Numerous accolades for local riders despite pandemic disruptions

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

Gisborne district riders have made the most of a disjointed 2021-22 showjumping and show hunter season.

Although the season was disrupted by cancellations and postponements, riders travelled around the country picking up numerous accolades on the way.

Larina Dolman and Kiwi Lansing again won the Harrison Lane Pro Amateur Series.

Dolman has won this competition three times in a row. She was so far in front of the rest of the field she didn't need to start at the series final show in Masterton.

Ever-consistent Merran Hain and Untouchable won the Thoroughbreds in Equestrian Sports Show Hunter Series, an award they have won at least four times.

Merran and Untouchable were also second in the NRM Open High Points Series and third in the Carousel Equestrian Amateur Show Hunter Series.

Molly McEwan and Buffalo Man finished the season with a fifth placing in the Hokonui Sport Horses Category A Pony High Points Series.

The local show hunter and show jumping series were again well supported, and riders and event organisers are grateful for the sponsorship of local businesses, which allow these series to take place.

In the McCannics-sponsored showjumping series, both the horses and ponies were close when the points were tallied.

Larina Dolman and Kiwi Lansing won the horse series, on points countback from Holly Baines and Halo.

In the ponies, Isobel Bevitt and Fire Bandit were the winners, with Georgie Coop and Little Macintosh in second place.

In the EJ Gordon Livestock Show Hunter Series, Molly McEwan and Buffalo Man were first in the ponies, and Shelley Watts and Craighaven French Made were the winners in the horses.

Claudia Porter and Tamara were winners on the Little Patches Low Hunter Series, which is sponsored by the Harris Family.