Home welcome tops Games for Kallista

By ALAN PERROTT

Even the gloss and glitz of the Olympic Games opening ceremony is no comparison to parading in front of your home town, says equestrienne Kallista Field.

A cheering crowd of 2000 proud Pahiatua residents honoured their Olympic dressage rider yesterday and handed her a cheque for $11,000, which will help pay her travel costs.

The parade through the town streets was organised by Commonwealth Games shooter Gary Nation, and Field was left in awe.

"It's been fantastic, this town is brilliant," said Field, shortly after arriving back at her parents' home to catch her breath.

"I heard something was happening on Thursday, but I thought I would just walk up and down and that would be it.

"But this was just amazing, I've never signed so many autographs in my life.

"The opening ceremony in Sydney was one thing, but to parade in front of all the people I've grown up with all my life is very special."

The 22-year-old is still celebrating her involvement at the Sydney Games.

"I'm going out again tonight, but I hope it doesn't go on too much longer. My liver couldn't stand it."

Her mother, Sharon, said she felt like the proudest mum in New Zealand after the way the town swarmed to the parade.

"Everyone got behind it. We didn't even win a medal, but we've done better than the medal winners. It's just unreal."

Field and her horse, Waikare, finished 18th out of the top 25 riders in Sydney after registering two New Zealand record scores.

She was awarded 66.44 in her first round, but went even better in the Grand Prix Special with 68.04.

Field is now looking for a new horse after retiring the mount she has ridden at Olympic and World Championship level.