Those who know Scout Lodder knew it was only a matter of time before this talented 14-year-old won a title at the New Zealand Three Day Event Championships.

This morning, the teen from Papakura came from behind to win the Marsh Ltd CCI2*-L Championship title and the Mamaku Trophy, aboard her mum Dannie’s very special horse Money Shot. There were plenty of tears when her supporters realised the youngster had won the 27-strong class – her first shot at the title because of her age.

Scout was very excited and could only marvel at just how lucky she felt to have the ride on the nine-year-old.

“It is pretty incredible,” she said. “There is no better feeling.”

She’s trained by mum Dannie, a very accomplished eventer, and Olympian Jock Paget. Scout has been riding the horse for six months. “Dressage is a bit hard but he saves me so much in the jumping. I just couldn’t have a better partner.”

Scout and Money Shot finished on their dressage score of 30.2, moving up from fourth, to second after the cross country and then the win as one of just two combinations to go clear over the Pip Howells-designed showjumping course.

Dannie, who has been out with health problems, was just ecstatic. “I don’t think I will be getting him back now,” she said of the horse. “I need a new knee now so am unable to ride but Scout has been keeping him and the rest of the team rolling.”

Scout popped into the spotlight when she was just 10 years old and won a pre-novice (105) open class against adults. Since then, plenty have followed her career and she has continued to impress.

Money Shot has been with the family for four years. “He is quite special because he got me through when I had my brain haemorrhage – he was the first horse I rode after that. He helped me through my worst times.”

Dannie said the combination had cemented their partnership at Kihikihi earlier this season. “She works very hard. She’s up before school riding a couple of horses and is so diligent. I couldn’t be prouder of her.”

In the showjumping, overnight leader Monica Oakley had rails to slip down the rankings, with Lauren Enright (Otago) and Tygra coming up for second on 34.2 and Colleen Marett (Te Muka), who notched the only other clear round of the showjumping with Attenborough on a score of 35.4.

Results –

Marsh Ltd CCI2*-L Championship: Scout Lodder (Papakura) Money Shot 30.2 1, Lauren Enright (Otago) Tygra 34.2 2, Colleen Marett (Te Muka) Attenborough 35.4 3, Louise Mulholland (Taumarunui) George of the Jungle 39.6 4, Monica Oakley (Taupo) Chasing Great 40.2 5.

For full results, head to www.equestrianentries.co.nz