Gisborne show-jumpers hunting for series points

A109 Light Utility Helicopter flight with mayor Gisborne City from the air in November 2023.

Gisborne showjumping and show hunter riders have been travelling around the North Island in an effort to gain last-minute national series points as the season draws to a close.

Merran Hain and Untouchable had a successful trip to the Raetihi Showgrounds for the Waimarino A&P Show on February 15 and 16.

The combination came away with the awards for champion round the ring, horse most suitable for hunter, and open horse over 158 centimetres.

They were second in the high points show hunter and fourth in the amateur show hunter.

Larina Dolman extended her lead in the pro amateur series with a win on Kiwi Lansing at the Masterton A&P Show at Solway Showgrounds on February 14, 15 and 16. She was also first on Eye See Ruby (owned by Fraser Tombleson) in the series for six-year-old horses.

Lily Beaufoy and Jakaranda (owned by Mick and Suzy Gardner) had a successful time at the Tauranga Showjumping Show on February 29 and March 1. They won two 1.15m classes and were the winners of the pony mini prix 1.25m.

Gisborne riders competed in the Northern Hawke's Bay Show Hunter event on February 29 and March 1 at Montana Arena in Hastings.

Hain and Untouchable were first in the open 1m, second in the amateur high points and second in the high points class. They also won the horse accumulator for combination with the most points.

Ella Rouse and Ruby Tunes had a day to remember when they won all of their classes, including the introductory show hunter 70cm, Category B 70cm, Category B 80cm, and Category B high points 80cm. They also won the pony accumulator for pony combination with most points.

Isobel Bevitt had a successful time with her two ponies. She and Kaycee Montego Bay were fourth in the introductory 70cm, third in the Category B 70cm, second in the Category B 80cm and second in the Category B high points. Bevitt and Buffalo Man were first in the introductory 60cm, second in the Category A 60cm, second in the Category A 70cm and third in the Category A high points 70cm.

Iyve Speirs and Miss Candy Floss were fourth in the introductory 60cm, first in Category A 60cm, first in Category A 70cm and first in the 70cm high points.

Molly McEwan and Pied Piper Alize were third in the 60cm Category A and fourth in the Category A high points.

The Horse of the Year Show gets under way on March 10 and runs through till March 15. It is the highlight of the year for many equestrians.

Horse of the Year is held at the Hawke's Bay A&P Showgrounds and attracts competitors from all over the country. Gisborne will be well represented across a range of disciplines.