Kiwis outgun Aussies in Showjumping Challenge at Equestrian Champs

New Zealand’s Dylan Bibby and horse Pure Suggestion during the Trans-Tasman Teams’ Showjumping Challenge at the Equestrian Championships at the weekend. The New Zealand side claimed victory on Sunday, with 14 points to Australia’s 11. Picture by Paul Rickard

New Zealand triumphed in the Trans-Tasman Teams’ Showjumping Challenge at the Larsen Sawmilling Equestrian Championships in Gisborne on Sunday.

Led by best-performed Kiwi Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) on Central Zone, the team finished the three-day Easts Outdoor World & Leisure-sponsored competition on 14 points, with the Australians on 11.

It was a hard-fought battle with the teams having won a day apiece coming into the final rounds.

The Kiwis kept it tight on Sunday, picking up 12 faults a round to finish on 24, with the Australians on 40 and gracious in defeat, having claimed the previous two clashes.

Both teams were proud of their efforts and hugely appreciative of the opportunity to continue the competition, which is held twice a year — in Gisborne in January and in Australia around August.

Jeff Chapman’s Tiramea Logan, ridden on Sunday by Australian Jack Barker, was the best horse of the three days, and fittingly topped the visitors’ team in the final rounds.

Winning chef d’equipe Oliver Edgecombe had plenty of good things to say about his team.

“They are a good bunch of young riders and this type of competition is a good start for the future,” he said.

“It’s a good chance for us to see how each copes under the pressure of team riding and they all learn a lot about each other. Team events like this are very important.”

The goal on Sunday was to achieve clear rounds, especially as the teams knew more about each horse given it was the final day of competition. As it turned out, Wylaars produced the only clear of the final day, riding Oliver Edgecombe’s own Central Zone.

“I am very happy with the result,” Edgecombe said.

He thanked the committee and the horse owners, who had lent them for the competition, and he tipped his hat to the Australians, who he felt had all ridden well.

Australian chef d’equipe Phil Stephens also thanked the show organisers and horse owners, and said he was proud of his riders.

“It is not easy to get on these teams as we have a lot of good riders,” he said.

“We’ve loved every minute here. We would love to be back next year and take it back off you.”

On Sunday his instructions were clear: “Get out and believe in yourselves”.

Results —

NEW ZEALAND: Emma Gillies (Oamaru) SP Magic Symbol (owned by Andrew Ormond); Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) Central Zone (owned by Oliver Edgecombe); Dylan Bibby (Ongaonga) Centare Max (owned by Vinia Mason); Liam Rutland (Te Awamutu) Centanna (owned by Pip Wylaars); 24 faults (best three results from each round), 1.

AUSTRALIA: Cody Ticknall, Red Cliffs Kachow (owned by the Bull Family); Hayden Parker, Pure Suggestion (owned by Laura McGregor); Elissa Stephens, Colemans Daughter (owned by Rhinnon Smith); Jack Barker, Tiramea Logan (owned by Jeff Chapman); 40 faults (best three), 2.

Total points (three days): New Zealand 14 Australia 11.