Girls’ High win overall honours in Woodford House event

PURE CLASS: Rosie Mottart riding her horse Splash of Class, also known as Ziggy, on their way to winning their derby class. PIcture supplied

THE Gisborne Girls’ High School equestrian team returned triumphant from the Woodford House Secondary Schools Equestrian Event in Hastings.

Teacher Vicky Mottart took away six riders to the event. The girls competed in showjumping, dressage and either a derby or table C class event.

Derby events are judged 50 percent on show jumps and 50 percent on cross-country jumps. Girls’ High were up against 10 other schools and more than 80 competitors.

“It was really good as they do not have a chance to do team things often with their horses,” Vicky Mottart said.

“The weather and conditions were perfect and everyone was focused and ready for a fantastic day.”

Sam Spence and her horse Captain won the AM5 and the dressage with a score of 76 percent, and were third in the table C round. This earned Spence the individual prize for most points at intermediate height.

“It was fun because equestrian is usually such an individual sport, so it was cool going away with a team,” she said.

Rosie Mottart and Splash of Class won their derby class and came second in the dressage with a score of 75 percent, and placed in the AM5.

Quinn Sidney and Cricket were fourth in the table C. Ellie Foot also notched up double clear rounds, as did Lexi Wallace in the derby.

At the prize-giving, Girls’ High learned they had won the dressage and showjumping, and the silver salver as overall champions.

Vicky Mottart thanked the parents for their support and the riders for their “fabulous” attitude.

Girls’ High last won the event in 2013, and the last time they won the silver salver before that was in 2003.