“Set in the most stunning countryside I’ve ever seen the jump variety and quality is so well thought through with the terrain, testing all the riders’ and horses’ skills – it has a truly ‘International feel.” These were the words from visiting foreign Official, Alex Gingell (UK) in reference to the Matamata Equestrian Group’s Randlab National One Day Champs.
The Event truly had it all from spectacular viewing of all three phases, a fantastic display of riding from Grassroots to 4*, the love of horses shining through, a welcoming atmosphere & the most perfect weather for all three days – a tough feat given the weather of late.
The amount of work to bring an Event of this calibre together is phenomenal & a very special thanks to the Matamata Equestrian Group & the McGiven family for their tireless dedication. This is the third year that the Event has been host to the National One Day Champs & the Event has exceeded the hosting role ten-fold.
Friday was Dressage Day for all classes plus an Express Event sponsored by Love Racing in the evening which showcased TB’s who were within 24 months post their racing career competing for $5k. This was again won by Alena Dorotich for the second year running riding Tensai, a gelding by Staphanos. Spectators of the Love Racing event were treated to a BBQ provided by Randlab.
Cross Country Day arrived following just the right amount of rain over night to settle the dust with a cool 21 degrees, cloud covered day – the optimal Cross-Country weather. Campbell Draper, Glen Draper & Denise McGiven excelled in their roles as Course Designers, providing fantastic learning opportunities for horses and riders to test their skills and preparation on the beautiful, undulating McGiven farm.
The Event contracted Clip My Horse to livestream the jumping phases which made remote spectating a possibility. ESNZ have welcomed Clip My Horse as an Official Media Partner and ESNZ members can access a 20% discount. The Event is archived on Clip My Horse therefore it is worth joining up to relive the action.
In the Randlab Vet Medicines CCI4*-S Madison Seivwright & Waitangi Pinterest showed their experienced partnership only adding 15.6 XC time faults to their Dressage score to keep a hold of their Dressage lead. Thoroughbred’s Nemesis & DSE Mendoza with Carys McCrory & Elise Edwards-Smith moved up the leaderboard after tackling the XC to sit in second and third place. This is how the placings ended up after the SJ phase on Sunday with Carys & Nemesis putting the pressure on Maddy & Waitangi Pinterest after jumping a foot perfect round. But it was Maddy & the gorgeous mare, Waitangi Pinterest, who lifted the Forest Gate Trophy for 2026 and now have their sights set on the CCI5*-L at Adeliade in April.
Holly McInnes & her wee Thoroughbred, Pop It showed hardy determination & skill, jumping around the XC only adding 0.4 time faults and go into the lead. Unfortunately, Sunday was not their day in the SJ phase where 3 rails saw them drop to a very respectable 3rd place in the Harcourts Kevin Deane Real Estate CCI3* class. Bridie Quigley & Oranoa Greyson jumped a beautiful round to take out this class with Tessa Bradcock & Ceremony in second place & winners of the Waiteko Trophy – as per the Eventing rules, the trophy is to be awarded to the highest placed horse that has achieved no more than two MER’s in the level above.
The Dunstan Horsefeeds CCI2* & Ferndale Trophy was taken out by Mia Cadwallder & Sharvalley Wild Thing. Mia also took out the Giltrap Agrizone CCN2* with her grey gelding, Xstatic. Second place in the Dunstan Horsefeeds CCI2* was Dana Hawkins & Waitangi Blueprint and third was Renee Faulkner & CFL Wild Flower.
Mia Cadwallader & Sharvalley Wild Thing
Winners of the OJ’Z Promotions CCN1* & Tait Trophy was Andrea MacFarlane & Double J Icon – only took 44 years according to Andrea! In second was Alana England & KT Mahunga Nui & third was Christen Lane & Shimmer Cat.
Andrea MacFarlane, daughter & Double J Icon
For the full Event results, please head to Evo Events here
Matamata was the launching pad of the initiative, “All Together Safer NZ Eventing” in memory of Georgie Campbell. The initiative’s aim is to raise awareness of the use of frangible devices on XC fences, improving horse and rider welfare. They also aim to raise sufficient funds to equip every fence at the National Equestrian Centre at Taupo with frangible devices. If you are in a position to support this cause, please contact “All Together Safer” via social media and donate to the Give a Little Page here
The Seaton Park sponsors evening on Saturday is always a hit where Officials and Riders are given the opportunity to go head-to-head – this time a bike, drink & bridle assembly race. The Riders were the eventual winners despite a rather vocal Officials support crew from the sidelines!
It is so important to support the incredibly generous sponsors – please do take the time to send thanks and choose to support them where possible. The major sponsors contacts are within the Matamata Programme available on Evo.
Thank you once again to the Matamata Equestrian Group, Officials, supporters and riders for this very memorable event. We cannot wait to see what 2027 brings!