Eventing Bay of Plenty delivered the final FEI qualifying event for the NZ3DE last weekend at Riverdale, which runs over the Rotorua A&P grounds and the neighbouring Ngati Whakaue Tribal Lands. As the last CCI-S format event before the NZ Three Day Event Championships at Taupo National Equestrian Centre next week, several combinations were seeking a qualifying score (MER), while others were out to have a confidence building run over the beautiful courses designed by Campbell Draper.

In the Dunstan CCI3*-S Vicky Browne-Cole and Cutting Edge produced a lovely test in front of ground jury members Margs Carline and Mura Love to finish at the top of the field of 16 starters on a score of 31.9, followed closely by Greer Caddigan and Ricker Ridge Pico Boo (32.1) and Shannon Galloway with Day Walker (32.4). Only five of the sixteen combinations jumped clear over the Kevin Hansen designed jumping course and there were only a handful of jumping faults on the cross country. Time penalties made a few minor alterations to the final scores with top honours going to Greer Caddigan, followed in 2nd by Brittany Fowler aboard Game Keeper (35.1), Shannon Galloway and Day Walker (36.4) Kelli Frewin and Phoenician Zatalk (38.1).

Bridie Quigley aboard Ricker Ridge Riley lead from start to finish in the CCI2*-S. Again there were very few faults in this class so the top four places remained unchanged across the competition, proving these combinations are all on form and ready to contest the long format championships at Taupo. 

There were strong numbers in both the CCN1*-S and CCN105-S classes won by Charlotte van der Zwan aboard Astek Gymsee, Douglas Thomson and Lordy and Carys McCrory riding Nemesis respectively and also four divisions of CCN95-S, testament to just how popular this event is on the Eventing calendar.

Congratulations to all the riders and their supports and a very big thank you to the event sponsors, officials, organisers and the volunteer team. 

Full Results Here

Photos: Take the Moment.