EVENTING News


Disappointing result for YR team but experience invaluable
Monday, 9 June 2014


The hopes that the New Zealand Young Rider team had of retaining their Oceania title (previously known as the Trans Tasman) were dashed early on Monday morning in Melbourne at the final horse inspection.

While Jessica Woods and Defies Logic passed, both Kaipara Dior (Bonnie Farrant) and Brogan (Maddy Crowe) had to be presented twice. On the second trot-up for the inspection, only Brogan was approved to continue to the show jumping. That meant that only two New Zealand combinations were through to the showjumping, as Sarah Young was eliminated for a fall on cross country. This was not enough to furnish a team score.

The show jumping in the CCI** was influential with only 10 clear jumping rounds out of the 34 who started this phase. Both Maddy and Jessica had 8 faults each. The 3 leaders all jumped clear, as did all the members of the Australian Young Rider team.

Gabrielle Pither on Max Almighty, deserved every bit of her win as they put in a beautiful round and finished on their dressage scores. The best placed New Zealand rider was Jessica Woods in 12th. Maddy Crowe finished in 21st place.

The Australian Young Rider team was impressive. Only Jaimie Stichel did not finish on her dressage score, but could be forgiven as she only had 0.8 of a cross country timefault, and ended up in 10th place. Teegan Ashby was third in the Class on her lovely horse Rockingham No Reason.

While it was a disappointing result for the Young Riders, the experience they have gained will be invaluable.

Final Results CCI** Melbourne International Horse Trials:

1st. Gabrielle Pither & Max Almighty, 46.11
2nd. William Enzinger, Wenlock Aquifer, 46.89
3rd. Teegan Ashby, Rockingham No Reason, 47.04
12th Jessica Woods, Defies Logic, 61.33
21st Maddy Crowe, Brogan, 70.04

- Jane Thompson