Stars of the Future in HB for Champs

Stars of the Future in HB for Champs

Hawke’s Bay is equestrian central this weekend for the National Young Horse Show which showcases the stars of the future in showjumping.

But there is an added attraction to the three day showjumping and show hunter event being held at the Hawke’s Bay Showgrounds – the North Island v South Island young rider test.

The very in-form Olivia Robertson (Canterbury) is joined by Harry Feast (Christchurch), Rose Alfeld (Leeston) and Kimberley Bird (Ashburton) for the South Island team, with their chef d’equipe John Cottle.

But they will face a battle royal from a strong North Island team comprising Melody Matheson (Hastings), Youth Olympic gold medallist Emily Fraser (Feilding), Caroline Kennedy (Cambridge) and Georgia Massie (Dannevirke) with Larina Dolman (Gisborne) reserve and Kaye Williams chef d’equipe.

Historically it has been a trans Tasman clash, with all riders aboard borrowed horses, however it was not possible for the Australians to field a team so a decision was made for it to be north versus south.

The challenge will be run within the young rider class at the show.

The Young Horse Show has been running for around 20 years and held for the past three in Hastings. The show is seen as the perfect opportunity to highlight the breeding and progression of New Zealand’s young showjumping horses.

Northern Hawke’s Bay Area chair John Pearce says in that time, the increased focus on producing strong bloodlines in New Zealand has improved the horsepower.
The event has national titles on offer for four, five, six and seven year old horses in both showjumping and show hunter. Equestrian Sports New Zealand’s series classes will also run, including the junior, young rider, amateur, pro amateur and, for the first time at the show, the grand prix. There is also a special prize for the best eight-year-old horse.

The show starts on Friday and runs through to Sunday.

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