A host of National Show jumping titles come up for grabs this weekend at the National Equestrian Centre, McLeans Island, in Christchurch.
There are nine entries in the Dunstan Horsefeeds & Equifibre Grand Prix Championship, all from the South Island with the exception of Danielle Maurer who has brought a team down from Auckland, including her entry in this class, the stalliion Dicavalli Don Quattro. Harry Feast and Double J Bouncer have been regular winners lately and could be one of the favourite combinations in the class. Two up from Invercargill for the Grand Prix are Nicole White (riding LC Samson) and Kimberley McCabe (Kace).
One event with a good number of entries is the National Horse Derby Championship, with $1,000 going to the winner. One of the favourites must be Kirsty Sharapoff on Shoot the Breeze, but Corey Wood and Pick Up Line also come into this with some good form.
The pony classes are also well supported. There are 24 in the 1.10 – 1.20 Championship, including the strong contingent from the West Coast.
There is also a full programme of show hunter classes, both horses and ponies.
Sunday’s Reunion lunch, one of the social highlights of the show in previous years, will no doubt be popular again this year. It’s a great opportunity to catch up with former and current ESNZ / NZ Horse Society members.
This year the Championship classes are run with three rounds over two days, with Friday being the first day of competition for the majority, starting with the speed events. Saturday will feature the various National Series classes, with Sunday being the final day when the National Champions are decided.
There will be some great jumping, no doubt, and if you can’t be at the NEC at McLean’s Island, then follow our full coverage from the event.
