Eventing wrap from weekend

There was eventing action on both sides of the world involving our this weekend, involving New Zealand riders. Here at home, competitions were held in Hawke’s Bay and Southland, and in France, all attention was on the four-star at Pau.

Pau

This was a great win for French rider Gwendolen Fer. Not only was it her first four-star victory, it was also the first time a French woman has achieved such a win at this level. Lying ninth after dressage and second after cross-country, she gave a perfect performance in the show jumping, clearing all the obstacles with panache on Romantic Love, her 12-year-old gelding. Punching the air as she cleared the final hurdle, Gwendolen had to wait until Astier Nicolas – winner in 2015 and heading the leaderboard until then – had left the arena after having three rails down and dropping to sixth, before jumping with joy and sharing celebratory hugs with her family, friends and staff.

Overwhelmed with emotion, Gwendolen expressed heartfelt thanks to the public, who had cheered her on all weekend. “I’m on cloud nine, it’s just amazing, of course you always dream about winning, but actually pulling it off is just fantastic. I do a lot of mental preparation with my partner which helps me a lot. I managed to calm down and isolate myself when I needed to, and went over the little things I usually say to myself in my head, and that’s a great help.”

English rider Sarah Bullimore finished second on Rêve du Rouet. Hers was an impressive performance, as she competed with three horses, all in the top 10 after the cross-country, and in the top 15 at the finish.  French rider Cédric Lyard was third with Qatar du Puech Rouget. The French tricolor was flying high, to the immense satisfaction of Michel Asseray, national coach and technical director for eventing, who couldn’t hide his joy at seeing two of his riders on the podium. “Being in the French equestrian team is like being part of one big family, and we live through the highs and lows together. I’m so proud of them and I’m very happy to be part of their journey to success.”

For the Kiwi team, there was a lot of disappointment on cross-country day. Jonelle Price was no doubt also disappointed with her two show jumping rails, but finished tenth overall with Faerie Dianimo – and tenth in one of the world’s few four-star events is still pretty good. What’s more, Jonelle has recently had a baby!

Caroline Powell on Up Up and Away had one down to finish 17th.

Sir Mark Todd and Kiltubrid Rhapsody had some consolation with a clear show jumping round, finishing 25th.

There was a bit more to celebrate in the two-star class, as Caroline Powell and Flipper K put in a great performance for fourth, finishing with just a few time faults added to their dressage score.

Bruce Haskell had one rail down and two time faults in the show jumping, finishing in 38th place. The class was won by Karin Donckers & Jalapeno.

Arran Station

Arran Station proved a great run for those heading to Adelaide in November to compete at four-star level. The CIC3* win was a convincing one for Clarke Johnstone and Balmoral Sensation: the perfect preparation for this pair. Virginia Thompson and Star Nouveau finished fourth in the 3* after two show jumping rails and a few cross-country time faults. Andy Daines, who is also heading to Australia with Spring Panorama, picked up 20 cross-country faults; hopefully these were just a little blip, and out of the road now!

Samantha Felton elected to start her Adelaide horse, Ricker Ridge Pico Boo, in the two-star as her preparation, and cleaned up there.  The long trip from Christchurch was worth it for the two riders who finished second and third in this class: Larissa Srhoy and Rockquest – back on track after an unlucky patch of injuries – were second, and Lydia Truesdale and Allander Rocket continued their recent good results with third.

Sam continued her winning way, taking out the CNC1* with Ricker Ridge Sooty GNZ. It was also good to see Mr Mancini performing well with his new rider, Greer Caddigan; the pair won the CIC1*.

Pau & Arran Station

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Eventing Southland Donovan Park One day Horse Trial

It was a foggy start to eventing in Southland, but the sun tried its best.  Some good entries  with many making the trek down from Canterbury. Well done to Otago’s Lilly Anderson for wins in both the one star and the 105!