Madison Crowe’s dream season just hit the highlights with a win in the DVS Home Ventilation CCI4*-L National Championship at Taupo.

The finish couldn’t have been any closer with Madison (Matangi) aboard Waitangi Pinterest and defending champ Amanda Pottinger (Havelock North) on Just Kidding both finishing on the same mark. The winner was decided on which rider was closer to the optimum cross country time yesterday.

Madison, as the overnight leader coming into the showjumping, was the last of the remaining 13-strong field to go. Ahead of her, Amanda and Just Kidding gave the second of the combination a good knock but everything stayed up. However, they did pick up 1.2 time penalties, leaving them on 34.

Madison knew just what she had to do and despite dropping a rail, knew she won the title. “It is incredible and Lush (Waitangi Pinterest) deserved the win so much. She is the coolest horse in the world.”

To win at the New Zealand Three Day Event was something she had dreamt of as a youngster – for it to be a reality was a dream. “It has been a dream season,” she said. “I am so happy. To do it now on this amazing horse is just everything.”

The combination had a run of seconds to their credit including Puhinui, the Horse of the Year and Kihikihi, but now have added the ultimate of New Zealand trophies to their cabinet.

On hand to watch the emotional win were her Marlborough based parents, Molly and Richard who always come to her big events.

Previous title winner, South Islander Emily Cammock and Shaw Lee, finished third on 47.5 after taking two rails with Australians Sonja Johnson aboard Misty Isle Valentino and Jade Findlay on Oaks Cordelia filling fourth and fifth places. Emma Bishop (Aus) and CP Issey Miyake were the only combination to go clear and inside time in the showjumping.

Results –

DVS Home Ventilation CCI4*-L: Madison Crowe (Matangi) Waitangi Pinterest 34 penalty points 1, Amanda Pottinger (Havelock North) Just Kidding 34 2, Emily Cammock (Christchurch) Shaw Lee 47.5 3, Sonja Johnson (Aus) Misty Isle Valentino 51.4 4, Jade Findlay (Aus) Oaks Cordelia 54.9 5, Matthew Grayling (Otako) NRM Trudeau 55.8 6.