News


Pukete SJ - 2nd and 4th in Young Rider

January 30, 2012

 The weekend started well for me as I got two horses through to the jump-off of the Young Rider class; Ru jumped clean and fast to take 2nd and Clyde finished in 4th. Ru also had his first Grand Prix start on the Sunday and jumped extremely well to finish in 7th. I also took two young horses, Gymkala and Danny, who jumped well in some of the smaller classes over the weekend.

Pictured above: Ru, 2nd in the Young Rider class below: Clyde, 4th in the Young Rider class

Pictured above: Danny, showing some scope behind in the lower classes below: Ru jumping to 7th place in his first grand prix start

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Northland SJ Champs

January 23, 2012

We popped down to a smaller local show for the day to give some of the horses a jump around some smaller tracks before heading away on our trip down south for the remainder of the season, and we had a great day out with Ru jumping to 4th place in the 1.30m championship class and Tilly jumping in the "Show Cross" class, which was a combination of show jumps and cross-country fences. She had never seen a cross-country jump in her life and even with the inconvenience of throwing a shoe early on in the track, she still jumped super to also finish in 4th.

Pictured above: Ru jumping to 4th place in the 1.30m championship

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Astek Gymkala joins the team

January 11, 2012

The beautiful seven year old mare, Astek Gymkala, owned by Claire and George Houry, will be joining the Maverick team for the remainder of the 2011/2012 season and next season. I have had the pleasure of taking this mare for schooling before and I now look forward to getting her out around the country as a showjumper! She was bred at the same stud farm (Astek Stud) as my own five year old gelding, Astek Danzing and was imported, in-utero, from Australia in the Winterkoenig mare, Wullebulle, and by the stallion Gymnastic Star. See more info on the showjumping team page.

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Woodhill Sands 1* - LR Ruegar wins the Young Rider!

January 5, 2012

We we were among the silly horse people traveling on New Years day down to yet another Woodhill show. Clyde and Ru jumped to 3rd and 5th in the 1.25m class on day one. Tilly started in her first Junior Rider on the second day (being only her third show out) and although a little bewildered, tried her little heart out and finished well. Clyde also jumped well in the Grand Prix but Ru was the star of the weekend, jumping a slick double clear to take honors in the Young Rider!

Pictured above and below: Ru; winner of the young rider class

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Grand Prix below: Tilly competing in her first Junior Rider start

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October round up

November 1, 2011

Well it's been a big busy month! My time with the horses has been very limited due to finishing off school as well as many other exciting opportunities and achievements that have been popping up, however we still made it down to the Waikato 3*** show held in Kihikihi, where we got to catch up with Tina and Jo at the Pryde's stand which was great! It was a bit of a mental step up for me and Clyde starting in our third, solidly built and very technical, grand prix on day one however he jumped great and I was able to take many positives away from the round. He also jumped fantastically well in the Young Rider, which was also built very honestly, but a couple of green mistakes from me kept us out of the ribbons. In the week leading up to Kihikihi I was lucky enough to spend two days on the Thomas Fuchs (Swiss olympic showjumper) course in Cambridge. The course was very tough and he expected a lot from us riders but it gave a all a great insight into more european methods. Earlier in the month I competed in the Northland Regional Council Top Energy Science and Technology Fair where I won the overall outstanding excellence prize along with a $1000 scholarship. From this competition I was nominated towards our national science competition, Realise the Dream, from which I was then announced as a top 19 finalist. This means that I will go away during the first week of December, touring around several science organisations, including the Liggins Institute, ending with the awards dinner on the 9th. It was also officially announced on November 1st that I am a top five finalist in the AMP study start scholarship (to the value of $15,000), to which thousands of people applied for from a vast variety of fields including film production and music to sports and science! This is very exciting for me and has taken up much of my time including photo shoots and filmed interviews, since I found out in August. The winner will be announced next week on Thursday 24th so fingers crossed! I have also received the Vice Chancellors High Achiever (Academic) scholarship and the Academy of Sport scholarship at Massey University where I plan to begin studying equine genetics next year. At a recent northland sports awards dinner it was also announced that I was the recipient of the ASB Youth Sports Achievement award. I am currently mid way through my end of year exams, which mark the final stages of my time as a school student and it was a great boost yesterday to be informed by Showjumping NZ that I have been selected on the Under 18 Talent ID Development Squad! After exams, the two upcoming awards dinners and all other happenings are behind me I look forward to getting stuck into the horses full time for the summer!

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Young Rider below: Ru competing in the 1.40m

Pictured below: Tilly; second show out, jumping in the 1.10m

 

Woodhill Sands 1*

October 4, 2011

After not much work due to my exams and assignments filling all available (and unavailable) parts of my days, the team of five horses that I took to Woodhill were all very fresh but in regards to the circumstances jumped very well all weekend. Clyde had one down in the young rider and Ru jumped clear but with one time fault. It was Tilly's first show out and she coped very well; double clear in her 1m classes. It is now home back to continue finishing up my school year before our next show, Waikato 3***, in a few weeks. 

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Grand Prix below: Ru; one time fault in the young rider class

Pictured above: Fancy in the 1.15m below: Danny jumping in Friday's training rounds

Pictured below: Tilly happily jumping around the 1m track 

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First show of the season - Woodhill Sands 1*

September 20, 2011

I took a team of four horses down to the first show of the season at Woodhill Sands and we had an excellent start to what's looking to be a busy season! Fancy jumped well in the 1.10m classes all weekend and Clyde and Ru both jumped clear in the 1.20m on Saturday followed by an unlucky rail on each on each in the Young rider. It was Danny's first show out and he coped fantastically with the traveling and show atmosphere, however I didn't feel that he was quite ready to start in the 5 year old series so he just jumped smaller jumps all weekend. He has really been impressing me with how his jump has been developing into something quite scopey and special. Due to there being no larger classes Ru started in the 1.20m on Sunday, jumping clear again. On the Sunday morning, I made the decision to enter Clyde into the Grand Prix and we had a fabulous ride being our first start at this level. I circled him off one oxer in a related line, showing a little of my inexperience and greenness at this height, however no rails fell which was really exciting for me. 

I have now come home to school mock exams so our next show will be the next 1* at Woodhill Sands in two weeks.  

Pictured above: Clyde putting in an impressive performance in his first Grand Prix start below: Danny showing excellent form early on in his jumping career

 Pictured below: Fancy; happy to be out again!

Pictured below: Ru jumping in the Young Rider class 

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Taupo training camp

August 30, 2011

The long drive home on Sunday night (I think I got into bed at 3am) was definitely worth it with the quality of coaching that I received in Taupo. Sam McIntosh took me for jumping and Bill Noble for flatwork, with both instantly picking up on all of my biggest weaknesses and helping to point me in a direction of fixing them. There were some cold, foggy mornings but the sun did shine through and the weather ended up being very kind to us; no snow! I don't know what they all complain about down there! Although a little fresh on day one Clyde and Ru both behaved really well over the weekend. 

The season is very close now with our first show being Woodhill on the 17th/18th September.

Pictured above: flatwork with Bill Noble below: jumping with Sam McIntosh

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Young horses going well

August 6, 2011

The weather's really cleared up of late and given me an opportunity to put some work into jumping the four year olds in preparation for the fast approaching 5 year old series. 

Danny, as usual, is taking everything easily in his stride and Elmo is quickly becoming more established under saddle; I'm very impressed with the amount of natural balance that he's showing early on. 

Elmo certainly doesn't want to touch those poles!

Pictured above: Elmo showing some early scope over trot poles! below: Danny, learning to jump fillers 

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Prydes Horse feeds sponsors Sophie!

August 5, 2011

Tina Field from Prydes came and visited us a few days ago and we're very excited to now be a part of the Pryde's sponsored riding team! I have been using Prydes for a while now and have been really impressed by the product's quality, consistency and how well the horses look and feel on it.

We look forward to a long and successful relationship with Prydes.

 

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Elmo under saddle

July 15, 2011

Elmo has been going under saddle for a week now and is taking everything in his stride, staying soft and relaxed throughout the process. I have spent a lot of time preparing him for this stage as I've felt that he was the sort of horse that needed it, and it's paying off.

This has turned out to be our wettest winter yet! There's just storm after storm and the ground just isn't getting a chance to dry out. There's mud everywhere and you really start to get sick of it; bring on summer please!

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Horses back in work

June 16, 2011

All of the horses have been back in work for just over a month and I'm keeping pretty busy with school and riding the horses. Clyde, Ru, Danny and Fancy are just doing gentle flatwork and I'm finishing off the final stages of the breaking in process on Elmo. The weathers' been a bit wet and wild so it's been a bit rough but I've managed to keep everyone ticking along. I hope to begin breaking in Chloe later this winter.

We also managed to take a truckload of horses in for a free-jump session and it's always fun to see the horses let loose and show a bit of style.

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Contenda has his Mini Prix debut

April 6, 2011

Chloe's young sire, Contenda, has had first outing for 2011 was competing in the showjumping at the 125th Castle Hill Show. After only 3 weeks back in work it was great to see Contenda and rider/trainer Chris Burton back in the competition ring.


It was a great start to the season. On the first day of competition Contenda and Chris jumped clear to place 2nd but a tiny 0.5 of a sec in the open 1.15m class out of 77 entries, before jumping clear again in he afternoon to place 4th in the open 1.25m class out of 65 entries.

The second day of competition saw Chris and Contenda again jump clear in the C Grade , followed by their debut in the 1.35m Mini Prix class. The course designer, Mr David Shephard, from Victoria set a challenging Mini Prix course that saw only 5 clear rounds from a large field of horses. Contenda had one rail down at the 2nd fence but showed a lot of promise in these bigger classes taking all other fences, including a big treble that challenged alot of other horse and rider combinations, in his stride.

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Horse of the Year!!!

March 21, 2011

This season has really flown by and we're at the end already. The horses didn't get as good of a lead up to horse of the year as I had hoped as  decided not to start them in the appalling conditions at series finals in Hawera, instead packing up the truck and heading straight to Hastings. The horses were all fresh and amping to go on the first day of competition after a week of gentle schooling and hacking, so I just popped the boys around a smaller 1.20m track to burn off some extra energy and get their confidence up with both jumping nice clears. Clyde then had 4 out of the 6 days jumping in the international arena, in the 7 year old of the year, 1.35m Horse of the Year, Young Rider of the Year and 1.35m Speed Horse of the Year. A few rider mistakes cost us rails in the 7yo class but Clyde really stepped up to jump as the youngest horse, and me the youngest rider, in the Young Rider of the Year. The track was big, both in technicality and height (set at a solid 1.45m) and Matthew Dickey jumped the only clear round (still with a time fault), and finish in 7th; just out of the ribbons. Clyde then finished the show with a beautiful clear in the 1.35m Speed Horse of the year. 

Ru also had a good show, jumping for the first time in the international arena, which was a big thing for his level of experience, in the 1.35m Horse of the Year and 1.35m speed horse of the Year, with just a couple of green rails.

Fancy jumped super over the first days of competition in 1.15m classes, hopefully we are making some progress with this highly talented but sensitive beast!

Once again Leopoldo's courses were fantastic and Kevin and all the people behind the scenes, did a fantastic job of running the show.

My riding was a bit complicated by the fact that I very nearly broke my thumb on the first day of competition, sometime in the air over a jump! I rode the rest of the show all strapped up with only one glove and surviving on the fantastic E-balm, which really made a huge difference. I also ended up riding Clyde in the new, freshly imported stubben bit which locks when the horse takes a hold and it was fantastic! I would highly recommend it and it's great because it comes in many different styles to suit all horses.

The horses are now turned out for a month or two and I will have 2-3 weeks off myself for a break and also to catch up on some dreaded school work. I will then start work with the 4 year olds again and have the time to take in some schooling horses. The ground has already turned to mud so hopefully we're not in for a totally miserable winter.

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Young Rider of the Year class (1.45m) below: Fancy jumping around the 1.15m tracks; showing huge potential.

Pictured above: Clyde jumping clear in the 1.35m Speed Horse of the Year below: Ru jumping in a 1.35m class.

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 Woodhill Sands 3*** SJ

 February 28, 2011

Clyde was definitely the star on the truck at woodhill! He made the step up to 3*** Toyota Young Rider (1.35m-1.45m) easily jumping a beautiful round, finishing to be one of only two combinations on 4 faults, placing him in 4th. Many commented on how solid the course had been and that it was no smaller than a 1* horse grand prix track.
Both the boys also also jumped scopey and great on the first day in their 1.20m warm-up class, with Clyde posting a double clear and Ru finishing on 1 time fault. Ru also jumped good on the second day finishing with 4 faults in the 1.30m.
Fancy jumped the best she's ever been at a show, not just jumping huge but also staying relaxed in between the jumps! What an achievement!

The horses all came home in the truck on Saturday night and had Sunday and Monday off. A light ride tomorrow and then we are off to the series final in Hawera early Wednesday morning. From there we will go straight to the Hawkes Bay to stay with friends in the lead up to Horse of the Year.

Pictured above: Clyde jumping double clear in his warmup class (1.20m).

Pictured above: Ru jumping in a 1.30m class below: Fancy jumping around the 1.05m and 1.10m classes.

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Waitemata SJ - FEI World Jumping Challenge

 February 14, 2011

It was a fairly successful show at Waitemata, with the FEI World Jumping Challenge was a really amazing and enjoyable class to jump in with Ru putting in three stunning rounds; two lovely clears and an unlucky rail in the speed round. By the last class on the last day the heat got to him a bit and he just didn't have his sparkle, putting him of contention in the placings. Clyde also had a successful weekend picking up 6th in the Toyota Young Rider and 5th in the Cushionride 7yo.

Pictured above: Ru and I at the trot up for the FEI Class below: Fancy getting plenty of height in a 1.10m class.

Pictured above: Clyde jumping to 5th place in the Cushionride 7yo class below: Ru competing in the speed round of the FEI World Jumping Challenge.

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Taupo Christmas Classic 3*** SJ

 December 22, 2010

Well it's been a huge last two weeks for me as I spent a week working and training with Kyle at LC Horse Farm in Clevedon, Auckland. It was a huge learning experience and I was very lucky to be given the opportunity to ride most of the horses at the farm including some of the 4, 5 and 6 year olds as well as the highlight of my stay; riding the two newly imported mares, World Cup showjumper and International French Representative Lesbos d'Ouilly and stunning 5 year old Concorde mare Sherazade du Ter. 
After my stay it was straight onto the Taupo Christmas Classic for four days of fairly intense competition. Clyde was super in the Cushionride 7 year old class, clearing the water jump which caused it's fair share of problems in the class but a light rub resulted in 4 faults for 6th place out of a huge class. He also jumped a fantastic round in his first derby start finishing in the top 10, with 4 faults, out of over 100 starters (there were only 6 clears). Ru jumped well all weekend and finished off with a double clear round in the 1.25m Championship to finish 6th in the hotly contested class. Fancy also continued to jump some nice rounds with some double clears and nice rounds up to 1.10m. It was also a great opportunity to introduce her to some of the cross-country jumps which, as with every fence, she gave plenty of air!
Now time for a little relax over Christmas and then back into it! Bring on the new year!

Pictured above: Fancy learning to jump cross-country jumps in the lead up to Taupo

Pictured above: Ru jumping in the 3*** Kiwispan Junior Rider Class (1.25m-1.30m) below: Ru giving the oxers plenty to spare in the open horse 1.30m

Pictured above and below: Clyde jumping to 6th place in the 3*** Cushionride 7 year old Championship (1.35m)

Pictured below: Ru jumping double clear to 6th place in the 1.25m Championship

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Contenda wins at the Summer Classic SJ Show

 December 12, 2010

The Summer Showjumping Classic held at the Sydney International Equestrian Centre never fails to attract both the top horses and top riders and is the last big show for the year. For Christopher Burton and Contenda it was an opportunity to step up a grade and have their competition debut at 1.20m and then 1.25m. The 1.20m class was an A2 class, hence the first round needed to be both accurate and fast. Chris and Contenda did just that - jumping clear and clocking up the 5th fastest time out of 93 entries.
The following day Chris and Contenda again had their competition height debut, this time in the 1.25m class. It was a big course with some very difficult lines and distances that saw only 11 clear rounds out of 96 entries. Chris and Contenda again jumped very well giving all jumps a huge clearance but were unlucky to have 1 rail down in the double thus putting them out of place contention.
To finish off a great few days of showjumping Chris and Contenda won the 1.1m class out of 100 entries. As is expected with so many entries the competition was tight and Contenda had to careful as well as fast to win this title. Contenda's huge stride helped him to the victory with Chris saying he took 5 strides in a distance that measured for 7 strides.
Contenda will now return to Wimborne Park Stud to concentrate on his stud duties until late January when he will return to training and continue his progression through the grades in both eventing and showjumping.

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Pukekohe 2** SJ & Woodhill Sands 2** SJ

 November 27, 2010

After a change in trainer and style, Pukekohe 2** and Woodhill Sands 2** shows were all about concentrating on changing small things and striving to produce straight, organised and rhythmic rounds, with the future in mind. There were some promising improvements over the two shows and all of the horses jumped super at both, although they were all little fresh at Woodhill after having nearly the whole week off due to my end of year NCEA school exams. Clyde jumped an awesome round in the 1.35m speed horse championship at Pukekohe and Ru had a beautiful round in the 2** Kiwispan Junior Rider at Woodhill, unfortunately picking up one time fault to finish 5th in the class.

LR Ruegar jumping to 5th place in the 2** Kiwispan Junior Rider - http://www.facebook.com/video/video.php?v=177809388898401

Pictured above: Ru jumping in the 2** Kiwispan Junior Rider at Pukekohe 2** SJ

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Freejumping

 November 10, 2010

I finally had some spare time that coincided with nice weather, to set up a jump lane at home and free-jump the youngsters. It was very exciting to watch Chloe jump for the first time as we have been eagerly looking forward to it for months. It was amazing just how much you can see elements of her mother and father in her style and I was very pleased with her attitude and technique for her first time even over a pole! The two three year olds both also jumped well however Emilion gelding, Elmo, didn't get many turns as he just continued out over the end of the lane and going to catch him out of whatever paddock he ended up in just to bring him back and go through the process again soon got old!

Pictured above: 2 year old Contenda filly, Chloe, - first time free jumping below: 3 year old Emilion gelding, Elmo.

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Northland 2** SJ

 November 5, 2010

Northland proved to be a bit of a step up show with both of the boys jumping in their first 2** Young Rider (which was built at a solid 1.40m) and Clyde pulled in a good effort to finish in 5th place. Clyde also jumped a double clear in the 1.25m on Sunday. Now there is a free weekend off before Auckland SJ the following week.

Pictured above: Ru jumping in the 1.25m class below: Clyde jumping me out of my stirrups in the 2** Toyota Young Rider (1.40m)

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Woodhill Sands 1* SJ

October 18, 2010

It was another successful weekend at Woodhill with Ru stepping up to jump in his first Toyota Young Rider class, jumping double clear to finish a creditable 6th. Clyde also jumped superb in this class but an unfortunate miscommunication around a tight corner resulted in an unfortunate rail down, however he did make up for it with a quick round to finish 2nd in his second Cushionride 7 year old start. Fancy was a bit spicy in the practice ring on the Saturday but settled to do some lovely jumping in the ring over the weekend. She is just starting to be ready to move up the heights now which is really exciting. She is the sort of horse that looks to be really worth putting the time into!

Pictured above: Fancy showing off her huge scope behind in the 1.05m class below: Clyde 2nd place in the Cushionride 7 year old class (1.30m)

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Danny under saddle! 

October 12, 2010

Three year old gelding, Astek Danzing is now under saddle and going very kindly in preparation for some smaller young horse classes later this season.

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Woodhill Sands 1* SJ

 September 20, 2010

Well what a horribly wet, muddy and windy start to the 2010/2011 showjumping season! With a storm the size of the Australian continent looming over the country, a select few crazy showjumpers turned up to brave the ghastly weather, however my course walk for the Young Rider at 7 in the morning ranks as about the worst ever; dodging falling jumps and stands whilst walking most of the track backwards! However, despite the conditions the horses all jumped fantastically and brought home some great results so early in the season with Ru picking up a 2nd place in a 1.20m class and Clyde jumping a super round in his first Toyota Young Rider start, picking up an unlucky 4 faults, and took out 6th place in his first Cushionride 7 year old class. Fancy was quite fresh but like always turned heads with her extravagant style and way of going! It was also nice to see some of my previous horses out and about also bringing home some good results with Manuka Scrub and Jade Isbister picking up 3rd in the Kiwispan Junior Rider and Maverick Mega Whoopee and Danielle Mills 3rd in their first pony 1.10m start. The team is now rearing to go for the next Woodhill show on the 2nd-4th of October.

Pictured above: Fancy showing off her huge scope in the lower classes below: Clyde jumping in his first Toyota Young Rider start (1.25m-1.35m)

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Horses going well

 August 18, 2010

All of the horses are now in work, including the youngsters, who are coping well in their ground work training where they'll learn most of their necessary flatwork skills. The season is looming on the not so distant horizon and it's exciting to be bringing out so many talented young horses. Contenda, Chloe's sire, is also continuing his winning streak in Australia taking out a class at the Sydney Showjump Club's Winter SJ Championships, jumping double clear and 5 seconds ahead of his nearest competitor.

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Contenda wins at Gunnedah

June 30, 2010

Contenda, Chloe's sire, has taken honors in the 1.05m-1.10m class at the Gunnedah Showjumping Festival being the only horse to jump a double clear round. Due to the large number of entries, the class extended into the night with the jump-off being conducted under lights. The following day Contenda jumped a first clear round in the D-grade Grand Prix, only to drop the last rail in a very tight and fast jump-off.

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Horses back in full work

June 30, 2010

Well its been a lovely winter so far with just the right amount of rain and not too much cold allowing for some much needed grass growth! The horses have been in full work for a few weeks now and all is going well with the focus solely on flatwork until the spring. 

Pictured above: Astek Gymkala; 6 year old Gymnastic Star mare, owned by George and Claire Houry staying for adjistment and training

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Contenda wins 1.10m class

May 23, 2010

Contenda, Chloe's sire, ridden by Christopher Burton, jumped a double clear round with a slick time to take honours in the 1.10m class, which comprised of about 50 competitors, at the Sydney Showjump Club, impressing the crowd with his scope and style.

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Contenda turns heads at the Sydney Royal Show

May 1, 2010

Contenda, Chloe's sire, has been training with Australian eventing representative Christopher Burton since February 2010 in preparation for the Young Event Horse Challenge at Sydney Royal Easter Show. The Event Horse Challenge is the ultimate challenge for horses at 1.10m-1.15m, with marks being awarded for dressage, showjumping, conformation and also a mark reflecting the horses potential to negotiate a cross country course. The beautiful young stallion, although not placed, didn't disappoint and his extravagant jumping skills did not go unnoticed.   

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Horse of the Year

March 25, 2010

First of all what a great show the organisers put on, a great climax to the season and also isn't Delphi just a freak of a horse! Fancy had the show off but both boys stepped their game up in terms of height and atmosphere as neither had jumped at the show before. Ru had some awesome rounds moving up with his first 1.30m starts, and jumping clear. Clyde however, was the star. His first start of the 5 day show was the Mitavite 6 year old Horse of the Year in the premier arena at 1.25m-1.35m and he jumped an absolutely superb and confident round coming nearly 15 seconds under time but an unlucky rub at the last put paid to a placing. He also jumped in the Kiwispan Junior Rider of the Year at 1.25m-1.30m and had his first 1.35m start in the Speed Horse of the Year, both also in the premier arena. Clyde has really changed and matured over the last few shows of this season and it's been nice to finally be able to start pushing him for speed; for such a big horse he really is a fast jump-off machine! Hopefully all go for 7 year series next year, but now it's time for all the horses, and me, to have a well deserved break at home for a month or two before beginning gentle work and also getting the 2 three year olds out for a play.

Pictured above: Clyde flying in the Mitavite 6 year old Horse of the Year class, held in the premier arena below: Ru jumping tin his first 1.30m start for a clear round

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Carterton 2** SJ Championships

March 1, 2010

Carterton also continued our chain of small successes around the country with my two horses dominating the Kiwispan Junior Rider placings with Clyde taking away his first win and Ru rounding out the line up in 6th place in his first Junior Rider start. However just one unlucky rail down in the Mitavite 6 year old class kept Clyde just out of the money on the first day. Fancy also continued to improve with clear rounds in the 90cm-1m classes. Now on to Horse of the Year!

Pictured above: Fancy jumping fantastic, scopey clears below: Ru jumping to 6th place in his first Kiwispan Junior Rider start

Pictured below: Ru and Clyde after the Junior Rider class.

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Holsteiner Classifications

February 23, 2010

It was all hustle and bustle as we raced back from South Island SJ Champs in Gore to our base at Astek Stud in Christchurch to get Fancy and Ru Classified with the visiting Holsteiner Tour. Unfortunately this meant that Chloe, sitting in the paddock at home, which was 1700km away, missed out but it was an unexpected surprise to be able to fit in in at all and very generous of Sue to allow us to use her arena. Both passed with excellent marks and Ru's very german, typical appearance was commented on although it would've been nice to show off Ru under saddle and Fancy free-jumping.
Ru, as a Ramirez progeny, also completed a photo shoot for Quadrant Insurance who have an alliance with Astek Stud, jumping over a 1.45m vertical and oxer. It was nice to see him pushed up a bit and like always height was of no issue!

Pictured above: Fancy freejumping below: Ru jumping in his photo shoot for Quadrant Insurance at 1.45m

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South Island SJ Championships

February 21, 2010

Well, the long trip south to Gore was definitely worth the effort with Clyde producing some great results over the two days, including a close 2nd in the Mitavite South Island 6 year old Championship and 6th in the South Island Junior Rider Championship. In both jump-offs he produced the fastest times but unfortunately faults relegated us to the respective placings. Fancy jumped some impressive double clears and Ru once again attracted admirers. The south has some really nice people and it was a pleasure to meet them all, including Debbie from Shard Farm Saddlery, whom we purchased some super, well-priced winter rugs off for the team and will continue to keep in touch with. 

Pictured above and below: Clyde jumping to 2nd place in the South Island Mitavite 6 year old Championship Final

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3*** Canterbury SJ Championships

February 14, 2010

All of the horses continued their great form at the 3*** Canterbury Champs with some super jumping. After a great round in the Mitavite 6 year old series class for 4 faults and after completing two rounds  of the South Island events, Clyde managed to pick up 6th in the Canterbury 6 year old series! Ru had a super first ride in the main arena in the rather solid 1.20m Horse Futurity, powering around leaving feet to spare on every fence but finished with 4 faults after showing his greenness and leaving a leg coming out of a very close vertical to vertical double. 

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Mitavite 6 year old series below: Fancy putting in a scopey effort in her 1m classes

Pictured above: Ru unseating me in the horse 1.20m stands as he tries to clear the stands instead of the rails!

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National 3*** SJ Championships

February 7, 2010

After a lovely chill-out week staying with Sue at Astek, Clyde kicked off the weekend with a great result in the 3*** National Junior Rider Championship finishing a creditable 3rd being the fastest in the jump-off but with an unfortunate 4 faults, also picking up a 3rd in the Equitation section. Clyde also picked up a 5th place in the 1.25m with the fastest time in the jump-off but unfortunately just tipping the last rail. Ru and Fancy also jumped well all weekend attracting their fair share of attention. The team certainly now has a South Island fan base nearly as large as their North Island one and its really pleasing that people are really beginning to take notice of their talent and performance. Whilst at Sue's we were also lucky enough to witness the birth of the first foal from the new german sensation, Quarterback (who scored 10 for his canter!) in Australasia! Being a classy bay colt with an upstanding presence, long scopey legs and a trainable calm temperament out of an imported Aachen (Argentinus) mare, he will certainly be one to watch out in the future. 

Pictured above: Ru jumping in the 1.20m Championship that ran over the three days of the show

Pictured above: Fancy jumping in the lower classes below: Clyde jumping to 3rd place in both the 3*** National Junior Rider Championship and the Junior Rider Equitation

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Gisborne 3*** SJ

January 30, 2010

What a miserable, wet show to lead us into our long end of season trip south! With many of the classes cancelled due to the horrendous weather, everybody couldn't get out fast enough With Clyde not quite firing Ru stepped up with some lovely clear jumping in the 1.20m classes and after some exciting warm-ups Fancy did some extravagant and very promising jumping in the 1m classes. 

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Waitemata 3*** Showjumping

 January 16, 2010

What an exciting weekend it was for Fancy as she made her first entrance into the jumper ring just days after learning to jump! There is a lot of pressure on her to get out and about, because of her age and the time of the season but she's handling it superbly. Very hot to ride but very sweet! On the first day she jumped a lovely, scopey and careful double clear round in the 80cm training class and just had a green rail in the jump-off of the second. All in all I was very pleased with her and excited to see how she progresses. The two big boys both jumped well with Ru picking up a 5th in the Novice Young Rider (1.20m) with the fastest jump-off time but and unfortunate rail down.
It was also nice to see some of my previous horses out and about with Cheeko (Jupiter's Boy) picking up some wins and placings in the lower pony classes with Sharnaye Lammers, Coco (Maverick Mega Whoopee) jumping some very exciting and pleasing rounds in the pony 1m and 1.05m classes with Danielle Mills and Scrub's (Manuka Scrub) first competitive outing with Jade Isbister, for a lovely double clear in the open horse 1.10m class. It was also a sad time saying goodbye to Slick (Habanero) as we dropped him off with his new owner, Vicki Wilson, on the way home.
We're all gearing up for the big trip now; first to Gisborne and then south to stay with Sue at Astek in Christchurch where we will base ourselves for the National Champs, Canterbury Champs and South Island Champs before back north for Carterton, HOY and then finally home again.

Pictured above and below: Fancy showing her serious scope on her showjumping debut

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Mitavite 6 year old series class below: Ru jumping to 5th place in the Novice Young Rider Championship

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North Island 3*** Showjumping Championships

 January 9, 2010

It was nice to be out and about again after the Christmas break, even for the long haul down to Dannevirke which is nearly 840km each way for us! Clyde jumped super bringing home a 6th in the North Island 6yo Championship with a double clear and a reasonable time in the jump-off. Ru jumped well on the first day but we experienced a few attitude problems on the other days with a thrown shoe and my reins breaking in the ring. It was nice to see John's mares on form with a 1st and 3rd for Lilly and Penny in the 1.25m and a win for Lilly in the North Island 7yo Championship.

Pictured above: Clyde 6th place in the North Island Mitavite 6 year old championship below: Ru jumping in his first 1.20m start

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Taupo Christmas Classic Showjumping

December 25, 2009

This really does appear to be a season of consolidation and an empty truck! With Scrub still hanging in the balance between us and his new owners, he isn't joining any more competitive escapades, Slick out with an unfortunate injury and confidence problem and Fancy, due to my lack of time at home, still not ready to be out and about yet, it's only the two big boys on the truck; Clyde and Ru. They performed very well at Taupo, jumping really well in all of their rounds including a lovely double clear from Ru in his first 1.15m start, earning him 7th place out of 90 horses, and one unlucky rail down for Clyde in the Junior (which he jumped superbly, just slightly losing concentration into the last fence) and the 6yo. 

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the Corlett's Cove 3*** Junior Rider class below: Ru jumping double clear to 6th place in the 1.15m championship

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Contenda performs well at the ISS SJ Classic

December 22, 2009

Contenda, Chloe's sire, jumped well with clears in 1.00m and 1.10m classes, after an extended spell and only 2 and a half weeks with his new trainer, Christopher Burton, at the ISS Showjumping Classic held at the impressive Sydney International Equestrian Centre. He is maturing into a stunning young stallion and we are all excited about seeing Chloe free-jump in 6 months or so! 

Pictured above: Chloe's impressive young sire Contenda

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Tauranga 3*** SJ

December 9, 2009

What an awfully quiet show Tauranga was for me! The torrential rain cancelled out the first day of competition and really made the practice areas a hard place to be not to mention a tough road for the people trying to escape! The main arena held up surprisingly well and it was all go for the second and third days (amazingly, you could hardly tell that it had even been ridden on when we left!). Clyde jumped well in the 6 year old class having one down in the jump-off for 4 points on the leader board. Ru jumped awesome in the 1.10m class, powering around easily, turning a few heads as he went. The last day was just pure relaxation with no small enough classes for Ru and an unfortunately injured Slick, leaving just Clyde to jump in the Junior Rider, which was definitely the biggest and most technical so far this season, with just a few green rails. I'm amping for some more busy shows coming up at Taupo 3*** and Dannevirke North Island Champs 3*** and hopefully squeezing in the odd training session with John in between.

Pictured above and below: Ru jumping double clear in his first 1.10m start.

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Successful show at Woodhill Sands 2** SJ

November 30, 2009

Well it seemed a decidedly relaxed weekend with only 3 babies in the truck, although Clyde really stepped up with a fantastic double clear in the Mitavite 6 year old class (1st=) and a 3rd in the Junior Rider, having just an unlucky fence down in the jump off. It was also encouraging to know that the tracks were built to maximum height and he was clearing fences with heaps to spare! Ru had his first weekend out with me and he jumped awesome around the smaller tracks, attracting his fair share of attention! It was also an excellent weekend out part-time grooming for John's two lovely mares, with Lily (Lily Vuiton) winning both of her starts; the Cushionride 7 year old class and the 1.30m, and Penny (Astek Incahoots) also placing 3rd in ther 1.30m.

Pictured above: Clyde jumping double clear in the Mitavite 6 year old series class below: Ru jumping around the smaller classes

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LR Ruegar joins the team!

November 11, 2009

We have a new addition! Ruegar is a very handsomely conformed, muscular 17hh, 8 year old gelding with a great deal of presence thanks to his outstanding sire Ramirez (stands at Astek Stud in Christchurch). He is out of the german import mare, Latta, who jumped to A-grade level in Germany. Latta is by Latus (Landgraf/Folia (also the dam of Latus II, Capitol I, Capitol II, U-Capitola and Callebrio)) out of Krokus (Wahnfried (also the grandsire of Sandro). Latus, was sold by Thormuhlen at a young age and ended up with Paul Schockemohle and Franke Sloothaak. His fabulous technique earned him a second in the five year old Bundeschampionat. Latus I spent a breeding season at Zangersheide and produced international jumping stallions Lauriston and Lasangos. Ru also has a double cross of the great Ramzes through Ramirez's grandsire, Raimond, and Folia's dam, Vase. With his blue blood Ru has a bright future and he will be begin his competitive debut this season.

Pictured above: LR Ruegar below: Ruegar's sire, Ramirez

Pictured above: Landgraf below: Folia (sire and dam of dam-sire Latus I)

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Fancy under saddle

November 11, 2009

After some extensive lunging and groundwork, Fancy is now under saddle and has behaved impeccably throughout the process. Stay tuned for more updates.

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Freejumping

November 7, 2009

It's always good to take the youngsters to the arena down the road for a free-jumping session, to build their confidence and also so that we can get an idea on what their future style and jumping talent will be like. On this particular trip we took Fancy in as well and, for a horse that had never jumped, she did extremely well showing everyone else how it was done and enjoying it tremendously. She had great scope, clearing the stands behind! This now has everyone excited and we are in huge anticipation of how she will go under saddle!

Pictured above and below: Fancy showing her scope down the freejump lane

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Northland 2** SJ

November 2, 2009

It seems a little strange only being in the second show of the season, due to having some time at home looking after Fancy after losing her foal, at this time of the year, but the weather held out and left it lovely and sunny for the local show. Clyde rode really well for the whole event, just missing out on a win in his first 6 year old start with the last rail rubbed down. He also put in a good effort for 6th in the Junior Rider the next day. Scrub also placed in the Junior Rider line up coming in in 5th. Unfortunately there is now another long wait for the next show, with my level 2 exams taking Kihikihi 3*** and Pukekohe 1* off the agenda and making the next show Woodhill 2**.

Pictured above: Slick jumping in the 1.20m class below: Clyde jumping in his first Mitavite 6 year old series class

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Taupo Young Rider Training Camp

October 15, 2009

We've just got back from the YR Training Camp in Taupo and boy was it cold! There were even icicles in the truck the days that it wasn't pouring with rain! Anyway at least the horses were tucked away in their cosy boxes and the trainers were dedicated (or mad) enough to stand out in the weather and continue to teach us. With 6 coaches on offer (3 jumping; John Cottle, Grant Cashmore and Daniel Meech, and 3 flatwork; Bill Noble and John and Caroline Thwomey) there was a lot of variation on teaching and it turned out to be the best camp yet. I had John for my jumping and the much anticipated Bill for flatwork, and he was great, really approving of Clyde and saying that he has big talent for the top of the dressage scene! Slick jumped well, although a little spooky and fresh.

Gradina unfortunately lost her stunning colt foal after her placenta sadly failed, and after a few months to recover I will bring her into work, to give her a season off breeding, and she may begin her competition career this season.

Pictured above: Slick jumping in a John Cottle lesson below: Clyde during the flatwork training sessions with Bill Noble

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First show of the season - Woodhill Sands 1* SJ

September 23, 2009

Well it was a good first weekend, a bit rusty as expected, but all of the horses jumped well and are now ready to attack the upcoming season. Clyde especially, is drawing a lot of attention out in the practice areas showing off his power and scope, and Slick was certainly trying his hardest to jump me out of the saddle with his scopey style!

Pictured above: Slick jumping in the 1.20m class.

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 Australian horses arrive!

September 11, 2009

The holstein/hanovarian mare, Gradina, and her stunning weanling filly, Wimborne Constanz (Contenda) have arrived in New Zealand! They are now settled into a nice grassy paddock and are enjoying stretching their legs after the long journey. We are now looking forward to the imminent arrival of the full sibling to Constanz in about a months time.

Pictured above: Gradina before boarding the transporter at Wimborne Park Stud in Australia (300 days pregnant).

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Mare and weanling filly purchased in Australia!

August 22, 2009

We've decided to branch out into a new realm of horses - breeding. To start off this exciting process we're importing a lovely mare, Gradina (Grannus/Fremder/Falkner) who is in foal to the impressive young stallion Contenda (Contender/Bolero) due October 09. To top things off she is also packaged with her weanling filly, also by Contenda, Wimborne Constanz, who looks set to be every bit as flashy as her parents. All preparations are in order, anticipating the trio's arrival on Wednesday next week from Wimborne Park Stud in Australia.
The competition horses are now all fine tuned after a much needed trip to John for training and everything is gearing up to be a pretty exciting season.

Pictured above: impressive warmblood mare, Gradina below: Wimborne Constanz, weanling filly Contenda x Gradina

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Emilio joins the team

August 9, 2009

Sorry for the hole in updates but it's been a very relaxing winter with the weather really eating out riding hours. At last all of the horses are back in routine and working off some winter wobbles for the up-coming season starting in late September. Joining the routine is also another exciting new arrival to the farm, Lumiere. Elmo is a rising 3 year old and boasts some impressive jumping blood, being sired by Emilion VDL (Wellington(Nimmerdor)/Farnese/Ladykiller XX) who has jumped to World Cup level in Europe and is known as one of ther most successful showjumping sires, and out of a Voltaire II (Voltaire/Nimmerdor) x In the Purple mare. Elmo also has a double cross of Nimmerdor through his grandsire, Wellington, and his damsire's dam, Daydyne.

Pictured above: Elmo first time freejumping, below: Elmo's sire, Emilion VDL standing at stud in Holland

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Winter - it's upon us

May 7, 2009

Well, it's been a nice autumn break and the horses have been contentedly munching on good, green grass after the sparse, brown rye and hay that they had to live on for the six weeks leading up to Horse of the Year.
Now it's time to bring the horses back into a light work regime ready to train through late winter and spring.
All of the horses, including the unbroken Astek Danzing, came into light lunging the other day, and are now ready to progress onto light hacking and some beach work. They will then begin light trot work on the flat in a long low frame, before coming into full work and making the long trips down to south Auckland for training sessions. This quiet regime allows for slow muscle development and conditioning without removing too much fat over the winter, so that they can hit the competitive circuit, muscled up and ready to go, but still a little podgy!
Lets hope that winter isn't too mean to us this year!

 

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Horse of the Year trip - home at last!

April 2, 2009

We're home at last! Travelling on the road for 6 weeks wasn't as bad as everyone was anticipating as we met so many more nice, friendly people, who were willing to help us with places to stay, grazing for the horses etc. Most of the events that we visited even let us camp on their grounds and use their facilities for up to a week! 
There were some good results while we were away but unfortunately Habanero had a tight back at Carterton, so he didn't start there and all of the horses picked up a virus from the stables at North Island Champs in Hawera. This resulted in Detailed not riding at HOY because of antibiotics in his system, and even though the others weren't showing any clinical signs, they weren't quite themselves.
RESULTS
Wellington/Horowhenua SJ Champs - Manuka Scrub 3rd individually in the FEI Children's International SJ Competition
Wellington/Horowhenua SJ Champs - Habanero double clear 1.20m
Carterton SJ Champs - Manuka Scrub 2nd Junior Rider Championship
Carterton SJ Champs - Detailed 4f in the jump off of the Astek Stud 5yo series class
North Island Champs (Hawera) - Habanero clear in 1.25m - 1.30m NI Speed Horse

Pictured above: Clyde jumping in the 1.35m Speed Horse of the Year, below: Ru jumping in the 1.30m Championship

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