Aislynn Mahi-Richards, who won the sand arena event for ponies with Hololio Sparkling Rose in Gisborne Pony Club's winter series, is pictured with series sponsor Kirsty Mackintosh. Photo / Eminent Photography
Aislynn Mahi-Richards, who won the sand arena event for ponies with Hololio Sparkling Rose in Gisborne Pony Club's winter series, is pictured with series sponsor Kirsty Mackintosh. Photo / Eminent Photography
Gisborne Pony Club members wrapped up their annual winter series last month with the final day of competition.
This year, the format was refreshed with the addition of a dressage day – run by the Gisborne Dressage Group – alongside the traditional show jumping (in May), show hunter (earlyJune) and hunter jumping (late June).
Megan Kanz, riding Solmization, won the indoor arena event for horses in Gisborne Pony Club's winter series. They are pictured with series sponsor Kirsty Mackintosh. Photo / Eminent Photography
Competitors were in two divisions. The less experienced riders and horses were in the outside sand arena competing from cross poles to 70cm. The more experienced were in the Riding for the Disabled indoor arena, starting at 70cm and with 1.05m as their maximum height.
Megan Kanz, riding Solmization, won the indoor division for horses, while Ruby Carr (Ace) won the indoor event for ponies.
Ruby Carr, riding Ace, won the indoor arena event for ponies in Gisborne Pony Club's winter series. They are pictured with sponsor Kirsty Mackintosh. Photo / Eminent Photography
In the outside sand arena, Quinn Sidney (Oden) won the horse event and Aislynn Mahi-Richards (Hololio Sparkling Rose) won the pony event.
Entries were excellent across the series, and particularly strong in the jumping classes.
Entries in the dressage were a little lower, as this was held later in the season when many horses had already been turned out for winter.
Wet weather also kept some riders at home. Nonetheless, it was a valuable addition to the programme and added variety to the series.
Quinn Sidney won the sand arena event for horses with Oden in the Gisborne Pony Club's winter series. They are pictured with sponsor Kirsty Mackintosh. Photo / Eminent Photography
Among the highlights this year were the presence of new riders and a good contingent from the East Coast. Their involvement brought fresh energy to the competition.
Quinn Sidney – winner of the sand arena section – is from the Coast, as are Jackie Atkins-Bird, Shania Lee Rangiwai and Emmy Milham.
Series newcomers include Korey Cross, Aislynn Mahi-Richards and Rerepiti Gibson.
Gisborne Pony Club acknowledged the contributions of judges, stewards and helpers, and the support of sponsor Kirsty Mackintosh – Property Brokers.
Final placings, 2025 Kirsty Mackintosh Property Brokers Winter Series:
Horse, sand arena: Quinn Sidney (Oden) 1; Jackie Atkins-Bird (Sahara) 2; Shania Lee Rangiwai (Black) 3; Kory Cross (KC Dark Chocolate) 4; Jo Austin (Heidi Mac) 5.
