Equestrian: Keen Kaipaki rider excels at HOY

Maddi Davidson on Rhythm N Gold enroute to winning Category A Pony Show Hunter of the Year at Hastings.Photo courtesy of Alison Price - Spot on Photo

Twelve-year-old Maddi Davidson's hard work and determination has reaped its reward - winning the Category A Showhunter of the Year at Hastings Horse of the Year.

The Year 8 Kaipaki School student was in a field of 38 ranging in age from 10 to 16.
Showhunter involves eight to 10 jumps at a height of 70cm, including three double lines of jumps where the rider must get the correct striding between the jumps.

The competition was divided into five classes on the first day, with the main championship class on the second day, jumping over one round with a call-back for the top 10 riders.

Davidson and Rhythm N Gold placed fourth, second, second and sixth on the first day.

The HOY championship round was held next day with the pair lying second after the first round of jumping.

The tried and true combination was not finished, moving up one placing to clinch the title with 524 points after the call-back round.

Hot on their heels were the second placed Bria Fitzgerald and My Scooter on 522.50 points, with Hollie Falloon and Fortification Penhellagon third on 516.50.

Davidson and her pony have been consistently placed at all the shows they have entered over the past three seasons.

They showed their readiness for a top showing at HOY by placing first in all six rounds of their second show of the current season at Pukekohe in November. Such was their dominance, they won overall on points, category A, B and C, to return home with a prized rug.

The youngster rides most nights doing fitness work, as well as carrying out her farm duties, including moving stock. She also has regular jumping lessons with her coach Leigh Taylor in Cambridge.

Her mother, Debbie, recalls one of her daughter's first words as a toddler was 'pony' ... and she had her first pony before she turned two.

She does not have the time for any other sports as riding is a full time daily commitment.
"I'm excited about the challenges lying ahead," says the newly-crowned Category A Showhunter of the Year champion.

Her short-term goal is to continue on with jumping at a higher level with a new pony.