Equestrian: NZ riding high following Todd

New Zealand's equestrian future keeps on getting brighter and Mark Todd's success at Burghley at the weekend has ensured the national team will go in as favourite in the three-day event at the Sydney Olympics next year.

Equestrian's growth has been one of the success stories of New Zealand sport in the latter half of the century.

Almost from the time Todd first ventured overseas in 1978, the three-day eventers have achieved a profile comparable in their sport with that of rugby's All Blacks.

Many sports have struggled to maintain their impetus after international success. Hockey, canoeing, soccer and squash are just some that have been unable to capitalise with continuing spells of success.

Since Todd made his breakthrough at Badminton in 1980, he has become the finest horseman in the world, with Blyth Tait, Vaughn Jefferis and Andrew Nicholson breathing down his neck.

But is there the talent to continue this proud record? New Zealand Equestrian Federation chairman Cam McRae believes so.

"We have had Blyth Tait doing courses with our pre-elite young riders. He has commented they are so far ahead of him and Mark at the same age.

"We can only give them the opportunity to go on and be just as good, and then it comes down to how much the individual rider wants to win."

Young Wairarapa rider Catriona McLeod, in her fourth year in Britain, added: "So long as the young ones coming over now are prepared to learn, New Zealand will always be in line for some glory."

McRae said New Zealand's list of achievements had spurred youngsters' interest in the sport. About 15,000 people are members of pony clubs and the more-senior NZEF has around 7000.

McRae says federation membership is growing by 300 to 400 a year.

"Before Mark Todd's success at the 1984 Los Angeles Olympics we were getting 20 or 30 entries for some of our events. Now we are getting 300," McRae said.

That development has put pressure on coaching, but, by running courses through the Equine Industry Training Organisation, there are about 50 coaches, with more coming through.

McRae says New Zealanders are developing their own distinctive style for eventing.

"That style is based around the superb ability of our riders to get their horses fit. When they ride, they ride with plenty of guts - they attack the fences, especially on the cross-country course." - NZPA