It came down to the crunch in the final round of the Northland Showjumping Mini-Circuit event at Barge Park as riders battled it out in the arena.
More than 80 competitors contested various classes in round 10 of the mini-circuit, a series of events held at Waimate North and Whangarei during
the year.
Northland Showjumping delegate Gai Edge said she was surprised at how close the competition was.
"You would think after 10 rounds all over the place there would be some clear winners," she said.
However, in the Open Hack class, Natasha Lammers was undoubtedly the overall winner on board Telestar, with more than double the points of her closest rival, Ria Gunson on Katswhiskas, at the conclusion of the 10th round.
Nakeysha Lammers won the Open Ponies grade overall on Hakuna Matata, and also claimed third place with Meersbrook Wildcard. Anna Cooper was second, riding Howzat Cracker Jack.
The Dunstan Training Horse section was won by Bridget Newson-McNally on Spirit of Aberconway, while Hayley Fuhler and Dangermouse tied for second with Sally Bevan, riding Tabora.
After a countback, Bevan moved into third spot.
In the Dunstan Training Pony category, Sharnaye Lammers was in form, winning the overall honours on Jupiter's Boy, ahead of Jessica Warren on Stonedale Trinkett.
The mini-circuit events was a good chance for selectors to keep a close eye on the up-and-coming riders, ahead of the 2010 Horse of the Year, Edge said.
Early next year, Northland Showjumping will name four pony riders for the Saba Sam team to represent the region at the hugely popular event in Hastings, which starts on March 16.
Hundreds of riders and horses head to the event, which provides crucial experience.
