Above: A newly-crowned super star . . . Sophie Scott rides Waitangi Skynet to victory in the Tavendale and Partners New Zealand Premier title at the New Zealand National Jumping and Show Hunter Championship in Christchurch. Photo by Michelle Clarke. Article by Diana Dobson for ESNZ.

Sophie Scott has bagged her first national title, claiming the Tavendale and Partners New Zealand Premier crown at the disrupted NZ National Jumping and Show Hunter Championship in Christchurch.

Torrential rain saw the final day of competition cancelled with title and championship crowns worked out on Friday results.

Sophie and Waitangi Skynet finished just .05 of a fault ahead of runner-up Tegan Fitzsimon (West Melton) on Windermere Cappuccino, who recently won the FEI New Zealand World Cup Series League, with current Olympic Cup holder Brooke Edgecombe (Waipukurau) on LT Holst Andrea in third, 2.8 faults behind the winner.

“It is so cool (to win),” said 20-year-old Sophie whose name is now added to the historic Rutherford Cup. “Skynet is so consistent. This was a definite goal for him at the start of the season. To win it is amazing – it just shows that if you work hard you get the results. I feel we are just continually improving.”

The three top riders were all very disappointed not to continue their fiercely-fought battle for bragging rights. “It is such a shame the final day was cancelled – it would have been good to continue the competition between the three of us. I am disappointed not to get out in the ring today but stoked with the end result.”

Sophie, who last year moved to a purpose-built equestrian property in Palmerston North, said she felt she was continuing to improve. “I just love it all.” Sophie and Waitangi Skynet also won the best presented combination in the premier class.

Tegan Fitzsimon also picked up her third Graham McClintock NZ Grand Prix title but this time with a different horse. She and Campari were the winners of the Mary Dalley Trophy, a cup she has twice hoisted with Windermere Cappuccino. “He has jumped fantastically,” said Tegan of Campari. “I am very grateful to have the ride on him.” The horse is owned by the Tapley family, who hail from the South Island. “It’s so nice to jump down here so they can be ringside to watch.”

It’s been two years since Tegan has competed in the South Island and she said it was really nice to be back. “It’s nice for Campari to get the limelight because Windermere Cappuccino steals it a lot!”

Tegan and Campari finished on 1.42 faults, with runner-up Makenzie Causer (Christchurch) and Copabella Camouflage on four faults and Sophie Scott with Lakota third on 4.48.

Johanna Wylaars (Christchurch) made her dream come true at the disrupted champs, winning the Rangiora Vet Centre New Zealand Pony Grand Prix title (part of the Country TV series) aboard Wembleybrook Tiffany. “She is a really good pony and has been amazing for me,” said the 15-year-old. “I am so grateful for everything she has taught me.” The win was all the more special as it is her last season on the pony. “It is something I have always dreamed of doing, so I am stoked to have done it.”

Johanna and Tiffany finished the championships on 1.12 faults, with Penny Borthwick (Masterton) second on Foxden’s Merlot on 3.41 faults and third with Rednalhgih Cowan on four faults.

The Canterbury combo were awarded the Hampton Trophy, which has just been donated by long time equestrian supporter Alan Hampton, who was also the one who started the National Championship in Christchurch 26 years ago.
Brooke Edgecombe may be better known as a top show jumper but today she can add show hunter national title holder to her CV, riding off with Lone Goat New Zealand National Open Title aboard Jacqui Symes’ Takapoto Sienna. She only got the call-up from Jacqui about 10 days ago to see if she would be keen to compete the mare. “I am very pleased with the win, especially for Jacqui. She has done a beautiful job producing her.”

Horses and riders came from all over the country to compete at the Dunstan Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre in Christchurch. Organisers worked hard to ensure COVID protocols were followed, with everyone in bubbles. As well as national titles, there were also championship crowns on the line over the four days of competition, which was cut to three thanks to torrential rain.