First FEI event for Southland Eventing since 2001

Eventing Southland has been working hard to build up the sport in New Zealand’s southernmost eventing area, and has a fabulous new course at Ryals Bush, on the properties owned by John and Sandra Carmichael and their daughter and son-in-law, Penny and Brendan Frew.  A year or so ago there were just grassy paddocks, a few jumps, a good plan and a bunch of keen helpers. A lot of work was required in order to run their first FEI event since 2001 this past weekend, but the property now boasts 100 yards and many more cross-country fences.

Judging by feedback from riders, the event was a great success. No doubt that was helped by having such a very experienced team of officials, with Helen Christie and Mura Love the judges in the one- and two-star classes, Neil Mosley the TD and Katie Russell in a stewarding role. Robbie McLean was the course-builder, and has put in many hours to produce a wonderful track. There were plenty of other well qualified people in official team.

Corey Wood on Pick Up Line won the Foveaux Equestrian CIC2* from Kirsty Sharapoff on Shoot the Breeze. Kirsty had a narrow advantage after dressage, and they both show jumped clear. One fence on the cross-country course caught them both out, as well as the riders in the AB Lime CNC2*. The very tricky bounce coming out of the water was such a challenge that nobody in either of the two-star classes made it through on their first attempt. Corey finished up winning after recording the fastest time, Kirsty electing to cruise around after her run out.

One of the largest fields in the FEI classes was in the Foveaux Equestrian CIC1* and the leader after dressage, Anna Poole on Valkyrie II, held on to win, despite taking one rail in the show jumping after going clear under time across country. Every competitor jumped a clear cross-country with three coming home within the time.

The Saddlery Warehouse CNC1* saw good clear jumping in the cross-country with a few time faults but it was the show jumping where faults stacked up. In the end it was Canterbury veterinarian Lindsay Colwell who won on Verity.

Jade McRae had a good event, winning the AB Lime CNC2* class on Il Mafioso and also the Bomber Bits CNC105 on Swayze.

Petra Green not only won the Foveaux Communications Pony Club 95 on Tiger Wood LS but was also awarded the ESNZ & Kristel Mack Saunders Style Prize.

Well done to all involved and great to see Southland eventing getting stronger and stronger!