Current champions Carys McCrory and her 15 year old thoroughbred Nemesis were successful in defending their CCI4* title at the Taupo Equestrian Supplies NZ Three-day Event at the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre, Taupo, over the weekend.

Second after Friday’s dressage, they took the lead on Saturday with the only clear cross-country round inside the optimum time on John Holmes’ testing course. With four rails in hand, Sunday’s showjumping looked a formality, and despite lowering two, it was a comfortable win.

It was also a confidence boosting performance before flying to England at the end of the month, hoping to contest the inaugural U25 World Eventing Championships at Millstreet, Ireland, in July. They also earned a qualifying score to compete at 5*level, the top level of the sport.

McCrory said, “I’m very happy to have the qualifier, it’s a good note to go away on. The first rail was a dumb decision and I think he was just tired at the third element of the treble. He tries every time, and gives me everything.” She produced the Don Eduardo gelding, ex Royal Mystery, off the track, winning the Young Rider title with him in 2022.

South Islander Rebecca Wardle was a distant second on Dingmac Eccles, both girls recently returned from representing New Zealand in the Oceania Championships at Adelaide. Nemesis was the only horse inside the time on cross-country there also.

Wardle led the South Island team of Emily Cammock on Foxy Lady GNZ, Bonnie Farrant on Wild Flower, and Ciara Rayne on LV Royal Jake, to win the Silver Spurs Inter-island Team competition.

The NRM CCI3* class was an outstanding trifecta for Amanda James (nee Pottinger), who won on May B It’s Maisie, a horse she brought back from a stint in England. She was second on DSE Mr President and third on NRS Luna Corona, and actually led after the dressage on a fourth ride, On The Cards, but they parted company on the cross-country.

James also won the large Fiber Fresh CCI2* class on CEO Xtreme, with youngster Mia Cadwallader close behind on Sharvalley Wild Thing. The Penny Homes CCI1* went to showjumper turned eventer Paxton Kirkbride riding Thornfield Rockafella.

The NZ Warmblood Association sponsored Young Event Horse Championship was won by 5 year old Christopher Robin VWNZ, bred and owned by Vicki Wilson, and ridden by Kate Fleming. In an exceedingly busy weekend, Amanda James placed second on 4 year old Pacman SR, bred and owned by Sheena Ross.

Full Event review & photographs to come

Virginia Caro