Amateur Rider title to Kershaw in jumping debut at Horse of the Year

Gisborne’s Cindy Kershaw and her horse Kiwi Vision, known as Vinnie, on their way to glory in the Amateur Rider class at the Horse of the Year in Hastings yesterday. Kershaw’s plan for the jump was simple . . . “go out and have fun”.Picture by KAMPIC/Kerry Marshall

It has been a few years since Gisborne relief teacher Cindy Kershaw has competed at the Land Rover Horse of the Year (HOT) Show in Hastings.

The last time, she recalls, was riding ponies in showing classes.

This year she made her debut in the jumping classes at HOY and yesterday rode off with the Wade Equine Coaches Amateur Rider of the Year title.

The win was made all the more special as her mum Christine, nine-year-old daughter Rose and a large contingent of Gisborne mates were there to cheer her on.

Fittingly, the man who donated the Amateur Rider trophy (in 2013) — Blake Keane of Gisborne — is a gate steward for the premier showjumping arena at HOY and was on hand to present the silverware to Kershaw.

“I am absolutely chuffed,” an emotional Kershaw said afterwards.

“The plan was just to go out and have fun.”

Twenty-nine combinations started the class and eight returned to contest the jump-off.

Kershaw and Kiwi Vision (known as Vinnie) were first out and she rode into the premier arena with coach and former New Zealand international Andrew Scott’s advice ringing in her ears . . .“ride the corners”, or in layman’s terms, get through the corners as economically as possible.

She did just that and set a pace none could match, completing a double clear in 46.65 seconds.

Suzanne Black (of Gore), aboard Castellane AF, was the only other rider to go clear but clocked 48.84secs.

Jeremy Clark (Te Kauwhata) and Dynavyte Ipso Facto were the fastest of the four-faulters and placed third.

“It is so special,” Kershaw said of Vinnie’s faultless performance, adding that she “had nothing to lose out there”.

She also acknowledged the continuing support of her mother  Christine.

“Even though I am 40 years old, she comes to every show to help me.”

Kershaw rode as a child but gave up after university.

She and husband Patrick lived offshore for a period and she only got back into riding when they returned to New Zealand five years ago.

“Mum had a horse I rode for a bit and then I bought Vinnie from Fernhill Stud (in Hastings). He just had a beautiful nature and was light on his feet with lovely paces.”

They bonded immediately.

Kershaw puts a lot of time into flat schooling with training from top-level dressage coach Phillip Oxenius and Scott, who she credits for their fantastic win yesterday.