Local Ohoka equestrienne Katie Rankin will face her biggest test when she leads the Kiwi charge in their defence of Eventing Trans-Tasman Young Rider Challenge against arch rivals Australia in today’s dressage phase at the NZCT South Island FEI Three Day Event at McLeans Island near Christchurch after the team was named this morning.
The 19-year-old will ride first for the Kiwi team on her quirky stationbred gelding Time To Tango Too. She will be followed by current Young Rider One Day Champions Samantha Felton (Matangi) on Ricker Ridge Pico Boo and Auckland’s Virginia Thompson on Ashbury Pee Cee. Australian-based Joseph Waldron (originally from Mosgiel) and the in-form Springvale All Black rides last and will captain the team. Squad member Waikato rider Jessica Woods will ride as an individual aboard Too Predictable.
The Kiwi’s will have their work cut out against a strong Australian line-up looking to turn the tables after losing the trophy in Christchurch in 2010 which consists of Ben Leahy and Le Directeur, Isabel English and Feldale Mouse, Juana Andreou and Sunvalley Donnerhe, and Makayla Wood on Just Corona.
The real action will come tomorrow with the cross country, followed by the show jumping on Sunday.
Woods kicked off the weekend in fine style winning yesterday’s prestigious Saddlery Barn South Island Young Event Horse Championship aboard her stunning Anamour gelding LV Award ahead of 12 other combinations.
A resounding leader after the dressage and show jumping phases, Woods and LV Award were the standout of the competition going on to win by a clear margin from Cust’s Brent Jury aboard Julie Batchelor’s SE Godswalk, a daughter of the Astek Stud stallion Kinnordy Gym Bello. SE Godswalk also took out the Best Mare and the top-placed four-year-old.
The Young Rider Trans-Tasman Challenge is been held in conjunction with the Tavern Harewood CCI2*.
Other classes include the NZCT CIC3*, Sheds NZ CCI1*, Armitage Williams Construction Pre Novice, AW Interiors Training, Tavern Harewood Training 4-6 Year Olds, Betavet and the Pre Training jointly sponsored by Betavet and Blue Gum Lodge Motels.
Competitors in the CCI2* will also be vying for the Swarbrick Trophy for the National Young Rider Three Day Event champion, while those in the CCI1* will be fighting it out for the Lenamore Trophy for National Junior Rider Three Day Event champion.
Entries across all levels are strong with more than 190 combinations taking part including a number of North Island combinations. Entry to the grounds all three days is FREE. Food and refreshments are available on-site.
