Jackson Bovill and Visionnaire
The Honda NZ CCI2* Young Rider class started with a bit of drama as Jackson Bovill and Visionnaire, winners of the 2* at Rotorua recently, began their test.
They were rudely interrupted by flying brollies taking flight in the breeze as large umbrellas from the VIP marquee were blown across the arena; the judges gave Jackson time to re-group after the offending flying objects had been removed but it was still not quite the test he was hoping for
Jackson Bovill
Beth Wilson riding Alto et Audax
Despite the upset, Jackson and the big mare finished the day in equal second place with Beth Wilson riding Alto et Audax (he of the potted palm nibbling fame at the trot up) on a score of 50.3
Sophie Alexander and World Famous
But it was Sophie Alexander riding World Famous who took the lead with a very impressive test to score 47.7
The horse that didn’t use to like dressage looked lovely in the ring today and pulled out all the stops but Sophie admits that he really just does it so he can go out and jump afterwards. The pair has not a jumping fault on cross country in their international competition career so it will all depend how they go for time tomorrow
Madison Crowe and Waitangi Pinterest
The iSpy Horses CCI2* had a less dramatic start and Madison Crowe leads the class, having scored a personal best on board Waitangi Pinterest for a score of 36.5 to take the lead.
Madi and Waitangi Pinterest, one of the many successful Waitangi horses named with a technological theme, is expecting the well bred horse to jump nimbly around the cross country tomorrow
But Madi will need to jump well as she has three experienced competitors coming up behind her with Nick Brooks riding For Fame in second place (43.9), Clarke Johnstone on Wolf Whistle II in third (47.8) and Angela Lloyd on Lyrical in fourth (48.7).
See you on course tomorrow!
