Waipa Networks Rose and Cultural Festival

Mitavite Horse Trial

Kihikihi Domain was host to the two-day Mitavite Horse Trial this weekend. Amongst the top-quality field of contestants were Mark Todd, Bryce Newman and Leanne Chambers. However it was 18-year-old Te Awamutu equestrian Kelly North who stole the limelight and won the Premier Advanced Class competition on her mount Smooch. Only last weekend, Kelly took out the Young New Zealand Rider of the Year at Paekakaariki - her second consecutive year winning this title.

This year's Mitavite Horse Trial included the inaugural Mitavite Teams Challenge, won by Mark Todd's "Dream Team" (consisting of Todd on Blue Moss II, Kelly North on Smooch, Sarah Broughton on Money Train and Donna Smith on Stanage). The Dream Team, comfortable overnight leaders after Dressage and Showjumping on Saturday were trailed by Taranaki and Central Districts.

Sundays Cross Country saw Todd on Blue Moss II put in a clear performance to clinch third place in his individual class and in doing so contributing vital team points. Sarah Broughton on Money Train and Donna Smith on Stanage contributed to the team total through their sixth and second placing in the intermediate classes.

Meanwhile the Taranaki team with captain Matthew Grayling fresh from his victory at last weekends International Three Day Event at Adelaide were racking up a substantial team total with consistent placings from all team members.

The pressure was on Todd s youngest team member Kelly North who had to lift from second place after day one in the events premier advanced class to first to bring her team back above Taranaki. Kelly lived up to her New Zealand Young Rider Champion title by delivering a sterling performance to pip experienced international rider Bryce Newman on Dunstan Springbok who was riding for the Central Districts Team.

Combining with Norths winning ride, Todd's Dream Team narrowly beat a hugely disappointed Taranaki Team. The victorious Todd congratulated his young and talented team members by exuberantly spraying them with the winners magnum of bubbly.

Todd said he was thrilled with his young teams efforts and was hugely impressed with the Mitavite Horse Trial at Kihikihi, adding that the team concept is just what the sport needs in New Zealand.