Equestrian: Nicholson back on podium

Andrew Nicholson in action at the Olympic Games. Photo / Brett Phibbs

New Zealand equestrian Andrew Nicholson is back on the podium, just days after winning Olympic bronze medal.

This time Nicholson has picked up a second and third at the Hartpury International Horse Trials near Gloucester in the United Kingdom.

Aboard Avebury, Nicholson was second in the CIC three star event behind Australian Christopher Burton and Kinnordy Rivaldo. The Kiwi combination finished on their 41.5 point dressage score.

Olympic reserve Lucy Jackson and Willy Do were fourth with 44.2. They notched an impressive 40.6 for their dressage but picked up 3.6 time faults in the cross country.

There were several Kiwi riders in the minor placings, with Nicholson fifth on Mr Cruise Control and Jonathan Paget sixth on Clifton Lush.

"I couldn't be happier with Avebury and Mr Cruise Control," said Nicholson. "Both were very classy and it has been a good preparation run before their three day events."

In the CCI two star Nicholson and Sintra BK didn't add to their 46 penalty point dressage and finished in third place.

"She is a true professional," said Nicholson of the horse who is a full sister to his rising star Qwanza.

In the CCI one star Blyth Tait aboard Xanthus III finished on their 43 penalty point dressage score to take third spot.