EVENTING CANTERBURY – ONE DAY EVENT

SHEDS NZ NATIONAL EQUESTRIAN CENTRE, McLEANS ISLAND, CHRISTCHURCH - SATURDAY, NOVEMBER 7

The South Island’s international riders Annabel Wigley and Emily Butcher will be looking for a strong performance on home soil at Eventing Canterbury’s One Day Horse Trial at McLeans Island this Saturday in preparation for a hit and run campaign against the country’s best at the National One Day Eventing Championships at Richfields later this month. 

Wigley and Butcher both have two rides a piece in the 12-strong Intermediate class. Butcher rides the talented, Transcend, and less the experienced, Benjamin James, while Wigley has Enzo, the winner of the South Island Young Event Horse in 2008, and Brogan, both having their first start at Intermediate level. They will come up against some stiff competition though including fellow northern hopeful Brent Jury on SE Big, while Kirsty Ogilvie on the capable jumper The Intern and West Coaster Eve Hawes on Turbulance, will be starting at Intermediate for the first time.

There will be three starters in the Advanced class headed by Ashburton’s Larissa Srhoy on Starburst and Dunedin’s Christen Hayde on Tandarra Sweet As, both who also have aspirations of heading north. It also sees the return of Lauren Enright to top level with Puss N Boots.

The Novice is also well supported with a strong field of 20 taking part, with riders vying for vital points in the South Island Novice Accumulator. Current leader Nelson’s James Avery on Amarillo will be looking to retain his lead in the series.

The Pre Novice, Training and Pre Training also boast strong entries.

Competition gets underway with dressage phase at 8.30 am; the cross country starts at midday. Spectators are welcome and entry to the NEC McLeans Island is free.

Results will be sent out at the completion of the competition.

For further information contact:

Annie Studholme

Eventing Canterbury media liaison - (03) 303 7379 or (021) 040 7620