Australian Young Rider Team Take on New Zealand at the Larsens Showjumping Championships
Today was the final test for our Young Riders competing in the Trans-Tasman Team Borrowed Horse competition at Larsens Showjumping Championship in Gisborne, New Zealand.
The Australian Team consisted of Chris Holland, Clemency Hughes, Samantha Lamont and Sally Simmonds.
When the competition was done at dusted it was the Kiwi's who claimed the top spot after three days of super jumping by both teams. The Australian Team finished on nine points, while their New Zealand counterparts finished on 17 points.
The Australian Young Rider Team competed on borrowed horses which they had never ridden before arriving in New Zealand for the competition, and the horses switched between riders each day. This in itself makes their competitiveness even more impressive as they displayed wonderful horsemanship skills throughout. The horses were kindly loaned to the team by New Zealand riders.
Australian High Performance Jumping Manager, Todd Hinde, was also Chef d’equipe for The Australian Team throughout the competition.
Todd extended a huge thanks to the New Zealand hosts and the organising committee. “It has been tremendous,” he said, “I felt all the riders were outstanding, and the Kiwis deserved the win. Each of my riders represented our country so well and have been outstanding ambassadors.”
Kiwi chef d’equipe John Cottle was also extremely proud of his team. “The Australians put up a great show,” he said. John is passionate about the continuation of trans-Tasman team events and was hopeful it would continue. “As riders, we all go around the country riding as individuals, it is nice to be in a team environment which brings with it a whole different situation.”
Congratulations to all the Young Riders who took part in the Trans-Tasman Team event.
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