Clarke Johnstone leads the NRM CCI*** dressage Photo: Takethemoment
A series of small earthquakes in the early morning centred just miles from the venue just added to the pre-dressage nerves for riders and horses contesting the national titles at the NRM National 3 Day Event. Five small earthquakes measuring between 2 and 3.2 woke some around 1am this morning whereas many others slept on, blissfully unaware.
One of those was Clarke Johnstone, who produced the winning test in the NRM CCI*** dressage with a score of 50.2. “It felt like we nailed it” he said on leaving the arena. “The walk, halt and rein back section hadn’t gone well in Sydney, but I was very happy with it today. I’m thrilled, he tried really hard.”
Matthew Grayling is right behind Clarke Johnstone on 51.6 penalties with his first of his two rides, NRM Lowenberg (below). He said he had focussed a lot on the fitness this week with this horse rather than dressage. “We made a few mistakes today, he wasn’t as relaxed as he has been, we could have avoided these.”
Photo: Jane Thompson
In third place is Abby Lawrence with Pseudonym on 57.2. Abbey described her test as super. “He isn’t an easy horse, we got a bit unbalanced with our counter canter and the flying changes were exuberant but overall he was really, really good.”
Samantha Felton on Ricker Ridge Pico Boo is in fourth place on 61.2, just ahead of Donna Smith on Balmoral Tangalooma on 61.8.
Photo: Jane Thompson
In the Bates CCI**, Diane Gilder on Your Attorney (above) continues to impress with her dressage, performing a lovely test to take out the lead after dressage with a score of 48.7. She was really pleased with the test and result. “He was brilliant, relaxed and really happy. The test felt consistent and relaxed the whole way through, and my horse felt lovely and soft. It was the best test we have ever done.”
In second place is Bundy Philpott on Romeo NZPH on 53.1, with a tie for third between Amanda Pottinger on Achilles II and Dannie Lodder on Moochi on 53.9.
In the Fiber Fresh CCI* Championship, Tayla Mason is the narrow leader on a score of 41.3 on Royalty. Amanda Pottinger with Just Kidding is on 41.5 and Cherie Jaques is third on Tobinator. Davina Waddy is 4th on Milburn Maringo on a score of 48.1.
Australia’s Lyn Roycroft, President of the CCI*** Ground Jury commented that overall the horses and riders were very well presented. “I was disappointed that their arena craft was not up to standard all the time. Restricted contact didn’t allow some horses to flow. There are, however, a number of horses that will enjoy the cross country tomorrow.”
Abby Lawrence and Pseudonym Photo: Jane Thompson
The cross country course is now the focus for everyone. Many of the CCI*** riders commented that the John Nicholson designed course was one of the longest ones they have seen. Fitness will obviously be needed for both horse and rider but as Clarke Johnstone said, there is plenty to jump. Matthew Grayling went further to describe the course as “meaty with a true Nicholson flavour.”
In the AMS Saddlery CCI* Open, Lindsay Colwell on An Act is the winner after dressage, on a score of 38.7, well in front of Abby Lawrence and NRM Ru Star on 46.2 and Abigail Long on BMW Advokaat on 46.9.
The Bombers Bits/Prestige Floats CCN105 Championship is led by Dannie Lodder on Hawk Noir PSH on 28.2, from two combinations on 32.8; Devon Grantley-Hogg and Cordova GNZ and Ashleigh Mckinstry on Pioneer How Ironic.
There are joint leaders in the Wade Equine Coaches CCN105 Open after dressage. Both Tania Baker and Guilt Trip and Sophie Wilkinson on Turbulance scored 27.5. Third is Emma Broughton-Watt on 28.5 with Lochinvar II.
The winner of the Equine Trader Young Event Horse National Championship was Waikato’s Jessica Woods on the four year old Elf. The best thoroughbred in the class was Donna Smith’s Piper and the best mare was judged as Ocean McKinnon’s Graffiti Mh.
In the Silver Spurs Trophy for the South versus North Island teams event, the South Island is the leader after the dressage phase. The South Island team is Clarke Johnstone with Balmoral Sensation, Christen Hayde with Tandarra Sweet As, Emily Cammock with Al For Short & Kirsten Beaven on Summer Ale. The North Island team is Donna Smith on Balmoral Tangolooma, Dannie Lodder & Moochi, James Jackson & Leo Distinction & Amanda Pottinger with Corcovado.
Full results can be found on www.equestrianentries.co.nz
Cross country starts tomorrow at 8am and the weather forecast is for a continuation of the sunny weather. We just hope there are no more earthquakes!
Article by Jane Thompson
