The Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre at Aratiatia will see 193 entries from throughout the North Island descend on Taupō this weekend for the second spring horse trials of the season.
Ten of the country's top horses are entered in the CCI4* class at the Treadlite NZ sponsored event, with fourteen competing in the CCI3*. Dressage and showjumping take place on Saturday, with cross-country on Sunday.
Current New Zealand Three-Day Event champions Carys McCrory and Nemesis, who won the first spring trials here in September, will be attempting to repeat their success. However, second-placed Charlotte Penny and Carousal will be hoping to turn the tables this time. Donna Edwards-Smith has three rides in the class and has a formidable track record.
The top two classes will feature a newly designed cross-country course by British-based Australian Stuart Buntine, a highly regarded international course designer who offered his services after seeing the venue last year.
With six levels of competition being catered for, the event demonstrates the growing reputation of the Taupō venue. That reputation received further confirmation when organisers announced the Auckland Three-Day Event, scheduled for 12th-14th December, will transfer to the Fiber Fresh National Equestrian Centre due to ground problems at the Auckland venue.
The pumice soil at Aratiatia provides reliable going that can handle conditions rain or shine, making it an increasingly valuable asset for the sport.
Entry to this weekend's event is free, and food and hot drinks are available on site.
