The Kihikihi International Horse Trials, on 10-12 April, sees a field of ten take on the challenge of John Nicholson’s own cross-country course in the Waipa Home of Champions CIC3* class. Widely regarded as “3* plus”, it is this course that has seen Nicholson’s reputation expand world wide, and led to him being invited to design tracks all around the globe, as well as conduct seminars to pass on his knowhow.
His property adjoins the Waipa Equestrian Centre, so it is no wonder this track is his show-piece, and the one all eventers want to ride. This year’s line-up is as close as it gets, with defending champion Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation still side-lined after a paddock injury to the horse, and Eventer of the Year, Emily Cammock and Dambala, en route to the USA for the Rolex Kentucky CCI4*, 23-26 April.
There is one former winner of the Kihikihi crown competing, Dannie Lodder on Petra Eatson’s Moochi, but they have been below par recently, and are just stepping up to top level again now. The national selectors will be watching keenly as they seek to name a squad for the Oceania Championships at the NRM National Three-day Event at Taupo, 15-17 May.
The absence of Johnstone and Cammock, plus the two combinations at the top of the ESNZ Eventing Super League, leader Fraser King (who has a broken foot) on Nadal KSNZ, and Donna Smith on Tangolooma (who is recuperating after an injury), means Samantha Felton on Ricker Ridge Escada, who was second behind Cammock in the Land Rover CIC3* at the Farmlands Horse of the Year, could move into contention.
She will have fellow Talent ID squad members Jessica Woods on Defies Logic and Virginia Thompson on Star Nouveau to contend with, as well as seasoned campaigners Abby Lawrence and Pseudonym who have really hit their straps lately. Others to watch are Shelley Ross on Jessica Fieldes’ Coleraine Coaltown and Diane Gilder on her Australian TB Your Attorney.
Monica Oakley and Fontain, Waipukurau, have led after the dressage previously, while Chloe Phillips-Harris and Cor-Jet, Paihia, produced the fastest 3* cross-country at the Horse of the Year. Lodder, from Papakura, has a second ride on the Black Hawk Syndicate’s relatively inexperienced Tomahawk II, so the competition is sure to be close.
ESNZ EVENTING SUPER LEAGUE: Standings after six events:
Fraser King (Cambridge), Nadal KSNZ, 141 pts; Donna Smith (Te Kauwhata), Tangolooma, 105 pts; Clarke Johnstone (Matangi), Balmoral Sensation, 96 pts; Emily Cammock (Christchurch), Dambala, 96 pts; Samantha Felton (Matangi), Ricker Ridge Escada, 93 pts; Francesca Silver (Martinborough), Case in Point, 72 pts; Monica Oakley (Waipukurau), Fontain, 72 pts.
Virginia Caro
