Eventing Southland held its first event for 2026 on Sunday 2nd Feb, and although it had a different look than our usual event, it seemed to be well received by riders. Our original event was supposed to be held at Donovan Park but after the storm that came through Southland in late October that venue was still out of action with multiple trees down. After already having to cancel our November event because of the damage we were bitterly disappointed to find out at late notice that the venue was still not available for this one. We are truly indebted to the Carmicheal and Frew families for making their venue at Ryal Bush available at such short notice. Because of the extremely short notice we decided to run the 80 & 65 classes as Express events and have a CCN 105 & 95 and NZPC 105 & 95.

The Eastern Physiotherapy CCN105 class was taken out narrowly by Heidi Green and Pioneer Class Clown from class sponsor Suzanne Black on Castellane AF and Glenbrooke Rockin Roses third.

Sienna Hunter and Brooklyn RS made the step up to 105 a successful one when they took out the win in the Oakland Agriculture NZPC .

Club Treasurer Jade Fitzek and PL Taste the Stars cruised around the cross country for a good win in the Witches Brew Hoof Oil CCN 95 from Show Jumper, Tori Brown on her 2 nice horses Cahlua APH second, and Valentino APH third. It was good to see another rider more commonly seen in the show jumping ring out and about in this class in Nicole White. Hopefully that trend continues.

Brodie Nutting and Gracebrook Rockstar put in a lovely performance to lead from start to finish in the Dunstan Horse Feed NZPC 95, and also take out the Style Prize. Kate Pulley and Galaxy Razza Ma Taz were second and Payton Downs on Ashton Cartier were third.

The next classes were all run as express events, where they run over a shorter XC & SJ course and do all three phases one after the other.

Not to be outdone by his daughter, Derek Brown and Renamour won the Equine Sports Gail Richardson over 21 class, closely followed by committee member Liz Green on Ara mis.
The Comfy Equine Rubber Matting under 21 class was won by Isla McGlynn and Elevated from Caitlyn Cook and Stimulant.

Peggy Angus-Cook and A & P Angelique won The Saddle Tree over 21 class from McKenzie Jordan and Green Eggs and Ham.

Churchy’s & HT Hoof Oil under 21 class was won by Caitlin Wallis on Bizzie Dancer from Lucy Drake on Flame.

The Oakridge Equestrian 50cm over 18 class was won by Deborah Drummordon Pablo Nachos, and Clare Horton on Rosewood Fine Print won the Classic Autotrim and Upholstery under 18 class.

As usual huge thanks to our fabulous Sponsors, Officials, Volunteers and Landowners for everything that you did to make this event happen.