Grace Gray riding Mac n Me Marco in Taupo two weeks ago. PHOTO/ALISON PRICE – SPOT ON PHOTO
EQUESTRIAN
JAKE BELESKI
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Solway College equestrian captain Grace Gray finished the season on a high in Taupo last week.
Gray competed in a composite team at the North Island Secondary School Horse Trials and came away with a silver.
Xanthe Furkert from St Matthew’s Collegiate was also part of the team, and the pair were joined by riders from Tokoroa High School and Forest View High School.
Gray was thrilled to end her season on a positive note.
“We were competing in A-grade at 95cm – there were about seven teams in that.
“It was really exciting because it was our first time, there was a big prizegiving and we got big rosettes.”
Competing as part of a composite team always has its challenges, but Gray said the individual nature of the event meant it was easy to get on with the job.
“It’s a little bit individual, but it was really good – the other girls were really nice.
“As it’s winter, this was the final competition of the season, so it was a nice way to finish.”
Solway also had four girls from their Equestrian Academy competing at three different competitions two weeks ago.
Hazel Jones competed at the Waikanae Winter Show Jumping Series, placing fourth in the 90cm with a clear round on her pony, Poppy.
Elyza McDonald completed her first dressage tests at the Dressage Wairarapa Autumn Series, and placed sixth on her pony, Keeley, in the 12 and under section.
Vianne Downs also rode at that event and placed fifth in her second test on her young horse, Phoenix.
Downs was only one per cent behind the leader, so things are looking positive for the future.
