New Zealand win transtasman showjumping thriller in test relocated from Gisborne to Christchurch

The victorious New Zealand team after pipping their Aussie counterparts in the Young Rider Trans-Tasman showjumping test in Christchurch are (from left) Chloe Armstrong, Liv Teixeira, Sofia Williams, Chef d’Equip Jamie Campbell-Ward and Samantha Wakeling. Photo / Michelle Clarke Photography

Gisborne’s loss proved Christchurch’s gain when it came to the relocated Young Rider Trans-Tasman showjumping test.

The test was supposed to be held as part of the Larsen Sawmilling Gisborne Showjumping Championships from January 23-25 only for that show to be postponed due to ground conditions, an unfavourable weather forecast and the Waioweka Gorge being closed.

With some of the Australian riders already in New Zealand, the Trans-Tasman test was shifted to the national championships in Christchurch and new horses were sourced.

Gisborne business Easts Outdoor & Leisure remained the three-day test sponsors.

The two four-person teams did not let the fans down, with the title battle going down to the wire.

Australia won the first day, posting 12 faults to the Kiwis’ 20 over the two rounds.

The teams swapped horses for Day 2 and New Zealand bounced back to win with four faults to the Aussies’ eight.

Honours were shared with eight faults each on Day 3, meaning a jump-off involving a rider from each team was required to decide the overall winners.

Australian Cody Ticknell, riding For Harmony HSH, went clear around the shortened course in a time of 34.66 seconds, only for New Zealand’s Samantha Lee-Hickling and Krystal Clear I to pip that time with a clear effort of 33.93s.

Kaye Williams of Gisborne ran the event.

The Larsen Sawmilling champs have been rescheduled to March 27-29.