OHS equestrian team takes title

Otamatea High School’s crack equestrian team has won the annual Kristin School Intercollegiate Ribbon Day, heading off their higher profile Auckland rivals.

The group of four – Tyler Porteous, Lexi Porteous, Zarlia Martin and Holly Brunt – travelled to the Coatesville venue on March 22 after a postponement the previous week due to poor weather.

The event saw a big turnout with 27 schools represented by 83 riders, and this time in perfect conditions.

After the morning flat work classes the Otamatea team came into their own with the jumping events on the second half of the day.

Riders compete on an individual basis in a number of disciplines, earning points for a final overall team prize.

While individual titles eluded the Otamatea riders, it was overall consistently good performances that earned them the prestigious team title.

“There were a number of surprised faces when the final winners of the teams points prize was announced as the Otamatea High School team,” said Holly Brunt. “A number of people were asking ‘where is Otamatea?’”

It was a lesson in consistency and dedication by the girls over the more favoured teams said Holly.

Pictured from left are Tyler Porteous, Lexi Porteous, Zarlia Martin, and Holly Brunt.