Consistent Kiwis Take Out BMW Group Financial Services International Classique

Another change of horses, and a violent thunderstorm in the morning was going to make for interesting competition in the final round of the tri-nations team competition at the BMW Group Financial Services International Classique. With New Zealand and Australia going into the final round level pegging on 7 points, the South Africans (sitting on 2 points) although out of the running for the overall, were eager for a win on the last day. 

Luckily the rain stopped before competition, and although the ring was now gumboot appropriate the parade of teams took place, pre-competition interviews were conducted, the course was set and walked and we were ready and eager  to go.

First out was Rebecca Porter for NZ who set the standard with a clear round on Trevan Juluka. The clear rounds flowed thick and fast with Emily Von Sonsbeek from Australia riding Cruisa Angel Delight and Cameron Dawson for South Africa with Sailor Boy following suit. A great start to the competition but the pressure on for team NZ. The next two riders for NZ, Lucy Askin with Pantanal and Kimberley Bird on the inconsistent grey 'Final Topping' both jumped super clear rounds  securing a bonus point for us early in the competition. Emily Fraser on Trevan Canterbury jumped for 4faults. The big horse tired by the third day.
Disaster stuck for the Australians who had two Eliminations in a row. Victors Pride said enough to Lachlan Wicks, and Joseph Patterson on Cruisa Nikki jumped the wrong fence. The South Africans having a much better day finished the first round on a total of 0, as did NZ, with Australia on 36.

Second round - Super consistent jumping from all three teams had all finish on a second round score or zero. The consistent Kiwis had a this point won the overall competition but still had to jump off for day 3 against the hungry South Africans who had nothing to lose and pride to regain.

First out in the jump off was Rebecca Porter for NZ who rode a slick clear round, opting to stay on the side of caution keeping clean but quick enough to  really put the pressure on South Africans.  Cameron Dawson for SA set out all guns a' blazing flying around and keeping the rains up coming home quicker. The pressure was on for the final NZ rider Kimberley Bird on Final Topping. This pony had been labelled the rogue of the competition having been eliminated on day one and generally difficult though out. Kimberley had jumped 2 super clear rounds and the pony was looking careful and happy so we made the call to have it in the jump off. Once again they jumped a super clear round and quick. This was a prime example of good consistent riding bringing good results which is exactly was the kiwis did throughout the entire competition they really were a class act.

So with both kiwis clear the pressure was on the final South African rider Forest Lovgren on the super pony La Audience. Riding fast is no problem for Forest who set out at a gallop and didn't ease up coming home faster and clear from South Africa giving them the win for day 3, NZ in second, Australia third and last.

The final points were NZ on 11, Australia on 9, and South Africa on 7, so New Zealand took out the overall win for the competition bringing home the trophy and plenty of spoils.

It has been a fantastic competition, with all three teams winning a round but more interestingly not one team of ponies winning twice. The consistent kiwis scored the lowest faults on all of their mounts, rode superbly, and this was well noted by the South Africans who had nothing but glowing praise for our riders.

A huge thank you to Trevor Lovgren and the team at Equestrian International for once again inviting team NZ to the International Classique, and to BMW Group Financial Services for their sponsorship of the competition. To all of the South African families who have been so hospitable to us over the week, to Daniel our driver/number 1 supporter, the owners of the horses and ponies kindly lent, and to the South African and Australian teams for making such wonderful competition. It has been a wonderful experience, the girls have learnt a lot and look forward to keeping in touch with new friends and hopefully seeing them again in the future.

Story: ESNZ