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Record Times for Kiwi Motto
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Kiwi Motto won a record fifth Open Show Hunter Horse of the Year title today, and one he shares with the Akers sisters from Opiki.
Chloe has won four of the titles, including today's, with older sister Lucy taking over the reins only when her younger sibling was injured.
Runner-up for the title, Sally Steiner (Tauranga) and On the Point Silver Lady had earlier edged out Akers in the Open Championship 1.15m-1.2m class.
In the pony ring, Hopefield Royal Secret and Chantelle Smith (Palmerston North) convincingly won the Beckworth Court Riding Ponies Category A Pony Show Hunter of the Year, with Moon Maiden and Fenella Skelton (Whitianga) second. Thirteen-year-old Sophie Scott (Wellington) was third on Benrose Obbi. She was also ninth in the Open Showhunter class, beating several seasoned campaigners.
Show hunter convenor Sandy Richmond was full of praise for her efforts.
“What an amazing feat for this pocket rocket to do so well in both classes,” she said.
Will Moffett (Hastings) was another popular winner, taking out the Category C Pony title class in his last season on his little sister’s lovely pony Piripi.
Other highlights of the show included the Joustra sisters (Waimauku) winning the Junior and Amateur “double”, with Megan Joustra taking out the Virbac Equine Junior Show Hunter of the Year and older sister Stephie the Mitavite Amateur Show Hunter of the Year.
“It was nice to see Megan’s name joining that of her sister’s on the cup.”
The younger riders were thrilled to be competing in the Land Rover Premier Arena and it was the very popular combination of Tristan Thomas (Rotorua) and Cortaflex Libby Pops Gift that took the Ray Burmester Jewellery Combined Category A, B and C Championship.
The series finals were all tightly-fought, with many coming down to a count-back.
“We are delighted to have the benefit of judge Dale Pederson (San Diego) and course builder Michael Puffer (Illinois) involved with the show. Dale has judged here before, but has not been here for several years. He has his eye on a few horses that he would like to see competing in the US.”
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