N.Z. riders do well in U.S. trials

Press, 28 August 1978, Page 21

N.Z. riders do well in U.S. trials

Special correspondent The Waikato rider, Mark Tod, did very well on Top Hunter to take third place in the Chesterland two-day horse trials, in the United States.

The trials were the final selection for the leading American riders to gain a place in the team for the world championships in Kentucky next month, and were a tough test for the New Zealand riders.

Carol Harrison, on Topic, also went well to be placed fourth. She was ineligible for the placing though because her trainer (Mr Lockie Richards) did not consider Topic quite fit enough to do the roads and tracks, and so did not complete all phases. Leading up to Chesterland, the New Zealanders competed at the Devon Dressage show, the biggest on the east coast. Mark Tod and Top Hunter were second in the F.E.I. three-day event test. The judges commented on his elegance as a rider. He also gained a third in another test. Carol Harrison and Topic, were fifth in the same test.

This show provided unusual conditions for the New Zealanders. Riding .under floodlights with music, and much applause and ceremony gave the horses valuable schooling. At the Brynlea Farm advanced combined training day it was an all New Zealand finish — Top Hunter first, Mary Hamilton, on the former Nelson horse, Vladivostok second, Topic third, and Nicole Fife, on Never Dwell, fourth.