Local equestrians riding high

JUMPERS: Pony club riders at the NI showjumping champs are, from left: Hannah Fleming and Naki, Georgia Sheard and Phantom Warrior, Teresa Underwood and Highlight Girl, Courtney Winterbottom and My Governor Grey, Eve McCallum and Ngahiwi BMW Just Mickey, Maddison Greatorex and Golden Foxtrot. -PHOTO/Sarah Mitchell

The Wellsford District Pony Club team competed at the North Island Pony Club Show Jumping Championships at Cambridge last week and, against stern opposition, performed creditably.

Comprising riders from throughout the area, the young team had a very enjoyable time away and worked well together, showing great sportsmanship and learning a lot over the busy two-day fixture which will stand them in good stead for future events of this calibre.

Some good results and individual placings included Teresa Underwood and Highlight Girl placing 3rd, 5th and 6th, Maddison Greatorex and Golden Foxtrot placing 7th, Georgia Sheard and Phantom Warrior placing 7th,  and  team placing 11th overall out of thirty teams.

The overall winning team was the local Cambridge contingent who took the mantle from the Bay of Islands riders who had won the competition the previous seven years.

Young Mangawhai horsewoman Grace Woolnough riding Uprise ll competed as a draft rider for the  Whakatane team and Grace placed 10th in one event, some of which had up to 60 competitors. Grace also drove herself and her mount to and from Cambridge on her own showing a lot of dedication over a long and arduous trip.

Manager Kerry Underwood paid tribute to the riders, coach Marj Steiner, groom Kate Troost and the parents for supporting the kids on the journey.

“We couldnt have done it with out their help,” she said. “Well done.”

- Rob Pooley