from The Marlborough Express (dated 03Nov10)
A Kaikoura rider is a showjumping success in Christchurch.
All three of Louise Marriott's horses, two six-year-olds and a four-year-old, jumped clear in the showjumping rounds at the ESNZ Showjumping Canterbury event held at New Zealand National Equestrian Centre over the long weekend.
Marriott continued her strong form from throughout the year, winning the large Iverquantel Amateur Series class on her mare Matilda I. And she came first equal with herself in the Mitavite Six Year Old Series 1.20m on her mares, Matilda II and Concur.
Both mares were breed by Marriott and she said it was amazing to have them all winning.
"It's super, it's a real buzz," she said.
Marriott took out the four-year-old class with her stallion, Snuffy. Showjumping Canterbury introduced the event for the first time this year, which was sponsored by Goldengrove Stud Farm.
She said all three horses had been exceptional; Matilda had jumped the last 13 rounds clear in the amateur classes, she said.
And her stallion is looking very promising, currently leading the New Zealand series on points.
"We would love to take him to the world cup in 2015, it's a dream really," she said.
The holstein stallion was only broken in last Christmas and the Canterbury event was his first show.
Marriott moved to Kaikoura five and a half years ago from South Canterbury and set up her freight company here. She moved up her two mares and they were soon joined by Snuffy.
Marriott credits part of her success to living and training in Kaikoura. "We have the hills and the beaches, it keeps them fit and happy which is an advantage, the only disadvantage is the three hours travelling to get anywhere."
She is looking to compete in the North Island Championships at Foxton in the coming month with the two mares and gain even more points towards overall show-jumping points total.
Marriott would like to thank her supporters especially the Joinery Shop and Pyne Gould Guiness for helping out with jumps and Ocean Ridge for grazing.