from The Marlborough Express (dated 25jan11)

Marlborough dressage rider Melissa Parkes turned in several fine performances to pick up Reserve Champion Medium Level Horse at the New Zealand Pony and Young Rider Dressage Championships held at Manfield, near Fielding last week.

Parkes and mount Don's Party finished second to Julian Wood and Awakino Banesto in both the 4.3 test and the freestyle element to claim runner-up overall at that level.

The Marlborough rider's efforts also earned her one of two spots in the South Island team for the York Corporation North v South challenge, where she and Southland's Hannah Johnston teamed up to win the title. This effort was especially notable given that the four riders' horses are put into a random draw, with each rider having to compete on one of the other three horses.

The only other Marlborough combination competing at the event, Sarah Wadworth on reigning New Zealand pony champion Buckton Dominoff, were forced to withdraw early in the competition after Dominoff fell ill.

The New Zealand Pony and Young Rider Dressage Championships are open to riders under 21.