Show jumping: Rotorua's Oliver Croucher makes winning New Zealand debut at young horse rider event

Rotorua's Oliver Croucher in action for New Zealand during the transtasman Young Rider (21-and-under) test in Gisborne. Photo / Rebecca Williams

To represent New Zealand was a dream come true for Rotorua's Oliver Croucher. To get a win over rivals Australia was the icing on the cake.

Croucher was one of four riders selected in the New Zealand team for the transtasman Young Rider (21-and-under) test in Gisborne during Auckland Anniversary Weekend.

The Kiwis went head to head with Australia over three days on "borrowed" horses over 1.2m jumps. Each rider put forward two horses and they were split into two pools and distributed randomly between the two teams to be used throughout the event.

There were two rounds each day and on each of the three days the winning team received five points and the losing team received three. There were also bonus points available when three out of a team's four riders produced a "clean round".

"After the first day we won and we got both bonus points so we finished the day on seven points and the Aussies finished on four points.

"The second day wasn't really our day, everyone rode well but the odd little thing happened, I hit a rail on each of my rounds. We lost that day and got no bonus points, so we went into the final day all tied up at 10-all.

"It was really cool going into the third day because it was anyone's day, anyone could win. Everyone was pretty excited," Croucher said.

On day three he was put on "a really nice horse" and everything came together as New Zealand took the overall win.

"I was the first rider to jump for the team each day. Some people feel under pressure in that position, but for me, I think there's more pressure going last when you know what you need to do.

"I had a clear first round and had one silly little rail in the second round. Everyone jumped really well on that third day to win the overall test, we were all pretty stoked about that."

Rotorua showjumper Oliver Croucher. Photo / File

He said, despite the pressure of representing his country, it was an enjoyable weekend.

"It was wicked, it was really good fun. We had a really good group of young riders, both the Aussie team and the New Zealand team were good value people. Obviously it was competitive between the two teams but we all got along really well."

New Zealand chef d'equipe and trainer John Cottle was proud of his team but also acknowledged the visitors.

"It was a good close contest. After a not-so-good round on the second day, our riders stepped up [on the third day]. The horses were getting tired and the riders just needed to get the job done. They have to use their instincts as they get on new horses," Cottle said.

All of the New Zealand riders had contributed to the final result.

"My job was very easy – all of my riders are very talented. The Aussies had around 70 young riders apply to be on their team, so the best of theirs were here too," he said.