in the first round to force a jump off. Matisse jumped a clear second round, as did Cole Sherborne & Martin ECPH who secured second place. Jordyn Appleton & Sabine MS had the time for the runner up spot, but a rail falling to the ground relegated them down a spot to third place.
Maddison Greatorex & Ronaldo GS in The Brave Pants Pro-Am at Woodhill Sands. Photo by Lindy Waijenberg.
While The Brave Pants Pro Am, also locally supported by GJ Gardner Homes, saw just the one clear from Maddison Greatorex aboard Ronaldo GS to give them the win, clears came in thick and fast in the final two series classes to provide some fast and furious jump offs. In the Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider, locally supported by Veterinary Associates Equine, five combinations made it through to the second round, with three of those jumping a second flawless round. Adison Hall was the fastest with the starry Waitangi Connection, Yun FanLing & Caesar NZPH were hot on their heals for second place and Brooke Scrivener & Onward in third.
Adison Hall & Waitangi Connection in The Mainland Coachwork Junior Rider. Photo by Lindy Waijenberg.
The Dunstan Horsefeeds Amateur Rider, locally supported by Shelley Bridgeman, saw a whopping eight combinations go through to the jump off. Ashley Johnston & BMW Chaccodaizie produced the fastest time of the class, but one rail on the floor dropped them to fifth place. The top four were all double clear; Alexia Searchfield & War Paint Pandora stopped the timers in 39.18 to take out the class, with Tara Sullivan & Goshka Enchante very close behind in 39.91. Belinda George & Too Tango completed the podium in third place, and Brooke Knight-Willis & Glenara Gold Dust in fourth.
Alexia Searchfield & War Paint Pandora in the Dunstan Horsefeeds Amateur Rider at Woodhill Sands. Photo by Lindy Waijenberg.
For full results, go to www.evoevents.co.nz
Jumping Team
27th August 2025