The Kaiapoi Black team surprised themselves by taking the lead at the Mitavite Springston Trophy pony club teams competition after the dressage phase at the Canterbury Agricultural Park, in Christchurch.
“Are we really in the lead?” asked coach Gus Taylor, when approached for his reaction to the result. “We’ve been trying to keep the kids calm, and make sure the riders and the horses get to the event fit and ready to go. We’ve got a great team spirit, we’ve been having lots of fun. We never expected to be leading after dressage!”
As to the preparation that has gone into the event for the team, Gus says the riders have been working hard. “Both Charlotte and Molly have been out competing through the winter. Sam (Moffat) has been practising his dressage a lot and declared that his test was perfect afterwards, but we were just pleased he stayed in the ring!”
Charlotte Coleman and Molly Moffat, competing in the 105 class, put in two of the best tests of the day, as did team mate Bella Taane competing in the 95cm class.
The defending champions, and the team that many were picking to take out the dressage phase, View Hill Red, are in second place, 5.14 penalties behind Kaiapoi, with Roydvale putting in a great effort to be in third, just 2.9 penalties behind.
The all-important cross country phase is on tomorrow, and the reaction from amongst the 40 teams competing was very positive with most happy with the challenge ahead of them on this brand-new course. “It will need some riding though,” said Gus Taylor. “Our Kaiapoi teams have a plan, but sticking to it will be the hard part. We aim to keep calm and carry on.”
The forecasts seem to be improving by the hour, and while there is some rain predicted, it shouldn’t affect the competitors too much and the ground conditions are very good. The action starts tomorrow at 9am with the seniors first out, followed by the juniors and then the intermediate section. There are some excellent viewing points for spectators.
Results after Dressage
1. Kaiapoi Black, 115.18
2. View Hill Red, 120.04
3. Roydvale, 122.94
4. View Hill White, 130.09
5. Halswell Knights, 131.26
6. Springston, 134.30
7. Halswell West Melton Weedons 135.40
8. Halswell Crusaders, 135.72
9. Central Southland, 138.44
10. Eyreton Navy, 138.90
For all the results, here’s the link http://www.springston-trophy.org.nz/new/info/2019/teamresults.htm
