Sam Felton and Nochraha warm up for the CCI1* at the Puhinui Reserve
The warm up for the dressage at Puhinui must be one of the most scenic spots for eventers in the world and today the sun decided to grace us with its presence in the afternoon, making it even more picturesque
Sarah Young and Leo Degas
The dressage arenas for the main classes not only have sea water in the distant background but also the water jump right beside them which can make a few horses’ thoughts turn to cross country at an inappropriate moment.
However those who have been here a few times seem to work out that today is not the day for jumping in and splashing about and don’t bat an eyelid; one of those today was Sarah Young’s Leo Degas who performed a lovely calm test in the Honda New Zealand CCI2* Young Rider class to score 46.6 and lead by quite a few points ahead of second placed Lucy Turner and Carbon. Sarah has won this class for the past two years on SS Galaxy who is currently recovering from injury but she has some other lovely up and coming horses to keep her busy
Sarah and Equador MW
As well as leading the CCI2* YR Sarah also rode The Little Prince in the Veterinary Associates CCI1*. He showed how fancy he could be in yesterday’s first horse inspection with a few airs above ground and a little tension today stopped him showing his best work. But, as Sarah says, it is definitely there for the future and later in the day she also rode the very impressive black six year old six year old Equador MW for 4th place in the CCN105
Sarah Young
Madison Crowe and Lucius GNZ
Madison Crowe also had a busy day with Lucius GNZ in the CCI1* and Waitangi Pinterest in the iSpy Horses CCI2*. Waitangi Pinterest finished the day in fourth place while Lucius was the star of the stable, leading the CCI1* with a score of 44.6 (see video below)
Angela Lloyd is back with another musically themed horse – while Angela used to be ‘on Song’ (who is now being ridden by Abby Lawrence and competing in the CCI3*) she is now ‘waxing Lyrical’. Angela and Lyrical are currently in second place in the CCI1* (45.8) and Christen Lane riding Kinnordy Rhani are in third place (47.2)
DEVI Heating Systems CCI1* Junior leader Vicky Browne-Cole riding Eli (above) and Megan Finlayson on Greensleeves (below)
It is very tight at the top of the iSpy Horses CCI2* with Megan Finlayson and her own 12 year old thoroughbred gelding Greensleeves leading the way with a score of 47.2 but in equal second place, and very close behind, are Abby Lawrence on Charlton Yamani and Ashleigh McKinstry on Pioneer Brass Monkey, both scoring 47.9.
Stephanie Vervoot and X Factor
Stephanie Vervoot’s eight year old gelding X Factor caught our eye yesterday and he showed some good work today for seventh place (55.9). Despite being a bit of a quirky character, Stephanie adores the off the track Australian thoroughbred
As the sun came for lunch out the guests in the VIP area moved under their brollies, for shade today rather than the rain, and the many course designers and officials gathered here for the FEI training sessions emerged from their big white tent.
Stuart Tinney and Shane Rose could be spotted soaking up the sun knowledge (and dangling their tootsies in the water jump – obviously a technical way for top riders/course designers to test the water) during the lunch break before the Honda NZ CCI3* riders hit the arena.
More about the CCI3* coming soon .....
Postcard from Puhinui - Hi Karen and Niki. We’re working very hard in Kiwi land. Love Stuart and Shane xx
