Gisborne well represented

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

EQUESTRIAN

Gisborne was well represented at the Land Rover Horse of the Year Show held at the Hawke’s Bay A&P Showgrounds this month.

With over 1600 riders and 1800 horses competing in multiple disciplines, the show is a must-see event for many horse enthusiasts.

Merran Hain and Untouchable again walked away with a handful of ribbons, including those for the Working Hunter of the Year title and the horse hunter jumping competition. They picked up several placings in the show hunters, and Untouchable was also ridden by Luke Dee to win the Adult Equitation Medal class.

Hain and Untouchable were clear winners of the Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports Show Hunter Series run throughout the 2018/2019 season.

Jenny Randall and Nero Bello had a speedy round in the 1.10-metre showjumping class, heading off 80 other competitors to pick up first place.

Mick Gardner had two horses competing in the showjumping — Jakaranda, ridden by Ally Stevenson, was placed fourth in the Pony of the Year, and Two Eye See, ridden by Robert Steel, was third in the 1.25m championship.

Ashleigh Sheldrake and Phoenician High Flyer were fifth in the Paced and Mannered Park Hack of the Year.

Sandra Faulkner and Merchiston Barnaby picked up several placings in the pleasure horse section.

Henrike Puketapu and HSP Soe came second in both of their Level 2 classes, finishing reserve champion Level 2. The combination were also runners-up in the National Zilco Level 2 Musical Freestyle Series.

Sonia Gardner competed in her first Horse of the Year Show and the hard work she has been putting in paid off when she was placed third with Dita Von Timbermill in the Level 1 Amateur Test.

Katie Bothemley and Rushmoor Duvanti picked up three fifth placings in Grade 4 Para Dressage.

Only a few events remain before horses and riders take a winter break.