Six Year Old Class at Horse of the Year Saves Best for Last

The action-packed day of competition started out with the speedsters in the Premier arena with the horse speed class over 1.35m. It was won by Nakeysha Lammers on Balboa NZPH who was over four seconds faster than second placed Libby James on CoDicea with Emily Hayward and A P Ninja third.

The Pryde’s EasiFeed Six Year Old class was a great one to watch with 13 competitors making it through to the jump-off. Lily Tootill on Domino NZPH took the early lead, skimming around in a competitive time of 46.97. Logan Massie on his gelding, Double J Kelvin was second-to-last to go, and obviously meant business from the start, and while he made his rowdy sideline supporters gasp over the last, he nailed it with a time of 43.91 to be the winner. Jesse Linton was last to go and did record the fastest time of 43.44 but unfortunately had one rail so had to settle for a minor placing. Vicki Wilson on her impressive young stallion Daminos TWS also put in a thrilling performance to finish in third place with a clear jump-off.

Logan’s win was a popular one, and it was even sweeter given that the family had bred the horse who is by Double J Repicharge and out of JK Madam Seattle.

“I’ve had the last two years competing at this show without any great success,” Logan said, although to be fair prior to having a stint riding in Europe, he had won plenty of Horse of the Year titles including Pony, Junior and Young Rider.

“He’s a super rideable horse, he’s athletic, and will be well suited to sell overseas. I just hope I can keep him for another 12 months.” Logan is philosophical about selling such a promising young horse. “It’s my business to produce horses,” he said.

Logan is hoping his success continues at the show as he will be competing in the Silver Fern Stakes on Friday and then the main Horse of the Year competition on Sunday. “Winning those big ones, that is the plan!”

The University Challenge was won by Melody Matheson on Cortaflex Illusion SSH.

In the Pinto arena, Chandar Dudding and B&W Double Shot Latte won the NZ Pinto Horse Society Inhand Youngster Pinto Pony of the Year (3 years and under). The Adult title went to Kimberley Blucher’s Motutangi Mischief. Sue Morrish’s Sizzle ‘n’ Hot Hustler won the Ridden Pinto Pony of the Year. Toni Louisson and Impresario MCW won the Ridden Pinto show horse of the year.

The show hunter ring is also in full swing. Hannah McConnell and Billy Blunt won the Pony Category B High Points and Lauren Mitchel & Craighaven Black Heart won the Junior High Points. The Amateur High Points class was won by Stephie Joustra-Smith & Disney. Laura van Velthooven & Montbelle Donahue won the Open Hunter 1m.

This afternoon’s competition includes the Amateur final, and the Norwood Gold Cup.

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