Oliver’s Galeforce blows ’em away

Showjumping Pony Grand Prix - Oliver Croucher and Redcliffs Galeforce

THE 16-year-old from Rotorua took on some tough combinations in the Country TV Pony Grand Prix at the Larsen Sawmilling Show Jumping Championships and responded by taking first and second placings on Redcliffs Galeforce and Delta JD.

The hotly-contested 14-strong class saw Croucher go head to head against a trio of talented young ladies in Charlotte Amos (Matamata), Maddison Bult (Kumeu) and Tyla Hackett (Waiuku) in a jump-off.

Croucher was out second with eight-year-old Redcliffs Galeforce and the combo notched a super clear ride in 35.11 seconds.

He had followed Amos and Captain Nemo, who laid down the challenge with a clear effort in 38 seconds.

Hackett and Iamwhatiam looked to be giving Croucher’s time a good nudge but the sparky little chestnut didn’t want to jump the wall, costing the duo time and faults.

Croucher next went on Delta JD and was again clear, but in slightly slower 35.29.

Last out was Bult, who knocked over the first of the double to finish on four faults in 36.17.

Croucher said he knew he had to be right on the money to beat the other three riders in the jump-off.

“They are all very good riders,” he said.

The greenest of his poniesHe was stoked to win on Galeforce, who he describes as the greenest of his ponies but the one with “the most scope”.

He has only had her 18 months and she had done almost no showjumping before joining his yard.

However, she comes from some good jumping lines and that talent is starting to show.

Galeforce is owned by Croucher’s instructors Kate Hewlett and Tim Featherstone.

All of Croucher’s ponies are ridden barefoot — without shoes — which is unusual in the world of showjumping.

“They seem to be more sure-footed,” Croucher said.

It is his last season in the pony ring and he hopes to go out on a high with success in the pony class at the Farmlands Horse of the Year Show in March.

Croucher has fond memories of Gisborne, having secured his first grand prix placing here aboard 13.2hh pony The Smartest Cookie.

Croucher does his schooling through correspondence but has to do all his school work before he is allowed to head out to ride.

His love of riding came as a 10-year-old when he was put into after school care which included horse treks on a farm. The rest is history.

Yesterday’s win highlighted an excellent show for Croucher. He was also second in the Telford junior rider class on Kiwi Rocket, while most of his other ponies also won ribbons.