The 2018 South Island One Day Event Championships take place this weekend at Mcleans Island National Equestrian Centre, Christchurch, and it will be the first time the CIC champs have been held in autumn in quite some years, since resolving to swap the dates of the SI ODE and SI 3DE.
The Organising Committee’s decision has been well supported by riders, with entries substantially higher than at the 2017 SI ODE Championships in November last year (180:114), as well as than at the 2017 SI 3DE that used to run in April (180:167).
Those involved with any organising committee will sympathise with just how much work went into changing the calendar, however taking into account the time of year, the national event calendar and other sporting, social and educational calendars, the OC felt the swap would provide both local and visiting riders the most appropriate and beneficial run across the board for the given times of year.
Eventing Canterbury chair and 2018 SI ODE event director Marg Evans says the OC is hopeful the change was a positive move that will continue to be supported by riders.
The event kicks off on Friday 20th with the South Island Young Event Horse Championships. A whopping 20 combinations will contend the best 4yo, 5yo, best mare and best overall titles.
Those competing in the CNC65-105 and CIC1*-3* classes do their Dressage and Show Jumping on Saturday 21st, with Cross-Country and prize giving allotted for Sunday 22nd.
A field of five contests the premier class, the Ultimate Design and Renovation CIC3*. Current national CCI3* champion Emily Cammock has title holder Shaw Lee entered alongside her second mount Lewis, and it’s great to see North Islander Jess Woods making the trip down. The Ataahua Brigadier Trophy will be awarded to the winner, who could likely be any competitor: Emily and Jess line up against a couple of consistent local riders in Corey Wood (riding Pick Up Line) and Kirsty Sharapoff (Shoot The Breeze).
A strong field of eight will battle it out for the Dusky Bay Cup in the FMG CIC2*. It’s a bit of a mixed bag with experienced riders Giles Gormack (Lucero), Anna Poole (Alfresco), Courtney Davis (By Hoki) and Lydia Truesdale (Allander Rocket) riding alongside the emerging talent of young riders and relative newcomers to the level in Lucy Turner (Carbon), Brodie Roberts (Playmaker), Rebecca Smithey (SD Amourosi) and Mikayla Green (Star’s Ransom) respectively, with all having posted good results at this level.
Just 12 contend the Pacific Vet Trophy in the Dunstan Horse Feeds CIC1*; 25 contend the Hei Hei Pharmacy CNC105 while 16 the Hygain CNC105 U21; there are 23 entered in the BetaVet CNC95 and 22 in the CNC95 U21; 24 in the Melwood Equestrian CNC80 and 30 in the CNC80 U21; and finally 13 in the Weatherbeeta CNC65.
This is also the last event at which riders can attain points towards the Mitavite Cool Crusada in conjunction with Eventing Canterbury 65-95 and 105-3* series, as well as the Eventing Canterbury and Eventing Southland FEI series, with the series winners crowned at prize giving.
Marg notes the event is lucky to be supported by great sponsors and she along with the rest of the OC is looking forward to working with the officials, volunteers, riders and all others involved.
The grounds have again been presented in impeccable condition and local food and product retailers will be onsite throughout, so be sure to enjoy a spot of shopping and dining on the side.
Results can be followed via live scoring on www.equestrianentries.co.nz.
A tribute to Anzac Day on the Cross-Country Course at McLeans Island