Superstars of Tomorrow Crowned at Young Horse Champs

It’s billed as the biggest showcase of New Zealand’s young showjumping talent and today, the East Coast Performance Horses National Young Horse Show lived up to its reputation.

Champions were crowned across the four, five, six and seven-year-old age groups, with a record 480 combinations entered for the three day event which was held at the Hawke’s Bay A and P Showgrounds in Hastings.

New Zealand Performance Horses were the top breeders of the championships with Sharleen Workman’s Corofino II awarded best overall, Dani Maurer (Kaukapakapa) and Madam Coco taking the honours in the mare class and Takapoto Estate’s Jaime Campbell the leading rider of the show.

National series classes were included however the focus of the show today was the age group crowns, decided over Heather McDonald’s courses.

In the Matthews Hanoverians/Gemco Seven-Year-Old Championship, victor Sam Peters (Cambridge) knew her self-produced Cadillac NZPH was more than capable to taking the crown . . . as long as she held it together.

Twenty-eight-year-old Sam has had the horse since he was four and enjoyed plenty of success with the dark bay gelding including winning the North Island Six-Year-Old Championship, placing second in the Horse of the Year Six-Year-Old class and already two seven-year-old wins in the series this season so far.

“This is our biggest win together,” said the fulltime horsewoman. “It has been a pretty stressful three days but he just ate it. You have to win your way through those three days with a clean slate.”

As it was they were the only combination to finish with a clean slate. “I think he is an absolute superstar. It was definitely my goal to win this – I knew we could if I kept it all together. Anything can happen. He just felt amazing today.”

Cadillac NZPH is by Jokus Latour our of Untouched NZPH, who is by Cabdula du Tillard. Sam bought him on the recommendation of horseman Tui Teka and former NZPH rider Daniel Blundell. “It was just meant to be. I had lost my grand prix horse and was looking for a young horse. Tui and Daniel said Cadillac was one of the best at NZPH,” said Sam. “He is just outstanding. He is quite arrogant and knows how good he is but is still soft and beautiful to deal with. He is such a keen learner, you can teach him whatever you want.”

Cadillac’s looks mean people often stop to watch him go. “He has a big fan club and is just stunning to look at so everyone stops to watch him . . . there’s always a bit of pressure.”

Eleven of the original 30 starters, all with 12 faults or less, came through to the final today where just Sam and Amanda Wilson (Hikurangi) aboard Showtym Burrow had zero faults.

Internationally-celebrated horsewoman Vicki Wilson (Hawke’s Bay) and her stallion Daminos TWS took out the Mitavite Speedi-Beet/Redcliffs Equestrian Six-Year-Old Championship after a hotly-contested four-strong jump-off.

Vicki and her sisters Kelly and Amanda imported the classified Holsteiner Daminos TWS from Europe as a three-and-a-half-year-old. The stallion was “a bit of a wild animal” when freejumping but caught the eye of the Wilsons. “He is the bravest horse I have ever met in my life,” says Vicki. “When we bought him he had never been in a paddock – just gone from the stable to the indoor. When he came out of quarantine and into the paddock he just stood there shaking. He couldn’t figure out what to do.”

But he’s come a long way since early days and Vicki says he tackles everything as an exciting adventure. “He’s like a kid going to the zoo for the first time.”
Daminos, who is by Diarado out of a Vianca Neive mare, who is by Cachas, continues to be “exceptionally” easy to train and just loves life.

Vicki, who hasn’t competed for two-and-a-half years due to surgeries, is hugely careful about where and when she starts Daminos. “For me it is not about competing every weekend, it is about physically and mentally getting him strong enough to cope with the future. It is about producing a superstar.”

He’s had just five starts this season – all of which were clear – and will only do a handful more before it is out. “He is the flashest horse I have ever sat on,” says Vicki, who believes Daminos has all the credentials to be her future Olympian. “He thinks he is a king. Everything is a game and he doesn’t have to try at all . . . I haven’t even got the foot down on the pedal yet.”

Forty-five combinations started the six-year-old class at the beginning of the show, with four progressing to the jump-off today where just Vicki and runner-up Kim Best (Hawke’s Bay) aboard LT Holst Teacher’s Pet were clear. Vicki’s time of 35.4 seconds edged out Kim’s 36.72.

Rose Alfeld’s Eye Catcher NZPH lived up to his name in the East Coast Performance Horses/NZ Hanoverian Society Five-Year-Old Championship. The Leeston combination edged out a 47-strong rather classy field to take the top honours.
Rose’s dad Murray bought the horse as a three-year-old. “He had just been broken in and I liked the look of his breeding more than anything else,” says Rose. “He was an ugly duckling at three but is pretty now!”

She and Eye Catcher NZPH, who is by Kannan out of United Blue NZPH, who is by Mr Blue, were one of three to jump-off today. Jaime Campbell (Cambridge) and Casanova Xtreme were out first and laid the challenge with a fast clear in 39.65 seconds. Next out was Jeremy Whale (Cambridge) and Fleur de la Cour who dropped two in their 38.65 second effort. “I knew I had to go clear and beat Jaime – which was hard enough! I got an inside turn early so just had to maintain it but I think she was probably quicker at the end than me.” Rose finished all clear in 37.9 seconds.

In his first season, Eye Catcher NZPH has been extremely consistent for his rider with all of his five-year-old series efforts clear. “We’ll just keep on doing what we are doing I think. He has a lot of scope and is very careful but I was surprised to win today. It was a big class and there are a lot of nice five-year-olds in there.”

Rose says Eye Catcher NZPH is super kind, relaxed and very chilled. “He suits his name well.”

Julie Davey (Hastings) and LT Holst Freda were the only combination to finish the champs all clear in the Equissage/Kelso Four-Year-Old Championship. They were one of 28 to line up in the babies class, with just two progressing to the jump-off after three rounds of the three days. Runner-up Alexa Dodson (Northland) and Florence took a rail in the jump-off with Julie and Freda all clear.

LT Holst Freda, who is by Coleman out of Brooke Edgecombe’s LT Holst Andrea – who is by Casal – joined Julie’s stable as a two-and-a-half-year-old when she had not long been broken in. “I loved Andrea and she is pretty well bred, so went on that,” says Julie. “She can be a little naughty in the practice area but she is a nice horse with a lovely jump.”

Julie felt the three days of jumping could be tough on the four-year-olds. “I think it is fine for the five, six and seven-year-olds but you just hope the four-year-old brains cope with the three days. Anything can happen with a four-year-old.”

However, she was chuffed her youngster improved through the rounds. The combination have had just a handful of outings this season and Freda will now be turned out.

“I really like her,” says Julie. “She is a lovely horse and has everything you could want in a youngster.”

Results –

Showjumping, Equissage/Kelso Four-Year-Old Champion: Julie Davey (Hastings) LT Holst Freda ( ) 1, Alexa Dodson (Northland) Florence (by Lord Lorino out of Molly – by Double J Repicharge. Bred by Massi Agri Business) 2, Jaime Campbell (Cambridge) Lombardi (by Andretti out of Zoe CSNZ – by Cervett MVNZ. Bred by Takapoto Equestrian), Logan Massie (Dannevirke) Double J Dixie Chick (by Double J Repicharge out of JK Madame Seattle – by JK Mazarati. Bred by Double J Stables), Shanae McKay (Levin) Joy Ride and Tom Hawke (Marton) Freehold =3.
NZPH four-year-old style prize: Julie Davey (Hastings) LT Holst Freda.

East Coast Performance Horses/NZ Hanoverian Society Five-Year-Old Champion: Rose Alfeld (Leeston) Eye Catcher NZPH (by Kannan out of United Blue NZPH – by Mr Blue. Bred by NZPH) 1, Jaime Campbell (Cambridge) Casanova Xtreme (by Corofino II out of JK Good Looks – by JK Lucas. Bred by Xtreme Sporthorses) 2, Jeremy Whale (Cambridge) Fleur De La Cour (by Corofino II out of Jazz – by Lio Caylon. Bred by Butch Thomas) 3, Rachel Malcolm (Cambridge) Onessa MVNZ (by Escudo I out of Contessa – by Contender. Bred by Mount View Sport Horses) and Luke Dee (Hastings) Chic Xtreme (by Corofino II out of All Gems – by Grovenor. Bred by Xtreme Sporthorses) =4, Georgia Masie (Dannevirke) Jay Z GNZ, Alex Loiselle (Ocean Beach) Evandro NZPH (by Quool du Bois Margot out of Vogue Blue NZPH – by Mr Blue. Bred by NZPH) and Olivia Newsom (Tauranga) Distinction MSNZ (by Pico Bello. Bred by Mount View Sport Horses) =6.
NZPH five-year-old style prize: Jeremy Whale (Cambridge) Fleur De La Cour.

Mitavite Speedi-Beet/Redcliffs Equestrian Six-Year-Old Champion: Vicki Wilson (Hawke’s Bay) Daminos TWS 1, Kim Best (Hawke’s Bay) LT Holst Teacher’s Pet 2, Becky Harkerss (Christchurch) Kettle GNZ 3, Oliver Croucher (Cambridge) Malarkey (by Corofino II out of Estina – by Heartbreaker) 4, Luke Dee (Hastings) Sentra (by Centrico out of Tahi – by Glenbrook. Bred by G Dever), Tegan Fitzsimon (Christchurch) Campari (by Corofino II out of Lilana – by Littorio. Bred by Penny Tapley), Vicki Prendergast (Matamata) Selena C (by Cardento VDL out of Sofee – by Power Fee) and Laura Inkster (Clevedon) Nikama MVNZ =5.
NZPH six-year-old style prize: Oliver Croucher (Cambridge) Malarkey.

Matthews Hanoverians/Gemco Seven-Year-Old Champion: Samantha Peters (Cambridge) Cadillac NZPH (by Jokus Latour out of Untouched NZPH – by Cabdula du Tillard. Bred by NZPH) 1, Maurice Beatson (Dannevirke) Central Park (by Eurosport Centavos out of Silk and Spice – by Omnicorp. Bred by Imogen Neale) 2, Katie Hercock (Central Hawke’s Bay) Whimsical WDS (by Whisper 5 out of Volivia – by Voltaire. Bred by Walton Dressage Stables) 3, Robert Steele (Dannevirke) Two Eye See (by One Eye out of Mrs Grey – by Telesun) 4, Rose Alfeld (Leeston) Cadenza NZPH (by Kannon out of U Can Dance NZPH – by Furego du Prelet. Bred by NZPH) 5, Amanda Wilson (Hikurangi) Showtym Burrow (by John Brodie out of Gemaica – by Strike Diamonds) 6.
NZPH seven-year-old style prize: Sally Steiner (Tauranga) Cartoon NZPH.

Equissage Horse Grand Prix: Tom Tarver (Kawerau) Popeye 1, Lily Tootill (Karaka) Ulysses NZPH 2, Nakeysha Lammers (Taranaki) Resolution 3, Tegan Fitzsimon (Christchurch) Windermere Cappuccino 4, Julie Davey (Hastings) Joligne de Carmel 5, Tim Myers (Taranaki) Surreal 6.

Dunstan Horsefeeds and EquiFibre Junior Rider Series: Samantha Carrington (Central Hawke’s Bay) Double J Breeze On 1, Colleen Crous (Auckland) Orames Girl VDL 2, Kimberley Carrington (Central Hawke’s Bay) Double J Barmaid 3, Sarah West (Matamata) LC Talent 4, Anneke van Rooyen (Taumarunui) My Sassy Cat 5, Olivia Newsom (Tauranga) Showtym Cadet MVNZ 6.

Hinterland Amateur Rider Series: Marcus Rose (Dannevirke) Kaipara Hold Up 1, Holly Baines (Gisborne) Halo 2, Kaleigh Kent (Central Hawke’s Bay) Double J Sponge Bob Square Pants 3, Lisa Davidson (Masterton) Vampiro 4, Lidy Lofler (Gisborne) Graceful 5, Graeme Isaacson (Dannevirke) Pokere 6.

FMG Young Rider Series: Emily Hayward (Te Awamutu) AP Ninja 1, Briar Burnett-Grant (Taupo) On the Point Sandy 2, Ike Baker (Wellington) Hawkesdale Mahe 3, Nicola Hammond (Cambridge) Carlo I 4, Oliver Croucher (Cambridge) Waitangi Surf 5, Ellie Bestwick (Kerikeri) Showtym Stardust 6.

Dunstan Horsefeeds and EquiFibre Pro Am Rider Series: Emily Fraser (Palmerston North) Voila 1, Harvey Nelson (Hastings) Ngahiwi Loone 2, Jaime Campbell (Cambridge) Lanice van de Heffinck 3, Katie Hercock (Central Hawke’s Bay) Kiwi Detonator 4, Phillip Steiner (Tauranga) Kiwi Sunup 5, Laura McGregor (Auckland) High Command 6.

Main-Events University Series: Emelia Forsyth (Auckland) Henton Faberge 1, Emily Fraser (Palmerston North) Kiwi Sunray 2, Brigitte Smith (Taihape) Corlinka 3, Melody Matheson (Hastings) Illusion SSH 4.

Dr Feelgood Ice Pops Area Teams’ Competition: Northern Hawke’s Bay (Helen Kippen, Tess Williams and Julie Davey) 1, EquiFibre Bay of Plenty 2, Waikato 3, Maxilife Batteries Waitemata 4.

Show hunter, four-year-old champ HOYQ: Jesse Linton (Hastings) Keltern William (by Mustang’s Bandit) 1, Emelia Forsyth (Clevedon) LV Imprint 2, Laura McGregor (Auckland) Cardinal GNZ (by Cartell GNZ) 3, Robyn Jacobs (Dannevirke) Double J Bar Girl (by Repicharge) 4.

Five-year-old champ HOYQ: Lucy Olphert (Tauranga) Atlanta WWPH 1, Anna Parsons (Waipukurau) Snapchat Me (by Cassiano) 2, Brigitte Smith (Taihape) Mr Perrin 3, Jenna-Lee Rose (Dannevirke) Silent Witness 4.

Six-Year-Old champ HOYQ: Emily Fraser (Palmerston North) Centifolia 1, Claire Wilson (Waipukurau) McMillan’s Lego 2, Sacha Rennie (Palmerston North) Meersbrooke Miss Mindi (by Electronic Al) 3, Lucy Olphert (Tauranga) Volantis WWPH 4.

Seven-year-old champ HOYQ: Luke Dee (Hastings) Numero Uno Xtreme (by Numero Uno) 1, Phillip Steiner (Tauranga) Lord Redention WS (by Lordano) 2.

ends

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