There are New Zealand eventers competing all over the world this weekend.
Tim Price and Blyth Tait are riding in Saumur, France. After dressage, Tim is in fourth place on Cloud Dancer on a score of 43.0. Jonelle has already qualified for the Olympics on this young Dutch warmblood, but with Wesko’s injury, Tim has taken over the ride to give him another horse – just in case. In fact, he is lovely and – as we can see – very capable of doing good dressage and a very good jumper, so we will all be hoping Tim has a good weekend after having such a bad run!
Blyth has Darius in what must be the biggest event of his career so far. Darius came over from New Zealand and is co-owned by Su Jenkins, who made the trip to France to see her beloved horse. Darius is 25th after dressage, on a score of 53.9. The current leader is Chris Burton on a score of 40.2 with Santano I.
Jonelle has Obos Impressive in the CCI2* and is seventh after dressage on her score of 45.3. Blyth has Carin in this class too, and on his score of 55.3, he is in 41st place. The class is led by Lara De Liedekerke-Meier on Averoughe Des Squartre Chenes.
There is live streaming for the cross-country and show jumping. You can access this on the Saumur website. Cross-country starts at 1300 hours on Saturday (French time, which is 11pm NZT) and 1400 on Sunday for the show jumping (midnight NZT).
Good luck Kiwis!
It is good to see Caroline Powell back in the saddle and competing, after breaking her leg. She’s competing at Rockingham Castle, and has seven horses entered. Her partner Greg Kinsella also has some horses entered, and Andrew Nicholson has a team there too.
Tim Rusbridge finished third in a Novice class on Friday with Peaky Blinder. Others still to compete at the event include Megan Heath, Lucy Jackson, Tamara Jane Davis, Sir Mark Todd, and James Avery.
The next big event for most New Zealand riders will be Tattersalls in Ireland on 1-5 June.
