Local riders make jump to main event

RIDING HIGH: Waipu’s Maddi Greatorex – one of the leading riders in her class at the Horse of the Year Show.

A number of local equestriennes will be taking on the best riders in Australasia when they head to the 2013 New Zealand Horse of the Year Show at Hastings, March 12-17.

One of the biggest events of it’s kind in the world will see a record 2,600 individual horses and riders competing in a wide range of disciplines over six days, including world class horses and riders from Australia and New Zealand who battle it out for the showjumper of the year crown.

Mangawhai sisters Tyler and Lexi Porteous will be competing in the Wonder Memorial Unity on the Wednesday and have Pony of the Year classes on Saturday, while Lexi has Junior Rider of the Year on Sunday. Tyler has Intermediate Rider of the Year on Sunday as well.

Lexi is riding her pony Windsor English Kisses, and Tyler will again partner Willowcroft Distinction, her mount when she won Supreme Pony of the Year last year and also Junior Rider of the Year. Back to back wins would be a tremendous achievement.

Maddie Greatorex of Waipu will be riding in the Showhunter (category B and C and Equitation), and Show Jumping rings 1.05m and Rider under 13 years. She has the added burden of riding three different but very capable ponies, is currently leading on the Waitemata area (Auckland north) points table within her class so will be trying hard to make her mark on a national level.

Kaiwaka’s Michelle Wakeling, on 6-year-old BMW Littorroan will be competing on each of the six days in the Amateur Showjumping and Six year old classes. She is sitting well-placed in the amateur series and will be keen to retain or improve her standing through to the end of the season at Manfield at the end of April. 

Otamatea High School will be represented by Kate Cawkwell-Troost and Eve McCallum who will be riding Ngahiwi BMW Just Mickey in the showjumping ring 1m and 1.05m.

Several Mangawhai spectators and supporters will be making the trip. Progress can be followed on www.hoy.co.nz from March 12-17.