The conditions for the Bates CCI2* dressage phase could not have been much worse at the NRM National 3 Day Event in Taupo. After the huge downpour of rain overnight, the horses and riders had to struggle through lakes of water, and the arenas soon became a bog. While the sun shone most of the morning, it was the state of the ground that caused issues, with organisers trying their utmost to make best of a bad situation.
Despite some of them saying they have never ridden in such mud, the Australian Young Rider team have emerged at the end of the class with a narrow lead over the New Zealand team in the Oceania challenge. Sitting on 144.93, they are just 2.53 points in front of the kiwis.
Both Bonnie and Sarah were well pleased with their dressage tests today, having both experienced similar conditions at other events. Bonnie was all smiles. “I’m stoked, that was really good for the conditions. Bring on the cross country.”
Sarah said her horse SS Galaxy did struggle. “It was hard work, the ground was pulling us in but he tried really hard.”
Samantha Felton on Henton After Dark leads the class. Samantha had slightly better ground conditions having ridden on Thursday afternoon, and put on a lovely display of dressage. She is narrowly in front of Australian Young Rider Shenae Lowings who also rode yesterday. Donna Smith, who rode today, shares 3rd place with Dannie Lodder.
In the main class, the NRM CCI3*, which includes the Australian and New Zealand senior teams, the dressage has now been moved to the sand arena. That class is due to start early this afternoon.
Bates CCI2* Results After Dressage
Samantha Felton, Henton After Dark, 47.7, 1
Shenae Lowings (AUS), Venture Sky High, 47.9, 2
Dannie Lodder, Tomahawk II, 48.2, 3=
Donna Smith, Cluny, 48.2, 3=
Megan Finlayson, Greensleeves 48.3, 5
Oceania Competition Results after Dressage
Australia, 144.93
Teegan Ashby, Waitangi Password, 64.6
Shenae Lowings, Venture Sky High, 47.9
Kenya Wilson, Winifred Fair, 53.8
Isabelle Bowditch-McIntyre, Grandios 51.1
New Zealand, 147.46
Tayla Mason, Lucy with Diamonds, 58.1
Abigail Long, Enzo, 60.8
Sarah Young, SS Galaxy 48.7
Kaipara Dior & Bonnie Farrant, 53.6
