EVENTING News


Eventing at its Best in Taupo - Preview of the 3DE
Wednesday, 30 April 2014


The New Zealand eventing season culminates at Taupo on 16-18 May 2013 when the national titles are decided. Entries have just closed for the NRM National Three Day Event and what an exciting competition this is going to be!

Te Kauwhata’s Donna Smith will be back to defend her title with Balmoral Tangolooma. The pair were clear winners last year but will have a challenge on their hands looking at the quality of this year’s field. Eventer of the Year and recent Kihikihi Horse Trials winner Clarke Johnstone has entered Balmoral Sensation.

Waikato based Clarke will be keen to put the Wills trophy for the CCI3* NRM Open National Championships in his trophy cabinet. Only two other combinations from last year’s class are back; Campbell Draper and Kahurangi Manu (Putaruru) and Angela Lloyd with Song (Hunua), both looking to improve on last year’s 6th and 8th placings respectively.

Britannica MVNZ was 5th last year but will be ridden this year by Bundy Philpott from Cambridge. The pair have been consistent performers this season.

Matthew Grayling and Henton Executive claimed the Honda CCI3* at Puhinui last December so will be keen to repeat their success at this level in Taupo. Matthew, based in Taranaki, will also have NRM Lowenberg there, and Matthew is never one just to make up the numbers; he’s aiming to quinella the field for sure.

Three other Waikato based riders are sure to feature. Samantha Felton has had an impressive season with Ricker Ridge Pico Boo and will be very competitive in their 3 day event at this level. Joseph Waldron and Springvale All Black are a quality combination with considerable Australian experience and have gained many admirers since their recent return to New Zealand. Kelsey Rothery has been placed in two other major events at this level this season so will be looking for a win.

Both Shelley Ross (Auckland) and Abby Lawrence (Bay of Plenty) have also had consistent seasons and could well be poised to take home the winner’s cheque for $3,000.

Throughout the New Zealand eventing season, the competition at 2* level has been intense and it is shaping up to be no different at Taupo. 33 combinations are entered to compete for the Bates CCI2* Championships, competing for the Picadilly Trophy and the $3,400 total prizemoney. Bundy Philpott has three entered and Sophie Wilkinson, Samantha Felton and Dannie Lodder each have two horses in the field.

The Mamaku Trophy is for the winner of the Fiber Fresh CCI1* Championships. 48 are entered in this event, and it really could be anyone’s trophy. Other classes being contested include the Thomson trophy for the Bombers Equestrian NZ / Prestige Legacy Horse Floats CCN105, the AMS Saddlery CCI1* Open and the Wade Equine Coaches CCN105 Open. The National Young Event Horse Championship will be held on Friday 16 May and always attracts some talented youngsters.

The Silver Spurs Trophy for the South Island v North Island teams always creates a lot of interest. There is a strong South Island contingent making the trip north including Brent Jury, Emily Cammock, Ellie Braddock, Larissa Srhoy and Davina Waddy, fresh from winning the National Three Day Event Junior Rider Championships.

Dressage is on Friday 16th May, cross country Saturday 17th with showjumping Sunday 18th May.

Preview by Jane Thompson