Kate Hamilton and Il Mafioso on their way to winning the NZPC95 class at Donovan Park on Sunday 24 January 2021. by Debbie Fahey Photography,

Eventing Southland held the event at Donovan Park on Sunday 24th January.  The grounds provided near perfect footing and thanks must go to the Scouts for their work in getting the grounds suitable for the event.  Huge thanks also go to Course designers Lindsay Carruthers  (2*, 105 and 95) and Julie McRae (80 &65) for producing good rideable tracks.  Due to unusually wet weather earlier in the week our course designers had to endure some very trying working conditions; for this we thank you.

The dressage judges found it hard to separate the 3 riders in the Saddlery Warehouse 2*with Janelle Gibson and Kayley Johnson tied on 36.6 and Hazel Gibson just 1 point behind on 37.6. Hazel and Janelle both jumped clear XC with time faults being the decider and Hazel Gibson on Beaumont Longpockets taking the win from Janelle Gibson on Lil Bit Blue.

The Eastern Physiotherapy 105 class was taken out by Alex De Geest and Argenteuil with clear and under time in the xc and a rail in the sj. Montana Hewson and Southern Charm was second and Gemma Johnson on Dubbel Shot II third. A couple of time faults xc and 2  rails in sj proved costly for dressage leader Lauryn Toomey dropping her to 4th.

The Excel Equine 95 Pony Club class was taken out by the new combination of Kate Hamilton and the evergreen II Mafioso, being the only combination to finish on their dressage score. 2nd went to Gemma Johnson Island Park Lotta Victory and Chloe McKenzie and Miss Renegade 3rd.

Katrina Cook and Dixie took out the Gail Richardson CCN80 finishing on their dressage score with Pete Mcgrouther and XBow II 2nd and Levi Henry and Mac 3rd.

Aimee Johnson  and Winston cleaned up in the Comfy Equine Rubber Matting Pony Club 80 finishing on the incredible dressage score of 14.2. Jamiee Mcgrouther and Twink That were 2nd and Sara Beck and Smoke’nAces 3rd.

The Witches Brew CCN65 was taken out by Peggy Angus-Cook and A & P Angelique with Danielle Roberts and Tori MSNZ 2nd and Hannah McLaren and Nika 3rd.  Churchy’s Pony Club 65 class was won by Aiesha Goswami on Cudglebar Aladdins Lamp from Kate Stalker and Buster and Ruby Budge and Madam Wong 3rd.

An enjoyable day was held by all and thanks to all the organisers, officlals and volunteers who helped beforehand and on the day.

Donovan Park Results – ESNZ Classes

By Eventing Southland