Anticipation filled the air as riders prepared for the dressage. The announcement to move to Covid-19 Alert Level 2 on February 28 had caused much concern about whether the event would be able to run but due to the dedicated organisers, the Dunstan Horse Feeds Eventing Central Districts Horse Trial was able to go ahead. Riders were appreciative to be given the opportunity to compete on the stunning courses (designed by John Holmes and Clive Long) built on the beautiful McKelvie Station – Pukemarama, Tangimoana.
The event was run over two days to meet the Covid-19 Level 2 restrictions limiting gatherings to 100 people. On the Saturday participants in the CCN 2*-Plus, CCN2*, CCN1*, CCN 105 and CCN 95 completed all three phases in two “waves” – the 2*Plus – 105 in the morning, and the 95 in the afternoon. On the Sunday competitors in the CCN 80 and CCN 65 competed, also in morning and afternoon “waves”. Overall feedback was that the system worked well for the riders and only needing to erect two dressage arenas was a definite plus!
The Mamaku Stud CCN2*-S Plus was won by Kelli Frewin and Phoenician Zatalk with 41.4 penalties. The Norwood CCN2*-S was won by Kaitlyn Freeman on Ricker Ridge Parkour, finishing on their dressage score of 38.2 penalties. Holly McInnes and My Royal Spirit’s double clear was enough to win the Allan McNeill CCN1*-S by a whisker. Class 3 – the Totalspan Manawatu CCN105-S was won by Maddie Fraser and Grassendale St George.
Kellie Frewin Phoenician Zatalk – CCN2*Plus-S – Central Districts 2021. Photo: Petapix Photography
Maddie Fraser & Grassendale St George – Central Districts 2021. Photo: Hyphen Photography
Julie Knauf and Curious Ginge won the lovely dress rug sponsored by Horsewyse in the CCN95-S open division. The under 21 division of the class, sponsored by Palamountain Scientific Nutrition, was taken out by the very consistent Madison Fitness and Damarlie.
Lisa Kennedy and Steelfix won Class 6, the open division of the CCN 80-S, sponsored by Melody New World, while Toby O’Rorke took out Class 7 (the under 21) Horse & Pony Magazine CCN80-S with a well-deserved win.
Kyrewood Park Saddlery sponsored the CCN 65 classes with Tracy Horton and Volacious NZPH winning the open division, and Kera Riemer and North Star taking out the under 21 division.