Equestrian: Three New Zealand riders qualify for world games

Three New Zealand riders have qualified horses for the showjumping at this year's World Equestrian Games in Spain, in September.

Greg Best (Hastings) riding Selle Francais Entrepreneur II and Donna Smith (Te Kauwhata) on Rare Appeal had double clear rounds at a Levin competition to qualify. Maurice Beatson passed the qualifying standards with Duty Free last year.

Showjumping New Zealand chairman Graeme Hart said overseas-based riders, such as Daniel Meech in Europe and Peter Breakwell and Duncan McFarlane in the United States, still had opportunities to qualify.

Hart said Showjumping NZ hoped to take two showjumpers to Spain. Final selections would be made in a few months.

In eventing, New Zealand will defend the team and individual titles.

Blyth Tait won gold medals in both competitions four years ago, in Italy, repeating his double win of 1990 in Sweden.

In dressage, promising rider and Sydney Olympian Kallista Field has met the qualifying standards, and a four-rider endurance team is also expected to compete.

- NZPA