Equestrian: Lodder untouchable at spring trial

Megan Hart and Stone River Beethoven going cross-country at the Spring Horse Trial. Photo / Aleisha Williams

Dannie Lodder was in top form to claim the accolades in Eventing Northland's CNC two-star class event at the Spring Horse Trial in perfect conditions.

With riders travelling from all over the North Island to try to beat the local competitors on their home turf, Lodder was untouchable throughout the competition two weeks ago.

Lodder, riding Moochi, led throughout all three phases - also having the fastest cross-country time - adding just 6.4 points to win with a score of 32.5.

In second place, it was a Northland horse - Waitangi Icon - with Lodder again in the saddle, moving up from eighth position after the dressage. Whangarei's Kate Wood on the talented Drakkar, a horse still relatively new to this level, was third.

Megan Hart on Stone River Beethoven ensured Northland got more of the top prizes, winning the Dunstan CNC one-star with a score of 31.5, after moving up from fifth place after the dressage.

Zephania Steele on Javari JS was second and Jessica Woods on Kindred Spirit II was third.

It was again Lodder in top spot in the CNC Pre-Novice on another local horse, Waitangi Hotmail, with not even a fallen rail in the showjumping able to take the red ribbon off them such was their lead. Megan Hart had to settle for second this time on her younger mount, Hot Ginger. Jane Callaghan and Redwood Syd took third spot.

Samantha Mynott won the HorseWorld Young Rider CNC Pre Novice on Princess Trinity. While Kimberly Rear came second and took home the Robert Fox Memorial Trophy for best placed Northland rider with mount Delta Legacy. Renee Hawkins and Dream Come True took third spot.

In the Horse World Junior Rider CNC 95cm, Madeleine Banks and her new ride, Rakanui Gazelle, looked a class act going cross-country, four penalties for a rail in the show jumping on Saturday the only addition to their dressage score to give them the win.

Jayden Horsfall was second on mount Mac Attack II and Brody Goodman-Peddle and Aligal were third.

Louise Lennard on Neon Sunrise and Lauren Kenrick on Kaliente were the two winners of the pre-training divisions. While the intro was won by Jordana Watson on Miss Seatle.