The very best of New Zealand showjumpers are heading to Woodhill Sands in mid January to compete in the final of the Ultra•Mox FEI World Cup New Zealand series at the Continental Cars Audi World Cup Festival. Top-billing is last year’s final and series winner Katie Laurie (Mystery Creek) who is facing some tough competition from Helen McNaught-McFarlane (Taupo). The two are neck and neck on the series leaderboard, but their rivalry cranks up a notch or three for the final. Also likely to be competing are Olivia Robertson (Canterbury), Paula Mussen (Auckland), Vicki and Amanda Wilson (Northland), Sam Morrison (Tauranga), Ryan Lim (Auckland) and Josh Barker (Matamata) among others. The show, hosted by Showjumping Waitemata at Woodhill Sands, is renown for its European feel and spectacular dressing of the jumps and grounds. For three years it has been judged the best show in New Zealand by riders. It is so popular that organisers will be allowing just 600 horses to compete in showjumping and show hunter classes over the three days. Saturday afternoon will feature an invitational derby for showjumpers and eventers. Sunday is the big day with a dog agility display, the Wilson sisters of Keeping Up With the Kaimanawas fame and a dressage display from 11am. The world cup final, being designed by Gerrit Beker (Tauranga), will start around midday, and be followed by some of New Zealand’s top pony riders who will compete in their grand prix. Organisers are expecting hundreds of spectators to make the most of the chance to see former Olympians and top-ranked jumpers competing for one of the most prestigious series in New Zealand. Designers from both sides of the Tasman have been busy creating jumps for the show that promise to bring a slice of Europe and beyond to Auckland. Entry is free.
WHAT: Continental Cars Audi World Cup Festival WHEN: January 15-17, 2016 WHERE: Woodhill Sands, Helensville – free entry WHO: The very best showjumpers in New Zealand WHAT: Final of the Ultra•Mox FEI World Cup New Zealand series
