The elite of New Zealand’s dressage came out to play at the 2012 Horse of the Year Show at the Hawke's Bay Showgrounds in Hastings, New Zealand,from 15 - 18 March 2012. The crowds significantly swelling as fans gathered to watch Louisa Hill and Antonello, New Zealand’s sole Kiwi dressage rider to have qualified for the London Olympics.
Displaying their trademark elegance, Hill and Bates Antonello did not disappoint, winning by a clear margin on 68.68%, followed by the next cluster of riders separated by less than a couple of percent; Bill Noble and Airthrey Highlander (63.36%), Nicky Pope and Fabarchie (62.55%), Hannah Appleton and Fiber Fresh Zactac (62.36%) and Kieryn Walton and Saraceni (61.60%).
With a score of 70% from international judge Peter Engel, it was a solid start for Louisa Hill, and the crowd were equally delighted. Louisa however was modest as ever, saying that she was just focusing on riding the horse and asking some questions of him, rather than continuing to treat him as a green horse.
Young Riders in Action
The Young Riders however did not fare so well. For them it didn’t all go according to plan, competing in today’s warm-up dressage test at Horse of the Year. First the sun disappeared and then cold drizzle arrived for the entirety of the class. Although the win went convincingly to two-time National Young Rider title holder, Kate Welten on Amajah (65.73%), two of the other top contenders did not fare so well.
Kelly Van Dyk and Wolhkahn started off beautifully but loud applause from the neighbouring show jumping arena spooked the horse, leaving him at the bottom of the field on 58.21%. However things were even worse for Rebecca Goldsbury, who again after a promising start, ended up being eliminated through her horse’s disobedience.
The youngest riders in the class fared better, with a nice clear round from Caitlin Benzie (Auckland) and Greendowns Laredo to take second place (62.28%) and Anya Noble (Hamilton) and Microchip in third place on 61.81%.
The slate is wiped clean tomorrow when the Young Riders compete in their first title class, which counts towards the overall championship.
After being barrelled over in last night’s trot-up by her horse, Virtuoso II, Carolyn Jones recovered well to win the FEI Intermediate II CDN class on 56.52%, although it was just a small field of three. Mandy MacPherson and Tuahu Digiemon Drum place second and Wendy Hamerton and Pot of Gold took third spot.
by Debbie Dobsen
Related Links
Vanessa Way Claims 2011 New Zealand Horse of the Year Title
Kelly Van Dyk Wins Young Riders' Title at 2011 New Zealand Horse of the Year Show